Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli is a grand eighteenth-century mansion on the waterfront at Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur, built by a prime minister of Mewar and later home to royal family members. With more than a hundred rooms arranged around courtyards, it is one of the finest surviving havelis on the shores of Lake Pichola.

Today it functions as a museum showcasing the domestic life and material culture of old Mewar. Restored rooms display period furniture, costumes, glasswork, utensils and royal artefacts, while a well-known gallery holds an eclectic collection that includes what is billed as the world's largest turban. The architecture itself, with its carved balconies, jharokhas and frescoed walls, is a large part of the appeal.

What makes it lively is the evening cultural show. The haveli's courtyard hosts a nightly Dharohar folk performance featuring Rajasthani puppetry, traditional dances and the striking Bhavai act, in which performers balance many pots on their heads. It is one of the most popular evening activities in the city.

For visitors, the haveli sits right on Gangaur Ghat in the heart of the old city, within walking distance of the Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, so it is easy to include on foot. There is a modest entry fee, with a separate ticket for the evening performance, which is best booked earlier in the day as seating is limited. The ghat outside is a fine spot to watch the sunset over the lake before the show, and it comes alive during the Gangaur and Mewar festivals with boat processions, lamps and music. For travellers wanting to understand daily aristocratic life in Udaipur and enjoy an accessible taste of Rajasthani performing arts, Bagore Ki Haveli is a rewarding stop.