The luxurious lifestyle of the royal Mewar Dynasty appears to be a scene just out of a fairy tale. Though the monarchy has been removed from democratic India for more than 60 years now, we are still lucky enough to witness the grandeur of Kings and Queens! The ebullient legacies left by the aristocrats of the past will always keep us connected with their exotic lifestyles. Udaipur is one of those cities that has a rich heritage collection of the royal artefacts, ornaments, architectures and vintage cars. One of its kind is the Vintage and Classic Car Museum that exhibits a vast collection of imperial vehicles owned by the Maharanas who had a predilection for technology and automobiles.
A Sneak Peek Into The Royal History
The Vintage and Classic Car Museum in Udaipur was inaugurated by Lord Montagu from Beaulieu (the founder of the National Motor Museum in England) on 15th February 2000. It is now owned by Maharana Shri Arvind Singh Ji Mewar, the current Maharaja of Udaipur. There are cars at display that are more than 70 years old but are still in excellent working condition. The museum showcases the vehicles used by the Maharanas of Mewar then and now. The array of cars is stationed in the Garden Hotel and Restaurant, a part of the HRH Group.
Some Interesting Facts
Isn’t it exciting to bump into the glorious past while taking a stroll through these vintage cars treasury? The museum preserves around 20 antique cars, including 2 Cadillacs, an MG-TC convertible, 4 Rolls-Royce, a Ford-A-Convertible, a Vauxhall-12, Mercedes, Dodge, Opel models besides several others. There is also a collection of solar operated rickshaws. These luxury cars were custom designed as per the demand of the Kings and their families.
The James Bond movie fanatics would love to get a glimpse at the Grand 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom that was used in the film Octopussy. The Cadillac convertible which was used to escort Queen Elizabeth to the airport in 1961 is also at the display. And it doesn’t end here! The 1924 Rolls Royce 20H.P showcased in the museum is the same that won the title of ‘Best of Class Category, Vintage Classic in the Cartier Travel with Style Concours.’
The majestic collection is displayed at the Palace Garage, which is also known as the Mewar State Motor Garage. It’s an old Royal garage made for the Royal family members of the Mewar Dynasty. Away from the cacophonous city areas, a visit to this splendid museum will undoubtedly be one of the best experiences of your life.
Don’t miss the Shell Petrol pump on display. It is located within this property. To compliment your experience, there is a café that serves you just right to satisfy that little hunger of yours. Count it as the lucky day of your life if you get to witness one of the Royal family members of the Mewar driving one of these vintage cars around the area.
Places To Visit Near The Museum
There are several other tourist attractions as well around the Vintage and Classic Car Museum. Some of the major attractions are mentioned below:
Lake Pichola
If you decide to do a boat ride at Lake Pichola, it is going to be a splendid experience already. Absorb the utmost scenic beauty of the Aravali mountain ranges around and small beauteous heritage hotels and palace islands in the lake. There are 4 main islands in the lake famously known as Jag Mandir, Jag Niwas, Mohan Niwas and Arsi Vilas.
Gulab Bagh Zoo
Also known as the Udaipur Zoo, Gulab Bagh is way more than a mere landmark in the city. Named after the flowers of Rose (Gulab) that are found abundantly in the garden, it’s a beautiful habitat of flora and fauna.
City palace
City Palace is a majestic place and the current residence to the royal successors of the Mewar dynasty, Maharana Shri Arvind Singh Ji Mewar. It is a marvellous palace with various galleries and restaurants preserving the Rajput culture, artefacts, ornaments, jewels, paintings, cutleries etc. open for the public to visit and admire.
Doodh Talai Lake
Doodh Talai is an alluring pond stationed adjacent to the Lake Pichola, near the Shiv Niwas Palace. It is located in the centre of Udaipur and is very easy to reach from the museum. It is also considered to be a picturesque attraction for tourists.
Samor Bagh (Tibetan Market)
If you are visiting Udaipur during the winters,, then the Tibetan Market has to be a must-visit stop for the shopper in you. It’s a fete of 56 small stalls conducted by the refugees of the Tibetan families. To beat the chilly winters, the localities often visit here to buy good quality woollen wears at reasonable prices.
Points To Remember Before You Plan A Visit To The Museum
There’s just enough to walk, so don’t forget to carry your sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, water bottle, and a cap to escape the scorching heat of the sun during the day.
Kindly note that all the vintage cars are not available for public access, and touching the vehicles is strictly prohibited!
Do not forget to carry your camera! There’s a lot to capture in there.
At the entrance along with the museum tickets, you can ask for purchasing a meal ticket to enjoy some tantalising Rajasthani vegetarian thali.
How To Hit The Location?
The museum is located in the old city of Udaipur, on the Gulab Bagh road. It is also easily approachable. The known landmarks are the Gulab Bagh Zoo and the Garden hotel. One could simply grab a cab or an auto-rickshaw to the following address:
Near By The Garden Hotel, Gulab Bagh Road, Udaipur, (Rajasthan)-313001.
Vintage and Classic car museum Udaipur contact no; 08652 540432
Entry tickets and timings for the museum
Entry tickets are:
Rs. 250 for per person for an Adult.
Rs. 150 for per person for children.
Timings to visit are:
9 am to 9 pm.
One would get amazed by the immense collection that is maintained to its excellence. The Vintage and Classic Car Museum is a sheer delight for the car aficionados. The extravagant and magnificent preservation of old antiquities by the Royal families of Udaipur is worth witnessing. The rarest of the classic car collection is found here. The best time to visit the museum is from October to March when the weather is cold and pleasant. Are you still reading this post? Pfft!! Book your tickets. Pack your bags. And go! Just GO!
