Queen’s Bath | Hampi

Moti Magri, also known as Pearl Hill, is a hillock located on the southern bank of Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Visual Characteristics

The hillock is characterized by its rocky terrain, sparsely covered with arid vegetation. At its summit stands a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on horseback, a prominent visual marker. The slopes are traversed by pathways and steps leading to the monument. The overall elevation provides a commanding view of Fateh Sagar Lake and the surrounding city.

Location & Access Logistics

Moti Magri is situated approximately 3 kilometers west of the Udaipur city center. Access is primarily via road, with the nearest major road being the Fateh Sagar Drive. Parking is available at the base of the hill. Public transport options include local auto-rickshaws and taxis. Bus routes serving the Fateh Sagar Lake area are also available, requiring a short walk to the hill's entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Moti Magri was developed as a memorial to Maharana Pratap, a 16th-century Rajput ruler. The hillock itself is a natural geological formation, part of the Aravalli Range, characterized by Precambrian metamorphic rocks. The development of the site, including the construction of the statue and pathways, was initiated by Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Udaipur in the mid-20th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend the hill via paved pathways to reach the statue of Maharana Pratap. The summit offers panoramic views of Fateh Sagar Lake, the Nehru Park island, and the Udaipur cityscape. Photography is a common activity due to the vantage points. The site also features a Japanese rock garden and a small museum dedicated to the history of Mewar.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base of the hill. Limited shade is provided by natural rock formations and some strategically placed trees. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available. Food vendors are typically present near the parking area and the entrance to the hill.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is softer and casts longer shadows. The most favorable months for visiting are from October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. There are no tide-related considerations for visiting Moti Magri.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of Moti Magri is the daily sunset show, a sound and light presentation depicting the history of Mewar and Maharana Pratap. It is said that the hill was named "Pearl Hill" due to its perceived resemblance to a pearl when viewed from a distance across the lake.

Nearby Landmarks

• Fateh Sagar Lake (0.1km North)
• Nehru Park (0.8km Northwest)
• Swaroop Sagar Lake (1.5km Southeast)
• City Palace, Udaipur (2.5km South)
• Jagdish Temple (2.8km South)