Udaipur is renowned for its majestic palaces, picturesque lakes, and rich heritage. Still, there is one of the best hidden places to visit in Udaipur that car lovers and history buffs must visit: the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur. This unique museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Maharanas of Mewar, showcasing a rare collection of vintage cars that once cruised the streets of this royal city.
Whether you’re a history buff, an automobile enthusiast, or simply curious about royal transportation, the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur is a must-visit destination. Located near the City Palace, this museum blends royal heritage with automotive history in an unforgettable way.
History of the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur
The current royal family of Mewar opened the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur in the year 2000. The museum was started to honor and display the beautiful cars owned by the Maharanas for decades.
The Mewar dynasty used these classic beauties during royal functions, processions, and daily travel, not merely as ornaments. The museum is located in the former Mewar State Motor Garage, which has now been restored and preserved in its original form as a heritage property.
The concept was not just to commemorate the rich car legacy but also to reveal to the public a hidden gem of Udaipur’s royal heritage.
Architecture and Ambience of the Museum
The museum itself is situated within the Garden Hotel complex, a heritage site close to Gulab Bagh and the City Palace. The moment you step into the museum, you’re welcomed by colonial architecture with high ceilings, big arches, and open courtyards that perfectly complement the beauty of the cars on display.
The interior is serene and nostalgic. The atmosphere inside the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur takes you back to the era where luxury was not about speed and gadgets, but class, design, and elegance. The natural light, straightforward design, and minimalist display enable people to view every car closely and help to understand the history of every car.
The Royal Vintage Car Collection Udaipur
At the heart of the Udaipur Vintage Car Museum lies its stunning vintage car collection. The museum now houses more than 20 classic cars, every one of which has a special past and royal link.
Some of the most iconic cars on display include
- 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II: Used in royal processions and later converted into a pickup for transporting royal luggage.
- 1946 Buick Super Sedan: A personal favorite of the royal family.
- 1938 Cadillac Convertible: Famously used during the royal wedding of Maharana Bhagwat Singh.
- MG-TC Convertible: A beautiful two-seater that adds British elegance to the collection.
- Morris Minor and Ford models: Reflecting the day-to-day transport choices of the royals.
All the cars carry a detail with information on the make, year of production, and utilization, so the process is both educational and visually interesting. The vintage car collection in Udaipur is among India’s best and a reflection of the style and engineering of the good old days.
Interesting Facts About Udaipur Vintage Car Museum
- The oldest car in the museum dates back to the 1900s.
- All cars in the collection are in working condition and are taken out during special royal events.
- The museum is managed and operated by the HRH Group of Hotels, which is run by the royal family of Udaipur.
- The Rolls-Royce models are among the most photographed vintage cars in India.
- One of the Rolls-Royce cars was converted into a utility vehicle after it was deemed “too luxurious” for Indian royalty by British officials!
These facts add an extra layer of interest to your visit and help you appreciate the care and passion behind this extraordinary collection.
Vintage Car Museum Udaipur Timings
Planning your visit? Here are the important details you need to know:
The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur timings are from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Vintage Car Museum Udaipur Ticket Price
The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur ticket price is 400 Rs for a person above 12 years and 250 Rs for children.
Best Time to Visit Vintage Car Collection Udaipur
The best time for visiting the Vintage Car Museum in Udaipur is between October and March, when the climate is cool and ideal for sightseeing.
If you want to have your visit without crowds, visit during morning hours (between 9:30 and 11:00 AM) or later in the evening. This also helps you to take pictures without much disturbance.
Since the museum is indoors, it can also be the best spot to escape from the heat if you’re visiting in the summer months.
How to Reach the Udaipur Vintage Car Museum
The Vintage Car Museum in Udaipur is located near Gulab Bagh and the City Palace, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city. If you are staying nearby, you can simply walk or hire an e-rickshaw for a short ride. If you are living in other parts of the city, you can come by auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, taxi service such as Ola or Uber, or your vehicle.
Conclusion
The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur is not just a collection of cars—it’s an exploration of the royal history of Rajasthan. Every car tells a story of luxury, dominance, and enduring style. For anyone who is visiting Udaipur, this museum offers a refreshing change from forts and lakes and allows you to experience another aspect of royal heritage.
Whether you’re an auto enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for something different, the Udaipur Vintage Car Museum should be on your list. From the elegance of Rolls-Royce to the charm of vintage cars, the collection of cars will leave you amazed.
So next time you’re in Udaipur, take a little tour into the world of vintage cars—you won’t regret it!
The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur ticket price is ₹400 for adults and ₹250 for children, with additional charges for photography or videography.
The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur timings are from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.
The Udaipur Vintage Car Museum houses an impressive collection of over 20 beautifully preserved vintage cars, each with a unique history. The collection includes Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Morris, and other classic models once owned by the Maharanas of Mewar.
The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur is owned and managed by the HRH Group of Hotels, under the patronage of the Mewar royal family. The collection belongs to the Maharanas of Mewar and showcases their historic automobiles, many of which were personally used in ceremonies, weddings, and official events.
The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur hosts a number of iconic cars, such as the 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, 1946 Buick Super Sedan, 1938 Cadillac Convertible that has been used in royal weddings, and vintage MG-TC and Morris models. All the cars are beautifully maintained and presented with information on their history, usage, and royal association, giving the visitors an interesting insight into the lavish lifestyle of Udaipur‘s royal household.
