Well known as one of the biggest palaces in Rajasthan, the City Palace is a grand building in Udaipur. Set on the banks of Pichola Lake, the palace has a number of gateways. The main entrance of the palace is Bara Pol or the Great Gate.
The City Palace Udaipur is set at a backdrop, offering an opportunity to have an aerial view of the entire city. The palace leaves every visitor spellbound with its domes, courtyards, corridors, rooms, pavilions, towers, and hanging gardens.
The City Palace also houses antique furniture and beautiful paintings which add to the beauty of the palace and give it a more royal look. One of the 11 palaces is the Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace which is adorned with beautiful crystal and porcelain statues.
Then, there is the Bhim Vilas which is decorated with miniature paintings that present the life of the Hindu deities like Radha and Krishna. There are many more palaces inside the structure including the Krishna Vilas, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Moti Mahal.
- Udaipur City Palace Timings: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
- City Palace Udaipur Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 15 for children
Note: Boat ride and sound and light show charges are to be paid separately. For details. Contact Indian Holiday.
History of City Palace Udaipur
City Palace was commissioned to build during the rule of Maharana Udai Singh II. After him, the construction was taken over by his successors over a period of 400 years. Thus, this palace is of great significance.
Rani Angan was the first royal structure to be erected in the City Palace complex. After Maharana Udai Singh II, his son Maharana Pratap took over the city. But during the Battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap was defeated by Mughal Emperor Akbar, who eventually took over Mewar.
After Akbar died, Mewar was handed over the Maharana Pratap’s son and successor Amar Singh I by Jahangir, the Mughal ruler. Marathas attacked Mewar in 1761 and to protect the city, Maharana Bhim Singh signed a treaty with the British in 1818 asking for protection.
Once India was an independent nation, Mewar became a part of democratic India, and the kings of Mewar retained the ownership of the palaces.
Architecture of City Palace Udaipur
The City Palace is a magnificent attraction built in granite and marble. It has a blend of Medieval, European, and Chinese architecture. The complex is 100 ft high and has an 801 ft long facade built on the ridge of Lake Pichola.
As it is built by 22 generations of Sisodia Rajputs, the architecture is quite impressive. The City Palace complex has 11 small palaces, all adorned with exquisite exteriors and interiors. You will see a lot of mirrorwork, marblework, murals, wall paintings, inlay work, colored glass balconies, silverwork, towers, and cupolas.
The terraces in the complex’ upper part offer a breathtaking lake view and the city. Also, the palace is constructed in a zigzag manner to evade any sudden attacks from enemies. You can reach the complex structures through the main Tripolia gate, which is the entry point.
Other must-see structures in the City Palace Udaipur are –
- Suraj Gokhda (public address facade)
- Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard)
- Dilkhush Mahal (heart’s delight)
- Surya Chopar, Sheesh Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors)
- Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls)
- Krishna Vilas
- Shambhu Niwas
- Bhim Vilas
- Amar Vilas (with a raised garden)
- Badi Mahal (the big palace)
- Fateh Prakash Palace
- Shiv Niwas Palace
Apart from all this, the complex also houses a post office, bank, and a travel agency. Visitors can also check out the craft shops and an Indian boutique.
Did You Know? The Mewar royal family owns the entire City Palace Complex and the structures here are maintained by different trusts. Also, the Fateh Prakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace are converted into heritage hotels.
If you want to experience royal hospitality, book Rajasthan tour packages with Indian Holiday.
How to Reach Udaipur
Air: 24 km. away from Udaipur city is the Dabok Airport which is well-connected to almost all the major cities of India like New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, and Mumbai.
Rail : The nearest Railway Station at Udaipur is connected to and from Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Jaipur, and Delhi.
Road : A well-maintained network of roads links Udaipur to various Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Indore, Kota, Mount Abu, and Mumbai.
