Visit the Resplendent City Palace of Udaipur

Affectionately called as the City of Lakes, Udaipur boasts of its royal palaces that still retain their grandeour. Fascinated by its charm, people visit the city for their magnificent palaces. Among the popular one, City Palace is the most attractive spot. Being the largest place complex, it calls on large number of tourists.

History

Earlier built in small structure, the city palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559, when he established Udaipur as his capital. Follower’s maharanas added some other buildings and structures. The city palace itself is an artistic evolution of Mewar through the centuries.

Architecture

The City Palace combines elements of Chinese City Places and European architecture. A number of domes, turrets and arches makes it a fascinating sight. Edged by octagonal corner towers, the palace is flanked by octagonal corner towers surmounted by cupolas and thus is a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Made of granite and marble, the palace is constructed on a raised height and is surrounded by ramparts. It overlooks the beautiful Pichola Lake. The heritage building of the palace showcases the finest specimen of Rajput culture and arts.

Highlights of City Palace

Entrance

You can enter the palace complex through the 'Hathi Pol' or 'Elephant Gate'. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Jagdish Temple lies here. The 'Bara Pol' or 'Great Gate' is the entrance to the first courtyard.

Palace Complex

The marble arches, may beautiful gardens and an elephant fighting arena ado
the palace complex. Known as Raj Aangan, the royal courtyard is the oldest part of the complex, which has been transformed into a museum now.

Palaces Inside City Palace

This architectural marvel houses 11 wonderful palaces. Built by different rulers, they still look similar. With the sheer view of beautiful paintings, intricate glass mirror work, antique furniture and exquisite ornamental tiles work, they will leave you amazed.

Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace boasts of the figures of crystal and porcelain. Bhim Vilas houses a wonderful collection of miniature paintings, illustrating the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.

The rooms inside the palace are exquisitely decorated and painted. With Suraj Gokhada or the balcony of sun, this heritage building has a lot to offer. The Mor Chawk or the peacock square is another attractive spot of the palace.

Sheesh Mahal boasts of its staggering mirror work. The Krishna Vilas finds its obvious mention because of its wonderful miniature paintings, showcasing royal articles, games and festivals of kings.

Chini Chitrashala is a place where you can see the finest Dutch and Chinese ornamental tiles. Dilkusha Mahal or the Palace of Joy showcases murals and wall paintings.