City Palace, Udaipur

Udaipur’s City Palace is an example of the splendour that the rulers of Mewar enjoyed centuries ago, and it still appears to be just as majestic. It is located on the eastern banks of Pichola lake. The palace is a fusion of Rajasthani, European, Chinese and Mughal architecture, making it one of the most alluring factors of Udaipur. The palace complex houses monuments like the Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, Jag Mandir, and Neemach Mata temple, and it is surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains, giving it a gorgeous background.

Built completely with marble and granite, and it also has the beautiful appeal of marble-work, mirror-work, silver-work, inlay-work, wall paintings, murals.

Let’s look at some of the highlights of this exquisite royal palace of Udaipur.

Interesting Facts

• The rulers of the Mewar dynasty in Udaipur, over the course of 400 years, built the sprawling and beautiful attraction that is the City Palace, started by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput family.
• Maharana Udai Singh shifted his seat of power from Chittorgarh to the City Palace in Udaipur due to various subsequent wars with the Mughals
• Parts of the palace complex have been converted into luxury hotels, which make the City Palace even more famous.
• The Fateprakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace have now been converted into heritage hotels, which retain the previous royal architecture.
• The Amar Vilas consists of an elevated garden, and it is the highest point of the City Palace, adorned with hanging gardens, terraces and fountains.
• There is an art gallery known as the Chini Chitrashala that display the Chinese and Dutch tiles and arts.

Things to Do

• After one enters the Tripolia Gate, there are several other beautifully carved edifices within the palace complex to explore, like Suraj Gokhda, the Dilkhush Mahal, the Bhim Vilas, the Krishna Vilas, the Sheesh Mahal, the Mor-chowk, the Surya Chopar, the Moti Mahal, Shambu Niwas, and the Amar Vilas opposite to the Badi Mahal.
• Badi Mahal houses a swimming pool and a hall, that which has some of the best miniature paintings from the 18^th and 19^th Bhim Vilas consists of great miniature paintings as well.
• The Zenana Mahal as known as the women’s quarters is beautifully designed with attractions like coloured windows, balconies, tiled walls and floors, and It has been converted into a museum and is open for public access.
• The Mewar sound and light show, ‘The Legacy of Honour’ takes place at Manek Chowk between 7pm to 8pm. It is an experience one shouldn’t miss since it is a great way of witnessing the great history of the Rajasthan history.
• The City Palace Museum is one of the most attractive features displaying the culture and history of the Mewar dynasty.

Things to Carry

• Carrying a camera is recommended but it does incur special charges.
• Ample water and food should be taken since it takes a minimum of two hours to go through the entire complex.
• Carry student IDs and citizen IDs to avail any discounts.

Availability of Guides

• A Hindi-speaking guide will charge Rs.300 at the City Palace complex
• Guides at the museum charge Rs.200, and audio guides are also available.

City Palace Timings

7am to 11pm

Ticket Prices

Entrance Ticket Adult (to Get Entry in Permitted Areas Only)- Rs.30

Entrance Ticket Children (to Get Entry in Permitted Areas Only)- Rs.15

The entrances of City Palace are Badi Pol and Sheetla Mata Gate. Tickets are sold on both the entrance gates.

City Palace Museum Timings

9.30am to 5.30pm

Ticket Prices

• Adult (Age above 18 Years)- Rs.250
• Child (Age 5 to 18 Years)- Rs.100
• Child (Age below 5 Years)- Free
• All Types of Camera- Rs.250
• Students in Group- Rs.100

Getting There

It is located at 23.8kms from the Udaipur airport. Buses, taxis and other means of public transport are easily available.

Nearby Places of Interest

• Lake Pichola is the main attraction of Udaipur.
• The closest and most attractive restaurants are Amrit Sagar, Sunset Terrace, The Whistling Teal, Lake View Rooftop restaurant.
• Saheliyon Ki Bari, a popular garden, is located at 3.5kms from City Palace.
• The Gulab Bagh and Zoo is the largest garden in Udaipur, and is a five-minute walk from the City Palace.
• At about 7kms is the Sajjan Garh Palace or the Monsoon Palace, a hilltop residence that overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake.
• The Heritage Walk in Udaipur is also a popular tourist attraction as it takes visitors through the many historic locations of the city, providing with plenty knowledge of the culture and tradition of the Mewar royal dynasty.

Based on the splendid architecture of the City Palace in Udaipur, it is a must visit for every tourist and history enthusiast. Given the fact that it is the most attractive feature of the city of lakes, the grand palatial complex has been credited for its charm that has appealed to visitors for years now. The history and culture of Mewar can be easily understood by paying one visit to the City Palace, and it is sure to leave a mark upon a tourist’s mind.