With balconies and towers standing right over the lake, City Palace in Udaipur is the largest one in the state. Since the 16th century, this palace has managed to stay as an architectural delight for travel enthusiasts. Today, it is one of the most important tourist places to visit in Udaipur that draws a major attention of travelers. The main attraction of this palace is the panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the serene surroundings from top of it. The City Palace is the most famous for being constructed by several succeeding generations, one after another. The facade of the palace and the strategic reason for every element makes it a marvelous attraction of Udaipur Tour Packages.
Glorifying Past Of The City Palace
The City Palace was built right in the time of establishment of Udaipur City. Over the next 400 years the palace had been a major attraction of administration that was built and rebuilt by many kings. The region of the palace belonged to the Mewar Kingdom of 568 AD. During the 16th century, the kingdom was inherited by Maharana Uday Singh. When his capital city of Chittor was under war, he planned to build a new capital kingdom and then transfer it closer to Lake Pichola. The first structure to be built of the palace was the royal courtyard.
During the construction, Udai Singh II died and his son continued the construction. Although,m in the battle of Haldighati, the palace came under the control of Akbar. After him, the possession went back to the Rajputs and its construction continued until it went back to the hands of the British in the 19th century. Experience more about the past of the City Palace visit by Udaipur Car Rental.
Architectural design of the City Palace
Built on top of a hill, this palace exemplifies a perfect fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani style of architecture. The entire structure is built to the east of Lake Pichola, on a ridge. The palace is located 598 m above sea level, to offer a panoramic view of approaching enemies. This palace was dated back to over 22 generations of Rajputs. The complex beholds 11 smaller palaces, which are homogenous in architectural design. The main materials used for its construction are granite and marble. Its interior regions are filled with murals, silver-works , marble-works, inlay works, and more.
All the palaces are interlinked with chowks and corridors. A few palaces in this complex are converted into boutiques, craft shops, and heritage hotels to visit in Udaipur 3 Days Tour. The courtyards of the palace were built in a zigzag manner to make it hard for advancing enemy troops. The main gate of the palace is the Tripolia gate which was the main access to the palace in the past.
Places of attraction within City Palace Complex
Gateways – There are many gateways inside the City Palace complex. The main entrance to the palace complex is Badi Pol or Great Gate. Other than this, it leads to the Tripolia Pol which opens up to the northern side of the palace.
Amar Vilas – The uppermost court of the City Palace is known as Amar Vilas. The garden provides an entrance to the Badi Mahal which also beholds several arcades, fountains, terrace, and towers.
Badi Mahal – This palace is also known as the Great Palace or Garden Palace which was built on a natural rock formation. It holds a swimming pool, miniature paintings filled hall, and many others.
Bhim Vilas – It is a gallery full of miniature paintings, mostly related to the myth of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha.
Chini Chitrashala – It is an art house adorned with Chinese and Dutch styled ornamented tiles.
Choti Chitrashali – This is known as the residence of the litter picture which is filled with paintings and pictures of the early 19th century and earlier.
Durbar Hall – A 20th century old hall was the spot for banquets and meetings having decorated luxuriously and chandeliers, luxurious interior works, portraits, and more. It has a hall built by Maharana Fateh Singh.
Fateh Prakash Palace – This is now a heritage hotel adorned with a crystal gallery, table fountains, jewels, carpets, and more. This also includes many packages of crystal items that the king Sajjan Singh ordered from London.
Besides these, there are other architectures to see inside the palace which are Krishna Vilas, Laxmi Vilas Chowk, Manak Mahal, Mor Chowk, Kanch ki Burj, Rang Bhawan, Sheesh Mahal, and City Palace Museum.
Information for Visitors
Mewar Sound and Light Show is held every evening in Manek Chowk.
Entry Fees for Foreigners
- For adults – INR 300 per head
- For Child between 5-18 years – INR 100 per head
- For Child below 5 – Nil
- For Mewar Sound and Light Show – INR 300 for adult and child (Hindi), and INR 550 for adult and INR 250 for child (English)
Entry Fees for Indians
- For adults – INR 30 per head
- For Child between 5-18 years – INR 15 per head
- For Car Museum: INR 250 per head for adults and INR 150 per head for child
- For Crystal Gallery Visit: INT 550 per head for adults and INR 350 per head for child
- For still Camera: INR 200 per equipment
- For Video Camera: INR 500 per equipment
City Palace in Udaipur is a wonderful architectural jewel that adorns the city of lakes in an outstanding way. So, if you are someone planning a Udaipur tour package from Jaipur, embark on a visit to City Palace and unveil the past it beholds.