City Palace Udaipur

The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in  Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake.

A blend of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, the palace complex has a number of remarkable buildings of immense beauty, gardens and fountains, well planned and finely executed over the years. The palace complex is approached through the 'Hati Pol', or the 'Elephant Gate' from the main road. The biggest and most beautiful temple of  Udaipur the Jagdish Temple (1651A.D), dedicated to Lord Vishnu is situated here. The 'Bara Pol' the 'Great gate' (1600A.D) on the northern end leads to the first court yard, which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'(1725 A.D). Between the two gates there are eight carved marble arches or 'Toranas' under which the rulers in the past were weighed against gold and silver, the value of which was then distributed to the poor. Beyond the Tripolia there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. The palace looks rugged from the exterior but inside, the path leads to many enclosures with luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas with breathtaking views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. 

The oldest part of the palace is 'Raj Aangan' (Royal Courtyard-1571) which Maharana  Udai Singh built in  the 16th century. The main part of the palace with its several ' Mahals' is now preserved as a Museum. Almost all the rooms of the palace have beautiful paintings, inlay glass work, antique furniture and colourful enamel. The 'Krishna Vilas' has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings depicting royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. 'Mor Chowk' has unique glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon.

   NEXT