One of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, City Palace in Udaipur is the largest palace complex of the state.
Built on the banks of the gorgeous Lake Pichola, the City Palace was constructed in the year 1559 by Maharana Uday Singh and served as the main seat of power for the Maharanas, who ruled from here and added to its glory over the years. From its regal exterior to its intricate interiors, every nook and cranny of the palace speaks of its rich heritage and unparalleled architectural brilliance.
With a mix of medieval, European and Chinese influences, the City Palace is a treat for the eyes, with numerous domes, arches, and towers adorning its walls and reflecting the grandeur of its regal past. It’s no wonder that the City Palace has been the setting for several Bollywood movies, including ‘Guide’ and ‘Octopussy’.
As you enter the City Palace, you’ll be welcomed by the grand elephant gate ‘Hati Pol’ and the beautiful Jagdish Temple at the entrance. The main entrance to the complex, ‘Bari Pol’, leads you into the first courtyard where the Maharanas used to be weighed with gold and silver and the jewels distributed among the poor. From here, you’ll be led to the Tripoli, the triple gate, and the main palace.
The palace is a labyrinth of long corridors, but trust us, the journey is worth it! You’ll find yourself transported to a world of grandeur and luxury as you explore the various apartments, mahals, courtyards, pavilions, and rooms within. Take a stroll in the lush green gardens, admire the intricate mirror work, silver work, wall paintings and more, and marvel at the elegance of the balconies and towers.
One of the highlights of the City Palace is the elevated garden area, the Amar Vilas, where the royals used to spend their leisure time. With its wonderful hanging gardens, fountains, towers and terraces, this is a serene oasis within the grand palace. And, if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the Badi Mahal or Garden Palace, which is perched on a natural rock formation and houses a swimming pool and a collection of miniature paintings.
The Fateprakash Palace has now been converted into a hotel and is a rare sight to behold with its crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs, and beds. And, don’t miss the Durbar Hall, a relatively newer addition to the Fateprakash Palace, which was built for official functions and is adorned with scintillating chandeliers.
Other highlights of the City Palace include the Bhim Vilas gallery, which has a vast collection of paintings of Radha and Krishna, the Chini Chitrashala, which showcases beautiful Chinese and Dutch tiles, and the Manak Mahal, which was a hall for the royals to receive guests.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a royal tour of the City Palace in Udaipur. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
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