City Palace, Udaipur

City Palace is a Palace Complex in Udaipur district, Rajasthan state, India. It is nearly 400 years old, built by several Mewar dynasty rulers, The construction of this palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and was completed in the 18th century. Twenty-two generation of Sisodiya Rajput have conttributed in the construction of 11 small palaces in this Palace complex.

History of City Palace

The city palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh II and his successor Maharanas over a period of the next 400 years. Maharana Udai Singh II inherited the Mewar Kingdom at Chittor in 1537, but was losing control of the Fort in wars with Mughals. He chose a site near Lake Pichola on a Hilltop for his new Kingdom, as the location was well protected on all sides by forests, lakes and the Aravali Hills. The earliest Royal structure built here was the Royal Courtyard or ‘Rai Angan’, which was the beginning of the building of the City Palace Complex, but on the advice of hermit who Maharana had met during one of his hunting expeditions.

Maharana Pratap, son of Uday Singh came to power in 1572, after the death of his father. He was defeated by Akbar, a Mughal emperor in 1576 in the battle of Haldighati. After the death of Akbar, Jahangir (son of Akbar) give back Mewar to Amar Singh I, son of Maharana Pratap. They agreed in a peace treaty between them self. By 1761, Udaipur and Mewar state were in ruins due to increasing attacks by the Maratas. By 1818, Maharana Bheem Singh signed a treaty with the British accepting their protection against the other Emperor. After Indian independence in 1947, the Mewar Kingdom along with other princely states of Rajasthan merged with democratic India in 1949.

Architecture

City Palace Udaipur is built using granite and marble with a blend of medieval European and Chinese architecture. The palace has various towers, domes, archs, courtyards, terraces, corridors, rooms, pavilions and also hanging garden making the Palace a feast to the eyes.
There is a temple built to the Hermit who advised the king to make this place his new capital. On the first floor, over the roof of this temple is a 8 ft square pool carved out of a single marble in which 1000 silver coins were filled and later distributed among the poor. This pool was placed here so that no one would walk over the roof of the temple.

Entrance Gates (pols)

City Palace has several gates ‘Badi Pol’ is also called ‘Bara Pol’ which is the main gate to the Palace Complex. Next is the triple arched gate called ‘Tripolia’. Between these two gates are eight marble arches called ‘Toranas’ where the kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver which was then distributed among the local people. The last gate is the ‘Hathi Pol’.
Behind the entrance of Badi Pol, there is a huge wall which was built for the elephant fight. Two elephants would be tied head on and which ever elephant touches the wall first was considered to be weak. This was one of the source of entertainment. There are big boulders at the entrance where elephants were tied, which is now a car parking.

Places inside the palace

Suraj Gokhda – public address facade
Mor Chowk – peacock courtyard
Dilkhush Mahal
Surya Chopar
Sheesh Mahal – Palace of Glass and mirror
Moti Mahal – Palace of pearls
Krishna Vilas
Shambhu Nivas – present Royal Residence
Bheem Vilas
Amar Vilas – Hanging Garden
Fateh Prakash Palace – now Heritage Hotel
Shiv Niwas Palace – now Heritage Hotel

Badi Mahal
Also known as ‘Garden Palace’, it is situated on a 27 metres high natural rock at the center Palace. There is a swimming pool here which was used during Holi festival celebration.

Bheem Vilas
This gallery has a collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha Krishna.

Dilkhush Mahal
‘Palace of joy’ was built in 1620, it is known for the murals and wall paintings.

Fateh Prakash Palace
It is a heritage luxury hotel now. It has a crystal gallery which consists of crystal chair, sofa, dressing table, beds, tables and chairs which were never used. There is also a jewel studded carpet here. Maharana Sajjan Singh had ordered these rare items in 1877 to a company of London, but before they arrived Sajjan Singh died. These crystals remained unopened for 110 years.

Mor Chowk or peacock square
There are three peacocks representing the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. They are made of coloured glass mosaic. These were built during Maharana Sajjan Singh reign, 200 years after the palace was established. The peacocks have been crafted with 5000 pieces of glass which shine in green, gold and blue colours.

Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal – Palace of mirrors and glasses, was built in 1716 by Maharana Pratap for his wife Maharani Ajabde.

Zenana Mahal
In 1974, a part of the city palace ‘Zenana Mahal’ (ladies chamber) was converted into a Museum.

Lakshmi Vilas Chowk
It is an art gallery, a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.

Krishna Vilas
It is also a gallery which has a rich collection of miniature paintings.

Amar Vilas
It is the uppermost court inside the Palace Complex, which is an elevated garden. It was built in Mughal style as a pleasure pavilion. Amar Vilas is the highest point of the city palace and has wonderful Hanging Gardens with fountains, towers and terraces.

The palace complex also has post office, bank, travel agency, craft shops and Indian boutique (WWF).

City Palace Udaipur Entry Fees
Crystal Gallery – ₹350 – ₹550
Guide Fees – ₹300 – ₹500
Video Camera – ₹300
Golf Cart – ₹50
Audio guide – ₹100
Boat Ride – ₹200 – ₹400
Vintage Car Collection – ₹150 – ₹250
Sound & Light Show – ₹100 – ₹250

City Palace Udaipur Timings
Monday to Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best time to visit City Palace Udaipur
All throughout the year, especially November to February

City Palace Udaipur Website
citypalacemuseum

City Palace Udaipur Email
info@citypalacemuseum.org

City Palace Udaipur Phone Number
Landline +91 – 0294 241 9021

City Palace Udaipur Address
The City Palace,
Old City, Udaipur,
Rajasthan 313001

City Palace Udaipur Accommodation

There is no accommodation inside the Museum, there are a few Boarding & Lodging near the fort.
However if you are looking for Royal Accomodation (Heritage Properties) you can check – Heritage

There is Taj accommodation inside the palace, there are a lot of Boarding & Lodging near the fort.
Taj Hotel
However if you are looking for Royal Accomodation (Heritage Properties) you can check – Heritage

City Palace Udaipur Distance

From Udaipur bus stand – 2 kilometers
From Jaipur – 395 kilometres
From Ajmer – 266 kilometres
From Jodhpur – 257 kilometres
From Sirohi – 130 kilometres
From Jaisalmer – 491 kilometres

Places to Visit Near City Palace Udaipur

Lake Pichola
Taj Lake Palace – Jagniwas
Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple
Jagmandir
Ahar Museum
Jagdish Temple
Fateh Sagar Lake
Sahastra Bahu Temples