Credit: Gamit Pankaj
On the bank of Lake Pichola and 3 km away from Udaipur City Railway Station, Udaipur City Palace is a stunning royal complex that shows the richness and heritage of Rajasthan. If you are planning to visit Udaipur, then delve into the grandeur and beauty of this place, which has a history of more than 400 years.
History of the Udaipur City Palace
The city palace was built in 1559 AD by Maharana Udai Singh of the Mewar dynasty. He founded Udaipur, replacing the erstwhile Chittorgarh. With remarkable grandeur and diversity of architectural styles, successive rulers of the dynasty contributed to the construction and expansion of the palace.
Situated at an elevation of 598 meters, City Palace is a testament to the fusion of traditional and Medieval European architecture. Granite and marble were used to make the towers, courtyards, domes, pavilions, and terraces of the City palace.
Architecture of Udaipur City Palace
Several entrance gates, also known as Pols, welcome you into the City Palace complex. The Bara Gate (Great Gate) looks great with its triple-arched structure. Bara pol leads you to triple-arch gates that have eight marble arches called Toranas. These torans were once used to measure themselves with gold and silver. Located across Tripolia, there is another noteworthy gate called Hathi Gate (Elephant Gate).
The city palace complex consists of eleven splendid palaces that were constructed by different rulers of the Mewar dynasty. One of the notable structures is Zeeana Mahal, which was converted into a Museum in 1974. Decorative furniture, ancient artifacts, utensils, and ancient artifacts are among the remarkable collections that attract numerous visitors daily.
Built by Maharana Udai Singh in the 16th century, Raj Angan is the oldest part of the City palace. Manak Mahal, also known as the Ruby Palace, showcases exquisite porcelain and crystal figures. Krishna Vilas showcases through Miniature painting the royal procession, games, and festivals of the Maharanas. While Bhim Vilas depict stories of Radha-Krishna through a collection of miniature paintings.
Famous for its intricate work, the Palace of Mirrors, or Sheesh Mahal, leaves visitors in awe. Moti Mahal, or the Pearl Palace, has a great interior. Impressive murals and wall paintings adorn the walls of the Dikusha Mahal or the Mahall Palace of Joy. Offering a glimpse into an exotic garden palace, Bada Mahal sits on a natural rock formation that is 90 feet high. Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles decorate the walls of Chini Chitrashala. Laxmi Vilas Chowk has a unique collection of Mewar Paintings. Glass mosaics of peacocks mesmerize the walls of Mor Chowk
The city palace complex houses a Jagdish temple that offers a serene and spiritual experience for visitors. It’s the largest and most beautiful temple in Udaipur.
Breathtaking hanging gardens with fountain towers and terraces are the most notable features of the Amar Vilas, which is the highest point within the complex. It offers panoramic views of Jag Mandir, Pichola Lake, and Jag Mandir.
Take your time to explore the City Palace complex thoroughly, and consider hiring a knowledgeable guide to unravel the hidden stories and historical significance behind its various palaces and structures.
Do consider hiring a knowledgeable guide that can reveal the hidden stories and historical significance of the various palaces and structures of the City Palace Complex.