A complete guide to the City Palace, Udaipur. India is truly called incredible as it flourishes with different natural formations. Oceans, Beaches, Forests, Mountains, Deserts, and Valleys add to the crown of its beauty.
With ever-growing wanderlust among Indians and travellers from all over the world, its scenic beauties are explored and appreciated.
The manmade buildings, palaces, forts, and other structures add to the existing beauty that our country boasts of.
City Palace located in Udaipur is a gemstone that attracts thousands of tourists for years. An example of perfect architecture and magnanimousness, the palace has a rich history and is truly Rajasthan’s pride.
Overview of City Palace Udaipur
The City Palace is located in Udaipur and is not a single palace but a complex of palaces. It was build in the year 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, a Sisodia Rajput. Built in a lavish manner, the City Palace stands tall on a hill and is a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal style of architecture.
The grand City Palace offers a picturesque view of the Pichola Lake, Lake Palace, Jagadish Temple and many more important structures located nearby.
The City Palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh II and later on his successors, the next Maharanas started adding more structures into the complex.
With a vast size and unique location, it became the chief centre of the Sisodia Maharanas to rule. The first piece of architecture to be built here was the Royal Garden or the Raj Bagh.
Later on, with regular seize and attacks by the Maratha army, the power of the Rajputs was lessened and finally, they signed a treaty with the British Indian Government in 1818.
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The Architecture of City Palace Udaipur
Located on a hill on the banks of River Pichola, the City Palace has a length of 244 meters and an average height of 30 meters. The palace complex is very unique and one of its kind.
What makes it special is the fact that the building was built nearly for 400 years by 22 generations of the Maharana Udai Singh II family. The palace complex is not a single palace but comprises of 11 small palaces.
The architectural style of the palace is also very unique. Inspired from the Rajput and Mughal style of architecture, the palace complex is made of granite and marble.
The palace has extensive work of stone carvings that decorate the walls. It has its interiors flanked by miniature balconies and couplas. Designed by mirror works, latticework and painted glasses the palace is a jewel for architect lovers.
Entering through the Triple Gate, you will find numerous structures inside the premises. Some of them are Dilkhush Mahal, Surya Choper, Mowr-Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Amar Vilas.
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City Palace Timings
The City Palace in Udaipur is open on all days of the week. You can visit the magnificent Palace Complex from 9.30 AM in the morning to 5.30 PM in the evening. You can plan to experience the sunset from the upper terrace of the palace which is a splendid view.
City Palace Entry Fee
The City Palace in Udaipur is visited by numerous tourists from India and abroad equally. Thus the tickets or entry fee has been kept at a minimum price so that everyone can experience the grandeur of the structure.
The entry fee for any adult is Rs 30 and for children, it is Rs 15. If you are a photographer and love to click photos then you have to pay a charge of Rs 200 for your camera.
How to Reach City Palace, Udaipur
As Udaipur is one of the most beautifully planned and most-visited places of Rajasthan, it is well connected to the rest of the country.
By Air
The nearest airport to the City Palace is the Dabok Airport located in Udaipur itself. After reaching the airport you can take a taxi to visit the City Palace.
By Train
Udaipur has its own station. You can board to and from the railway station and reach any of the major cities of the country.
By Road
Udaipur is well connected via road. Many deluxe and state buses ride to Udaipur from all the nearby cities and towns.
Places to Eat Near City Palace
There are many restaurants and dhabas near the very popular City Palace Udaipur. You can choose from the diverse cuisines that they offer.
Sunset Terrace, Palki Khana, Paantya Restaurant, Lotus Cafe, Rainbow Restaurant are some of them to choose from. You can also get pure vegetarian foods there.
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Tourist Attractions Near City Palace
Lake Pichola
Located just beside the City Palace, the Lake Pichola is an artificial lake, carrying fresh water. It was built in 1362 AD to meet the needs of the drinking water of the local people.
It was built by a local Gypsy tribesman and later on enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh who was impressed by the lake and built the city of Udaipur near it.
The lake is said to have a myth linked with it revolving around a curse given by Natini, a rope walker.
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According to legends, Natini was challenged by the Maharana that she would be given half the empire of Mewar if she could cross the lake walking on the rope.
Just when she was going to complete, the rope was cut and she fell in the water before which she cursed the Royal Family that they would not bear any true heir and it came true to some extent.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Literally translating to “House of female friends”, Saheliyon Ki Bari is another popular destination in Udaipur located in close vicinity to the City Palace. It is a garden complex housing numerous fountains, lotus pool and elephants carved out from marbles.
According to history, the wife of Rana Sangram Singh was accompanied by 48 maids during her wedding. To help the queen enjoy a peaceful and happy time with her maids, the Rana built her this garden.
Sajjangarh Palace
Overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, on a hilltop the Sajjangarh Palace is located which is commonly referred to as the Monsoon Palace. It was built for Maharana Sajjan Singh in the year 1874 so that he can enjoy the beautiful clouds that cover the sky during monsoon, hence the name Monsoon Palace.
Located at an elevation of 3,100 feet the palace is set on the Aravalli Hills and offers the breath-taking view of the underlying palaces, lakes and the city of Udaipur.
The palace is made from white marble and has been the shooting location for numerous movies. The Sajjanpur Sanctuary surrounds the palace and is another place to visit.
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