The minute you hear Udaipur, you instantly see the magnificent Pichola Lake. To truly understand the city’s soul, you must look beyond the waters. It is time to know the story of stones that rise beside it. Located near the eastern banks of Lake Pichola is the jaw-dropping City Palace.
While you know of City Palace as a monument, it is actually an architectural masterpiece holding the history, power and legacy of the Mewars. As serene as it looks from far away, the palace reveals its true character once you step in. You get to appreciate intricate details, massive mahals and beautiful galleries.
Every balcony has a purpose, every courtyard a story and every corridor a memory etched into marble. If you are up for hearing the tales of the bygone era, keep reading to plan your Udaipur itinerary for exploring the city.
Discovering the History of City Palace, Udaipur
As the country has witnessed multiple rulers and changes in power, history lies in every monument. So is the case of the City Palace in Udaipur. The history of this place begins with a decision rooted in survival. It was in the 16th century when the Kingdom of Mewar faced repeated invasions.
Chittorgarh was the initial capital of the kingdom. However, Maharana Udai Singh chose to relocate the capital to a more defensible location. That’s when he chose the land near the famous lake of Pichola. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills, the site offered both natural protection and abundance.
After strategising the place, Maharana Udai Singh II laid the foundation stone of the City Palace in 1559. Did you know the very first structure was the Royal Courtyard? Over the years, many Maharanas expanded the palace. While some added new wings and courtyards, others elevated the city palace with decorative elements.
Unlike many palaces in India that were rebuilt to reflect changing styles, the City Palace respected its past. Each ruler contributed to the structure while preserving the essence of Mewar’s identity. What you see today is a unified feel despite its complexity.
Architectural Beauty of City Palace
Being one of the royal places to see in Udaipur in one day, the architecture of the City Palace cannot be ignored. As it follows Rajput architectural principles, you can see elevated platforms, enclosed courtyards and defensive planning.
However, the palace absorbed architectural influences from others. Some parts of the palace display inspirations from Mughal, European and regional Rajasthani styles. You can see Rajput influence through thick walls and bastions.
Similarly, the ornamental arches, symmetry and decorative detailing speak highly of the Mughal influence. Guess what? You can see European touches in certain balconies and railings. It is wonderful to witness how seamlessly multiple styles coexist. So, make sure to book budget hotels in Udaipur or Jaipur for a pleasant stay.
City Palace, Udaipur: A Peek Inside the Royal Complex
While City Palace is a massive complex, the entry ticket gives you access to its interiors. However, the City Palace museum is a combination of various mahals, courtyards and multiple galleries. Being one of the massive museums in Udaipur, it takes you deep into the history of the Mewars.
1. Badi Pol and Tripolia Gate
As you enter the beautiful City Palace, you see the Badi Pol. It is the main outer ceremonial gate. Built for grandeur and defence, it marks your journey from city to royal domain.
The palace also has the Tripolia Gate, lying beyond the Badi Pol. It is a triple-arched gateway that once restricted access to royalty. You can see its wide design, perfect for balancing the overall structure.
2. Courtyards
Palaces without courtyards are empty. Back then, different courtyards were used for distinctive purposes. You can witness multiple courtyards here, too. Ceremonial courtyards were used for public gatherings and royal announcements.
The palace also has administrative courtyards. They were used for important discussions among the royals and for governance. To maintain the privacy of everyday life, private courtyards were used only by the royal families.
Courtyards were essential, as they maintained the rhythm of life. Moreover, they played a major role in allowing light and air to enter deep into the complex. To see it all, you can book budget-friendly hotels in Udaipur for a comfortable stay.
3. Mor Chowk
When we talk about courtyards, the story remains incomplete without mentioning Mor Chowk. It is an architecturally expressive space in the palace. You get to witness three peacocks crafted from coloured glass and stone.
Do you know each peacock represents a season? They symbolise renewal and continuity. It is best to visit during the afternoon as mosaics shimmer with the moving sunlight. So, make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
After exploring the place, you might as well check out the top 10 restaurants in Udaipur to enjoy delicious Rajasthani dishes.
4. Zenana Mahal
In historic times, women led restrictive lives where only certain areas were open for them. Zenana Mahal was specially designed for queens, princesses and female attendants. Privacy and security were the highest priorities as women carried on with their everyday lives here.
As you enter the space, you can see narrow corridors and inward-facing rooms. Do you know that intricately carved jharokhas allow women to watch the royal processions? It showcases excellent craftsmanship despite architectural restrictions. The place literally talks about emotion, comfort and security altogether.
5. Sheesh Mahal
Are you ready to witness one of the fascinating spaces in the City Palace? Yes, it is the awe-inspiring Sheesh Mahal. Known as the Palace of Mirrors, it is adorned with thousands of tiny mirror pieces.
Beautifully embedded into the walls and ceilings, you can see a jewel-like effect. Even though it is enclosed, the space feels expansive. It shows you how optical design can alter perception.
In earlier times, the mahal was illuminated by oil lamps or candles. Even a single flame reflected endlessly across the mirrored surfaces. It created a magical atmosphere admired by the royals. Walking through the mahal is indeed one of the best things to do in Udaipur.
6. Krishna Vilas
Ancient times always appreciated art and craftsmanship. Royal families loved artistic paintings and artefacts. That’s exactly what Krishna Vilas is all about. It is primarily dedicated to its rich collection of Mewar miniature paintings. Unlike grand audience halls, this was designed as a refined space for art and royal culture.
As you walk through the space, you get to notice paintings depicting scenes from royal life. The beautiful paintings showcase processions, festivals, hunting expeditions and courtly gatherings. Some of them are popular portraits of Mewar rulers. While you see them as decorative elements, they actually showcase the life at City Palace over centuries.
7. Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal is here to impress you like never before. Being one of the best places to visit in Udaipur, this hall is popularly known as the Pearl Palace. Unlike the more private chambers of the palace, Moti Mahal served a formal purpose. The grandeur of this mahal is certain to surprise you!
Do not forget to notice the high ceilings, expansive hall layout and elegant white interiors. The usage of white gives it a luminous appearance. You can see large windows and arched openings for ventilation. Despite the desert heat, the hall remained cool during summers. It is ideal to book pocket-friendly hotels in Udaipur to explore the place easily.
8. Galleries
The City Palace is home to multiple mahals and gates within its premises. However, it also has some of the best galleries to witness art and culture. If you are interested in seeing miniature paintings, head to the Painting and Bhagwat Prakash Gallery. Next, you can witness rare ceremonial silver artefacts at the Silver Gallery.
For someone who loves royal attire and fabrics, the Textile and Costume Gallery is the place to be. What’s more? It also has a Sculpture Gallery housing ancient idols and temple fragments. Do not miss the Palanquin Gallery exhibiting ornate royal carriers. Lastly, the Armoury and Pratap Gallery highlight Mewar’s warrior traditions.
The Light and Sound Show
The City Palace in Udaipur keeps surprising you. As the sun sets, the light and sound show begins here. Also known as Yash Ki Dharohar, the memorable evening experience showcases the rich history of the Mewar dynasty. Held at Manak Chowk, you can see dramatic lighting and sound effects.
The engaging narration brings to you stories of sacrifice and royal pride. Interestingly, the show is available in Hindi and English, making it perfect for all travellers. The illuminated palace walls truly make it one of the wonderful places to visit in Udaipur at night. You can easily book budget hotels in Jaipur or Udaipur for a great stay.
Essential Details for City Palace Udaipur
- Entry Fee: INR 50 Per Person (May vary)
- Museum Fee: INR 400 (May vary)
- Location: City, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
- Timings: 9 Am to 9 Pm for City Palace | 9 Am to 5 Pm for Government Museum
How to Reach City Palace, Udaipur?
By Air
The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (Dabok). It is located about 22.8 kilometres from the City Palace. The airport is well connected to major Indian cities, including Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a cab to reach the palace. You can also book budget hotels in Jaipur if you plan on a circuit tour.
By Rail
Planning to travel via railway? If yes, Udaipur Railway Station is just 2.7 kilometres from the City Palace. It is well-connected to nearby cities. You can further opt for auto-rickshaws, taxis and cabs to reach the palace.
By Road
Udaipur is well-connected to major cities in Rajasthan. You can find regular buses and taxis to reach the City Palace. For a more comfortable ride, you can opt for private vehicles too.
If you are planning a journey, check the best time to visit Udaipur for an amazing time with your loved ones.
Things To Know Before Visiting City Palace Udaipur
- Reach before the opening time to avoid long queues.
- You can capture the best pictures from the jharokhas during early mornings.
- Allocate at least 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the grand structure.
- Wear comfortable footwear, as you need to talk quite a lot.
- The palace may not accept digital payments, so carry cash for the entry fee.
- Being a place of heritage, it is advisable to opt for modest clothing.
- Do not rush through the route if you truly want to admire the beauty of each section.
- Hire a local guide to better understand the history of the Mewar rulers.
- Be aware of different charges for special sections, parking and cameras.
- Use the Badi Pol entrance for a smoother start. It is less chaotic than smaller access points.
- Restroom facilities are limited and far inside the palace. Make sure to use the ones at the entrance.
- If you plan a boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, try early morning, as tickets sell out later in the evening.
- Photography restrictions apply in certain sections. Make sure to watch for signboards.
Get Ready for a Royal Walk Through City Palace
As you walk through the palaces turned mesmerising museums, you also dive deep into the legacy of Mewar. With a well-planned vacation, you can explore the palace along with beautiful attractions nearby.
With stunning lake views and living history all around, the City Palace offers an experience that stays with you long after you leave. So get ready to explore, soak in the grandeur and step into the royal world of Udaipur.
