City Palace Udaipur, Udaipur

City Palace Udaipur

The City Palace in Udaipur, which was constructed on the shores of Lake Pichola, is regarded as the biggest regal compound in Rajasthan. Maharana Uday Singh constructed the splendid palace in 1559, and it functioned as the primary administrative hub from which the Maharanas ruled the realm. His successors added a number of buildings to the castle, making it even more magnificent. Various Mahals, patios, pavilions, passageways, balconies, chambers, and hanging gardens can be found throughout the palace today. There is a museum nearby that displays some of the best examples of Rajput art and culture, including vibrant paintings and the traditional Rajasthani palace building.

The granite and marble structure of the City Palace, nestled in the heart of the Aravallis, stands in stark juxtaposition to its bucolic natural settings. The royal palace's elaborate architecture, which is adorned with numerous domes, arches, and turrets, is a subtle fusion of medieval, European, as well as Chinese elements. The City Palace itself is quite an intimidating structure and is situated in a sea of luxuriant greenery. A number of movies, including "Guide" and "Octopussy," have been filmed here because of this attraction's royal splendor. This palace is a beautiful journey through history. It is a delicate blend of building brilliance and rich legacy.

Design of the City Palace

With a height of approximately 244 meters and a breadth of 30.4 meters, the City Palace's main facade is a rather impressive site. Due to numerous modifications made to it over the years, this castle has the distinctive quality of being homogeneous in the design and construction of its numerous structures. The palace's interiors, which are lavishly adorned with detailed mirror work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work, and colored glass, was constructed from granite and marble. The complex's elegant balconies, towering turrets, and cupolas add yet another dimension. The terrace of the house offers a charming perspective of the city. 

The City Palace's interior is a maze of lengthy passageways that are built to deter foes from sneaking up on you. The compound has an elephant gate, or Hati Pol, at the entryway. At the entryway to the spectacular castle is a stunning Jagdish temple. A Bari Pol, also known as the large gate, follows it, leading to the courtyard, which in turn goes to Tripoli, also known as the triple gate. The city hall is home to a number of opulent flats with views of the entire city. Maharana Uday Singh constructed the Raj Angan, also known as the regal courtyard, which is the oldest portion of the compound. Currently, the Mahals are being used as institutions. There are 11 beautiful buildings in the City Palace, and the majority of them now exhibits. At the palace's greatest point, Amar Vilas can be found near a turret and hanging gardens with waterfalls.

How to reach?

• Numerous autos, taxis, tongas, and city buses travel from different areas of the city to the palace complex because it is a well-liked tourism destination.
• You can also purchase ferry trips from City Palace to Jagmandir for Rs. 400 per individual.
• In order to tour City Palace and other local locations, you can also reserve a private taxi through one of Udaipur's top car hire businesses.

Entry Fees and City Palace Hours

• Adults must pay Rs. 30 to enter the City Palace, while minors must pay Rs. 15 to enter
• For a still camera, you must pay Rs. 200, and for a video camera, you must pay Rs. 500.
• The hours are 9:30 am in the morning until 5:30 pm at night. 

Times and Entry Fees for the City Palace Museum

Best Time to Visit

It is best to tour the City Palace in the morning and evening to escape the crowds and the oppressive weather.
The winter season, which lasts from October to March, is thought to be the ideal time to explore City Palace because the weather is so pleasant then.
It's quieter and less congested in the morning and the evening. To explore City Palace, it is best to do so during the winter months of October to March.

Lodging close to City Palace 

Hotels Ishwar Palace, Udaigarh, Chandra Prakash, Raj Palace, and Fateh Prakash Palace all offer pleasant lodging. The Oberoi Udaivilas or Taj Lake Palace are two additional hotels where you can reward yourself to a luxurious stay.

Points to remember

• Allowed locations can be photographed in. The cost of photos is 200 INR, and the cost of videography is 500 INR.
• It's wise to bring drink, sunblock, and eyeglasses here.
• Exercise caution when near the museum's artefacts. 
• During the busy season and lengthy weekends, it can become extremely congested.