City Palace
Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Phone : 0294 241 9021
City Palace Udaipur, is a palace complex in Udaipur. It was built over a period of nearly 400 years being contributed by several kings of the dynasty, starting by the Maharana Udai Singh II as the capital of the Sisodia Rajput Clan in 1559, after he moved from Chittor. City Palace Udaipur is located on the east bank of the Lake Pichola and has several palaces built within its complex. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in the Rajputana Agency and its last capital.
The City Palace Udaipur was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, and was built on a hill top that gives a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding, including several historic monuments such as the Lake Palace in Lake Pichola, the Jag Mandir on another island in the lake, the Jagdish Temple close to the palace, the Monsoon Palace on top of an overlooking hillock nearby and the Neemach Mata temple. These structures are linked to the filming of the James Bond movie Octopussy, which features the Lake Palace and the Monsoon Palace. The subsequent publicity has resulted in the epithet of Udaipur as “Venice of the East”. In 2009, Udaipur was rated the top city in the World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure.
Architecture
The series of palaces in the City Palace Udaipur complex, behind an exquisite facade of 244 metres (801 ft) length and 30.4 metres (100 ft) height, were built on a ridge on the east of lake Pichola. The complex is located in Udaipur city at an average elevation of 598 metres (1,962 ft). They were built over a long period, from 1559 onwards, by 76 generations of Sisodia Rajputs .Several Maharanas starting with Udai Singh II, have contributed to this edifice, which comprises an agglomeration of structures, including 11 small separate palaces. The unique aspect of this conglomeration is that the architectural design is distinctly homogeneous . The City Palace Udaipur complex has been built entirely in granite and marble. The interiors of the palace complex with its balconies, towers and cupolas exhibit delicate mirror-work, marble-work, murals, wall paintings, silver-work, inlay-work and leftover of colored glass. The complex provides a view of the lake and the Udaipur city from its upper terraces.
The palaces within the complex are interlinked through a number of chowks or quadrangles with zigzag corridors, planned in this fashion to avoid surprise attacks by enemies. Erected in the complex, after entering through the main Tripolia (triple) gate, are the Suraj Gokhda (public address facade), the Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), the Dilkhush Mahal (heart’s delight), the Surya Chopar, the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors), the Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), the Krishna Vilas (named after Lord Krishna), Shambu Niwas (royal residence now), the Bhim Vilas, the Amar Vilas (with a raised garden) that faces the Badi Mahal (the big palace), the Fateprakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace; the last two have been converted into heritage hotels. The complex is set with facilities of a post office, bank, travel agency, numerous craft shops and also an Indian boutique belonging to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) . The entire complex is the property of the Mewar royal family with various trusts maintaining the structures.
Source : Wikipedia
There is a gallery reflecting the rich saga of Rana Pratap Singh. The gallery displays the war ornaments used by Rana Pratap and his horse Chetak. The 25 Kg weight sword used by Rana Pratap Singh is displayed here. Rana Pratap use to carry two swords with him always. Before any fight he uses to offer one sword to his opponent if he is not armed. His horse ornaments include one artificial elephant trunk used to confuse opponent elephants as baby elephants as elephants don’t attack baby elephants.
One big picture of Rana Pratap vertically killing a Mogul soldier along with his horse into two pieces in one stroke of his sword is displayed inside this gallery. Pigeon cages are kept in a hall, pigeons are used to send messages in those days. Narrow walkways and entrance to rooms and steps were constructed even though the Marana families were tall in height to prevent rush of enemies or attackers suddenly inside the palace. Another reason was all has to enter to Kings Area with head down.
Maharana Karan Singh had added fine peacocks constructed in relief mosaic. These peacocks are kept inside glass windows for the tourist to watch the colorful design. This place is known as Mor Cowk.
Zenana Mahal women’s quarter was constructed for women. There are beautiful antique furniture displayed inside the halls. Kerosene operated table fan is kept in the main meeting place for the women.
Pictures of king hunting and their royal living styles are displayed in different paintings.
Maharana Karan Singh constructed a portion of the palace known as Dil Khushal with mirror glass designs and miniature paintings fitted all along the walls and roofs.
Maharanas of Mewar are Surya Vanshi or decedents of Sun god. So they daily pray the sun god. One big sun god status made of Gold is available inside the palace and the kings use to perform puja here on the cloudy days when sun god is not visible. Outside the Palace there is another status of Sun God for general public to offer other pujas.
There is a beautiful courtyard with decorative structures for light fittings is available for booking to organize functions.
View of Lake Pichola and Lake Palace is available from the palace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8F1A60Qq8U
Aerial View
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D51nr5Jy8E
Reviews
Visiting hours : 9.30AM to 05.30PM all days of the week
Entry Fee : Rs.250/- for Indians and Rs.500/- for foreign tourists.
For Palace museum : Rs. 50/- for adults.
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