City Palace, Udaipur
The City Palace of Udaipur stands as the most iconic landmark of the city, a magnificent complex majestically perched on a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. Its construction began in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II and was continually expanded over nearly 400 years by successive Maharanas of the Mewar d ynasty, resulting in an extraordinary fusion of architectural styles. This vast palace complex is often described as a city within a city, spreading over a large area and comprising 11 small, interconnected palaces. It is one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan. The palace's construction was initiated when Maharana Udai Singh II shifted his capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur, following the advice of a hermit he met at this very spot. The palace complex served as the main seat of the Mewar royalty, from where they ruled and administered their kingdom. The entire structure is a seamless, homogeneous blend despite the centuries of construction. Within its walls, you'll find numerous courtyards, pavilions, terraces, hanging gardens, and grand halls like the Durbar Hall and Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard). It houses a museum, which displays a fascinating collection of artefacts, arms, royal photographs, and objects belonging to the Mewar rulers, offering a deep insight into their opulent lifestyle and the region's rich history. The elevated position of the palace offers stunning panoramic views of the city, especially of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace (Jag Niwas), Jag Mandir, and the surrounding Aravalli hills, making it a photographer's paradise and a historical treasure.
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General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 Hours (Excluding the Light and Sound Show)Place Type:
Palace, Museum, Heritage SiteEntry Fees:
Entry Ticket and Museum Fees: The City Palace has a multi-tiered fee structure. There is a nominal entry fee for the main complex, typically around Rs.30 for Indian adults and Rs.300 for foreign tourists. However, the ticket to enter the City Palace Museum (part of the comple...Entry Ticket and Museum Fees: The City Palace has a multi-tiered fee structure. There is a nominal entry fee for the main complex, typically around Rs.30 for Indian adults and Rs.300 for foreign tourists. However, the ticket to enter the City Palace Museum (part of the complex) is separate and significantly higher, usually around Rs.400 for Indian adults and up to Rs.600 for foreigners. It is essential to purchase the museum ticket to access the majority of the historical and architectural highlights inside the palace, such as the famous courtyards and halls.
Camera and Videography Charges: There is an additional fee for carrying a still camera, generally around Rs.200. For video cameras, the fee is typically higher, often around Rs.500. These charges are mandatory to use your camera inside the palace and museum areas. Tourists must pay these fees to photograph the interiors and the panoramic views.
Additional Attractions and Services: Separate tickets may be required for specific attractions within the larger complex, such as the Fatehprakash Palace Crystal Gallery (often costing around Rs.700 for Indian adults and Rs.1200 for foreigners) and the Mewar Sound and Light Show. The show fee is usually around Rs.300 for a regular seat and higher for premium seating. The Boat Ride on Lake Pichola from Bansi Ghat also has a separate charge, usually starting from Rs.400 to Rs.800 per person for a sunset ride. It's advisable to check the latest fee structure at the entrance or online as prices can change, but budget for the museum, camera, and the boat ride for a complete experience.Timing:
Regular Timings: The City Palace Museum is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the week, including all public holidays. The ticket counter usually closes about 30 minutes before the official closing time. The general complex and external areas are accessib...Regular Timings: The City Palace Museum is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the week, including all public holidays. The ticket counter usually closes about 30 minutes before the official closing time. The general complex and external areas are accessible during these hours. The Crystal Gallery and other separately-ticketed attractions within the complex may have slightly different closing times, sometimes closing a bit earlier, so it is best to check on arrival.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit the City Palace is either right when it opens at 9:30 AM or in the late afternoon, around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Morning Visit: Visiting early helps you avoid the mid-day rush and the intense heat, especially during summer months (April to June). The light is also soft and excellent for photography in the main courtyards.
Late Afternoon Visit: A late afternoon visit allows you to experience the palace during the beautiful golden hour. You can then stay to witness the stunning sunset views over Lake Pichola from the palace terraces, and later attend the evening Sound and Light Show, completing the whole experience in one go.
Best Time to Visit Seasonally: The peak season for visiting is the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. During this period, the palace and its views can be enjoyed throughout the day, though the early morning remains best for avoiding crowds. Visiting in the rainy season (July to September) offers a lush green landscape and a cool atmosphere, but there might be brief heavy showers.Special Events:
Annual Holi and Gangaur Festivals: The City Palace complex is the centre for traditional royal celebrations, most notably during the festivals of Holi (in March) and Gangaur (in March/April). The festival of Holi includes a grand royal procession from the palace to the Man...Annual Holi and Gangaur Festivals: The City Palace complex is the centre for traditional royal celebrations, most notably during the festivals of Holi (in March) and Gangaur (in March/April). The festival of Holi includes a grand royal procession from the palace to the Manek Chowk grounds, where the Mewar Holika Dahan (bonfire lighting) takes place, attended by the current custodian of the Mewar dynasty. The atmosphere is vibrant with traditional rituals, folk dances, and music. The Gangaur festival, dedicated to Goddess Gauri, is celebrated with a magnificent royal procession starting from the City Palace (Tripolia Gate) to the Gangaur Ghat on Lake Pichola. The colourful procession, featuring decorated elephants, camels, horses, and folk artists, offers a unique glimpse into the continued royal traditions of Mewar. These events are deeply rooted in the palace's history and are a spectacle of cultural heritage.Best Photo Spots:
The Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard): This is arguably the most famous and essential photo spot. The courtyard is adorned with three stunning peacock-shaped glass mosaics, depicting the seasons of summer, winter, and monsoon. The vibrant blues and greens of the mosaics, comb...The Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard): This is arguably the most famous and essential photo spot. The courtyard is adorned with three stunning peacock-shaped glass mosaics, depicting the seasons of summer, winter, and monsoon. The vibrant blues and greens of the mosaics, combined with the white marble background, create a spectacular and colourful frame. ItRs.s best to photograph this spot early in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
Panoramic View from Amar Vilas: The elevated garden of Amar Vilas, the uppermost courtyard of the palace, provides the perfect vantage point for capturing the quintessential Udaipur landscape. From here, you can photograph the majestic Lake Pichola with the Lake Palace seemingly floating in the centre, the Jag Mandir island, and the vast expanse of the city and Aravalli hills. Late afternoon and sunset are ideal times for dramatic, warm-toned shots.
Badi Pol and Tripolia Pol Entrance Gates: The towering Badi Pol and the triple-arched Tripolia Pol make for impressive architectural photographs. The sheer scale of the gates, often framed by the colourful shops and bustling activity outside, offers a sense of arrival. Capture the intricate stone carvings and the large wooden doors to convey the historical grandeur. Stand slightly away to capture the entire height and breadth of the gates.
The Palace FaRs.ade from Lake Pichola: To capture the entire magnificence and scale of the City Palace, the best photo opportunity is from a boat on Lake Pichola or from one of the ghats like Gangaur Ghat or Ambrai Ghat. The palace rising from the eastern bank of the lake, particularly when it's illuminated at night, offers a truly majestic sight. This perspective allows you to frame the palace with the water and the reflection.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Explore the City Palace Museum: The primary activity is a thorough exploration of the palace complex, now largely converted into a museum managed by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF). Visitors can walk through a series of interconnected palaces, including Zenana Mahal (LadiesRs. Chambers), Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace), Bhim Vilas, and Krishna Vilas. The museum's collection features royal vestments, weaponry, miniature paintings, and historical documents. Spend time understanding the royal lineage and the purpose of different courtyards and terraces.
Admire the Architecture and Artistry: Dedicate time to appreciating the intricate detailing of the architecture. Look closely at the delicate mirror work in the Sheesh Mahal, the glass mosaics of the three peacocks in the Mor Chowk, and the colourful frescoes and mu...
Information
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Why Famous:
Historical Significance: The City Palace is famous as the historical seat of the Mewar kingdom, where 22 generations of the Sisodia Rajput dynasty lived and ruled from 1559 until 1949. Its construction marked the establishment of Udaipur as the new capital, signifying a ma...Historical Significance: The City Palace is famous as the historical seat of the Mewar kingdom, where 22 generations of the Sisodia Rajput dynasty lived and ruled from 1559 until 1949. Its construction marked the establishment of Udaipur as the new capital, signifying a major turning point in the history of the Mewar state after the fall of Chittorgarh. The palace complex witnessed centuries of Mewar's political history, including periods of resilience against the Mughals.
Architectural Grandeur: It is renowned for being the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, exhibiting a grand scale and a unique, harmonious blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Its elevated position offers a dramatic silhouette against the sky, and its courtyards, halls (Durbar Hall), and specific features like the Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) with its beautiful mosaics, are celebrated architectural marvels that attract scholars and tourists alike.
Stunning Panoramic Views: The palace's location atop a hill on the bank of Lake Pichola provides unparalleled, breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors flock here to capture the majestic sight of the lake, the Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace) seemingly floating on the water, the Jag Mandir island, and the entire city skyline, especially during sunrise and sunset. -
Architecture:
Rajput and Mughal Fusion: The architecture of the City Palace is a splendid and unique example of the Mewar architectural style, which is a harmonious blend of Rajasthani Rajput and Mughal influences. The Rajput elements are visible in the fortified construction, the use o...Rajput and Mughal Fusion: The architecture of the City Palace is a splendid and unique example of the Mewar architectural style, which is a harmonious blend of Rajasthani Rajput and Mughal influences. The Rajput elements are visible in the fortified construction, the use of local materials, and the traditional 'chatri' (domed pavilions) atop the structures. The Mughal influence, stemming from peaceful coexistence and occasional alliances, is evident in the ornate balconies, cusped arches, and some garden designs, particularly the Amar Vilas elevated garden. This fusion reflects the evolving cultural landscape of the Mewar kingdom over the centuries.
Distinctive Features and Dimension: The City Palace is built on a high hill, giving it a commanding view. The main facade stretches over 300 meters in length and is approximately 30 meters high above the lake's level. The complex is approached through a series of grand gates, starting with the Badi Pol (Great Gate, built around 1600), leading to the Tripolia Pol (Triple Arch Gate, built in 1725), which has three arches, used for the Maharana's entry. The inner palaces, such as the Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), and Badi Mahal (Great Palace or Garden Palace), showcase intricate mirror-work, glass inlay, coloured tiles, and detailed frescoes. Badi Mahal is notable as it's situated on a 27-meter high natural rock formation, making its ground floor appear to be at the level of the surrounding buildings' fourth floors. The Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) is famed for its exquisite mosaics of three magnificent peacocks, each depicting the three seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon. The overall structure is constructed primarily of marble and granite. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), located approximately 24 to 25 KMS northeast of Udaipur's city centre and the City Palace. The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Jaipur by domestic airlines. Fr... -
Near Tourist Places:
Other Places Distance (in KMS) from City Palace Jagdish Temple 0. 2 Lake Pichola (Gangaur Ghat / Bansi Ghat) 0. 3 Bagore Ki Haveli Museum 0. 4 Jag Mandir Palace (via boat) ~1. 5 (on Lake Pichola) Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace) ~1. 0 (on Lake Pichola) Ambrai Ghat 1. 0 Doodh Talai Lake and Ropeway 1. 5 Maharana Pratap Memorial (Moti Magri) 4. 5 Fateh Sagar Lake 5. 0 Saheliyon Ki Bari 5. 5
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:
Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle and drink water frequently, especially if visiting between April and October.
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear a hat or cap, and sunglasses,...
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