City Palace, Udaipur

City Palace, Udaipur Overview

Constructed by Lake Pichola, Udaipur’s City Palace stands as the biggest royal structure in Rajasthan. Built by Maharana Uday Singh in 1559, the majestic palace functioned as the primary seat of authority, housing the Maharanas and providing them with a place to live and govern the realm. His successors then added several more buildings to the palace, making it even more magnificent. There are currently several different Mahals, courtyards, pavilions, hallways, terraces, chambers, and hanging gardens within the palace. Additionally, there is a museum here that features some of the best examples of Rajput art and culture, ranging from vibrant paintings to the characteristic Rajasthani palace architecture.

The granite and marble structure of the City Palace contrasts with its bucolic natural surroundings, nestled in the heart of the Aravallis. The regal palace’s exquisite design is adorned with a multitude of domes, arches, and towers and is a subtle blend of Chinese, European, and medieval architectural styles. Situated atop an abundance of verdant gardens, the City Palace presents an impressive visual spectacle. The film industry is also particularly fond of this attraction’s regal splendor; numerous films, including “Guide” and “Octopussy,” have been filmed here. The City Palace of Udaipur is a delightful journey through time, combining architectural brilliance with a wealth of legacy.

See: Places to Visit in Udaipur

History of City Palace Udaipur

The history of the palace is linked to that of the Mewar kingdom, which peaked close to Nagda’s domain. Guhil founded the kingdom and established the Maharana hegemony in 568 AD. His successor, Maharana Uday Singh II, subsequently inherited the Mewar kingdom in Chittor in 1537, but he was forced to relocate the capital to an area close to Lake Pichola due to the danger of losing the country to the Mughals. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and the formidable Aravalli Hills, the newly established city of Udaipur was safe from foreign invasions and proceeded to construct the palace based on a hermit’s instructions.

The “Rai Angan” was the first building to be erected here. From then on, work on the complex was undertaken with great vigor and eventually finished in 1559. However, throughout the course of 400 years, numerous modifications were made to the structure that was in place at the time. Here, a few buildings were erected by emperors like Udai Singh II, including eleven tiny, independent palaces. After the Maharaja passed away, his son Maharana Pratap took over, but at the Battle of Haldighati, Akbar ultimately triumphed over him. The Mughals conquered Udaipur, but following Akbar’s demise, Maharana Pratap’s son regained control of the city.

Maharana Bhim Singh was compelled to accept British protection by signing a pact with them as a result of the Marathas’ growing transgressions. They ruled the palace until 1947, when India gained its independence, and until 1949, when the Mewar Kingdom was absorbed into democratic India.

Best Time To Visit City Palace 

The early and late hours are less crowded and colder. Visits to City Palace are best made during the winter, which runs from October to March.

How To Reach City Palace, Udaipur 

Popular tourist destinations like the City Palace are well-served by a fleet of unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, and city buses. There is also a 400 INR per person ferry journey offered from City Palace to Jagmandir.

Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM (last entry 4.30 PM)

Boating Timings: 10 AM to 2 PM in winter and 10 AM to 3 PM in summer

Light & Sound Show Timings: 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM (Sept – March) and 8 PM to 9 PM (May -August)

Entry Fee for Palace: Rs.30 for Adults, Rs. 15 for Child

Entry Fee for Museum: Rs.250 for Adults, Rs. 100 for Children and Rs. 250 for Camera

Boat Ride: Rs.400 for Adult, Rs. 200 for Child

Hathnal Ki Chandani: Rs. 200 for Adult, Rs. 150 for Child (May -August) and Rs. 500 for Adult, Rs. 200 for Child (Sept – March)

Manak Chowk: Rs. 150 for Adult, Rs. 100 for Child (May -August) and Rs. 200 for Adult, Rs. 100 for Child (Sept – March)

Distance (From Udaipur City Railway Station): 3 Kms