City Palace – City Palace is a palace complex in the Indian state of Rajasthan, in the city of Udaipur. It was constructed with contributions from several Mewar dynasty rulers over nearly 400 years. Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput family started building it in 1553 when he moved his capital from Chittor to the new city of Udaipur. Several palaces have been constructed within the complex of the palace, which is situated on the east bank of Lake Pichola.
The City Palace in Udaipur is regard as the largest of its kind in the state of Rajasthan. It was constructed in a flamboyant style. It was constructed on top of a hill in a style that combined Rajasthani and Rajput architecture. From there, it has a great view of the city and its surroundings. The Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, and Neemach Mata temple are just a short walk away from the palace complex, which has a view of Lake Pichola. These landmarks, which are situated within the Aravali mountain range, are frequently associated in popular culture with the production of the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy.
City Palace
The City Palace, the second-largest palace in India and the tallest in the City of Lakes, Udaipur, took nearly three centuries to complete. One of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations is this stunning work of architecture. It tells the story of the Mewar kingdom’s brave warriors and the generations that helped build it, each adding a unique and breathtaking feature.
City Palace is known for its wonderful fusion of Chinese, European, and Medieval architecture. The Castle has different pinnacles, vaults and curves, which add to the kind of legacy site. City Palace, perched atop Pichola Lake, is truly a sight to behold. There are a wonderful number of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens in City Palace. This impressive Palace is entirely constructed of granite and marble and is surrounded by fortifications.
City Palace Details
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Today, City Royal residence stays for what it’s worth in the Old City of Udaipur close to the Jagdish Sanctuary and on the banks of Lake Pichola. In this area of the palace, the royal family continues to live. The remaining area is accessible to the public, some of it has been turned into a museum, some rooms have been put on display, and the gardens are also open to the public. Inside the palace, you’d find restaurants and shops. A light and sound show is presented each evening to educate visitors about the city’s long history, struggles, and the lives of royal families.
History of City Palace
The final capital of the Mewar Kingdom, which had seen a few capital changes, was Udaipur. Before Udai Singh II made the strategic decision to move deeper into the Aravalli mountains and establish Udaipur in the 16th century, the capital was Chittor, where the Sisodias ruled for centuries. The best spot for Udaipur was there. There were lakes nearby, forests, and mountains all over the place. In such a location, it was nearly impossible for any adversary to challenge the ruler and put themselves in danger of war.
The fact that the City Palace was not built by a single king is another fascinating fact. All things being equal, it required almost 400 years to finish and saw a few lords during its development. The city was under Mughal control after Maharana Pratap lost to Akbar, but it quickly returned to the Rajputs. The throne was then held by Amar Singh, Bhim Singh, Sajjan Singh, and other rulers until India gained its independence. Arvind Singh Mewar is the current successor, and he is in charge of most things at City Palace.
Architecture of City Palace
The palace’s structure and walls are made of marble and granite, as can be seen. It shows the beauty of Rajput, Medieval, and European architecture combined. It is built next to Lake Pichola, which is the most well-known lake in the area. Its unique interiors do not give the impression that you are on uneven ground because it is built on a mountain. The palace was fill with intricate artwork, marble designs, paintings, murals, and mirrors. Some of the most amazing sights in the city are its towers and balconies.
In order to prevent intruders or adversaries from entering the palace in large numbers, the pathways inside are small and narrow.
The most well-known spots in this area are Krishna Vilas, Shambhu Niwas, Badi Mahal, Dilkhush Mahal, Mor-Chowk, Fateh Prakash Palace, and Shiv Niwas Palace. There are also numerous antique shops and displays of handmade goods outside the entrance.
Interesting Facts About Udaipur City Palace
- Although there are a number of gates to the palace, the main entry gate is known as Bara Pol and that it is believe that the Maharajas use to be weight under the Bara Pol with gold and silver, which then was distribute amongst the local people of kingdom.
- The Udaipur City Palace complex is constructed on a hilltop, where a hermit (who was meditating on top of a hill above the Pichola Lake) met Maharaja Udai Singh and asked him to develop that it very spot as his palace’s complex.
- The Elephant fights were also organize by the kings in the City Palace complex, whose that pictures are depicte by paintings on the walls of the palace. That is also said that these elephants were fed with Opium, just before the fight use to begin.
Boat ride
You can enjoy a boat ride in Lake Pichola while you are about to reach City Palace, Udaipur. The best time to enjoy the glistening sunlight on water and witness the sunset/sunrise while that boating is from October to March. You can also enjoy your lunch/dinner at the Garden Hotel Restaurant nearby the palace.
Badi Mahal
Adorn with paintings on walls, a swimming pool and exquisite interiors, this is the part of the main palace that it you should surely not miss.
Bhim Vilas
The entire Mewar dynasty appreciate art and its various forms. Here, you would find a special exhibition of hundreds of paintings in Bhim Vilas.
Amar Vilas
In this area, there is a garden that is well-kept and well-organized. Despite being on the ground, this is a portion of the City Palace’s highest point. The palace was constructed on a hilly plateau rather than a hilly terrain, which is the reason for its stunning architecture. The Badi Mahal entrance can be found here.
Choti Chitrashala
This is a part of a small gallery where you would find the exhibition of several miniature artworks that are rare in themselves.
check:- Golconda Fort, Hyderabad History
Sheesh Mahal
Built in the 18th century, this is an integral part of the Queen’s Palace. Here, the entire section of the room is build using mirrors. This beautiful Mahal is only to view from outside the mahal, but you can look closely and appreciate the amazing architecture and design in Sheesh.
Laxmi Vilas Chowk
This region is dedicate to Mewar paintings and artists and can be easily spotted by visitors.
How to Reach?
Nearly 23 kilometers separate the City Palace in Udaipur from Maharana Pratap Airport and nearly 3 kilometers separate the railway station. All of the major cities, including Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, and others, are easily accessible from the airport. Udaipur is easily accessible from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and other cities on a road trip.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Around 1818, Udaipur became a part of a treaty with the British Government, which that helped them protect the kingdom from attackers as they undertook to safeguard that’s borders.
- City Palace, Udaipur is the second largest palace in our India, next only to Mysore Palace and the largest palace in Rajasthan and entire North India.
- This palace was actually build on a plateau of about 600 m height.
- You would find a unique kerosene-run fan in one of the rooms here this palace.
- Surprisingly, because this palace took 400 years to build, several generations have contribute to that its construction.
- Deepika and Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Goliyo ki Rasleela – Ram Leela’ along with James Bond’s ‘Octopussy’ were shot on this snap.
Nearby Attractions
- Jagdish Temple (100 m)
- Doodh Talai (200 m)
- Bagore ki Haveli (400 m)
- Gangaur Ghat (400 m)
- Jag Mandir Palace (700 m)
- Gulab Bagh (1 km)
- Vintage Car Museum (1 km)
- Ambrai Ghat (1 km)
- Hathi Pol Bazaar (1 km)
- Karni Mata Temple (2 km)
- Saheliyo ki Bari (3 km)
- Sajjan Garh Palace (8 km)
- Haldighati (40 km)
Include Udaipur on your itinerary if you intend to visit Rajasthan. In addition to being one of Rajasthan’s must-see destinations, it is also a royal city with vibrant colors, old streets, monuments, forts, havelis, and delicious cuisine. Also, while you’re here, don’t forget to visit Udaipur’s City Palace, which looks like a crown on this beautiful city.
Entry Fees In City Palace
| Particulars | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| ADULT {Inclusive of Camera} | 300.00 |
| CHILD (Age 5 to 18 years) {Inclusive of Camera} | 100.00 |
| CHILD (Age below 5 years) {Inclusive of Camera} | Free |
| STUDENTS IN GROUP {Inclusive of Camera} | 100.00 |
| Teacher with student Group | 100.00 |
| Special discount for indian defense services, Paramilitary, Police Forces with spouse and children, Seniour Citizens (above 60 years) (with valid identity card) {Inclusive of Camera} | 200.00 |
| Handicapped Person {Inclusive of Camera} | Free |
Sound and Light Show
| Particulars | Price (INRs) |
|---|---|
| The Mewar sound and Light Show | |
| Yash Ki Darohar ( Hindi) ( May to August) (8pm to 9 pm) | |
| Hathnal Ki Chandani – Adult | 300/- |
| Hathnal Ki Chandani – Child | 200/- |
| Manak Chowk – Adult | 200/- |
| Manak Chowk – Child | 150/- |
| The Legacy of Honor (English) (Sept to March) (April 7:30 to 8:30 pm) | |
| Hathnal Ki Chandani – Adult | 550/- |
| Hathnal Ki Chandani – Child | 250/- |
| Manak Chowk – Adult | 250/- |
| Manak Chowk – Child | 150/- |
check:- Nahargarh Fort Jaipur History, Timing
Best time to visit
The best month to visit this beautiful City and Palace are from September to march month. The temperature does not go beyond 28.3 degree C, and visitors can travel across the city comfortably at this time of the year.
Reviews
In addition, the Palace was a patron of the arts, business, and industry and the site of religious and cultural celebrations. It is still the residence of the Jaipur royal family and now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. City Palace is a significant Jaipur landmark and one of the most well-known tourist attractions. During his time in power, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh constructed the magnificent palace. City Palace stands out from the other forts and palaces in Jaipur because of its outstanding art and architecture. City Palace is made up of 11 beautiful palaces that were built by different rulers but still look the same.
You will be amaze at these palaces’ exquisite glass mirror and ornamental tile work, one-of-a-kind paintings, and antique furniture. Crystal and porcelain figures adorn the Ruby Palace’s Manak Mahal. However, Bhim Vilas displays a stunning collection of miniature paintings that tell the stories of Radha-Krishna from their actual lives.
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