About City Palace Information-Udaipur

Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan. Standing on the east bank of the Lake Pichola this majestic construction is a series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the City Palace provide panoramic views of "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. The Tripola is the main entrance which was built in 1725. Suraj Gokhda is the famous window balcony used by the Maharanas to interact and motivate the public during any crisis times.

Located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola, this majestic Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. City palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh and had many additions to its structure by the subsequent Maharanas over a period of time.
City Palace displays a fine mixture of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture built in granite and marble. The city palace has unique towers, domes and arches that add to the heritage value of the attraction. The City Palace has an excellent assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The City Palace is a fortified structure covering the risk from any enemy attacks.

The City Palace is entered through Hati Pol or Elephant Gate and The Bari Pol or Big Gate leads up to Tripolia or the Triple Gate. Triple Gate is where the custom of weighing Maharaja in gold and silver was conducted. The proceeds of the event were distributed to the people. Suraj Gokhada was the balcony Maharana gave a public audience from. And many other balconies, Cupolas and windows of the City Palace provide an excellent lake view.

City palace is a clutter of palaces built by different rulers adding value to the city palace complex.

• Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace comprises of forms and figures made of crystal and porcelain.
• Bhim Vilas showcases the collection of miniature paintings covering the Royal processions, festivals of Rajasthan and games and other sporting activities of Maharanas.
• Krishna Vilas displays exceptional miniature paintings narrating the stories of Radha-Krishna.
• Moti Mahal Pearl Palace was a late addition to the city palace complex. Moti Mahal is not adorned with pearls as the name suggests instead it is enriched with thousands of tiny mirrors and looks exquisite. It is said that it got its name after the Moti Mahal; the temporary residence of Udai Singh II located on Moti Margi a hilltop where the Rana lived while the city of Udaipur was being built.
• Sheesh Mahal is the palace of mirrors with magnificent mirror work reflecting all around which leaves the visitors stunned.
• Chini Chitrashala is section of the city palace complex that is adorned with Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles.
• Dilkusha Mahal or the Palace of joy displays elegant and outstanding paintings and murals.
• Bada Mahal is a romantic garden palace mounted on 90 ft high natural rock formation within the city place complex.
• Rang Bhawan was used to hold the royal treasure and it also houses temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Lord Shiva.
• Mor Chowk is the last portion of the Palace of Kings and leads to the Zenana Mahal or Queens Palace. It is a fabulous courtyard of the City Palace complex. The courtyard is decorated by five peacocks covered with beautiful glass inlay work. Maharanas entertained special guests and held dinners in Mor Chowk. Mor Chowk was constructed by Rana Karan Singh and later value additions were made by Rana Sajjan Singh.
• Zenana Mahal is a portion of the Royal Ladies Chamber turned into museum along with other parts of the City palace. This part of the museum exhibits impelling paintings.
• Lakshmi Chowk is a beautiful white pavilion that leads into Zenana Mahal. Lakshmi Chowk is considered as the atrium or the entrance for Goddess of wealth Lakshmi and leads to the Zenana Mahal or Ladies Chamber. It has a great ambience with pretty flowers and lush green lawns laid on the walkway.

• Amar Vilas is considered as the capstone of City Palace complex.  It has magnificent hanging gardens with fountains high towers and wide terraces.  They offer the most hypnotic and captivating sights of the rest of Udaipur and Lake Pichola.