Exploring Udaipur's Majestic City Palace: A Comprehensive Guide on Our Site
Revamped Narrative:
Step into the dazzling world of Udaipur's City Palace, the grandest royal abode in Rajasthan that stretches half a kilometer along Lake Pichola's shoreline. With its impressive array of turrets, terraces, and domes, this creamy white palace reigns supreme over the eastern bank of the lake.
The City Palace, a testament to the Mewar Kingdom's regal history, was constructed by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 16th century. It boasts a rich collection of murals, mirrored mosaics, and carved marble that fill its courtyards and palaces. Even by India's lavish standards, the Mewar rulers' treasures are truly a spectacle to behold. Mark your calendar for a visit to Udaipur's City Palace with this quick guide.
Udaipur's City Palace – A Historical Overview
The House of Mewar, ruling clan of Udaipur, traces its roots to the 7th century. The maharanas, or princely rulers, were instrumental in thwarting the expansion of the Mughal empire, and they are also credited with building most of Udaipur's monuments.
Maharana Udai Singh II founded the City Palace in the 16th century, and it has been expanded and remodeled several times over the subsequent centuries. Udaipur rose to prominence as Mewar's power center after the conquest of Chittorgarh in 1568. Maharana Pratap, a legendary figure, famously resisted Akbar's vast armies at Haldighati in 1576, although peace was eventually reached between the Mewars and Mughals in 1615.
The Sisodia family, whose reign spanned from the 14th to the modern era, is synonymous with Mewar. Currently, the head of the House of Mewar, Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, is a successful tourism entrepreneur and boasts seven Guinness World Records for his charitable, social, and environmental endeavors.
When to Visit Udaipur's City Palace
To have a smooth and unrushed experience, aim to enter the palace early, as soon as it opens at 9am, when the crowds are lighter. The palace remains bustling until it closes at 5:30pm.
The best time to explore Udaipur's City Palace is typically after the monsoon season, from October to November, when the skies are clear, and the weather is pleasant. Temperatures stay relatively dry until March, but cooler mornings and evenings can be expected from December to February. Avoid visiting Rajasthan in April and May, as temperatures can easily surpass 91°F (33°C).
How Much Time to Spend
To thoroughly explore the City Palace, set aside at least half a day, or a full day if you plan to visit associated attractions such as the Crystal Gallery and Vintage & Classic Car Collection, and take a boat trip to Jagmandir Island.
The palace lies within easy walking distance of Lake Pichola, making it accessible even without a taxi or autorickshaw. Keep in mind that taxis are generally prohibited from entering the historic center of Udaipur during the day, and autorickshaws may struggle navigating certain streets.
Exploring the City Palace
Navigating the City Palace's interconnected courtyards and palaces is straightforward as visitors follow a linear route through the complex. Official guides can be arranged at the palace's ticket booths for a more enlightening tour, or you can opt for an audio guide in Hindi, English, French, German, or Spanish for an additional fee of $2.35 (₹200).
Ticket Information and Costs
Purchasing tickets directly at the Badi Pol or Sheetla Mata gates is simple. Entry costs $4.70 (₹400) for adults and $1.75 (₹150) for children, and entry is free for children under 5 and people with disabilities. There are additional fees for visiting the Crystal Gallery, Crystal Gallery's Durbar Hall, Vintage & Classic Car Collection, and the Government Museum.
Dining at the City Palace
Several of Udaipur's top restaurants are nearby in the Lal Ghat area, or across Lake Pichola at Hanuman Ghat. However, the palace's vast size may entice you to spend the entire day within its walls. Filling set meals of dhal bhatti churma—traditional Rajasthani wheat rolls with lentil curry—can be found at the museum restaurant in the Zenana Mahal, and at higher prices at the museum restaurant in Manek Chowk. For a more upscale dining experience, enjoy spectacular Indian cuisine with lake views at Sunset Terrace, the restaurant at the Taj Fateh Prakash Palace hotel.
Must-See Attractions
Manek Chowk
Regardless of the entrance gate you choose, you'll find yourself in Manek Chowk, once the venue for royal elephant fights. Don't miss the eight arches just outside the Tripolia Gate, commemorating the eight times the maharanas were weighed and the treasure given to the people. In the evenings, Manek Chowk comes alive with a mesmerizing sound-and-light show, so check local timings as performances may occasionally be paused. During the Hindu festival of Holi, the courtyard hosts a massive ceremonial bonfire and processions attended by the Mewar royal family.
City Palace Museum
The heart of the palace is encompassed by the City Palace Museum, entered through the Darikhana ki Pol gate. You'll notice the sun-topped royal crest of Mewar upon passing through the gate.
The Armory
Turn right as you enter the museum to discover the stunning armory brimming with guards trying to impose order amid the swelling crowds. From chain mail trousers to swords, battleaxes, warhammers, flintlock rifles, spears, shields, and katar punch daggers, nearly all are lavishly adorned and inscribed. Look for the crescent-shaped arrows, designed to maximize injuries—a brutal tool in the medieval Rajput arsenal.
Ganesh Chowk & Government Museum
As you move past the armory, enter Ganesh Chowk, often overlooked by visitors. The Government Museum, accessible on a separate ticket, lies beyond the Ganesh Chowk gate. The museum's dusty collection includes ivory models, carved temple deities, moth-eaten taxidermy, miniature paintings from the Mewar School, rajas from regal portraits, and a display of turbans, including one worn by Shah Jahan, creator of the Taj Mahal.
Zenana Mahal
The southern end of the City Palace Museum houses the 17th-century Zenana Mahal, the royal ladies' quarters. Spend some time exploring the relevant exhibits on life in the women's quarters, the collection of ornately decorated musical instruments, and the Picturing Place exhibition, which delves into Udaipur's long history using paintings and old maps.
Jagmandir Island
Before leaving the palace grounds, make your way to Rameshwar Ghat on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, from where boats depart regularly for Jagmandir Island. The palm-fringed isle boasts an elegant palace constructed by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620. Today, the island offers a luxurious hotel with dining, bar, and spa options, as well as welcoming day-trippers to stroll the gardens. It serves as a more affordable alternative to an overnight stay at the famous Taj Lake Palace hotel, perched on another private island at the north end of Lake Pichola.
Vintage & Classic Car Collection
Before departing the city palace, make a final detour to the Garden Hotel on Lake Palace Rd, a 10-minute walk east from the City Palace's southern gate. Here you'll find the private Vintage & Classic Car Collection of the Mewar royal family, which is sure to thrill auto enthusiasts.
This collection includes iconic vehicles like the beautiful 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II used in the Bond film Octopussy and the Cadillac convertible that transported Queen Elizabeth II to the airport during her 1961 royal visit. The royal garage even sports its own petrol station with vintage fuel pumps.
City Palace Accessibility
The City Palace offers limited accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, and there are special displays designed for neurodivergent individuals. Wheelchairs are available for visitors, toilets with accessibility features are provided, and an elevator inside the Toran Pol gate leads to the first floor of the Mardana Mahal (within the City Palace Museum). However, some areas of the palace can only be reached via stairs or staircases.
- The grandiose City Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is a must-visit, showcasing a remarkable fusion of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and food-and-drink, alongside intriguing displays related to home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, shopping, and more.
- A revamped narrative of the City Palace unveils its rich history, stretching back to the 7th century, with the Mewar rulers playing a crucial role in shaping the region.
- Throughout the courtyards and palaces, visitors can marvel at an impressive collection of murals, mirrored mosaics, and carved marble, crafted by skilled artisans.
- To fully appreciate the City Palace's grandeur, plan your visit early in the day, around 9am, when crowds are lighter, allowing for a more comfortable and enlightening experience.
- For those interested, guided tours are available at the palace ticket booths, offering a deeper understanding of the palace's stories, art, and architecture.
- During your exploration, be sure to check out the City Palace Museum, the Armory, Ganesh Chowk & Government Museum, Zenana Mahal, and the unique Vintage & Classic Car Collection.
- Upon leaving the palace, don't forget to visit Jagmandir Island, offering a tranquil escape amidst lush gardens, and the private Vintage & Classic Car Collection, a treat for automobile enthusiasts.
