City Palace Udaipur in Rajasthan

Udaipur in Rajasthan is known as the city of lakes. City Palace, Udaipur is one of the major attractions of the city. It is situated on the banks of Pichola Lake presenting visitors one of the finest examples of architectural legacies of the royal land of Maharajas. Considered amongst the marvellous palaces of India, its construction was started by Maharana Uday Singh in 1559 but the succeeding emperors kept on adding to it with the same style and structure.

The Wondrous Architecture

City Palace, Udaipur is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The wondrous thing about its architectural style is that it comprises of 11 palaces built by different emperors but still they resemble each other. Built completely in marble and granite, this palace is an amazing framework of Chinese, European and Medieval architecture. With a number of gates called 'Pols' like 'Hathi Pol' or Elephant Gate, 'Bara Pol' or Great Gate, 'Tripolia' or Triple Gate, the palace consists of beautifully built balconies, octagonal towers, cupolas and hanging gardens. 'Raj Aangan' or Royal Courtyard built in 1571 is the oldest oldest part of the palace. After visiting decorated rooms inside the palace one can still find admirably excellent paintings of the bygone era and mirror tiles. One of the biggest and awesome temples of India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Jagdish Temple, is also situated inside the palace.

Where 'Moti Mahal' or Pearl Palace is known for its expensive decoration, 'Manak Mahal' or Ruby Palace contains porcelain and crystal structures. At one side 'Sheesh Mahal' or Palace of Mirrors showcases its superb mirror art, on the other hand 'Dilkhush Mahal' or Palace of Joy have breathtaking wall paintings and murals. The highest point of the palace is 'Amar Vilas' which has been decorated with fountains, towers, terraces and hanging gardens.

The Museum

The major part of City Palace, Udaipur in Rajasthan comprises of Museum which has been divided into several halls and pavilions. It houses enchanting collection of antiques, artifacts, inscriptions and ancient sculptures. It is also known as Pratap Museum on the name of Maharana Pratap. One can see the armory, a big collection of weapons, swords and protective gears used during the reign of Maharana Pratap. Bugles and drums used in the period of one of the famous emperors, Rana Sanga are also on the display. Besides this antique paintings of Mewar, Rajasthani art, inscriptions and coins add to the beauty of museum.

How to get there ?

Air : The nearest airport, Debock, is at a distance of 24 km from the main city. It is connected by Air India flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Rail : Udaipur Railway Station is around 4 km from the city which is directly connected with Jaipur, Chittaur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Road : Udaipur is linked by a wide network of bus services to main cities. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various cities.

Sanjeev Verma