Location
Located in the heart of the city Udaipur, in the north eastern state of
Rajasthan in India.
The City Palace - Udaipur
The City Palace of Udaipur in granite and marble, stands majestically on
the hill guarded by crenellated fort walls. The majestic white City Palace
was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and
extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. The palace is the
largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands atop a hill, overlooking the
Pichola Lake.
The fortified palace of Udaipur is crowned by a wild gathering of arches,
domes, turrets, crenellations and chattris. The City Palace displays an
harmonious series of courtyards, jharokhas, chattris, terraces, corridors,
stairways, over planning pavilions and hanging gardens, creating an
astonishing whole. In contrast to its rugged exterior, the inside presents a
delicate and feminine world of beauty with lavish use of marble, mirror
work, frescoes, wall paintings, a profusion of colored glass, fluted
columns, inlay work, silver doors, fountains and gardens.
The Architecture
A blend of Medieval European and Chinese architecture can be seen at every
corner of the palace complex. The palace complex has a number of remarkable
buildings of immense beauty, gardens and fountains, well planned and finely
accomplished over the years. The palace complex is approached through the
'Hati Pol', or the 'Elephant Gate' from the main road. The Jagdish Temple
(1651A.D), dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the biggest and most beautiful temple
of Udaipur is situated here. The 'Bara Pol' the 'Great gate' (1600A.D) on
the northern end leads to the first court yard, which joins Tripolia or the
'triple gate'(1725 A.D).
The oldest part of the palace is 'Raj Aangan' (Royal Courtyard) built in
1571 by Maharana Udai Singh. The City Palace consists of four main and
several minor palaces. Part of the complex is a Hawa Mahal. The Palace of
Joy, Dilkhusha Mahal is decorated with frescoes and wall paintings. Moti
Mahal or Palace of Pearls, Sheesh Mahal, or the palace of mirrors and glass
and Krishna Mahal are lavishly decorated with colors and paintings. Mor
Chowk is known for its unique peacock motif in mosaic. Bada Mahal, the
garden palace, is built on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The Chini
chitrashala is famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles and Laxmi
Vilas Chowk is an art gallery, which houses a distinctive collection of
Mewar paintings. The Amar Vilas, the highest point with its hanging gardens,
towers and terraces, presents a majestic view of the town and Lake Pichola.
Reaching City Palace of Udaipur
By Air : Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi. Dabok Airport is 21 Km. from the city
centre and transportation by taxi takes 35-45 minutes.
By Rail : The Railway Station is about 4 Km. from the city centre.
Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur,
Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.
By Road : Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8, the major
road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh
and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from
various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the region during
night hours.
