City Palace, Udaipur

The 'Jewel city of Mewar', Udaipur is a home to some of the excellent examples of the exquisite work of art and architecture, each of them narrating a story of its own. Amongst the many attractions, the City Palace is one spectacular spot which occupies the place in the heart of every tourist.


History
The City Palace, which stretches along the eastern bank of the lake Pichola, was built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan in the 16th century CE, when he shifted from Chittaur to Udaipur. Latter, it got extended and renovated to its present form by subsequent Maharanas in the 20th century.


Architecture
A huge structure built of granite and marble and surrounded by thick crenellated walls, the beautiful City Palace forms the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The palace, which is a unique combination of the medieval European and the Chinese architectural style, also presents a well planned huge complex of beautiful buildings, panoramic fountains and scenic gardens.

The entrance of the palace, which goes through the huge 'Hati Pol' or the 'Elephant Gate', also treasures the biggest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, the 'Jagdish Temple'. The Jagdish temple, which was constructed in the year 1651, has been dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, and alike the contemporary period, is still venerated by the people.

As one enters the palace premises, comes two gates: the 'Badi Pol' or the 'Great gate' constructed in 1600 CE on the northern end, which is followed by the 'Tripolia Gate' built in 1725 CE. Under the connected arches between the two gates lie eight well carved marble arches or 'Toranas', under which it is said that the rulers of Udaipur were weighed against gold and silver, which would then be distributed among the poor and deprived. After the Tripolia Gate comes a courtyard, where elephant fights, a royal hobby, were staged till 1951.

Inside the palace lies numerous luxurious apartments, which were once used by the Rajputs and pretty women of the harem along with their other family members. Further, the 'Raj Aangan'(1571) which is entered by the 'Ganesh Deori Gate' and the 'Moti Mahal', which is decorated with coloured glass, are other magnificent structures of the palace.


City Palace Museum
The older portion of the palace, which is also its main part, has been converted into a museum, which comprises mostly the 'Mahals'. There are beautiful paintings in almost each and every room, whose beauty gets added by other works of art like inlay glass work, antique furniture and colourful enamel. The most prominent structure inside the museum is the 'Krishna Vilas' which pampers a good collection of miniature painting with royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas depicted on them. Another room, the 'Mor Chowk' also presents a unique glass mosaic work done on the image of peacocks, which have been set on the walls showing the importance of three major seasons - Summer, Winter and Monsoon. The 'Manak Mahal' or the Ruby Palace is another prominent room which possesses the crystal and porcelain figures. Likewise, the 'Bhim Vilas' palace reflects the divine love story of the Lord Krishna and His beloved Radha which are painted on its walls, while situated beside it, is a glass mosaic gallery - the 'Suraj Gokhala' which further consists of beautiful stained glasses and provides a panoramic view of the entire city as well. Apart from this, the 'Zenana Mahal' or the Queens' quarters to the south along with the 'Dilkusha Mahal' or the Palace of Joy exhibit frescoes and exquisite wall paintings whereas the 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk', which is an art gallery, is a home to a collection of the Mewar paintings.

Further, the 'Chini Chitrashala', which is renowned for its Dutch and Chinese ornamental tiles, the 'Moti Mahal', which is known for its lavish and excellent decoration and the 'Sheesh Mahal', which is famous for its beautifully inlaid mirror work, captivate one's heart with a magnificent work of art carried under the supervision of the royal architect. The 'Hawa Mahal' and a 'Bari Mahal' treasures a beautiful garden, which was built on a 90 feet high natural rock-cut structure.


How to Reach
» Airways - The Maharana Pratap(Dabok) airport of Udaipur, which is connected by daily flights to major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur, is 25 kilometers away from the City Palace.
» Railways - The nearest railhead is Udaipur Station, which is connected to Delhi and major cities of Rajasthan by different comfortable and luxurious trains.
» Roadways - Udaipur, which lies on the National Highway number 8 connecting Delhi to Mumbai via Jaipur and Ahmedabad, is easily accessible by road and can be reached from Jaipur(405 km), Delhi(663 km) and Mumbai(797 km) by a bus, coach or a private taxi conveniently.