Planning a visit to City Palace Udaipur? Whether you are planning a weekend holiday to Udaipur or an extended one City Palace must be on your itinerary. This historic palace remains among the top 10 places to visit in Udaipur.
The majestic City Palace Udaipur stands proudly on the east bank of Lake Pichola. This magnificent royal palace complex showcases the finest Rajasthani Palace Design.
First established in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the palace represents the Mewar Dynasty’s architectural brilliance. The Heritage Sites of Udaipur feature this stunning masterpiece with its intricate mirror work. Visitors can explore the luxurious Crystal Gallery and fascinating Palace Museum within the complex.
While most people would prefer to visit Udaipur Palace on the first day itself, we had more than a week to explore. Hence, we decided to cover City Palace Udaipur during the later part of our Udaipur itinerary.
In this post, we will focus on all the details and everything you need to know about Udaipur’s City Palace and visiting one of the best palaces in Rajasthan.
Overview
Brief History of City Palace Udaipur
Lesser-Known Facts About Udaipur Palace Architecture
City Palace Udaipur Entry Fees, Timings & Visitor Information
How to Reach Udaipur City Palace: Transportation Tips & Routes
Facilities & Amenities at City Palace Udaipur
Best Time to Visit City Palace Udaipur for a Memorable Experience
Key Attractions & Must-See Sites Inside City Palace Udaipur
8 Essential Tips for Visiting City Palace Udaipur
Nearby Attractions to Explore Around City Palace Udaipur
Brief History of City Palace Udaipur
Historically, the Mewar dynasty, which includes the Sisodia and Choudhary families, ruled Chittor, a historic city located just north of Udaipur. For over 800 years, Chittor served as the capital city of the Mewar kingdom.
However, by 1537, when Maharana Udai Singh II inherited the throne, he faced a challenging situation. The Mughal Empire was rapidly expanding its influence with a formidable army, seizing control of forts and winning critical battles.
According to legend, during one of his hunting expeditions, Maharana Udai Singh II encountered a hermit who advised him to establish his capital at a safer, strategically located site. The suggested area was naturally fortified by dense forests, scenic lakes, and the protective Aravalli Hills.
Taking this advice, Maharana Udai Singh II chose to relocate his kingdom’s capital, founding the city of Udaipur. This location provided a stronger defensive position and became the ideal setting for the City Palace Udaipur, the iconic palace complex that continues to captivate visitors today.
Lesser-Known Facts About Udaipur Palace Architecture
Did you know that the City Palace Udaipur is constructed on a hill?
It seems like City Palace Udaipur might be built on flat land beside Lake Pichola, but in fact, it stands atop a hill. Constructed in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput family, the palace overlooks the lake, offering breathtaking views while providing a strategic defensive advantage.
People often refer to this palace as the “beating heart of Udaipur” because of its distinctive, evolving history. Unlike other historic monuments, City Palace Udaipur has transformed continuously over the centuries, spanning an impressive 400-year history.
The palace is not the legacy of a single ruler; instead, various rulers of the Mewar dynasty contributed to its construction and expansion, resulting in an architectural marvel unlike any other.
This grand complex is a fusion of 11 magnificent palaces, each designed under the guidance of 42 different rulers over four centuries. Remarkably, despite contributions from multiple generations—22 generations of the Sisodia Rajput family have lived here—the palace maintains a harmonious design.
Entirely constructed with granite and marble, the interiors of City Palace Udaipur feature elaborate balconies, towers, and intricate glasswork, mirrorwork, and wall paintings. The palace’s layout is designed with narrow passages, zigzag corridors, and interconnected quadrangles.
These architectural features served a strategic purpose: they were intended to confuse enemies in the event of a surprise attack. Additionally, since Mughal soldiers were often larger in stature, these narrow passages restricted their movement, making it difficult for them to navigate through the palace in groups.
City Palace Udaipur Entry Fees, Timings and Visitor Information (2024)
Open to Public: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Open All Days of the Week
Rs. 400: For Adults above Age 18
Rs. 250: For Children from Age 5 to 18
Rs. 250: For Senior Citizens / Defence / Paramilitary / Police Personnel & their Spouse
Thankfully, there are no additional fees for the camera.
How to Reach Udaipur City Palace: Transportation Tips and Routes
Udaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, celebrated for its rich culture and tradition, grand palaces, and beautiful lakes. Due to its popularity, the city is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Udaipur Railway Station connects the city with major Indian destinations, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Mumbai, among others.
For air travellers, Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), located just 20 km (12 miles) from the city centre, offers convenient connections to major cities across India. Additionally, visitors can opt for a bus from various Indian towns to reach Udaipur comfortably.
Once you are at the railway station, bus stop or domestic airport, you can book an Uber which is a convenient option.
Facilities and Amenities at City Palace Udaipur
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Information Desk
- Audio Guides: English / French / German / Spanish
- Lift / Elevator Accessibility
- Ramp
- Drinking Water
- Washrooms / Childcare Room
- Car Parking
Best Time to Visit City Palace Udaipur for a Memorable Experience
Personally, we visited the Rajasthan Udaipur City Palace in September right after the monsoon retreated. During this time, the climate was sunny but not overly hot allowing us to explore the City Palace and other popular Udaipur attractions with ease.
However, the best time to visit City Palace Udaipur is during the cooler months, from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the City Palace Udaipur and its surroundings.
The temperatures are moderate, perfect for walking around the palace and enjoying views of Lake Pichola and the city. Visiting during this time also allows you to experience the grandeur of the Mewar architecture without the discomfort of the summer heat.
For those seeking a quieter experience, visiting on weekdays or early in the morning is recommended. If you’re planning to attend special events, be sure to check for any festivals or cultural celebrations that might be taking place at the City Palace Udaipur during this period, as it’s a hub for traditional performances and gatherings.
Key Attractions and Must-See Sites Inside City Palace Udaipur
The City Palace Udaipur is a vast and magnificent complex, offering visitors a wealth of experiences to explore. With its expansive grounds, each corner reveals something unique, making it one of the most impressive Mewar architecture sites in the region.
From intricate glasswork to stunning wall paintings, there is no shortage of hidden gems within the palace. Whether you’re admiring the panoramic views of Lake Pichola or wandering through its beautiful courtyards and corridors, there’s something for every traveller to appreciate.
Let’s find out more about the key attractions in City Palace Udaipur that you must not miss out on.
1. Ganesh Deodi
If you initiate your tour of City Palace Udaipur from the southern side, you will come across Ganesh Deodi first. This marble idol of Lord Ganesh is located on the east side of the Udaipur Palace. The idol was placed here in 1620 by Rana Karan Singh and has delicate glass inlay work around it.
2. Rai Angan
The City Palace Udaipur foundations were laid at the northeast corner of the courtyard, marking the oldest part of the palace. Built by Maharana Udai Singh in the 16th century, it showcases classic architecture from that period. Initially, this space was used as living quarters, with the Nav Chowki Mahal dedicated to the Zenana. Over time, the courtyard has witnessed many coronation ceremonies, and the rooms have also served as the royal treasury.
Did You Know?: Rai Angan is the exact location that the hermit mentioned to Maharana Udai Singh II to build his capital.
3. Baadi Mahal (Badi Mahal)
The beautiful Baadi Mahal (Garden Palace) features a lively garden and a Mughal-style, marble-pillared corridor. This creates an ideal spot for visitors to unwind. Located at the highest level of the palace, it is partly open to the sky and has no floors below. The Royal family once used this space for religious recitations, Holi celebrations, and private gatherings like birthdays.
If you want to enjoy stunning Lake Pichola views from City Palace, this is one of the best places to be.
4. Amar Vilas Courtyard
Looking for the best spots for photography in City Palace Udaipur? Amar Vilas is the highest point in the Baadi Mahal but it makes you feel like you’re on the ground level. The Amar Vilas courtyard has large shady trees and plant life which makes it an ideal spot for portrait photography and selfies. There are benches here so you can take a halt here for a while before you move on.
Did You Know?: Amar Vilas Garden is located on the fourth floor of the City Palace.
5. Badi Chitrashali Chowk
Tucked between the Baadi Mahal and the Mor Chowk, Badi Chitrashali Chowk (Big Painting Courtyard) is a recreational space for the royal family. Built by Rana Sangram Singh II between 1710 and 1734, it hosted music and dance performances. This area provides panoramic views of Udaipur and Lake Pichola.
Key attractions include blue Chinese tiles, vibrant coloured glass, and detailed murals. Apart from Amar Vilas Garden, this is one of the best places to take photos in the Udaipur Palace.
6. Mor Chowk
One of the main attractions of City Palace Udaipur is Mor Chowk (The Peacock Courtyard). This courtyard is filled with exquisite glass inlay work which immediately holds your attention. The space was initially constructed by Rana Karan Singh. However, the glass inlay work was later added by Maharana Sajjan Singh. This space was used for special audiences and dinner events.
7. Kanch ki Burj
Also known as The Mirror Tower, Kanch ki Burj is the most ornate chamber in the City Palace Udaipur. Glass inlay work, a speciality of Rajasthan, adorns this room, once the Maharanas’ winter bedroom. It features a zig-zag pattern in red, yellow, and white—the colours of Mewar. Mirrors decorate the dome and floor, while the doors are crafted from ivory.
8. Moti Mahal
Maharana Karan Singh constructed Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and used it as his private residence. However, almost two centuries later Maharana Jawan Singh added ornamentation to make it even better. The mirrored walls and stained glass windows reflect light in many different ways throughout the day.
9. Manak Mahal
As you explore through various chambers of the Mardana Mahal (Men’s Chamber) you come across Manak Mahal. As the name suggests, the Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) chamber is adorned with rubies and glass inlay work and was used for a formal audience. Here you will find the religious insignia of the Sisodia dynasty.
10. Surya Chopar
On the lower level of Udaipur Palace is Surya Chopar (Sun Square) that has the largest sun-face emblem made of pure gold. It was customary for the Maharanas to pray to the Sun before breakfast every morning.
However, during the monsoon season, this was not possible due to weather conditions. Hence, a large mirror was placed in a certain way that would reflect sunlight on this large sun-face emblem. The kings would offer prayer to the Sun before they have their first meal of the day.
11. Zenana Mahal
When you are done exploring the Mardana Mahal (Men’s Chamber) you would come to the Zenana Mahal which is where the royal ladies would spend their days. Zenana Mahal (Women’s Chamber) was where the royal ladies would celebrate their events, rituals and discuss matters related to women.
12. Zenana Mahal Courtyard
One of the best spots for photography in City Palace Udaipur is the Zenana Mahal courtyard. This is a wide courtyard with ample space to take portrait pictures and even those who are into professional couple pictures. With trees and fountains you can have a great time taking images of yourself, partner and family.
13. City Palace Galleries
A part of Zenana Mahal has now been transformed into a museum where you can explore different collections that you can explore. Here you can find the sculpture collection that has sculpture collection dating back to 7th century. All the sculptures in the collection were once part of popular temples of Rajasthan and surrounding regions.
Similarly, you will also find antique musical instruments on display in the ‘Saraswati Vilas Gallery: Symphony of Mewar’ music gallery. These musical instruments belong to the royal family and you can take your time to browse through them.
The Silver Gallery is one of the most stunning galleries in City Palace Udaipur displaying all the items of various generations of the Mewar family. One of the highlights of the Silver Gallery is the buggy or horse-carriage from Bikaner. This horse-carriage was used during the wedding of Maharaj Kumar Bhagwat Singh with Princess Sushila Kumari of Bikaner in 1940.
14. Toran Pol
Located on the north side of the Zenana Mahal (Women’s Chamber), Toran Pol (The Crown Gate) is a gate that has a lot of cultural importance. In a traditional wedding ritual, the bridegroom touches a temporary crown attached to the top of the gate to enter the Zenana Mahal courtyard. Rana Karan Singh constructed the gate between 1620 and 1628. However, people have used it for wedding rituals since the 19th century and continue to do so today.
8 Essential Tips for Visiting City Palace Udaipur
City Palace Udaipur is a vast complex filled with courtyards, galleries, and museums. Here are 8 essential tips to make the most of your visit:
Entry Gates: City Palace Udaipur has two gates. The main entrance to City Palace on the north side is called the Tripolia Gate. However, you can also enter from the secluded south side through Ganesh Pol or Fateh Gate. Both gates have ticket counters and official tour guides available.
Guided Tours: We highly recommend hiring a tour guide to navigate the palace efficiently. Guides can provide historical insights and ensure you see the highlights within 1-2 hours, saving you time and enhancing your experience. Some can also entertain you with a practical joke like Natwar (our tour guide) played on me.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings are ideal. A good breakfast beforehand allows you to finish by noon, leaving the afternoon for lunch, shopping, or visiting other attractions.
Dress Comfortably: Wear modest, comfortable clothing as you’ll navigate many stairs and narrow corridors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the complex.
Since you are going to walk for an hour or more having great footwear can make a difference. Hence, make sure you wear your best walking shoes.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated during your tour.
Allocate Enough Time: Plan at least 3 hours for your visit, including time for photos and enjoying the artwork.
Plan your itinerary the right way to make the most of your time in City Palace. If you are running out of ideas, here are some things to do in Udaipur on a budget.
Nearby Attractions to Explore Around City Palace Udaipur
After touring City Palace Udaipur, you can explore other nearby attractions. This will allow you to cover more local attractions on the same day.
- Jagdish Mandir: A 17th Century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Saheliyon Ki Bari: A 18th Century historical garden for the royal ladies.
- Sajjangarh Biological Park: A 21st Century wildlife conservation park and zoo.
Conclusion: Why City Palace Udaipur Should Be on Your Travel List
Visiting City Palace Udaipur is an unforgettable journey through Rajasthan’s royal heritage, where historic architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning courtyards tell the story of Udaipur’s regal past. With its museum, temples, and lake views, the palace offers a captivating glimpse into the Mewar dynasty’s legacy.
Whether you’re exploring its ornate rooms, admiring the panoramic views from its terraces, or strolling through the beautiful gardens, City Palace Udaipur remains a must-visit attraction in Udaipur.
If you’re planning to visit Udaipur and have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below.
14 comments
Sharukh, always enjoy reading your travel India posts. I’d probably never make it to tour India, and you provide virtual ones for me! Thank you! 📚🎶Christine
Let me begin with saying Always be Optimistic, you never know when life might present you with the opportunity to visit India. I’m always here for you, so if you’re heading to Mumbai you can count on me. Also, my intention of the post is to offer virtual tour so I’m glad that you enjoyed the travel post. Thank you for taking out time and commenting.
Wow nice. I loved this detailed write up… And the lovely images. That’s a real beauty of your website. God bless!
Thank you, Ashish. Like you many are now inspired to visit Udaipur. I am glad that we can offer some inspiration to others to travel.
Thanks for the wonderful tour and for sharing the beautiful photos. My favorite picture is the one of Shara sitting in the little opening, she is very pretty.
I was curious about one comment. You said there was no camera fee. Is that a common thing to run into while touring places in India?
Thank you for your time and comment, Dan. Yes, Sarah is very pretty. She is thanking you for your comment. Most museums and palaces do have camera fee. The reason why I specifically mentioned that there is no camera fee is because a lot of people on the internet wrote that City Palace charge 200 bucks for camera. When I went in we specifically mentioned that we had a camera and a monopod as well. I talked to the authorities and they said that they never charge for camera. In Mumbai so far I’ve never paid for camera.
Informative Article: Such a nice place to visit thanks for sharing the moment keep posting.
I’m glad that you liked the post, Rahul. I hope you like my other posts on Udaipur as well.
Thanks for sharing this amazing post.
You’re welcome, Danica. I hope you made good use of it.
I was planning a trip to Udaipur from last many days but was confused, whether I should go to Udaipur or should select any other better place.
I read your blog completely and the information shared here related to Udaipur is really very good and it impressed me a lot.
After reading this article I finally decided to visit Udaipur. Thanks for sharing this important info related to Udaipur with us.
You’re welcome, Rahul. Nothing gives me more pleasure than someone making use of our content and experience. I hope you enjoy your trip. Take Care.
Sharukh & Sarah, this is a stunning post through and through. I’m glad you reposted it. It was good to see you two having a good time. The history of the palace is fascinating. I enjoyed all of the amazing architecture you showed in the various locations. Hugs.
It was here that my tour guide fooled me with that door, you remembered? We had a great time that day, but were exhausted by evening hours, to be honest. This is a massive palace. I have around 150 images of this palace but couldn’t fit them all. We’re both glad that you enjoyed the post. Hugs. I’m sending you something on messenger.