The City Palace of Udaipur is one of the most remarkable constructions of the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Located in the heart of the city of Udaipur and towering over the Lake Pichola,the City Palace unfailingly infuses a sense of awe in the hearts of its onlookers. It is the standing testimony of Rajput passion for art and architecture despite the fact that the exterior is not as elegant as the interiors.The old part of the palace complex today serves as a museum that stores the legacy of the Rajput rulers for the visitors. Two of the newer portion of the palace have been converted into hotels.
The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake.
A blend of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, the palace
complex has a number of remarkable buildings of immense beauty, gardens and fountains, well planned and finely executed over the years. The palace complex is approached through the 'Hati Pol', or the 'Elephant Gate' from the main road. The biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur the Jagdish Temple (1651A.D), dedicated to Lord Vishnu 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). Between the two gates there are eight carved marble arches or 'Toranas' under which the rulers in the past were weighed against gold and silver, the value of which was then distributed to the poor. Beyond the Tripolia there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. The palace looks rugged from the exterior but inside, the path leads to many enclosures with luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas with breathtaking views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
The oldest part of the palace is 'Raj Aangan' (Royal Courtyard-1571) which Maharana Udai Singh built in the 16th
century. The main part of the palace with its several ' Mahals' is now preserved as a Museum. Almost all the rooms of the palace have beautiful paintings, inlay glass work, antique furniture and colourful enamel. The 'Krishna Vilas' has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings depicting royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. 'Mor Chowk' has unique glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon. The 'Manak Mahal' ( Ruby Palace) has crystal and porcelain figures. 'Bhim Vilas' with Radha Krishna stories painted on the walls has a glass mosaic gallery the 'Suraj Gokhala', with beautiful stained glasses and a panoramic view of the city below. The 'Zenana Mahal', the queen's quarters to the south and the 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) has frescoes and wall paintings while the 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk', an art gallery, houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.
The Chini Chitrashala' is famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles, the latter of which has depiction of Biblical scenes including the flight to Egypt.
The MotiMahal( Palace of Pearls) has lavish decor and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) has inlaid mirror work. There is a Hawa Mahal and a Bari Mahal with a fine garden build on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The Amar Vilas, the highest point has exquisite hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces and a majestic view of the town and Lake Pichola.
The Amar Vilas is definitely not to be missed as it has beautiful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. From here, views of the Lake Pichola and the city of Udaipur itself is hugely magnificent.The Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace have ben converted into luxury hotels.
The Crystal Gallery at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel is a delight for everyone since it houses a rare collection of Oslers crystal items. Maharaja Sajjan Singh ordered these items from England, however, unfortunately he never lived to see his dream of possesing these exquisite pieces of work becoming true. After, his death, the crystal items, for long,remained in a store till the time they were finally brought out and displayed in the Fateh Prakash Crystal Gallery.