City Palace Udaipur (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Built by, Images & Location)

Boat Rides & Entrance Fee of City Palace Udaipur

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One of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, City Palace in Udaipur is the largest palace complex of the state. The most popular sightseeing place in Udaipur, City Palace stands magnificently on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Flanked by the Aravali mountain range, City Palace is worth admiring for its natural settings that offer a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

History of City Palace Udaipur

The History of City Palace is related to the kingdom of Mewar that has gone through several capital changes during the reign of its many rulers. The capital was first established in Nagda in 568 AD by Guhil, the first Maharana of Mewar. It was later moved to Chittor in the 8th century under the rule of Sisodias.

During 1537, the Mewar kingdom came under the rule of Maharana Udai Singh II. Due to war with the Mughals there was a risk of losing the Chittor fort. Hence, Maharana Udai Singh II chose a new capital for his kingdom near Lake Pichola that shielded the territory from its enemies, well surrounded by forests, lakes and the imposing Aravalli hills.

The construction of City Palace started under the reign of Maharana Udai Singh II and was enhanced subsequently by his successors over a period of 400 years. This palace is of great historical importance as it served as the administrative complex of the Maharanas.

The first royal structure that was built in the City palace complex was 'Rai Angan', the royal courtyard. After the death of Maharana Udai Singh II, his son Maharana Pratap took over Udaipur. During the Battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap lost the war to the Mughal emperor Akbar and Udaipur came under the rule of the Mughals.

After Akbar’s death, Mewar was handed over to Maharana Pratap's son and successor Amar Singh I by the Mughal ruler Jahangir. Udaipur once again fell into the attacks of Marathas in the year 1761. To protect Mewar from further attacks, Maharana Bhim Singh signed a treaty with the British in 1818 asking for their protection. After India’s independence, Mewar became a part of democratic India and kings of Mewar retained the ownership of the palaces in Udaipur.

Architecture of City Palace Udaipur

Built in granite and marble, City Palace complex is worth admiring for its perfect blend of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture. The several palaces in the complex stand magnificently behind the 100ft high and 801 ft long facade built exquisitely on the ridge of Lake Pichola.

Located at an elevation of 1,962 ft, the City Palace complex was built by the 22 generations of Sisodia Rajputs over an extensive period of time starting from the year of 1559. Udai Singh II and several other Maharanas have contributed significantly for the construction of this impressive complex. The complex comprises of 11 small palaces and other structures built homogeneously in its design.

The interiors of the palace complex are as commendable as its exteriors. The intricate mirror-work, marble-work, murals, wall paintings, silver-work, inlay-work and colored glass that adorn the balconies, towers and cupolas of the complex are worth admiring.

The terraces in the upper part of the complex offer a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding Udaipur city. The palaces in the complex are connected by chowks and the corridors in the palace are built in zigzag manner to evade any surprise attacks from enemies.

The City Palace complex is enriched with many structures that can be reached through the main Tripolia (triple) gate which acts as the entry point to the complex.

Other structures within the complex are the Suraj Gokhda (public address facade), Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), Dilkhush Mahal (heart’s delight), Surya Chopar, Sheesh Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors), Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), Krishna Vilas, Shambhu Niwas, Bhim Vilas, Amar Vilas (with a raised garden), Badi Mahal (the big palace), Fateh Prakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace.

The complex also has facilities of a post office, bank and travel agency. There are a number of craft shops and an Indian boutique supported by World Wildlife Fund(WWF) that the tourists can visit on their trip to the palace complex.

The Mewar royal family owns the entire Palace complex and the structures in the complex are maintained by various trusts. The Fateh Prakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace are now transformed into heritage hotels.

Image Gallery of City Palace Udaipur

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Structures within the City Palace complex

The City Palace complex has a number of structures that boast of splendid architecture, making it a must visit tourist destination for history lovers.

The structures within the complex are:

1. Gateways

Also called as Pols, Gateways are the entry points to the palace complex. There are three major gateways to the complex. 'Badi Pol' (Great Gate) is the main entry point to the complex that leads to the first courtyard. After crossing the ‘Badi Pol’, one encounters a triple arched gate called as ‘Tripola’, the northern entry to the complex.

The two gates - 'Badi Pol' and ‘Tripola’ are aligned beautifully with eight marble arches or Toranas. According to the legends, the Maharanas used to weigh themselves against gold and silver here, which was later distributed among the local people.

Once through the ‘Tripolia’ gate, an arena near the Toran Pol is encountered where elephant fights were held in the past. These elephants were later chosen for war campaigns according to their prowess. Across Tripolia gate there is another gate known as ‘Elephant gate’ or the ‘Hathi Pol’.

2. Amar Vilas

Located at the highest point of the City Palace, Amar Vilas is an elevated garden that serves as the topmost court within the complex. Built in Mughal style architecture, Amar Vilas is the entry point to Badi Mahal, another alluring structure within the complex.

Adorned with beautiful hanging gardens, fountains, towers and terraces, Amar Vilas served as a leisure home for the Maharanas.

3. Badi Mahal

Also known as Great Palace/Garden Palace, Badi Mahal is the main palace in the complex that sits magnificently on a 89 ft high rock formation. Badi Mahal houses a swimming pool which was used for Holi celebrations in the past, and a hall that exhibits miniature paintings of 18th and 19th centuries.

The beautiful wall paintings of Jag Mandir, Lord Vishnu of Jagdish temple, and elephant fight scenes are some of the other attractions here.

4. Bhim Vilas

Bhim Vilas is another place worth visiting for art lovers. With a gallery consisting of miniature paintings of Lord Krishna and Radha illustrating their real life stories, Bhim Vilas is sure to mesmerise one and all with its skilled artwork.

5. Chini Chitrashala

The Chini Chitrashala is another place worth visiting for the vast collection of Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles that are pretty attractive.

6. Choti Chitrashala

As the name suggests, the 'Residence of Little Pictures' built in the early 19th century is home to a small gallery consisting of pictures of peacocks.

7. Dilkusha Mahal

Meaning the Palace of Joy’, Dilkusha Mahal was constructed in the year 1620. The beautiful murals and wall paintings in the complex are worth admiring for its artistic skills.

8. Durbar hall

Serving as a venue for official functions, Durbar Hall was newer addition to the palace complex. Built in the year of 1909 during the rule of Maharana Fateh Singh, the hall is adorned with large chandeliers that add to the grandeur of this place.

Durbar hall is a part of Fateh Prakash Palace and displays weapons and portraits of the Maharanas. Durbar Hall was earlier called as Minto hall, named after the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto who laid the foundation stone for this hall.

9. Fateh Prakash Palace

Now a luxury hotel, Fateh Prakash Palace has an interesting collection of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs, beds, crockery, table fountains along with a jewel studded carpet. These items were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the year 1877. However, he died before its arrival and the package remained unopened for nearly 110 years.

10. Krishna Vilas

Another compelling chamber for art lovers, Krishna Vilas has an admirable collection of miniature paintings displaying various events during the rule of Maharanas such as royal procession, festivals and games held during their reign.

11. Laxmi Vilas chowk

An art gallery displaying a unique collection of Mewar paintings, Laxmi Vilas chowk is worth admiring for its rare collections.

12. Manak Mahal

Meaning Ruby Palace, Manak Mahal is one of the most beautiful structures in City Palace. Once an enclosure for formal audience of Mewar kingdom, Manak Mahal is lead from the Manak chowk.

A raised alcove with mirror glass work inside is one of the most alluring sights here. A Sun face emblem on the facade of Manak Chowk can be seen here representing the Sun god worshipped by the Maharanas.

13. Mor Chowk

A part of the inner courts of the palace, Mor Chowk or Peacock square was built during the rule of Maharana Sajjan Singh, about 200 years later than the initial establishment of the palace. Three peacocks depicting the three seasons - summer, winter and monsoon magnificently adorn the walls of the Mor Chowk.

Decorated with glass and mirror mosaics, the three peacocks in Mor Chowk are crafted with around 5000 glass pieces glowing brightly in blue, green and gold colors.

The pictures of Lord Krishna in the apartments in front of the Chowk are worth admiring. The upper level consists of a balcony surrounded with colored glass inserts and an adjacent chamber known as Kanch-ki-Burj consists of mosaics of mirrors decorating the walls. There is a small court inside the chowk known as Badi Charur Chowk which is used for private purpose.

14. Rang Bhavan

Once a place where royal treasure was kept is now home to the temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Lord Shiva.

15. Sheesh Mahal

The Palace of Mirrors and glasses is another beautiful structure in the complex built by Maharana Pratap for his wife Maharani Ajabde in the year of 1716.

16. Museum

A part of City Palace and Zenana Mahal or the Ladies Chamber was converted to a museum in the year of 1974 which is now open to the public.

In popular Culture

City Palace has found its place in many movies such as the James Bond film Octopussy and the Bollywood film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.

Manak Chowk served as a venue for annual Maharana Mewar Foundation Awards.

Best Time to visit City Palace

In order to avoid the crowds and the scorching heat, it is advisable to visit the City Palace during the morning and evening hours. The winter season from October to March is considered as the best time to visit City Palace as the weather is quite enjoyable during this time. Check our custom designed all inclusive Udaipur tour packages here..

How to Reach City Palace

Being a popular tourist attraction, a number of Autos, taxis, tongas and city buses ply from various parts of the city to the palace complex. Ferry rides from City Palace to Jagmandir can also be availed at a price of Rs. 400 per person. You can also book a private cab from top car rental companies in Udaipur to explore City Palace and other nearby places.

Entry Fees and Timings of City Palace

The entry fee to the City Palace is Rs. 30 for Adults and Rs. 15 for children. Rs. 200 is charged for Still Camera and Rs. 500 is charged for Video Camera.

City Palace Timings are from 9:30 am in the morning to 5:30 pm in the evening. It is open on all days of the week.

Entry Fees and Timings of City Palace Museum

The entry fee to the City Palace Museum is Rs. 250 for Adults (Above 18 yrs age) and Rs. 100 for Children (5 to 18 yrs age). There is no entry fee for children below 5 years of age. The camera fee is Rs. 250. For students coming in groups, the entry fee is Rs. 100 per student.

City Palace museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week.

Guides at City Palace

Tour Guides are available at the City Palace complex and a Hindi speaking guide will charge around Rs. 300 at the complex. The guides at the museum charge around Rs. 200. Audio guides are also available here.

A must visit tourist attraction in the City of lakes, City Palace is sure to mesmerise everyone with its splending architecture and great history. A trip to Udaipur is definitely incomplete without a visit to the magnificent City Palace. We at Udaipur Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA make sure you have a memorable trip to this wonderful city and create long lasting memories. For more details about various packages, places fill the Contact Us form and we will get back to you.

Location Map for City Palace Udaipur