Location of City Palace Udaipur, History of City Palace Udaipur, Architecture of City Palace Udaipur, Attractions of City Palace Udaipur, Visiting hours in City Palace Udaipur.
Location of City Palace Udaipur:
This majestic Palace is located on a ridge on the Eastern banks of Lake Pichhola in Udaipur City, District Udaipur, Rajasthan. This is the largest Palace Complex in the State of Rajasthan.
History of City Palace Udaipur:
Its construction was started in 1559 A.D. by Maharana Udai Singh II (the founder of Udaipur) to which many additions were made by his successors over a period of 300 years.
Architecture of City Palace Udaipur:
This architectural marvel, built in Granite and Marble and painted in gleaming white color, is a fine blend of the Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, Chinese and European styles of architecture. It has designed in a way that it offers a splendid view of the Lake Pichhola from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. It is surrounded by crenelated fort walls which enclose many Palaces, Courtyards, Pavilions, terraces, Chowks with zigzag corridors and hanging gardens. The interiors of the Palace complex with its balconies, towers, domes and arches exhibit exquisite mirror-work, ornamental tiles work, marble-work, murals, unique wall paintings, silver-work, inlay-work and has antique furniture.
This Palace has several gates which are known as Pols. The ‘Bara Pol’ or the great gate is the main entry gate which leads to the first courtyard. It also leads to the ‘Tripolia Pol’ or the triple-arched gate. The road between this gate and the palace is lined with shops owned by the craftsmen, book-binders, miniature painters, textile dealers and antique shops. Between these two gates, there are eight marble arches or Toranas where the Maharanas used to be weighed against gold and silver, which was then distributed among the local people. Besides Tripolia Pol, there is an arena in front of ‘Toran Pol’ where elephant fights were held. Across Tripolia Pol, is the Elephant Gate or the ‘Hathi Pol’.
The structures located inside the Palace Complex are :
- Fateh Prakash Palace – It was built during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh (1885-1935 A.D.) as a place for holding royal functions. It interiors are adorned with miniature paintings, portraits of the Maharanas of Mewar, original rare paintings, royal artefacts and the armoury of the Mewar dynasty rulers. The Darbar hall which is the largest building located inside this Palace was originally called ‘Minto Hall’ as its foundation stone was laid in 1909 A.D. by Lord Minto, the then Viceroy of India. Its interiors have huge chandeliers and special lights. The royal storeroom has the furniture belonging to the period of Maharana Fateh Singh. This Palace is famous for having the World’s single largest private collection of crystals under one roof known as Crystal Gallery. Now, this Palace has been converted into a Heritage Hotel and is being managed by the HRH Group of Hotels.
- Shiv Niwas Palace – This crescent-shaped or semi lunar-shaped Palace was built in the early 20th Century A.D. during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh (the ruler of Udaipur from 1885-1935 A.D.) as a royal guest house. It was reserved for the visiting dignitaries and guests of the House of Mewar. It is adorned with portraits belonging to the royal family of Mewar and is furnished with the original furniture. Now, this Palace has been converted into a Heritage Hotel and is being managed by the HRH Group of Hotels.
- Rai Angan – This royal courtyard was the first structure built by Maharana Udai Singh II.
- Amar Vilas – This Pavilion, built in the Mughal style of architecture, is the highest point of the City Palace. It provides entry to the Badi Mahal and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces.
- Suraj Gokhda – It used to serve the purpose of the public address facade.
- Badi Mahal or Great Palace – This garden Palace is located at a height of 90 feet above the surroundings, on a natural rock formation. This palace has a swimming pool which was used for Holi Festival. In an adjacent hall, miniature paintings and wall paintings belonging to the 18th and the 19th Centuries A.D. are displayed.
- Bhim Vilas – It has a Gallery having a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.
- Manak Mahal or Ruby Palace – This Palace is approachable from Manak Chowk. It is an enclosure for formal audience for the Udaipur rulers. It has a raised alcove inlaid with mirror and glass work.
- Sheesh Mahal – This Palace was built in the year 1716 A.D. and is known for its breathtaking mirrors and glass work.
- Shambhu Niwas – This is the present residence of the royal family of Mewar.
- Chini Chitrasahla – It is famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles.
- Chhoti Chitrashala – It was built in the early 19th Century A.D. and has pictures of Peacocks.
- Rang Bhawan – This is the Palace that used to house royal treasure. There are Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Mata Meera Bai and Lord Shiva, located right to the Rang Bhawan.
- Moti Mahal or Pearl Palace – This Palace is known for its lavish decor.
- Dilkhusha Mahal or Palace of Joy – This Palace was built in the year 1620 A.D. and is renowned for its exquisite murals and beautiful wall paintings.
- Krishna Vilas – It has a huge collection of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas.
- Laxmi Vilas Chowk – This is an Art Gallery with a unique collection of Mewar paintings.
- Mor Chowk or Peacock Chowk – This square has unique glass mosaics of three peacocks, set in the walls, representing the three seasons of Summer, Winter and Monsoon. These peacocks have been crafted with 5000 pieces of glass.
- Zenana Mahal or Women’s Palace – This Palace has exquisitely designed alcoves, balconies, coloured windows, tiled walls and floors.
- Shrine of Dhuni Mata – This Sacred Place is considered to be the oldest part of the Palace, where a sage spent his entire life meditating.
- City Palace Museum or Government Pratap Museum
Attractions of City Palace Udaipur :
A Non-Governmental Private Organization conducts ‘The Mewar Sound and Light Show’ every evening at the magnificent Manak Chowk inside the City Palace Complex, which brings alive the rich history of the House of Mewar. This show has been created to spread awareness, interest and pride in the 1500 years old history of Mewar. The 12 episodes in the show, spanning one hour, recreate the devotion of the dynasty’s founding father Bapa Rawal, the glory of Rani Padmini and Chittorgarh, the sacrifice of Panna Dhai before moving to present the establishment of Udaipur in the 16th Century A.D. This show is organized in Hindi as well as English languages, the timing of which is :
- In English the Show is known as ‘The Legacy of Honour’. It is held from 7 P.M. to 8 P.M. (from October to September) and 7.30 P.M. to 8.30 P.M. (in the month of April). An entry fee for this show is charged as follows : Seating at the elevated Hathnal Ki Chandni – Rs. 400 per Adult, Rs. 150 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children up to 7 years. Seating at the ground-level at the Manak Chowk – Rs. 150 per Adult, Rs. 75 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children up to 7 years.
- In Hindi the Show is known as ‘Yash Ki Dharohar’. It is held from 8 P.M. to 9 P.M. (from May to September). An entry fee for this show is charged as follows : Seating at the elevated Hathnal Ki Chandni – Rs. 200 per Adult, Rs. 100 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children upto 7 years. Seating at the ground-level at the Manak Chowk – Rs. 100 per Adult, Rs. 50 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children upto 7 years.
Visiting Hours in City Palace Udaipur:
This Palace remains open on all days from 9.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.
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