City Palace - The Jewel In The Crown !!!

... Lake Palace     ... Darbar Hall     ... Crystal Gallery    ... Lake Pichola

City Palace Complex !!!
The splendid City Palace, posing over the fascinating Lake Pichola, is one of the most beautiful palatial structures in the world. This elegant palace was originally build by Maharana Udai Singh II later on the composition of palaces, museums and gardens were added by various Maharanas of Udaipur. The palace complex rises 30 meters above Lake Pichola and extended up to 244 meters. The mesmerizing beauty of the palace is surrounded by the towers, balconies, small domes and endless windows that give a sense of ecstasy. The palace leaves an everlasting impression on mind as you see from the rooftop, the glittering granite and marbles carved out with a grace giving a glance of a great composition of Chinese and European architecture. Same like the City Palace of Jaipur this City Complex has also witnessed number of seasons and additions to its buildings by the successor of Maharana Udai Singh.

The Royal Assets of Power and Wealth !!!
The entrance to the palace is through the northern end, there are major gates that link the City Palace, the Baripol (build on 1600 A.D) and Tripolia (build on 1725) with its 8 carved marble arches are the two gate-ways leading you to a fairyland of City Palace. The main part of the City Palace is now preserved as a museum. Where you can see great artwork and minute mirror effects inside most of the palaces of City Complex. As you enter the palace building, the downstairs will leave you to the weapons gallery, here you can see the old and famous weapons of Royal Rajputana like swords, knifes and dragger's. This museum consists of Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) a delightful view in the glass, that laid mosaics of peacocks to decorate its walls.

The Lavish Inside of the City Palace !!!
The City Palace of Udaipur has number of small and big palaces, museums and the gardens. There are many popular palaces inside the City Palace Complex like Barri Mahal (Garden Palace) which has a awesome garden and twin water tanks, Dilkhush Mahal (Palace of Joy) where one can get thrilled amidst the royal building, Moti Mahal (Pearl palace) is decorated with admirable mirror work. Next to this is Chini Mahal that showcases the magnificent ornamental tiles worth a glance, another most important palace is Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) has glass and mirror work while the Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures paintings that depicts the royal processions, festivals and images of Maharanas.

Beside this, there is sacred Jagdish Temple, which was build in 1651 A.D and is fully dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This worship place is immensely popular amongst tourists and devotes. There is also a government museum with the palace complex, where photography is not allowed. The ancient museum consists of unique collection of weapons, paintings and sculptures. Whereas the City Palace have some old shops selling attractive handicrafts and other antique items that depict the Royal Rajputana.

World Famous Heritage Palace Hotel in City Palace !!!
The city palace complex occupy a large area, whereas the other parts of the palaces are against the lake shores and has been partly transformed into two luxurious hotels known as Fateh Prakash Palace and Shiv Niwas Palace.

Fateh Prakash Palace: - The enchanting Fateh Prakash Palace is located on the eastern shores of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Known for exclusive heritage hotel of the City Palace, it's a fairly tail wonder to stay in this royal retreat. The hotel showcases the interesting view of the bygone days with its elegant Durbar Hall and Crystal Gallery, here you can see the rare collection of osler's crystals, that was ordered from England by Maharajah Sajjan Singh in 1877. This historical palace embellished with the original Mewar paintings and antique furniture. The alluring hotel has about 31 rooms of great comfort and luxury, yet there are excellent facilities like sunset view terrace, bar, swimming pool, billiards, banquet, beauty parlor, Airport transportation and money exchange. It's a complete comfort under single roof.

Shiv Niwas Palace:- The Shiv Niwas Palace at Udaipur is an impressive heritage hotel, that is build on the shores of the picturesque Lake Pichola, which is close to the city centre. The famous temples and the lakes are near Shiv Niwas Palace like Jagmandir, Fateh Sagar Lake and Jagdish Temple. The luxurious hotel was once the palace of Royal Maharans in its ancient times. The interiors of the rooms are decorated and well furnished in a traditional Indian style. The hotel has pleasant room and leisure facilities, whereas the deluxe rooms of Shiv Niwas Palace has fascinating city view. Drive time from Udaipur Airport to Shiv Niwas Palace is approximately 40 minutes. Its a four star hotel and have 34 rooms of supreme luxury.

Getting There !!!
Air :- The Maharana Pratap airport is just 21 km far from the city center of Udaipur. The airways are well connected to the nearby destinations and major states of India, from Udaipur to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi, Aurangabad and Mumbai. The Indian Airlines has at least one flight a day to Delhi.

Rail : Railway Station is about 4 km. far from the city centre. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.

Road : Udaipur is well linked to National Highway No. 8. The RSTC (Rajasthan State Transport Corporation) is well connected from Ahmadabad to Udaipur by 262 km far, Bombay by 739 km, Delhi by 670 km, Jaipur by 407 km, Chittaurgarh by 115 km and Mount Abu by 185 km. Whereas the Private bus companies also operate in the region during night hours.

Local Transport : The City Palace of Udaipur is well renowned and easily approachable from Dabok Airport, railway station and bus stand. The most common mode of transportation is rickshaw, tonga and local buses.