Explore City Palace Udaipur: History, Timings, And More

Udaipur City Palace is a grand, white palatial complex constructed over four centuries in the city of Udaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It rises on a hill, overlooking the Pichola Lake, and was first constructed by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan in 1559, with later extensions by other rulers. The palace is a magnificent addition to what was once the royal capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewār Udaipur.

The City Palace Udaipur night view is breathtaking. The complex has 11 palaces made of granite and marble, surrounded by fortified walls. The architecture shows Medieval European and Chinese influences with hanging gardens, octagonal towers, fountains, and balconies overlooking Lake Palace across the water. Many travellers include this palace in their Rajasthan tour packages to experience its royal charm. Let’s explore the City Palace Udaipur timings, ticket price, and other essential details you need to know before visiting.

City Palace Udaipur History

The City Palace Udaipur history traces back to the Mewar kingdom, which frequently changed capitals under different rulers. In 568 AD, Maharana Guhil made Nagda the capital, which later moved to Chittor in the 8th century under the Sisodias. When Maharana Udai Singh II founded the Mewar kingdom in 1537, conflicts with the Mughals threatened Chittor fort's safety. He chose a spot near Lake Pichola for his new capital, naturally protected by forests, lakes, and Aravalli hills. Maharana Udai Singh II began building the City Palace, with successors enhancing it for over 400 years. The palace served as the administrative centre, with Rai Angan being the first structure built.

After Maharana Udai Singh II died, his son Maharana Pratap took control but lost the Battle of Haldighati to Mughal emperor Akbar. Following Akbar's death, Jahangir returned Mewar to Amar Singh I. The Marathas invaded in 1761, leading Maharana Bhim Singh to sign a protection treaty with the British in 1818. After India's independence, Mewar joined democratic India, whilst the Mewar kings kept ownership of the Udaipur palaces.

Architecture of City Palace Udaipur

The City Palace complex, built with granite and marble, blends Medieval, European, and Chinese architectural styles beautifully. Several stunning palaces rise behind its 100 ft tall and 801 ft long facade overlooking Lake Pichola. Starting from 1559, 22 generations of Sisodia Rajputs built this complex at 1,962 ft elevation, with Maharana Udai Singh II and successive Maharanas creating 11 smaller palaces within. The interiors showcase remarkable mirror work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work, and coloured glass decorating balconies, towers, and domes. The City Palace Udaipur night view becomes particularly stunning under lights. Higher terraces offer amazing views of the lake and city, whilst palaces connect through chowks with zigzag corridors designed to prevent enemy attacks. The main Tripolia gate serves as the primary entrance to numerous important structures within the complex, making it one of the most impressive places to visit in Udapur.

Additional structures are:

• 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 (raised garden), 

• Badi Mahal (the big palace), 

• Fateh Prakash Palace, and

• The Shiv Niwas Palace.

City Palace Udaipur: Entry Fee, Timings & More

All the essential information about the City Palace and its museums, including entry fees and timings, that you should know before visiting.

• Timings: The City Palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

• Entry Fee: For the palace, it is ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children, with additional charges of ₹200 for still cameras and ₹500 for video cameras.

• The City Palace Museum: located inside the 450-year-old palace, was established as a public museum in 1969 and includes historic sections like Mardana Mahal and Zenana Mahal, managed by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF).

• City Palace Museum Entry Fee: ₹400 for adults (18+), ₹150 for children (5–18 years), and free for children below 5 years.

Structures within the City Palace complex

The City Palace complex is home to several beautiful structures, which make it a must-visit tourist attraction for historical enthusiasts.

1. Gateways 

Gateways (Pols) are the entries into the palace complex. There are three chief gateways to the complex. “Badi Pol” (great gate) leads into the first courtyard and is the most important entry point to the complex. Upon crossing the “Badi Pol”, the visitor comes upon a triple-arched gate called the “Tripola” to the north.

2. Amar Vilas

Amar Vilas is located at the highest point of the City Palace and is an elevated garden that is the highest court in the City Palace enclosure. In Mughal-style architecture, Amar Vilas is the entry to another beautiful building known as the Badi Mahal. Amar Vilas is a leisure garden with beautiful hanging gardens, fountains, towers and terraces. This was a holiday home for the Maharanas.

3. Badi Mahal

Also known as the Great Palace or Garden Palace, Badi Mahal is the main palace in the complex and sits on a rock formation that is 89 ft high. Badi Mahal also includes a swimming pool that was used for Holi celebrations in the past, and a hall that features miniature paintings made in the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, you will also find many highlights, including beautiful wall paintings of Jag Mandir, Lord Vishnu of Jagdish temple, and scenes of elephant fights.

4. Bhim Vilas

Bhim Vilas is another place worth mentioning for art lovers. With miniature paintings of Lord Krishna and Radha illustrating the events that took place in their lives, located in a gallery at Bhim Vilas, art lovers are surely bound to be amazed at the skilled artwork on display.

Conclusion

The City Palace Udaipur is a grand and majestic landmark that perfectly showcases the rich heritage, art, and architecture of the Mewar dynasty. Visiting it is a must for anyone exploring Udaipur, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty with its stunning views of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli hills. Make sure to plan your visit carefully to explore the palace complex, museums, courtyards, and viewpoints without missing any highlights. Whether you come with family, friends, or solo, the experience becomes more memorable.