A Review of the City Palace Udaipur

The City Palace Udaipur is a magnificent palace complex that showcases the rich history and culture of the Mewar dynasty. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Here is my review of the palace based on my visit as a visitor.

History and Architecture

The City Palace was built over a period of nearly 400 years, starting from 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur city. It was expanded and modified by his successors over the centuries, resulting in a fusion of Rajput, Mughal, European and Chinese architectural styles. The palace complex consists of several palaces, courtyards, gardens, temples, museums and galleries, each with its own unique features and attractions.

Some of the notable structures within the complex are:

1. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), which is decorated with thousands of mirrors and colored glass.
2. The Jagdish Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has intricate carvings and sculptures.
3. The Durbar Hall, which was used for royal ceremonies and functions and has a huge crystal chandelier and silver furniture.
4. The Crystal Gallery, which displays a collection of crystal objects such as furniture, crockery, lamps and statues.
5. The Lake Palace, which is a former summer palace built on an island in Lake Pichola and is now a luxury hotel.
6. The palace complex offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, including the Lake Pichola, the Jag Mandir, the Monsoon Palace and the Aravalli hills. The palace also has a sound and light show that narrates the history of Udaipur and the Mewar dynasty in the evening.

Costings and Mode of Transportation

The entrance fee for the palace complex is ₹300 for Indian nationals and ₹1000 for foreign nationals. The ticket includes access to most of the palaces, museums and galleries within the complex. However, some attractions such as the Crystal Gallery and the sound and light show require additional charges. The palace complex is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day.

The palace complex is located in the heart of Udaipur city and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. One can reach the palace by:

1. Taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of the city
2. Bus from the Udaipur bus stand or railway station
3. Boat from the Lal Ghat or Bansi Ghat on Lake Pichola
4. Walking from nearby attractions such as the Jagdish Temple or the Bagore ki Haveli

Conclusion

The City Palace Udaipur is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the royal splendor and heritage of Rajasthan. It is a place where one can admire the beauty and craftsmanship of various architectural styles, learn about the history and culture of the Mewar dynasty, enjoy the scenic views of the lake and hills, and witness the spectacular sound and light show. It is a place that will leave you spellbound and enchanted by its charm and grandeur.

I hope you enjoyed reading my review article on the City Palace Udaipur. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to comment below. Thank you for your time and attention. 😊