City Palace Overview

The City Palace was built by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh as the capital of the Sisodia Rajput clan in 1559, after he moved from Chittor. Located on the east bank of the Pichola Lake, it has several palaces within its complex.

Considered the largest of its kind in Rajasthan, the palatial building displays a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Built on a hilltop, the palace provides an aerial view of the city and its surrounding.

With the establishment of Udaipur City by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559, the palace was built concurrently. Set at an average elevation of 598 metres, the palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavour of this heritage site.

Courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens make up the entire palace. 'Pols' is used to refer to the gates of the palace. The main gate to the palace complex is 'Bara Pol', meaning 'Great Gate'. A triple arched gate, which is known as 'Tripolia' can be reached by passing 'Bara Pol'.

Eight marble arches or toranas, where kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver, are located between these two gates. Near Tripolia lies an arena where elephant fights were staged.

'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol' is located across 'Tripolia'. A total of 11 palaces make up the complex of this palatial building. The interior of the palace is adorned with unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass, mirror and ornamental tiles work.

Figures of crystal and porcelain embellish the Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace). A collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna adorn the Bhim Vilas.

An album of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas is the highlight of the 'Krishna Vilas'. While Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is known for it mirror work, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish decor. The biggest temple of the city, Jagdish Temple is also located within the palace complex.