City Palace, Udaipur Palace

Address: City Palace Complex, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India

Website: http://www.citypalaceudaipur.com

Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:30pm (last entry often earlier for some museums)

Admission: Adult: INR 300-600 (varies for nationals/foreigners and sections); some palaces within complex charge separately; check on-site

City Palace, Udaipur is a large palace complex on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan, originally begun in the mid 16th century by Maharana Udai Singh II. It is the historic seat of the Mewar rulers and a major cultural landmark in the city.

Construction began when Udaipur was founded and the palace was extended and altered by successive Maharanas over several centuries, producing a layered complex of Rajput and later decorative styles. Portions of the complex now function as museums, while others remain in private or institutional use.

The City Palace stands on the banks of Lake Pichola in central Udaipur, Rajasthan, dominating the lakefront and the old city; it is immediately adjacent to major ghats and is accessible from Udaipur’s historic centre.

• Construction span: Construction began in the mid 16th century under Maharana Udai Singh II and the complex was enlarged by successive rulers over roughly four centuries, resulting in multiple architectural styles and internal courtyards.

What to See#

• City Palace Museum: The palace complex museum that displays royal artifacts, paintings and arms from the Mewar dynasty’s collection.
• Mor Chowk (ceremonial courtyard): Mor Chowk, a ceremonial courtyard famous for its ornate painted peacock mosaics and decorated balconies used for royal ceremonies.

Udaipur’s city center is walkable from most hotels; the City Palace sits on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. From Udaipur City Railway Station (around 3 km), take an auto-rickshaw or taxi (10-15 minutes). Many tour operators include transfer; private cars can drop off at Gangaur Ghat, a short walk to the main entrance.

• Buy combination tickets that include the City Palace Museum and Crystal Gallery to avoid separate queues.
• Enter via the Gate of Destiny (Suraj Gokhda) early in the morning to beat heat and the coach-tour rush.
• Bring cash for smaller courtyards-some craft stalls and photographers still prefer notes over cards.