The
Rajput architecture of Rajasthan has created enough history for the nation
to be proud of. The City Palace of Udaipur is one such example where you
will come to experience the opulence of the styles conceived by the
maharajas of yore. The location of the palace, apart from its splendid
architecture is also worth considering. The City Palace stands in all its
splendour overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola in Udaipur, one of the
most romantic cities in the country.
Glimpses From The Past
The wonderful city of Udaipur is the brainchild of Maharana Udai Singh who
established it after the fall of Chittor to Akbar in 1568. Legend goes that
once the maharaja was on a hunting expedition when he happened to meet a
sage on his way. The sage blessed Udai Singh and advised him to erect a
palace at the site to bring good luck to him and his family. As he was told,
Udai Singh founded the palace.
After the decline of Maharaja Udai Singh, the City Palace still began to
expand. And his successors paid considerable attention to the construction
of the palace. Later, there were subsequent additions made to the palace,
making it even richer a palace as ever.
Architectural Attractions
Built
in granite and marble, the imposing City Palace showcases a fine blend of
the European and the Chinese architecture. The palace complex further
comprises of numerous palaces, courtyards and gardens, making it a sight for
visitors to look at in amazement. It is interesting to note, that even after
additions being made by Udai Singh's successors at various stages, there is
no inconsistency to be noticed.
The vast complex of the place has its main entrance through the Hati Pol or
the Elephant Gate which further leads to the Bada Pol and the Tripoli Gate.
Among these, the Tripolia Gate catches one's attention due to the fact that
it is the very place where the kings were weighed against silver and gold,
to be later distributed among the subjects. The Tripolia Gate opens into a
courtyard where elephant fights were organised in those days.
Next, you get to visit the Suraj Gokhada which is the place from where the
king responded to the public in times of trouble. At Moti Mahal or the
'Palace of Pearls, you can feast your eyes upon the magnificent work of
mirrors. A section of this huge complex today stands in the form a museum
displaying various exquisite items of royalty. Other worth watching
attractions inside the palace complex include the Mor Chowk, Krishna Vilas,
Bhim Vilas Mahal, Zenana Mahal, Dilkhush Mahal, Laxmi Vilas Chowk, Amar
Vilas etc.
Reaching There
Udaipur is accessible by air, rail and road routes from key destinations
like Delhi and Mumbai. The Dabok Airport of Udaipur has flights connecting
to places like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mumbai. Rail routes of Udaipur
link the city with Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Chittor etc. National
Highway 8 connects Udaipur with cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Agra.
Best
Golden Traingle Tour (7D) 
