Pichola Lake must be the only lake in India which can boast of hosting the maximum number of magnificent palaces on it.
On the east bank of the lake is the City Palace Udaipur built by Maharana Uday Singh in 1559 and expanded by various rulers later.
Entrance to the City Palace Udaipur is known as Tripolia / Triple arched gate built in 1725. As you enter this gate you are greeted with beautifully laid courtyards, terraces, gardens, balconies, and manicured gardens. The other gates are Bari Pol, Hathi Pol, and Ganesh Deori.
Views from the higher floors of the palace are magnificent. Lake Palace and Jag Mandir look stunning on the shining lake.
The Suraj Gokhda (balcony of the sun) is a place where the Maharanas of Mewar would give audience to the people during distressing times to restore confidence in them.
The Mor-chowk (Peakcock courtyard) has walls with mosaic in the colors of the Peacock feathers.
Rajya Angan is the royal courtyard where Maharana Udai Singh met the ascetic who advised him to build a city at that very place.
Bhim Vilas is a hall with wall paintings of Krishna.
Zenana Mahal (ladies chamber) displays many paintings.
Surya Chopar (Sun Square) has a huge ornamental sun symbolizing the sun dynasty to which the Mewar dynasty belongs
Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is decorated again with mirror work.
Krishna Vilas is home to a collection of rare miniature paintings.
Chini Mahal is decorated with beautiful colorful ornamental tiles.
Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) is decorated with glass and mirror work.
Bari Mahal is a central garden with a grand view of the city.
Lakshmi Chowk is a beautiful white pavilion.
Shiv Niwas palace and Fateh Prakash Palace were guesthouses, which has been converted into a heritage hotel.
The palace is a museum displaying articles of immense value, paintings, antique furniture, and utensils. It gives an insight into the lives of the Maharanas.
Armory museum exhibits an exhaustive collection of weapons and armor.
A museum of crystals is also housed in the city palace complex.
You can buy tickets for a boat ride on lake Pichola. The boat will drop visitors at Jag Mahal and once you have explored you will be picked by boat and dropped off at the city palace.
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Palace
Situated: Udaipur, Rajasthan
Distance: 403 Km from Jaipur, 250 Km from Ahmedabad
Transport: Well connected by road and rail
Facilities: Staying option for all budgets are available
