City Palace, Udaipur
The Lake-Edge Palace of Mewar
Overview
The City Palace of Udaipur, India, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, begun in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II and extended over nearly four centuries by successive Mewar rulers. Stretching almost a kilometre along the east bank of Lake Pichola, it is a stacked sequence of courtyards, balconies, and mirror rooms, parts of which remain the residence of the Mewar family. MyTripMyTravel arranges escorted access and a private Lake Pichola boat to see it from the water.
The City Palace is Udaipur's spine, almost a kilometre of interconnected palaces along Lake Pichola, built up over four centuries so that it reads as a single, slightly improbable, cliff of architecture above the water.
The route climbs through courtyards, the mirrored and tiled chambers, the Mor Chowk peacock mosaics, and balconies that frame the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir floating offshore. Part of it is still a working royal residence and part a museum.
MyTripMyTravel sequences the palace with a private sunset boat on Lake Pichola so it is experienced both from within and from the water, the two halves of the same view.
At a glance
City Palace, Udaipur in brief
What to see
Highlights
Mor Chowk
The peacock courtyard with its glass-mosaic birds.
Sheesh Mahal
The mirrored chamber of the Mewar zenana.
Amar Vilas
The highest hanging-garden courtyard with lake views.
Lake Pichola panorama
Balconies framing the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir.
Crystal Gallery
The rare 19th-century royal crystal collection.
Visitor information
Our tips
See it from the water too, the lake boat is half the experience.
Time the boat for sunset over the Lake Palace.
An expert guide untangles four centuries of additions.
Good to know
City Palace, Udaipur, your questions
How long does the City Palace take?
About 2 to 2.5 hours for the courtyards, mirror rooms, and museum with a guide.
Can you see it from Lake Pichola?
Yes, we arrange a private sunset boat so you experience it from within and from the water.
Is it still a royal residence?
Partly, sections remain the private residence of the Mewar family; the rest is a museum.
Is it the largest palace in Rajasthan?
Yes, it is the largest palace complex in the state, built over nearly four centuries.
More in Udaipur
Visit with us
See City Palace, Udaipur, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold City Palace, Udaipur into a wider Udaipur and Rajasthan Escapes itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
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