City Palace, Udaipur
About
The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, Udaipur's City Palace stretches 244 meters along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, rising 30 meters above the waterline. Built over 400 years by successive Maharanas of Mewar, it's a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture with 11 smaller palaces within its walls. The interiors dazzle — rooms covered entirely in mirror work, colored glass mosaics, miniature paintings, and Chinese and Dutch tiles. From its balconies, the views across Lake Pichola to the Lake Palace and the Aravalli Hills are among India's most iconic.
Highlights
What makes this place special
Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace)
Walls and ceilings entirely covered in mirror and colored glass mosaic work that creates a kaleidoscopic effect — among the finest mirror work in India.
Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace)
A stunning audience hall decorated with elaborate mirror and gold leaf work, where the Maharanas held court surrounded by walls that shimmer like pearls.
Badi Mahal (Garden Palace)
A beautiful garden courtyard on the upper levels with a central pool, lush greenery, and panoramic views — remarkable for being a garden elevated 27 meters above ground.
Things to Know
- •Buy tickets online to avoid long queues
- •The palace museum section is extensive — don't rush
- •The Crystal Gallery requires a separate ticket and is worth the visit
- •Sunset from the palace balconies overlooking Lake Pichola is stunning
- •The royal family still occupies Shambhu Niwas Palace within the complex
- •Audio guides available at the entrance in multiple languages
