The Lakes Outside
Udaipur ... the city of lakes ... it's not merely an exaggerated
expression. Rather, it is the description of a perfect destination for a
romantic India vacation. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh as he
was almost forced to shift his capital from Chittaurgarh due to incessant
attacks by the Mughals.
The Voyage Within
The city is specially famous for its City Palace, situated besides the
eastern bank of Lake Pichola. The marble and granite craftsmanship that has
created this outstandingly arresting monument. The City Palace of Udaipur is
the largest palace of Rajasthan and it encompasses within itself some really
brilliant courtyards, pavilions, terraces, palaces, cupolas and towers.
The Palace Architecture
Although the palace seems a composite structure, yet it is made up of four
palaces within viz Dilkhush Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Krishna
Mahal along with several small palaces. Bada Mahal is the garden palace
which is built on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The succeeding
Maharanas have added structures with the passage of time but the uniformity
of the structure has not been affected. Being situated on a hill, it seems
that the City Palace structure is towering over the Lake Pichola.
There is a striking contrast between the interior and the exterior of the
City Palace. The exteriors have a tough and rugged look about them whereas
the interiors are an intricate, delicate world of beauty where marbles,
frescoes, mirror works have been used lavishly. The entry to the palace is
from Hati Pol, the Elephant Gate. Suraj Gokhda is the name of the balcony of
the sun from where the Maharana would grant public audience to give moral
support to the people in difficult times.
Memories in Physical Form
A portion of the palace structure and its Zenana have now been converted
into a museum. It's now open to the public where a variety of arms, armours,
royal insignia etc are put on display so that the general public can have a
look at our heritage.
Accessibility
If you are worried about the accessibility of the City Palace, then you'll
find plenty in terms of modes of transports within the Udaipur City. You can
hire anything from the tongas to auto rickshaws to taxis to commute within
the city.
Other Attractions in Udaipur
» Saheliyon ki Bari
» Jaisamand Lake
» Fateh Sagar Lake
» Lake Pichola
» The Lake Palace
» Fateh Prakash Palace
» Shilpagram Museum
» Jagdish Temple
» Jagat Temple
