Udaipur: Explore the Rajput-era Palaces
It's going to be a truly royal experience, a trip to Udaipur, we promise you! The Rajasthani city of Udaipur is a city of palaces, where every corner you turn, you are likely to be in the vicinity of a palace. If you are the type who loves history, there can't be a better city to visit than Udaipur. Here are some Rajput-era palaces you must visit when you are here:
City Palace
City Palace is a royal building that is situated in the heart of the city. The palace, located as it is on the banks of Lake Pichhola, is truly a photographer's delight. The construction of the palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 16th century. Today, a major part of it has now been converted into a museum, which has on display rare artefacts. The palace complex also offers a great view of the Jag Mandir and Lake Palace, in the middle of Lake Pichhola.
Lake Palace
The Lake Palace was earlier known as Jag Niwas, and is now a luxury hotel. The palace was built under the guidance of Maharana Jagat Singh II, in the 18th century, and was intended as a summer palace. The palace has courtyards that are full of terraces, columns, fountains and gardens to ensure that it is cool in summer.
Jag Mandir Palace
This is a spectacular palace, located on an island of Lake Pichhola. Built in the 17th century by Maharana Karan Singh, the palace is famous for providing refuge to Prince Khurram, who later on became Emperor Shah Jahan. It is said that the Emperor found inspiration for some of the artistic work when he went on to build the Taj Mahal in Agra. It was in Gul Mahal, within the Jag Mandir Palace that Prince Khurram stayed. The three-storeyed palace has some nice pavilions such as Bara Patharon Ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and Zenana Mahal. The exquisite lawns dotted with roses and frangipani adds to the charming ambience of the palace. A must-visit for anyone visiting Udaipur!
Monsoon Palace
The palace was earlier called Sajjan Gar Palace and was built in the 19th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh. The palace offers great views of the entire city, its lakes and the landscape. It offers great views of the sunset as well, and hordes of tourists come here to capture the sight of illuminated palace set against the dark sky. The palace was actually completed by Maharana Fateh Singh, who is known to have watched the monsoon clouds from here. The palace was also used as a hunting lodge by the royalty.
There are also other structures such as Bagore ki Haveli, which is a mansion built by Mewar court's chief minister Amir Chand Badwa, which are as good as palaces. Today, the Haveli is a museum depicting the culture and art of the royalty. In fact, many hotels in Udaipur were erstwhile royal structures or mansions. Accommodation is not very difficult to find if you plan your trip and make reservations ahead of your visit. There are all kinds of accommodation options, from 5 star hotels in Udaipur to mid-range and shoe-string options.
City Palace
City Palace is a royal building that is situated in the heart of the city. The palace, located as it is on the banks of Lake Pichhola, is truly a photographer's delight. The construction of the palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 16th century. Today, a major part of it has now been converted into a museum, which has on display rare artefacts. The palace complex also offers a great view of the Jag Mandir and Lake Palace, in the middle of Lake Pichhola.
Lake Palace
The Lake Palace was earlier known as Jag Niwas, and is now a luxury hotel. The palace was built under the guidance of Maharana Jagat Singh II, in the 18th century, and was intended as a summer palace. The palace has courtyards that are full of terraces, columns, fountains and gardens to ensure that it is cool in summer.
Jag Mandir Palace
This is a spectacular palace, located on an island of Lake Pichhola. Built in the 17th century by Maharana Karan Singh, the palace is famous for providing refuge to Prince Khurram, who later on became Emperor Shah Jahan. It is said that the Emperor found inspiration for some of the artistic work when he went on to build the Taj Mahal in Agra. It was in Gul Mahal, within the Jag Mandir Palace that Prince Khurram stayed. The three-storeyed palace has some nice pavilions such as Bara Patharon Ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and Zenana Mahal. The exquisite lawns dotted with roses and frangipani adds to the charming ambience of the palace. A must-visit for anyone visiting Udaipur!
Monsoon Palace
The palace was earlier called Sajjan Gar Palace and was built in the 19th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh. The palace offers great views of the entire city, its lakes and the landscape. It offers great views of the sunset as well, and hordes of tourists come here to capture the sight of illuminated palace set against the dark sky. The palace was actually completed by Maharana Fateh Singh, who is known to have watched the monsoon clouds from here. The palace was also used as a hunting lodge by the royalty.
There are also other structures such as Bagore ki Haveli, which is a mansion built by Mewar court's chief minister Amir Chand Badwa, which are as good as palaces. Today, the Haveli is a museum depicting the culture and art of the royalty. In fact, many hotels in Udaipur were erstwhile royal structures or mansions. Accommodation is not very difficult to find if you plan your trip and make reservations ahead of your visit. There are all kinds of accommodation options, from 5 star hotels in Udaipur to mid-range and shoe-string options.