Udaipur City Palace

Udaipur City Palace

Get ready to be struck with awe as we take you on a ride to one of the most magnificent and flamboyant destinations of Udaipur – Udaipur City Palace. Showcasing a marvelous fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani styles of architecture, the City Palace stands as an epitome of the finest and exquisite structural work, depicting the extravagant lifestyle of the kings of the yesteryears. The palace came to final completion after almost 400 years of work, which were commissioned under several kings.

The City Palace was built with the establishment of Udaipur city by Maharana Udai Singh and his successors after a long period of almost 400 years. The gargantuan palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan, providing a panoramic view of the entire city and its surroundings.

Legends state a fascinating anecdote that narrates the circumstances that led to the selection of site for the palace. Maharana Udai Singh met a hermit on his hunting trails who advised him to build a palace at that very spot and that is where the palace complex was established. The palace is adorned by a number of magnificent structures built in the vicinity of the palace. Some of them are the Suraj Gokhda, the Mor-Chowk, the Dilkhush Mahal (heart’s delight), the Surya Chopar, the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors), the Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), the Krishna Vilas (named after Lord Krishna), Shambu Niwas (royal residence now), the Bhim Vilas, the Amar Vilas (with a raised garden) that faces the Badi Mahal (the big palace), the Fateprakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace (the latest addition to the complex).

A number of gates or colloquially called ‘Pols’ provide entrance to the palace which are towards the east of Udaipur city. The main entry to the palace is facilitated by the ‘Bara Pol’ which leads to the courtyard from where one can witness the ‘Tripola Pol’, which provides the Northern entrance. Eight marble arches are created between these two Pols, which were used by the Kings to weigh enormous amounts of gold, silver and other precious metals. The arches offers a grand look to the interior of the palace. The architecture of the palace is such that it enchants any tourist who pays a visit to this exquisite palace. The unique aspect of the architecture of City Palace is that it is a conglomeration or blend of many architectural styles, namely Chinese, Rajasthani, Mughal and Medieval styles. The interiors of the palace also flaunt jaw-dropping works of art like delicate glass works, murals, marble work, silver works and much more.

It is pretty much obvious that such destinations of magnificent splendor and beauty lure the creative geniuses and hence, the palace became a perfect location for filming certain scenes of James Bond movie, “Octopussy”. The City Palace is definitely a wondrous destination, providing the best and most congenial atmosphere to drench yourself in the tradition, colour and culture of Rajasthan.

Rani Padmini Palace

Rani Padmini Palace

“Who is more beautiful, I or Padmavati?, Queen Nagamati asks to her new parrot, and it gives a displeasing reply…”(Padmavati) Rani Padmini.

Rani Padmini palace, situated inside the Chittorgarh fort, leaves behind the tincture of beauty, valour, sacrifice, honour, manoeuvre and tragedy of the past. Padmini was the second wife of the brave and noble king of Mewar, Rawal Ratan Singh and the daughter of Sinhala king Gandharvasen. Her unrivalled beauty was augmented by her preference of death to abduction and dishonour during the historic siege of Chittor in 1303 AD, by the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. Perched on a 180metre high hill, covering 700 acres and surrounded by 13 kilometres of battlement, the massive Chittorgarh fort holds a white, three storied palace that overlooks a pleasant lotus pool. Pavilions crown the palace roofs and a water moat delightfully surrounds it. Later the bronze gates to this pavilion were removed and transported to Agra by Akbar.

Ratan Singh was a patron of art. History traces the claims of a musician of his court named Raghav Chetan being a sorcerer and the incident of his banishment from the kingdom. This musician maliciously carried the word of Padmini’s beauty to Alauddin Khilji who was roused to covetousness. It is said that Khilji tricked Ratan Singh as a friend and demanded to see Padmini. But as per the erstwhile Rajput custom, women kept distance from unknown people. Ratan Singh however allowed Khilji to get a glimpse of Padmini in a mirror placed in the main hall of Padmini Mahal. Her reflection so overwhelmed him that he frantically wanted to make her an adornment of his harem. This resulted to a number of intrigues and the final storming of Chittorgarh fort. The self immolation (Jauhar) conducted by the beautiful queen Padmini in order to save her moral integrity define her as a valiant queen who ever breathed in the land of Rajasthan, and in the whole of India. As an aftermath, Alauddin Khilji killed thirty thousand Hindus in revenge and entrusted the fort to his son Khizr Khan.

The marvellous architectural style of this palace and its picturesque surrounding act as a forerunner of the later palaces built in the midst of water. Padmini, the epitome of beauty resided in this palace, which makes it historically significant. Today a famous tourist spot of Rajasthan, Rani Padmini Palace stands as a feminine structure engulfed by a cascade of water, which at one point of time might have reflected the grace and gallant, the strength and spruce of the queen. Chittorgarh has a number of episodes imprinted in the pages of history. Why not unleash them far better by paying a visit to this place?

Rana Kumbha Palace

Rana Kumbha Palace

Replete with historic associations, Rana Kumbha Palace near the Vijay Stambh of Chittorgarh is a famous monument of Rajasthan. Walking through the spooky ambiance of the ruined Mahal, endowed with windows looking down from dark chambers and numerous doorways, you are reminded of the piercing cry of Rani Padmini and other women who committed Jauhar (self-immolation) in the underground cellars of the palace. This supreme heroic act of the Rajputani queen left Alauddin Khilji to find her bones and ashes instead of his prized possession Padmini after Chittor fell to the Emperor in 1303 AD.

The palace gets its name from Rana Kumbha(1433-68),the son of Rana Mokal. He was a versatile man, a brilliant poet, and a musician. He was a patron of the arts to rival Lorenzo de’ Medici, and he made Chittorgarh a dazzling cultural centre whose fame spread across Hindustan. This 15th century palace is also the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur. History tells us that Rana Udai Singh’s life was saved by the selfless act of his maid Panna Dai, who forsake her own son to death in order to save the prince from Banbir. Udai Singh was carried to safety in a fruit basket while her son was callously killed by the enemy.

The palace can be entered through the imposing Badipol and also through the modest Tripolia gate both being gateways to the east. Inside the palace complex is a Ganesh temple, a Zenana( living quater for women), a water reservoir, beautiful balconies, and stables of elephant and horses. Although in a dilapidated condition, the palace marks the prosperity of Rajput architecture.

Meera Bai, the Hindu mystic poet and devotee of Lord Krishna was wedded to Rana Kumbha(Bhojraj) in 1513 before she turned 14. Her divine intent clashed with her marial responsibility from time to time and thereby her in-laws trapped her in scandals and tortures. Her worldly renunciation and fidelity to Lord Krishna echo in her compositions. Rana Kumbha Palace incorporates the palace of poetess Meera Bai . There is a museum and archaeological office across the palace at present.

As an embodiment of both strength and devotion, Rana Kumbha Palace embraces two contradicting essence at its best. Get closer to this palace and listen to the murmurs of the edifice which has seen the burning pyre consuming the brave queen Padmini and also heard the songs of Meera Bai in her ecstatic delightful trance. Valour and faith coincides and makes this palace worth mentioning in the pages of history.

Lake Palace

Lake Palace

Udaipur- a magnificent town flaunting its natural and man-made beauty that instills awe in any soul which visits this place. The regal stature is clearly reflected in the extravagant lifestyle of the then kings and the spectacular forts and palaces glisten like sparkling diamonds. On your visit to this city of great architectural beauty and culture, one destination is sure to be your abode for the stay- The Lake Palace.

Described as the most romantic hotel in India and the world, the Lake Palace is sure to serve you and your loved ones in a befitting manner. Majestically rising over the Jag NiwasIsland on Lake Pichola, the luxury hotel, consisting of 83 rooms and suites, was built in 1743-1746 as a royal summer place for the kings. The palace is exquisitely decorated in white marble which gives it an enticing look amidst a picturesque backdrop. Not only that, the palace is ornamentally adorned with niches and arabesques of different colours. The palace, initially called Jag Niwas Palace, was starting to fall down and hence it became imperative to transform the palace into a luxurious hotel. And the job was exceptionally completed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in 1971.

The palace lured many television as well as film directors who filmed their projects in the backdrop and the surroundings of the Lake palace. Some of the well-known Bollywood movies are YehJawaani Hai Deewani and Yaadein. The essence and allure of the palace even invited the greatest spy ever, James Bond, whose movie’s ( Octopussy) certain parts were shot right here.

The splendor and aura of Lake Palace cannot be summed up using a few adjectives. Only a first hand experience can familiarize you with this sumptuous reality.

Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur City Palace

In the heart of the Jaipur City dwells a rich palace complex called the City Palace, with its marvellous art and architecture, showcasing the glory of the rulers of Rajasthan. Built between 1729 and 1732, this palace owes its construction to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, who initiated its formation and two chief architects namely Vidyadar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. Virendra Pol, Udai Pol near Jaleb Chowk and the Tripolia Gate are the entry gates to this palace, a larger portion of which is now turned into a museum, apart from the residence of the descendents of the former royal family. The palace comprises of courtyards, gardens, temples and buildings with a remarkable fusion of Shilpa Shastra of Indian Architecture with Mughal and European styles of architecture.

The City Palace comprises of the auspicious palace named the Mubarak Mahal, which was built by Maharaja Madho Singh II as a reception centre. It is now a centre of attraction of the tourist because of the display of variety of textiles, especially the royal costumes. Chandra Niwas or Chandra Mahal in the west end of City Palace is a seven storeyed building, which has some very unique paintings. It also consist the residence of the royal family. On top of Chandra Mahal flutters the flag of the royal family which is unfurled when the maharaja is in the palace. But when he is away, the queen’s flag is hoisted.

The other sections include Diwan-I-Khas which is the private audience hall of the king, and at present has put to display the famous Ganges-water-urns which is two huge sterling vessels of the former Maharajas. Diwan-I-Aam is the hall of public audience, in Mubarak Mahal courtyard, which is now an art gallery with immaculate ceiling murals. City Palace also comprises the Pitam Niwas Chowk , the inner courtyard, which has four small gates representing four seasons and four Hindu gods Vishnu, Shiv-Parvati, Ganesha, and Goddess Devi. In the Maharani Palace, the erstwhile residence of royal queens, various weapons of war are exhibited. The Baggi Khana in the palace still has the old carriages, palanquins, and European cabs preserved. There is also a temple in the palace, dedicated to Krishna, which was built in the 18th century.

Opened from Monday to Sunday, 10 Am to 5 Pm (closed on Holi/Diwali and selected holidays), the City Palace unwraps to its visitors an inspiration of interior designing and exquisite and deft artwork. It is time to explore. The heritage site awaits you. Bring home an experience of royalty!

Gora Badal Palace

Gora Badal Palace

The bards of Rajasthan sing of Gora and Badal,two legendary warriors of Chittorgarh, Mewar,whose marvellous potent and command over the army has been remembered since ages.History claims that Songara Chauhan generals Gora and Badal were uncle-nephew in relation and hailed from Jalore.Sultan Alauddin Khilji (1290-1316) took Rawal Ratan Singh as a prisoner of deceit after he denied the Sultan a chance to meet Queen Padmini in person and savour her beauty by looking at her in the flesh,instead of admiring her reflection in a mirror. The atonement demanded by Khilji for the rescue of Ratan Singh was Padmini. The objectification of woman as a show piece marked by her beauty is highlighted in proper through this incident. Khilji wanted to enhance the esteem of his harem by seizing Padmini from Chittor. Padmini’s unparallel beauty called despair for her husband, her kingdom and herself.

In the war council that was held immediately after Ratan Singh was taken into captive, Gora and Badal spiritedly planned out a strategy and accordingly acted. Words were sent out to Khijli camp that Padmini would be delivered the next morning and thereby it was asked that his army should be pulled out from the trenches. As the day dawned, one hundred and fifty palanquins (covered cases in which royal ladies were carried in medieval times) left the fort and entered the enemy camp.It was thought that Padmini’s entourage of female servants had accompanied her. But here the hook was- the palanquins were armed with the best Rajput warriors.This pretentious act of agreeing to the demand of the Sultan was in fact a noose for the rival army.When the palanquins reached, Gora gave a signal to the warriors and everyone descended from the palanquins and chopped off the heads of the Muslim soldiers.General Badal and Ratan Singh galloped away safely to Chittorgarh fort. While Gora fought bravely and reached Khiliji’s tent. He was about to kill the Sultan but Khilji moved his concubine in front of himself and Gora being a Rajput could not kill a guiltless woman. Consequently he laid down his life during the skirmish.

Two domed shaped houses have been constructed south of Padmini Mahal in Chittorgarh fort to commemorate these two heroic martyrs. This palace is known as Gora Badal Palace. The story is also depicted in a wall painting inside the Eklingji mandir in Udaipur. In the collection of Pandit Gaurishankar Ojha there is a reference of Gora and Badal being a single person. However, the bards still sing of them as two warriors and going with the age old oral tradition we can say that the present ruined citadel of Chittor has a glorious past and an extraordinary impulse of heroism and sacrifice, taken to matchless heights by legendary warriors.

Thomas Carlyle has said -“The history of the world is but the biography of great men”. Indeed it is! Rajasthan is embedded with the potent and bravery of many great men with varying degrees of influence. There is a lot more to know, a lot more to explore. A visit to Chittorgarh and Gora-Badal Palace shall introduce you to the specimen of glory implanted in every corner of the fort. The dead voices of the sharpening of the swords, clicking of the shields and redefining of the strategies are still there, waiting for you to listen and cogitate upon the triumph and brilliance.

Fateh Prakash Palace

Fateh Prakash Palace

Studded with a series of historical palaces, Chittorgarh stands out as an acute representation of the embodiment of nationalism, courage, chivalry and sacrifice. Fateh Prakash Palace, located near Rana Kumbha Palace, was built by Rana Fateh Singh (1884-1930). The precincts have modern houses and a small museum. A school for local children (about 5000 villagers live within the fort) is also nearby. A big portion of the palace is made into a museum way back in 1960’s. Artefacts utilized by the then kings are put to display.

The spectacle of the Royal Art Gallery showcasing the wood crafts of Bassi village, post medieval statues of Jain Ambica and Indra from Rashmi village, weapons like axes, knives, ancient shields, daggars, farsa; clay replicas of regional tribal people clad in their traditional costumes; attracts the visitors and tourists. The museum is subdivided into different sections dedicated to different antiquities. A big Ganesha idol, various frescos and a large fountain can be seen here. The palace is known for its modern architectural style. The inclination towards art and culture, tradition and past glory is entrenched in every pillar and corridor. Presently it has a large collection of paintings too, disclosing the historical facts attached to the fort.

Not to be mistaken with the Fateh Prakash Palace of Udaipur, this palace of Chittorgarh has a lot in store, depicting the day to day life of the Royal family and the villagers. The museum is closed on Friday and gazetted holidays. It is well connected with roads and railways. Do visit the palace and delve into the amazing informative realm. The palaces mottled with echoes of bravery and sombreness, royalty and naivety, faith and bloodshed portrays a picture of the magnificent Rajasthan. Come and Discover!

Deeg Palace

Deeg Palace

Historically momentous, the Deeg palace of Bharatpur district, is a potential site demanding tourist attraction. Although little forgotten, this strategic location of the past, in propinquity to Mathura and Agra links itself to the Hindu mythology, where Deeg comes under the parikrama path of Krishna which was started from Goverdhan , just 12 kilometres far from Deeg. Identified by some as the ancient town of ‘Dirgha’ or ‘Dirghapur’, mentioned in Skanda Purana and Bhagawat Mahatmya, Deeg became a throttlehold of the Jat rulers during the 18th and 19th century. The architecture of Deeg is epitomized by the beautiful mansions called ‘Bhawans’ popularly known as Gopal Bhawan, Suraj Bhawan, Kishan Bhawan, Nand Bhawan, Keshav Bhawan, Hardev Bhawan.

Badan Singh (1772-56 AD), the formal founder of the princely state of Bharatpur, constructed the Royal Palace and Gardens at Deeg. He built the Purana Mahal, with an interior consisting of two separate courts, arcades indented with small concave curves and points and the Rup Sagar reservoir on the east and Gopal Sagar on the west. Two oblong vault storeys were constructed as summer resorts on the water front of Gopal Bhawan. It consists of a central hall flanked by wings of two storeyed seizures on either side. A room in the northern wing contains a black marble throne- platform believed to be spoils of war brought by Jawahar Singh from the imperial palaces of Delhi. The Gopal Bhawan is bordered by two small pavilions known as Sawan and Bhadon Bhawans to its north and south respectively.

Next to Rup Sagar tank stands Keshav Bhawan, the monsoon pavilion, which is a single-storeyed baradari and an octagonal base. An arcade runs around the interior of the pavilion over a canal with hundreds of fountains. Minute water jets perforate through the walls of the canals, beautifying the palace view. Deeg was a site of legendary battle between the Jats and a combined Mughal and Maratha army of 80,000 men. As a consequence, the traces of both Hindu and Muslim taste of architecture is found here. The design of the gardens has been motivated by the Mughal Charbagh.

The hushed forts of Deeg still clutch on to the cacophony of ancient whispers. In the month of September a three day fair is held here, when Deeg is mottled to life. The palace is open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Fridays. You can catch up this enchanting spot from the nearest airports at Agra and Delhi, or railhead in Bharatpur junction. The aesthetic garden, multiple fountains, quadrangle form, large moats, decorative beams and rustic surrounding, calls you. Do pay a visit and redefine the experience of Deeg sightseeing in your own prodigy.