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.