Udaipur : Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of the most romantic places in India. Situated between Pichola Lake and many hills, this city has been a great example of Rajasthani culture and civilization since the beginning. The magnificent palaces of this city tell the tales of the royal glory of Udaipur. Some credit for Udaipur being a famous and popular city also goes to its palaces. All these palaces give you a lot of information about the royal family of Rajasthan. By the way, most of these palaces have been converted into heritage hotels. But despite this, there has been no reduction in the royal atmosphere of these palaces. All these palaces are still as magnificent and royal as they used to be in earlier times. So whenever you go on a trip to Rajasthan, do not forget to see these royal palaces of Udaipur.
1. Udaipur City Palace
Udaipur’s famous City Palace, built on the banks of Pichola Lake, attracts everyone. The City Palace Complex is actually a group of several forts which were built by the kings of Mewar about 400 years ago. Since then, there has been no decrease in the glory of this palace. This palace has been built using granite and marble. The corridors inside the palace also have excellent carved marble work. The main palace of this complex is Badi Mahal, which is also known as Garden Palace. Apart from this, you can also see Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Dilkush Mahal and Fateh Prakash Palace in this complex. Out of these, Shambu Niwas has now become the residence of the royal family of Mewar and two palaces have also been converted into heritage hotels. Udaipur’s City Palace gives you a chance to experience the true royal style of Rajasthan.
2. Jag Mandir Palace
This palace built by Maharaja Jagat Singh is also known as Lake Garden Palace. This three-storey palace has been constructed using marble and sandstone. The specialty of this palace is its 8 large statues of elephants which have been carved from marble. As soon as you enter the palace, you are welcomed by these statues which make you feel that you are directly in a royal family. In Jag Mandir Palace, you must see Gul Mahal where Shah Jahan used to live with his family. After this, you should see the palace of 12 stones which has been built by carving 12 marble slabs. You also get an opportunity to see a very beautiful sunset from Jag Mandir Palace. You can end your trip with some amazing Rajasthani dishes at Darikhana Restaurant inside the palace.
3. Sajjangarh Palace
Built in 1884, this beautiful palace was constructed by Maharana Sajjan Singh. Sajjangarh Palace is also known as The Monsoon Palace. Built at an altitude of about 994 meters on the Bansdara hill, this palace offers the best views of Pichola Lake. You can even see the views of the surrounding wildlife sanctuary, lake, mountains and other palaces from this palace. Actually, this place was first going to be built as an astronomy lab. But due to the sudden demise of Maharana Sajjan Singh, it could not be completed. Later this palace started being used for hunting and enjoyment. The real fun of seeing the Rajputana architecture, high minarets and balconies of Sajjangarh Palace comes in the evening when this palace glows with light.
4. Lake Palace
Built on the Jag Island of Pichola Lake, this palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Udaipur. Built between 1743 and 1746, this palace is also known as Jag Niwas. This palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. To maintain the palace, Maharana Bhagwat Singh started its maintenance work in 1960, after which this palace emerged as the first luxury hotel in Udaipur. This palace is very magnificent. Currently, it is being run under the Taj Group of Hotels. This palace is also very suitable for destination weddings. Not only this, many famous personalities have chosen this palace as their wedding destination. This palace is counted among the most romantic places not only in Udaipur but in the whole of Rajasthan. This palace, sparkling in white, looks no less than a paradise.
5. Bagor Ki Haveli
Built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa, this mansion is located on Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand used to be the chief minister of the royal court of Mewar. After his death, this mansion came to the royal family of Mewar. In 1878, this mansion came to Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagor, who later made this mansion his residence by adding three floors to it. After lying vacant for many years, this mansion has finally been renovated by the West Zone Culture Center and converted into a museum. This unique palace of Udaipur has a total of 138 rooms. Apart from this, it has many corridors and balconies. Excellent glass work has been done at various places in this palace. Apart from this, many paintings and art related things have been installed in the palace. The most attractive part of this palace is Rani Darbar, which gives you a chance to directly experience the culture of Mewaris.
6. Shiv Niwas Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Jagat Niwas Palace
These three palaces built on the eastern shore of Pichola Lake have now been converted into heritage hotels. Shiv Niwas Palace is a part of the City Palace of Udaipur which was earlier used as a guest house for the royal family. Fateh Prakash Palace was used for royal events. Jagat Niwas Palace built in the 17th century has also been converted into a heritage hotel. The architecture of all these palaces is worth seeing. These palaces are much more beautiful from inside than they look from outside. The walls of all the palaces have fine carvings. As soon as you enter the palace, you will get a completely royal atmosphere.
