Backpacker's Blueprint
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CITY PALACE
The Architecture of City Palace Udaipur
City palace is perched on the edge of the lake like a grand rock from where you can survey all that is below. Its a total maze of a plan and a joy to unlock as you walk round in a state of confusion and awe.
City Palace Udaipur
Udaipur
01
About
Rising above the waters of Lake Pichola, Udaipur’s City Palace feels less like a building and more like a dream carved from marble. Built over 400 years by a succession of Mewar rulers, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, a patchwork of courtyards, domes, balconies, and corridors that tell the story of a dynasty balancing pride and poetry.
Each addition reflects a moment in time; the earliest foundations were laid by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559 after he established Udaipur as the new capital. His descendants continued to expand the complex, blending Rajput military precision with Mughal elegance. Today, the palace remains both a royal residence and a living museum, its walls echoing with the lineage of one of India’s oldest ruling families.
02
How to get there
Udaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road.
By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is about 25 km from the city centre, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and beyond.
By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station links directly with major Indian cities, a scenic and budget-friendly route for backpackers.
By Road: Buses and taxis connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad; the winding Aravalli drives make for a beautiful approach.
Once in town, the palace sits in the heart of the old city, easily reached on foot or by rickshaw from the ghats.
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Architecture Highlights
The City Palace is a masterclass in Rajasthani craftsmanship, layered with Mughal ornamentation.
Materials & Form: White marble and yellow stone catch the desert light, while delicate jaali (lattice) windows filter air and shadow. The palace climbs in terraces rather than height, creating an organic skyline that mirrors the surrounding hills.
Key Spaces:
Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard): Adorned with stunning glass mosaics depicting peacocks, symbols of beauty, immortality, and the Mewar spirit.
Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors): A glittering chamber that multiplies candlelight across mirrored walls, creating a celestial illusion.
Zenana Mahal: Once the women’s quarters, its painted ceilings and courtyards blend privacy with grace.
Badi Mahal: A garden palace set high above ground level, surrounded by marble pillars and cool breezes, an oasis above the city.
Symbolism: The palace represents continuity, each ruler adding to it, yet honouring what came before. Its balance of defence and decoration shows how architecture can embody identity: protection, pride, and artistry intertwined.
04
Where to Stay
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Architect Jack