City Palace Udaipur, Rajasthan
Location and Architecture
The City Palace of Udaipur is one of the most remarkable constructions of the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan.
Located in the heart of the city of Udaipur and towering over the Lake Pichola, the City Palace unfailingly infuses a sense of awe in the hearts of its onlookers. It is the standing testimony of Rajput passion for art and architecture despite the fact that the exterior is not as elegant as the interiors.
The palace is approached through the ‘Hati Pol’, or the ‘Elephant Gate’ from the main road. The ‘Bara Pol’ the ‘Great gate’ on the northern end leads to the first court yard, which joins Tripolia gate.
The biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur the Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is situated here.
City Palace Attractions
The palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, is made up of a beautiful collection of balconies, cupolas and towers. Two prominent ones are the Suraj Gokhada or the Sun Balcony where the Maharana would grant public audiences and the much – photographed Mor Chawk or the Peacock Square named for its vivid blue mosaic in glass.
The Krishna Vilas has an amazing assemblage of paintings that showcases the varying events & moods of the life of Maharanas like during a royal procession, festivals and games. The Manak Mahal is yet another fantastic part of the City Palace complex where crystal and porcelain figures mesmerise the visitors.
Bhim Vilas Palace has beautiful paintings of Radha and Krishna adorning its walls while the Zenana Mahal has beautiful frescoes as well as wall paintings to make it appear attractive. There is also the Dilkhush Mahal with similar charming interiors.
The Moti Mahal( Palace of Pearls) has lavish decor and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) has inlaid mirror work. There is a Hawa Mahal and a Bari Mahal with a fine garden build on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The Amar Vilas, the highest point has exquisite hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces and a majestic view of the town and Lake Pichola.
Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:City_Palace_Udaipur.jpg
