The magnificent white City Palace lying in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by successive Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a peak overlooking the Lake Pichola.

The splendid white City Palace in the stately city of Udaipur in Rajasthan was firstly constructed by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan. The palace observed some expansion and was being taken to its present form by successive Maharanas. Superbly constructed in granite and marble and encircled by crenellated fort walls, the City Palace is the biggest palace complex in Rajasthan which stands tall on a tip along the Lake Pichola.

The City Place of Udaipur is a amalgam of Medieval European and Chinese architecture. The palace complex has a number of outstanding buildings of elegant beauty, gardens and fountains, all well planned and finely executed over the years. The entry to the palace complex is through the 'Hati Pol', or the 'Elephant Gate' from the main road. The biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur the Jagdish Temple (1651A.D), dedicated to Lord Vishnu is situated here. The 'Bara Pol' the 'Great gate' (1600A.D) on the northern end leads to the first courtyard, which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'(1725 A.D). Between the two gates there are eight carved marble arches or 'Toranas' under which the rulers in the past were weighed against gold and silver, the value of which was then distributed to the poor. Beyond the Tripolia there is an area where elephant fights were staged. The palace looks rugged from outside but inside, the path leads to many enclosures with luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas with awesome sights over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.

Places of Interest:
The entry of the City Palace Udaipur, India is through the Hati Pol, the elephant gate. From outside the city palace seems rugged but one can experience the exotic features inside the palace. The paths leads to many enclosures with luxurious apartments that arte surmounted by balconies with hanging gardens massive octagonal towers from where one can enjoy breath taking views of the lake and city. One very popular spot is the Raj Angan the oldest part of the palace that was built by Udai Singh in the 16th century.

Shopping:
There are many things to shop from in Udaipur. Potteries, traditional toys and souvenirs are some good option to choose from.

Place : Udaipur, in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.

Popular As : Largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

Best time to visit : October to March