City Palace

Why the City Palace in Udaipur in Rajasthan is special
This grand palatial complex comprises many ornately embellished palaces within it.

Seat of power
For centuries, beginning in 1559, a stream of royal residents ruled an expansive territory.

Setting
City Palace was built on a hill top facing Lake Pichola. It offers a panoramic view of the city and of the famous Lake Palace Hotel that sits in the middle of the lake.

Attractions
They include the mirror-studded Sheesh Mahal, the stained-glass-mosaic peacocks, the precious miniature paintings, and more.

City Palace visitor tips
When to come and not come
Late September to early March is best, which is why it's the tourist season.

Late March to early September can be uncomfortably hot.

Avoiding crowds
Try to stay clear of the tourist-season weekends and especially during the late fall Diwali holiday.

Be among the first visitors in the morning and the last in the afternoon. You'll skip the slow-moving tour groups shuffling through the narrow, crooked corridors.

Who should not visit
Seniors and young children who cannot deal with a fair amount of stair climbing and a long, one-way walk. Note: The pre-determined route does not allow backtracking to the entrance.

Be aware
In the months preceding the start of the monsoon season (normally July), Lake Pichola can partially dry up. The water level can go down so low that the Lake Palace Hotel ceases to be an island. Sadly, this significantly diminishes City Palace's famous view of the hotel and lake.

Location in India