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City Palace, Udaipur

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The City Palace in Udaipur is a sprawling complex of several palaces located on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola in Rajasthan. Construction began in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II after he moved the capital of the Mewar kingdom from Chittorgarh. Over a period of nearly 400 years, his successors added numerous structures, resulting in a seamless blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The entire complex is built of granite and marble, characterized by its intricate balconies, towering cupolas, and ornate arches. Inside, the palace features magnificent rooms like the Mor Chowk, famous for its glass peacock mosaics, and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). The upper terraces offer panoramic views of the lake and the iconic Lake Palace hotel. Today, while part of the complex serves as a museum, a portion remains the private residence of the royal family.

Location: India
Top sights: Vintage and Classic Car Collection · Jagdish Mandir · Ambrai Ghat

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	16	20	25	30	33	31	28	26	26	25	22	18
Rain mm	2	2	3	5	9	68	221	223	100	7	5	2

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The City Palace in Udaipur is open to visitors, with many courtyards, palaces, and museums to explore. Part of the complex is still used by the royal family and is not accessible.

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Typical hours

The palace is typically open daily from around 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Hours may vary by season, and it's advisable to book for evening events.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in most areas of the palace, but without flash in the museums. A permit is required for professional shoots or tripods.

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Time needed

Allow at least two to three hours for the palace complex. To see all courtyards, the museum, and the rooftop garden, half a day may be needed.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a boat ride on Lake Pichola or a walk through Udaipur's old town. The Jagmandir Palace and Bagore-ki-Haveli museum are nearby.

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Getting there

The City Palace is centrally located in Udaipur and can be reached on foot, by car, or by rickshaw. Many hotels offer shuttle service, and there is parking nearby.

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Insider tip

Visit the palace in the late morning for the best light for photos and to avoid the afternoon crowds. The view from the rooftop garden overlooking Lake Pichola is memorable.

Geography

Coordinates

24.57620, 73.68350

Facts

Construction began in 1559
Largest palace complex in Rajasthan
Façade length is 244 meters
Consists of 11 separate palaces
Houses the Mor Chowk mosaics
Built on the banks of Lake Pichola

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Haldighati Battlefield10 km · EExplore →

Jodhpur90 km · SEExplore →

Vadodara91 km · SWExplore →

Mehrangarh Fort92 km · SEExplore →

Mount Abu108 km · SExplore →

Pushkar113 km · NEExplore →

Bikaner116 km · EExplore →

Ahmedabad Textile Industry133 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town City Palace, Udaipur (18)

Vintage and Classic Car Collection 🏛 museum

This museum displays the former maharajas' luxury fleet, including rare Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-21:00💶

Jagdish Mandir ⛪ religious

A large Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, featuring intricate stone carvings from 1651.

🕒 week 08-36 05:00-14:30,16:00-22:30 unknown "Listed as summer

Ambrai Ghat 📍 landmark

A scenic stone waterfront offering panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the illuminated City Palace.

Gangaur Ghat 📍 landmark

A historic waterfront on Lake Pichola, central to the lively Gangaur festival celebrations.

Sajjan Garh - Monsoon Palace 📍 landmark

A 19th-century hilltop palace built to watch monsoon clouds, overlooking the city and lakes.

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary🌿 nature

This sanctuary in the Aravalli Range surrounds the historic Monsoon Palace perched on the summit of Bansdara Hill.

SajjanGarh Biological Park🎡 recreation

A modern biological park and zoo located at the foot of the hill directly below the Sajjangarh Fort.

🌐 sajjangarhbiologicalpark.com🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00

Jagmandir Palace 🏰 castle

An impressive 17th-century palace built on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola.

Jagdish Arts and Crafts 🏛 museum

Located near the main temple, this gallery features traditional Rajasthani puppets and colorful textiles.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum 🏛 museum

A folk art museum displaying a rich collection of traditional puppets, masks, and musical instruments.

Chand Pol 🏺 historical

An ancient city gate marking the western entrance to the historic walled old city.

Kishan Pol 🏺 historical

One of the massive historic gates of the old city fortifications located near the lakefront.

RK circle 🏺 historical

A central traffic landmark known for its decorative fountain and illuminated park area.

Bohra Ganesh ⛪ religious

An over 450-year-old Ganesha temple revered for its rare standing idol of the deity.

Chhoti Shitla Mata Mandir ⛪ religious

A small local temple dedicated to the goddess Shitla, traditionally prayed to for protection from diseases.

food market 🎭 culture

A bustling market known for authentic Rajasthani street foods like kachoris and samosas.

Spice market 🎭 culture

An aromatic bazaar filled with sacks of local chili, turmeric, and fragrant Indian spice blends.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 10:00-21:00

Fatehpura Vegetable Market 🎭 culture

A busy local produce market where farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables every morning.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the palace still inhabited by the royal family?

Yes, part of the complex is the family's private residence, while other parts are museums and hotels.

Can you take a boat tour from the palace?

Yes, boat trips to Jag Mandir and cruises on Lake Pichola start from near the palace waterfront.

What is the Crystal Gallery?

It is a unique collection of furniture and objects made entirely of crystal, one of a kind in the world.

Does the palace offer good views?

Yes, the balconies provide spectacular views over Udaipur city and Lake Pichola.

When does the museum close?

The main museum usually closes at 5:30 PM, with the last entry around 4:30 PM.

City Palace, Udaipur: where is it located?

City Palace, Udaipur is located in India.

City Palace, Udaipur: what is there to see?

Highlights include Vintage and Classic Car Collection, Jagdish Mandir, Ambrai Ghat.

City Palace, Udaipur: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

City Palace, Udaipur: why is it worth visiting?

The City Palace in Udaipur is a sprawling complex of several palaces located on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola in Rajasthan.

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City Palace, Udaipur

Best time to visit & climate