Udaipur popularly known as the “city of lakes” is one of India’s most romantic cities nestled between the glassy waters of its famous lakes and the ancient Aravali Hills. More spectacular are the beautiful palaces built around the place that speaks volume of the Royalty of this ancient city of palaces. Udaipur, being a Popular and dreamy tourist destination, you can join the many Indian and foreign tourists to be wonderstruck by its many beautiful as well as majestic palaces and take a peek into the sublime life, the Royals lived. We provide you here with a bucket list for your eventful journey for a royal experience and you can bet this tour would certainly become an unforgettable part of your memories that you will cherry throughout your life.
Here Is The List Of The Most Beautiful Palaces In Udaipur
1. Udaipur City Palace
The Udaipur City palace complex comprising a series of palaces was built on a ridge on the east of Lake Pichola by the Mewars of Rajasthan over a long period of 400 years starting from Maharana Udai Singh. The palace complex has been built entirely in granite and marble with beautiful interiors that exhibit delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver-work, inlay work, and leftover colored glasswork.
Badi Mahal also known as Garden Palace is the central palace and some of the other palaces that you will find here are the Dilkush Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Shambu Niwas Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Shiv Niwas palace, not to mention the many beautiful villas included. While Shambu Niwas is now the residence of the Mewar Royal family, the last two palaces mentioned have been converted into heritage hotels. The City Palace of Udaipur will give you a glimpse into the princely grandeur of Rajasthan excellently projected for you in the Mewar Light and Sound show held in the evenings.
2. Jag Mandir Palace of Udaipur
Jag Mandir Palace, also known as ‘Lake Garden Palace’ located on the southern island of Lake Pichola was completed in the early 17th century by Maharana Jagat Singh. A three-storied structure this Palace of Udaipur is made out of marble and yellow sandstone with eight life-sized elephants carved out of pure white marble at the entrance Jetty which is delightful to see. While in the Jag Mandir palace complex makes sure to visit Gul Mahal where Shah Jahan and his family lived while in hiding.
You should also see the ‘Bara Patharon ka Mahal’ made out of 12 marble slabs, the ‘Zenana Mahal’ which was the chambers for the Royal ladies, and the Kunwar Pada ka Mahal which was meant for the crowned prince. Jag Mandir Palace offers a blissful view of Sunset so do not miss the chance to experience the beautiful sight. Before you catch the boat for your return journey do not forget to enjoy some lip-smacking Rajasthani food at ‘Darikhana’ a restaurant operated within the complex.
3. Sajjangarh Palace of Udaipur
Sajjangarh Palace of Udaipur also popularly known as ‘The Monsoon Palace’ was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884. Located at a height of 944 meters above sea level on Bansdara Mountain peak overlooking the famous Pichola Lake, this Palace of Udaipur offers amazing views of the surrounding wildlife sanctuary and spectacular panoramic views of Udaipur city and its stunning lakes, mountains, and palaces that you must not miss.
It is said the palace was originally intended to be built as an astronomical observatory to assess the arrival and pattern of monsoon clouds but due to the premature death of Maharana Sajjan Singh, the same did not materialize. His successors utilized the palace as a hunting lodge and for recreation purposes. Sajjangarh Palace displays fascinating Rajput architecture, complete with high towers, turrets balconies, and pillars and you must view it in its full glory when it is illuminated in the evenings.
4. Lake Palace of Udaipur
The Lake Palace located on the Islands of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola was a former summer palace of the royal dynasty of Mewar. This Palace of Udaipur also known by the name ‘Jag Niwas’ was built between 1743 and 1746 under the direction of the Maharana Jagat Singh II. To save the palace building from decay due to vagaries of weather it was Maharana Bhagwat Singh who decided in the 1960s for restoration of the palace to convert it into Udaipur’s first luxury hotel.
Restored to its pristine glory this spectacular palace of Udaipur has now become the majestic and magnificent Hotel Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur operated by the Taj Group, famous across the world among rich and famous, including the celebrity weddings destination, film locations, etc. You will be stunned by the beauty and scenic location of the Lake Palace which is one of the most romantic destinations in the entire state of Rajasthan.
5. Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli located at Gangori Ghat, on the banks of Lake Pichola, was built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa, who was the Chief Minister at the Mewar Royal Court. On his death, the mansion came under the possession of Mewar Royals. In 1878 Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore made the haveli his abode adding three stories to the main structure. Since that time, the mansion came to be known as ‘Bagore Ki Haveli’. The mansion used to serve the royalty of Mewar but was left vacant for around 50 years and then in 1986 it was handed over to the West Zone Cultural Centre who renovated the haveli to preserve it as a museum of Mewar’s Aristocratic culture.
This unique palace of Udaipur has 138 rooms with numerous corridors & balconies courtyards and terraces. The palace boasts mirror work, paintings, and interior palace art that gives you a peek into the life of Mewar Royals, especially the Queen’s chamber which is the most popular of the lot. You can also enjoy the popular Dharohar Dance Show held here every evening which showcases the culture and folk tradition of Rajasthan.
6. Shiv Niwas Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Jagat Niwas Palace
These Palaces of Udaipur located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola have now been converted into luxury heritage hotels. Shiv Niwas Palace and the smaller Fateh Prakash Palace are part of the City Palace built, the former as a Royal Guest House and the latter as a venue for Royal events, in the 19th and early 20th centuries by Maharana Fateh Singh. The palaces have been meticulously maintained and preserved in old Royalty and utilized as heritage hotels at the initiative of Maharana Bhagwat Singh, magnificently managed by the HRH (Historic Resort Hotels) group and Taj groups.
Do not miss the chance to experience the Royalty offered by these luxury Palace hotels of Udaipur. Jagat Niwas Palace is also a 17th-century palace restored to resemble a palace of the bygone era, adapted into a hotel showcasing the rich heritage of Rajasthan & its royalty. So, enjoy your stay in these heritage luxury hotels while you explore the palaces of Udaipur.
Also Read: Mouth-Watering Dishes From Rajasthan You Have To Try
Take A Trip
So, if you are looking for a vacation that would allow you to experience the culture and heritage of India, take a trip to any of these palaces and have a memorable holiday.
