A soaring white palace complex on Lake. Pichola — the grandest in all of Rajasthan.
City Palace, Udaipur is in Udaipur. Entry is ₹300 for Indian visitors. It opens open daily, about 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Open all week. The best time is Late afternoon. Then stay for a Lake Pichola sunset.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Begun | 1559 |
| Built by | Maharana Udai Singh II & successors |
| Size | Largest palace complex in Rajasthan |
| Setting | East bank of Lake Pichola |
| Location | Udaipur, Rajasthan |
The City Palace was begun in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The founder of Udaipur. And grew over four centuries into the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It rises in white marble and granite above Lake Pichola.
Behind the long façade lie courtyards. Balconies, mirror rooms and a museum of Mewar royal history. The lake views from its terraces are among the finest in India.
Sources: City Palace Udaipur — official · City Palace, Udaipur — Wikipedia · Rajasthan Tourism.
What makes it special, and what to look for.
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Begun | 1559, by Udai Singh II | Wikipedia |
| Built over | ~400 years, 22 rulers | Wikipedia |
| Size | Largest palace in Rajasthan | Wikipedia |
| Palaces within | Eleven | Wikipedia |
| Façade length | 244 m (801 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Façade height | 30.4 m (100 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Material | Granite & marble | Wikipedia |
| Museum since | 1974 | Wikipedia |
| Mor Chowk mosaic | ~5,000 glass pieces | Wikipedia |
| Crystal order | 1877, Osler of London | Wikipedia |
| Still home to | the Mewar family | Wikipedia |
| Overlooks | Lake Pichola | Wikipedia |
| Tripolia Pol | built 1725 | Wikipedia |
| Durbar Hall | completed 1909 | Wikipedia |
| Jetty | for Lake Pichola boats | Wikipedia |
| Seat of | the Mewar dynasty | Wikipedia |
| A maze of | courts and balconies | Wikipedia |
| Best at | sunset over the lake | Wikipedia |
Udai Singh II began it in 1559. It grew over about four centuries. Twenty-two rulers added to it.
It is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Eleven smaller palaces make it up. It rises above Lake Pichola.
The façade runs 244 metres long. It stands 30.4 metres high. Granite and marble build it.
Behind it lie mirrored courts. Peacock mosaics glitter within. Part became a museum in 1974.
The palace layers many reigns. Each ruler added a wing. The result is a small white city.
Its peacock court dazzles visitors. Some 5,000 glass tiles form it. Lake views crown the upper floors.
The palace opens onto the lake. A jetty launches sunset boats. Island palaces float beyond.
The palace is Mewar's proud seat. Its rulers resisted the Mughals long. That fierce pride shaped it.
It climbs above Lake Pichola. White walls catch the evening gold. Island palaces float beyond.
Inside lies a maze of courts. Mirror halls and mosaics dazzle. Give it a good two hours.
Sources: City Palace Udaipur — official · City Palace, Udaipur — Wikipedia · Rajasthan Tourism.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: City Palace Udaipur — official · City Palace, Udaipur — Wikipedia · Rajasthan Tourism.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1559 | Udai Singh II begins the palace. |
| 1725 | The Tripolia Pol gate is built. |
| 1909 | The Durbar Hall is completed. |
| 1974 | Part opens as a museum. |
| 1572 | Udai Singh II dies. |
Sources: City Palace Udaipur — official · City Palace, Udaipur — Wikipedia · Rajasthan Tourism.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Adult (museum) | ₹300 |
| Child | ₹100 |
| Crystal Gallery | ₹500 |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open daily, about 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. |
| Weekly closing | Open all week. |
| Best time to visit | Late afternoon, then stay for a Lake Pichola sunset. |
| How long to allow | One to two hours suits most visits. |
Sources: City Palace Udaipur — official · City Palace, Udaipur — Wikipedia · Rajasthan Tourism.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Location | East bank of Lake Pichola, old city |
| Nearby | Jagdish Temple and the lake ghats are a short walk |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Udaipur from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Plan around India's seasons. Late afternoon, then stay for a Lake Pichola sunset.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Udaipur to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Udaipur guide for the best areas.
Pair with a Lake Pichola boat ride.
The complex is huge — give it two hours.
Arrive at opening time. You beat crowds, and heat.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | ₹300 |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | ₹500 |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair City Palace, Udaipur with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
The museum costs about ₹300 for adults. The Crystal Gallery is a separate ₹500 ticket.
It is open daily from about 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Maharana Udai Singh II began it in 1559; later rulers expanded it.
Yes — it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. With superb lake views.
About two hours for the museum, courtyards and views.
Location: East bank of Lake Pichola. Old city; Nearby: Jagdish Temple. The lake ghats are a short walk.
Late afternoon, then stay for a Lake Pichola sunset.
You can also visit Lake Pichola & Jag Mandir. Udaipur guide, Rajasthan guide.
Stay in Udaipur. See our Udaipur guide.
Keep exploring around Udaipur.
