As we made our way through the vast Rajasthan desert from Jaipur and Jodhpur, the golden-colored terrain seemed as familiar as the blue skies above. The contrast of colors in this part of India added an extra layer of visual interest to our journey. We had also developed a routine which included bazaar hopping, street food exploration, and stepping inside centuries-old palaces and giant forts.
A Royal Vibe: Stepping Inside the City Palace of Udaipur
Nevertheless, my sense of wonder and pursuit of oddity lit up as we approached the City Palace of Udaipur on foot. Massive in scale and rich in architectural details, I immediately felt a tinge of royal vibe as we entered the 'Badi Pol' (Great Gate) leading to the Palace's first of many courtyards. Udaipur, being known as "the City of Lakes," lavished travelers with a picturesque body of water surrounded by a flair of royal heritage—in the form of impressive forts and regal palaces.
The City Palace which overlooks Lake Pichola is one of them. There's also Jag Mandir—a small palace built on a tiny islet—and the Lake Palace which stands on a larger island. It was only a few minutes into our walk toward the lake side when a local approached us, pointing to something in the middle of the lake. "That palace was where James Bond's Octopussy was shot," he told us proudly.
A 16th Century Royal Abode
The City Palace was first constructed at the same time Udaipur was founded as a city by Maharana Udai Singh II of the then-ruling Mewar Kingdom in 1559. From the initial Rai Angan courtyard, construction spread rapidly to include numerous royal residences, gardens, function halls, and gateways. The whole construction phase spanned twenty-two generations of Sisodia Rajput rulers, covering hundreds of years from 1559 onward.
Designed with Rajput architecture, the City Palace houses eye-popping details and interiors dotting the whole complex from towering balconies, intricate mirror and marble-work to stunning remnants of mural paintings, silver work, and colored glass.
A Maze of Elaborate Architecture
Just by looking at the looming façade of the City Palace of Udaipur, you’d easily compare it to the other forts built all over Rajasthan. As imposing as it appears from the outside, stepping inside takes you to another dimension highlighted by a labyrinth of passageways and hallways leading to various rooms showcasing historical artifacts depicting the journey of the Mewar Kingdom to present-day Udaipur.
Former royal halls are now transformed into museums displaying artworks dating back to the height of the Mewar Kingdom. My friend Aileen and I would often separate from each other as we explored through what appeared to be a fun-maze of architectural marvels. From one room to the next, I never ran out of fine details to ogle at. Whether it was a door, a window, a glass panel, or a mural piece, everything seemed to arrest my attention.
Alighting at the rooftop courtyard, I proceeded to the balcony to survey the view of the city below. Feeling happily exhausted at collecting new knowledge while pleasing my visual sense, I mustered back my energy with a cold bottle of drink in hand. For a few precious minutes, I savored not only Udaipur's cool wind but also some royal vibe that had been etched for many generations within the walls of the City Palace.
Read my timeline of visits to India and why it is my favorite country.
