City Palace, Udaipur

The City Palace is a palace complex in Udaipur, India, stretching along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola and combining numerous courtyards and buildings made of granite and marble. The compound rises up the hillside and connects several levels through wide staircases and narrow passages.

Maharana Udai Singh II began building in 1553 after making Udaipur the new capital of Mewar. Later rulers added more pavilions and courtyards over the following centuries.

Many halls preserve the craftsmanship of local stoneworkers and painters who served the ruling family across generations. Large wall paintings throughout depict courtly life and religious themes that visitors can study room by room.

The entrance leads through the Badi Pol gate, from where visitors follow a walking route through the open sections. On hot days it helps to visit in the morning before the sun heats the marble courtyards.

Inside the Sheesh Mahal, built for Maharani Ajabde, small mirrors cover the walls and ceilings of the chambers. By candlelight the surfaces shimmer and multiply the glow throughout the room.