| Rajasthan is where all the countrys similes and
metaphors appear to have come together to create a visual extravaganza.
Majestic palaces and rugged forts, spectacular deserts, wooded hills and
tranquil lakes, bustling towns and quiet villages, amazing flora and fauna
and of course, the colorful and vibrant people of Rajasthan form an intricate
tapestry of mysticism, grandeur and rusticity. Explore this land of the
maharajas and experience the yore of a bygone era in a truly fascinating
style. |
The City Palace, Udaipur

City
Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the construction
of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures
to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design. The entry to
the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or the Big
gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate.
It was once a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold and
silver, which was distributed to the populace. It is also now the main ticket
office. Balconies, cupolas and towers surmount the palace to give a wonderful
view of the lake.
Suraj Gokhada or the balcony of the sun is where the Maharana would grant public
audiences mainly to boost the morale of the people in difficult times. The Mor
Chawk is the peacock square and gains its name from the vivid blue mosaic in
glass of a peacock that decorates its walls.
The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large
and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury
museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the
lethal two-pronged sword.
The City Palace museum is then entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the
door of Lord Ganesh. This leads to the Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard that
is the very spot where Maharana Udai Singh met the sage who told him to find
a city here.
The rooms of the palace are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings.
Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace has a lovely collection of glass and mirror work
while Krishna

Vilas
display a rich collection of miniature paintings. Moti Mahal or the pearl palace
has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal has ornamental tiles all over.
The Surya Chopar or the sun square depicts a huge ornamental sun symbolising
the sun dynasty to which the Mewar dynasty belongs. The Bari Mahal is a central
garden with view of the city. Some more beautiful paintings can be seen in the
Zenana Mahal or the ladies chamber, which leads to Lakshmi Chowk a beautiful
white pavilion.
The City Palace - Udaipur, Palaces of Rajasthan
Reservation Form
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Patwon-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer

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