Forts and Palaces in Udaipur
In this article, you’ll know about the forts and palaces in Udaipur and around the city.
The souvenirs of the Mewar Kingdom portray the lavish lives of the Mewar rulers and their royal families. The design and architecture of these Palaces and forts are remarkable and worth appreciating; these ancient buildings with such complex architectural beauty depict that in-spite of not having machines at that time, the skill was personified. Stated below are the Udaipur Forts and Palaces that must be explored by visitors.
Contents
Palaces in Udaipur
City Palace
- City Palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh II, when he decided to shift the Capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur, as Mewar was at war with Mughals so he decided to shift the capital to a safer place; hence in 1553 the construction of City Palace began.
- The City Palace later went into the hands of Mughals after the death of Maharana Pratap and later was again handed to Amar Singh I, until the independence when the property came under Government. Later the royal family claimed their property and converted it into a museum.
- Precious mirror-work, murals, marble-work, wall paintings, leftover of colored glass, silver-work and inlay-work can be explored in City Palace.
- There are in total 11 palaces in the City Palace premises, and other heritage properties as well; namely- Pols, Bada Mahal, Amar Vilas, Chini Chitrashala, Bhim Vilas, Dilkhush Mahal, Choti Chitrashali, Fateh Prakash Palace, The Durbar Hall, Krishna Vilas, Manik Mahal, Laxmi Vilas Chowk, Mor Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Musuem, Rang Mahal.
Fateh Prakash Palace
- Named after Maharana Fateh Singh, this palace was used by the Maharana to hold court meetings.
- The main purpose for constructing this Palace was to serve it as a venue for the royal functions.
- Fateh Prakash Palace has now been converted into a hotel under the HRH group that belongs to the present Mewar Custodian: Shri Arvind Singh Ji Mewar.
- The Palace is located on the shore of Lake Pichola, and provides a kingely experience to the tourists.
- The interior of the Fateh Prakash is a heaven to be as the walls are carved with miniature paintings, armors of Mewar and other ancient artifacts of the royal kingdom.
- Main attraction of the palace is the crystal gallery that contains crystal assets including crystal tables, chairs, beds, table fountains, sofas, crockery and dressing tables that were never used.
- It is said that Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered these items along with jewel studded carpet from London, but died before the package could arrive.
- It is also said that the package was left unopened for around 110 years.
Lake Palace
- Lake Palace is an island palace located in Lake Pichola.
- The white marble walls and the extravagant structure of Lake Palace can be spotted from Lake Shores.
- Initially Lake Palace was called as Jagniwas or Jan Nivas, after the name of Maharana Jagat Singh II who built this alluring palace in 1746 & 1747.
- Initially it was built as a winter resort and was later served as a summer resort by the royal family, and now has been transformed as a luxury hotel.
- One has to take a jetty from City Palace to reach Lake Palace.
- There are several movies that have been shot in this Palace namely Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, The Fall, Yaadein, The Jewel in the Crown, Octopussy, The Indian Tomb and The Tiger of Eschnapur.
Forts in Udaipur
Sajjangarh Fort
- The Sajjangarh Fort or Monsoon Palace was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884.
- The fort is located on a hill that is 3100 ft. above the sea level.
- Maharana Sajjan Singh’s main motive for building the Monsoon Palace was that it provided a panoramic view of the entire city, and because of the Palace’s location he could enjoy the Monsoon clouds closely.
- His plan was to build a 5-storey building but the construction was stopped after his unfortunate demise.
- Sajjangarh is now open for the public to visit; one has to pay Rs300 as entry fee for the Monsoon Palace.
- The location along with the Fort is must visit, as the wind swirling with the clouds and the breath-taking view cannot be missed.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Kumbhalgarh Fort was built in 15th century by Maharana Rana Kumbha.
- The fort is 1,914 meters above the sea level and has the second largest wall in the world of 36 kilometers.
- The Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Rajsamand District which is 64kms away from Udaipur.
- The Fort is equipped with 7 massive gates; there are more than 360 temples in the fort boundaries.
- The Rajput Hero: Maharana Pratap was born in the top most palace of the fort known as Badal Mahal.
- There are various concerts, festivals and Sound and Light shows organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department annually.
Chittorgarh Fort
- Chittorgarh Fort is considered as one of the largest forts.
- It is spread across 700 acres; it consists of huge towers, cenotaphs and magnificent palaces.
- The Chittorgarh Fort was under the Rajput Kings initially, but later this fort faced 3 major battles that included Allaudin Khilji’s attack for Rani Padmini, Gujarat’s Sultan Bahadur Shah’s attack in 1535. And by Akbar in 1567 on Maharana Udai Singh II.
- Because of the battle situation, Maharana Udai Singh II shifted Mewar Kimgdom’s capital to Udaipur.
- The fort contains 7 gates and underground cellars where the royal ladies performed Jauhar during the time of battles along with their children.
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