Forts and Palaces in Udaipur | Udaipur Forts and Palaces | Forts in Udaipur | Udaipur Forts | Palaces in Udaipur | Udaipur Palaces | Rajasthan Forts Palaces

Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas and the Fateh Prakash Palace have been converted into heritage hotels.

Opens at: 0930 hrs. Last Admission: 1630 hrs.
Phone No.: +91294 2419023

A huge palace on one of the highest peaks around, Bansdara Mountain, 5 km. west of the city towards Rampura. Beginning in 1883, Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874-1884) commissioned Sajjangarh, for two reasons. First, it was to be used as a resort by the Maharanas of Mewar, a summer retreat for watching the progress of the monsoon clouds over the surrounding areas (which led to its nickname of the Monsoon Palace). Second, it provided work for those without means. Maharana Sajjan Singh did not complete this palace during his lifetime; it was completed later by Maharana Fateh Singh. From the palace's lofty vantage point, the view of the Aravalli Hills, lakes, forests and rivers beyond the dazzling whitewashed town is breathtaking. During the monsoons, the fort's distant silhouette is shrouded in a haze of clouds and rain.

Perched on the Gangori Ghat on the banks of the dazzling Lake Pichhola. It was constructed by Amir Chand Badwa, who was the Prime Minister at the Mewar Royal Court during his time. This medieval Haveli with more than hundred rooms was condemned to neglect till it was revamped in the year 1986 when the West Zone Cultural Center was setup here. After Amir Chand Badwa passed away the Haveli became the property of the Royal state of Mewar. The haveli now stages evening's entertainment; the performance of Rajasthani traditional dance and music in the moody surroundings of the haveli.

When Maharana Amar Singh I (1597-1620) died, he was cremated at Ahar, where he had spent his last days. At the same spot, his son, Maharana Karan Singh (1620-1628) raised a magnificent chhatri or cenotaph in memory of his father. Since then, Ahar has been the Mewar royal family's mahasati (cremation site). It is graced by memorial cenotaphs; handsome columns raised on lofty terraces support vaulted roofs, the architraves of which are enormous single blocks. All are constructed of white marble and are encircled by the sacred Gangabhar Kund (tank). Each was carved with decorations that resemble some 15th century temples located nearby and contain, in addition to the image of Shiva, a single upright stone on which are carved figures representing the Maharana and each of his Satis (his wives who perished in his cremation flames). Nineteen Maharanas who ruled and died in Udaipur have cenotaphs here, including Swaroop Singh, Shambhu Singh, Sajjan Singh, Fateh Singh, Bhupal Singh, and Bhagwat Singh Mewar. Another fine specimen is the cenotaph of Sangram Singh II who, in 1734, was cremated with twenty-one wives. It has a fifty-six pillared portico with an octagonal dome in the centre, supported by eight small pillars.

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