In short
- City Palace sits on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola.
- City Palace operates as a public museum and heritage site.
- You can view palaces on the water via a boat ride from the City Palace complex.
In this article
Udaipur is famous for its royal architecture and water views. The City Palace is a massive complex spanning over 4 acres on the shore. It is open to the public daily. You can explore its 11 separate palaces, courtyards, and museum galleries.
What is the main difference between City Palace and Lake Palace?
City Palace is located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, while the Lake Palace sits in the water.
The City Palace is a sprawling complex built entirely in granite and marble atop a hill. It overlooks Lake Pichola and the Aravalli hills. The complex is a living heritage site and a public museum. Lake Palace is a separate structure situated on an island in the lake.
Which palace can I visit as a tourist?
You can visit the City Palace complex and its museum daily.
The City Palace Museum opened to the public in 1969. It is generally open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Visitors can buy tickets to walk through its interconnected palaces, courtyards, and hanging gardens.
How do the locations compare?
City Palace is firmly on land in the old city, while Lake Palace is surrounded by water.
The easiest way to reach City Palace is by walking from nearby accommodations in the old city, like Gangaur Ghat. Auto-rickshaws and taxis can also drop you at the entrance. The water-based palaces require a boat for access.
How do I see the palaces on Lake Pichola?
You can take a boat ride directly from the City Palace complex.
Boat rides on Lake Pichola cost ₹400-₹800. These trips usually last 30 to 60 minutes and travel to Jag Mandir. Taking a boat offers excellent views of the City Palace facade and the other structures floating on the lake.
Who built the City Palace?
The rulers of the Mewar dynasty built the City Palace over nearly 400 years.
Construction began in 1553 under Maharana Udai Singh II. The site features a fusion of Medieval, European, Chinese, and Rajasthani Rajput architectural styles. It is considered the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
What does it cost to enter the City Palace?
Adult entry to the City Palace Museum costs approximately ₹300-₹400.
Children and students pay ₹100-₹150. You will need to pay extra fees for cameras and access to special areas like the Crystal Gallery. You can buy these tickets at the counters near Badi Pol, the massive Great Gate.
Questions travellers ask
Is photography allowed inside City Palace?
Flash photography is strictly not allowed inside the museum. You will also need to pay an additional camera fee to use your device.
Can I fly a drone to film both palaces?
No. Flying drones over the palace complex and Lake Pichola is strictly prohibited without explicit official permission.
How much time is needed to visit City Palace?
A typical visit to the City Palace takes 2 to 3 hours. Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the large complex and numerous stairs.
