|
 |
 |
City Palace - Udaipur, Rajasthan |
 |
|
The City Palace is a landmark structure right in the heart of the enchanting 'city of dawn'- Udaipur. Enclosed within crenellated walls, atop a beautiful hillock, this magnificent palace of granite and white marbles reflects a fine blend of Medieval European and ancient Chinese architecture. The complex is full of rare treasures including fountains, buildings, balconies, towers, cupolas and sprawling courtyards. Interiors of the buildings present lavish use of marble and mirror works, frescoes and wall paintings.
It was Maharaja Udai Singh, who laid the foundation stone of this vast architectural complex, which got its final touch after many additions by subsequent Maharajas. So organized and integrated the complex is that it becomes difficult to believe that the palace was not conceived as a whole.
There are four main and several minor palaces inside the City Palace. The complex also houses the biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur 'the Jagdish Temple'-dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Some of the prime attractions within the complex include the Hawa Mahal, Dilkhusha Mahal (Palace of Joy), Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) and Krishna Mahal. These palaces are lavishly decorated with colors and paintings. Another interesting site is the Mor Chowk, known for its unique peacock motif in mosaic. Also noteworthy is the Chini Chitrashala with its blue and white ceramics. The triple arched gate 'Tripolia', built in 1725, forms the main entrance to the complex. At the highest point lies the Amar Vilas with its magnificent hanging gardens, towers and terraces amidst panoramic view of the picturesque Pichola Lake and the town beyond.
|
|
