The famous Lake city of Rajasthan, India is known for its series of artificial lakes and also for its Rajput era palaces. Udaipur, now a very popular tourist destination, was the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana era.
During a recent business trip to this historical city, I had a chance to visit the City Palace. Overlooking Lake Pichola, this is a monumental complex of 11 palaces famed for its intricate peacock mosaics. And guys, I think this was the best of hundreds of historic monuments that I have had a chance to visit till now in my life as a travel photojournalist.
The famous City Palace, on the east bank of Lake Pichola is quite impressive. Built over a period of time, this is a massive series of palaces. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the “Jag Niwas”. The main entrance is through a triple-arched gate – the Tripolia. The way leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping partitions, terraces, corridors and gardens. There are many a palaces, halls and prominent areas in the complex like the Suraj Gokhda, the Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), the chini chitrashala, the Bhim villas (with a series of wall paintings of Krishna), Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal, Krishna vilas, etc. Thousands of visitors enjoy the display of many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils.
Visitors can also shop here in antique shops and refresh in restaurants in heritage locations inside the complex.
I did not have much time to roam around anymore but while in Udaipur – the tourist can also visit numerous other travel attractions To name a few – Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, and so on and so on …