Mor Chowk of City Palace, Udaipur

Mor Chowk or Peacock Courtyard is one of the most ornate inner courtyards of the City Palace of Udaipur. It was constructed during the reign of Rana Karan Singhji and is the last area in the Mardana Mahal (Palace of Kings).

The magnificent chamber consists of three peacocks that were created during the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singhji in 1874-1884. The glass inlay work and peacocks were added in this period. Around 5,000 pieces of mosaic tiles have been used in creating the works of art. The peacocks have been crafted with pieces of glass, which shine in green, gold and blue colors.

These peacocks represent the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon.

At the upper level, there is a projecting balcony, which is flanked by inserts of colored glass.

Images of India - 53

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Other posts will give you more details about this monument.

Inside City Palace, Udaipur

Images of India - 36

A glimpse of heritage monuments of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

view outside from City Palace, Udaipur

Jagadish Temple, Udaipur

The Jagadish Temple in Udaipur is located on the northern side of the City Palace within a proximity of 150 meters. Built in Indo-Aryan style it is the largest temple in the city. The temple construction was initiated by Maharana Jagat Singh, King of Udaipur in 1651. 

The temple is slightly above the ground level and to reach the temple one has to climb 32 marble steps and top the entrance is guarded by 2 huge stone elephants. 

It is a three-storied temple with marvelous architecture comprising of beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings. The architecture of the temple boasts of a pyramidal spire, prayer hall and a porch. The first and the second storey of the temple possess 50 pillars each. 

The external walls of the temple are intricately carved with sculptures of musicians, dancers, and various animals such as elephants and horsemen.

In the main shrine there is a huge black stone idol of Lord Vishnu with 4 arms. This idol is carved out of single piece of black stone. At the four corners of the main shrine there are 4 smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva.

City Palace, Udaipur

City Palace in Udaipur is a palace complex comprising of several palaces on the banks of Lake Pichola. The construction of this beautiful palace was initiated by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and his successors added new sections over a period of around 300 years. 

The architecture of this classic palace is a fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval and European styles. The series of palaces packed in the city palace complex has a exquisite facade measuring 244 meters in length and 30.4 meters in height.

It has been built using granite and marble. The interiors of the palace is best known for  delicate mirror-work, marble-work, murals, wall paintings and inlay-work. Some of the important structures in this complex are Suraj Gokhda, the Mor-chowk, the Dilkhush Mahal, the Surya Chopar, the Sheesh Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Krishna Vilas, the Amar Vilas.

The entire complex is the property of the Mewar royal family and a number of trusts take care of the running and maintenance of the structures. The complex provides a fine view of the lake and the Lake Palace.

Images of India - 20

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Other posts will give you more details about this monument.

Inside City Palace, Udaipur

Poetry in Stone - 4

This is fourth in the series. Temples all over India represent the rich cultural heritage. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship.

One such temple is Jagadish Temple of Udaipur (State: Rajasthan). This temple is located close to the City Palace. Built in 1651, the temple following Indo-Aryan architecture is richly carved externally. The carvings are examples of master craftsmanship. 

Here in the frame above one can see musicians and dancers carved on the external wall of the temple. Even minute details like crease of the dress is taken care.

There are several bands of numerous tiny carvings at the base of the temple. There are bands of people, flowers and animals.

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Udaipur, City of Lakes and more

Apart from the City Place, this city has lot more to offer. There are beautiful temples and parks that are worth a visit.

Lake Palace


Lake Palace is one of the most beautiful places. The Palace situated amidst the scenic Pichola Lake. It was constructed by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746. Raised in white marble, the magnificent palace stretches across four-acre island. Other name of this palace is Jag Niwas named after the King.

The wonderful architecture of the Lake Palace comprises of may courtyards. Each of these courtyards are aligned with numerous columns, terraces. The palace has many beautiful fountains and well laid gardens. The palace has several beautiful rooms by the name of Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. These exotic rooms are decked with carved arches, paintings, crystal work, stained glass work, inland stones of pink and green lotus leaves.


Currently, this palace has been transformed into a five-star hotel that is managed by Taj Group of Hotels. Special thanks to my friend Raghu for this picture. When we had visited the place there was not much water in the lake. He had clicked this snap on his earlier visit.

Jagadish Temple

The temple is located 150m north of the entrance to the City Palace. The temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. 

Sajjan Niwas Garden


This city is famous not only for lakes, but also gardens. There are lot of gardens in the city and we had time to visit only one of such garden.

It occupied around 100 acres of land and this garden famous for the roses. For the same it is also known as rose garden.

From Udaipur we traveled to Jaipur, the Pink City.

Distance: Udaipur ---> Jaipur 405 kms

P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.

Udaipur, City of Lakes

After lunch at Kumbhalgarh we proceeded towards our journey to Udaipur. We reached our destination in the evening and rested for the day. Next day morning we started the tour of the city.

Now for brief history about this beautiful place. This place was ruled by Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. As per the legend associated with birth of the city, while Maharana Udai Singh was hunting, he meta holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. He blessed and advised Maharana to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude. The King followed his advice and the city was founded in 1559 A.D.

The most important tourist attractions here are:

The City Palace


Palace complex is actually a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas. Still the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. 

The entry to the palace is from Northern end. The gates that lead into the palace are Baripol of 1600 and the Tripolia Gate of 1725. This gate is carved with eight marble arches.

The entry ticket price to the palace more when compared to any other forts or palaces in Rajasthan. But it is worth as one can witness such beautiful architecture. the Photography is not permitted in Krishna Vilas.

Next we shall see other attractions of the city such as temples and park.

P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.