Built
by Maharana Uday Singh the founder of the city of Udaipur City palace
has been continuously extended by successive Maharanas but still retains
its uniformity. Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola the palace can
be entered through Hati pol or the elephant gate which further takes one
to the two other gates of the palace the Tripolia, a triple arched gate
and Bari pol or the big gate. The palace consists of numerous minor
palaces, courtyards, galleries, gardens and terraces within its
compound. Suraj Gokhda or the balcony of the sun in the palace is the
area from where the Maharana would grant public audience in troubled
times to restore the confidence of people. The palace also has the
beautiful mor-chowk or the peacock courtyard deriving its name from the
vivid mosaics in glass adorning its walls.The palace like most of the other palaces of Rajasthan has a museum displaying an array of artifacts. Ganesh Deori or the passageway way of lord Ganesh is the main entrance point to the armory museum. Manak Mahal or the Ruby palace and Moti Mahal are known for their glass and mirror work. The Krishna Vilas is known for a rich collection of miniature paintings. At Bhim Vilas a series of wall paintings of Lord Krishna add to its beauty. Zenana Mahal or the women quarters boast of some of the finest paintings of the Mahal. A part of the Palace is today used as a Heritage Hotel.