Connecting the dots...

We hired the same guide who charged us a nominal fee of Rs.250 for 4hrs. As planned, we met up with the guide at 8:45 am. We hurried up to the ticket counter and paid Rs.560 per person for the special entry ticket. There were a few groups of foreigners along with us. We could enjoy the palace with peace and quite, without the shoving and pushing that happens in any crowded place !! 

The entry timings and fees details can be found at

http://www.eternalmewar.in/museums/city-palace-museum/index.aspx

This is the Toran entrance. We were told by the guide that - “the bridegroom will announce his arrival by hitting on this Toran”. 

The entire palace has been built across many generations. One can see  European, Mughal, Rajesthani and Chinese influence on the architecture.

The narrow galleys and alleyways inside the palace were designed such that it would be difficult for an army to attack.

The palace was built on top of a mountain ridge. The king had a bird’s view of the summer, winter palaces and the city below.

At the highest elevation of the palace, was the king’s garden and courtyard with a swimming pool in the center.

a friendly face at the security screening before entering the palace.

We also visited the Crystal Gallery for a ticket price of Rs.300 (without audio guide).

http://www.eternalmewar.in/museums/crystal-gallery/makers.aspx

The crystal gallery is a private collection of dinner sets,perfume bottles, serve ware and cutleries made of crystal. The collection also has crystal  furniture like cot, throne, foot rest etc. Photography is not allowed in this floor. A little history behind this collection is that, the Maharaja who ordered this specially made for him died by the the shipment reached India. It was in the godown for hundred years or so. It was the current Maharana who decided to keep it on display for the public.

The floor below Crystal gallery is called “Durbar Hall”. Durbar Hall has a good collection of photographs of Maharajas. The hall can be rented for holding business conferences or functions.The hall is lit up by huge chandeliers. 

 The crystal gallery ticket fee includes a drink at their lounge. The lounge has a row of bay windows overlooking Lake Pichola. We  had a choice of hot cup of tea (earl grey tea bag and not the indian tea), coffee or milk served along with cookies. It is nice way to wind down from all the walking and history lesson learnt in the day.

The current Maharana Mahendra Singh has retained some portion of this palace as his residence and office.

The guards are on duty when the Maharana is attending to his office work.

The royal family resides in the top floor (the one with the white colored shamiana )

After an exhausting walk through the palace, we decided to back to our palace (Taj hotel) for an afternoon nap :-)

Will write more about the hotel and our last evening of our stay at Udaipur, before we headed back home to Thane.