City Palace, Udaipur

The City Palace of Udaipur rises from the bank of Lake Pichola. It was begun under Maharana Udai Singh II, and the Mewar rulers who followed him kept adding to it from 1559 until 1949, so that the complex now has many courtyards, pavilions, gardens and halls. Its design draws on Rajput fort building, Mughal architecture and European styles.

Highlights include the Mor Chowk, with its mosaic peacocks; the Sheesh Mahal, whose walls are lined with mirrors; and the Zenana Mahal of the royal women, with decorated rooms and balconies over the lake. The Hathi Pol, or Elephant Gate, was built to receive maharanas returning in triumph on elephants. A museum inside displays paintings, textiles, chandeliers and carved furniture, and guided tours are available.