The majestic palaces of Udaipur, also called as White City Palace, built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, which stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola lake. Maharana Udai Singh of Shishodia Rajput clan built this palace and also his successors gave this palace its present form. The Udaipur Palace is a blend of European and Chinese architecture. The palace complex has a number of remarkable buildings of immense beauty and gardens and fountains, which are extremely well planned and finely executed over years.

Udaipur Palaces and Monuments are renowned for their artistic architecture, which boast the rich taste of royalty. The Kings of Udaipur constructed massive palaces and monuments for their comfort and luxury, which have become a testimonial of foregone era. The imperial legacy of these ancestral kings attracts tourists from all over the world. The inclination of royal kings to fulfill their passion by building lavish structures in the picturesque surrounding of the city of Udaipur is worth seeing.

The main gate of Udaipur Palaces is `Hati Pol` or the `Elephant Gate`. The `Bara Pol` or the `Large Gate` on the northern end leads to the first courtyard and was built on 1600 AD . The courtyard is also joined with ` Tripolia` or `Triple Gate`, built on 1725 AD. Between the two gates there are eight carved marble arches or `Torana`, under which the rulers of past were weighted against gold and silver, which was distributed later to the poor. Beyond Tripolia there is an arena where elephant fighting took place. The palace looks rugged from the exterior but inside there are luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas with breathtaking view of the city and the lake from the upper terraces. The biggest temple of Udaipur, the Jagdish Temple of 1651 AD, dedicated to lord Vishnu is also situated here.

The oldest part of the palace is `Raj Aangan` or Royal Courtyard, built by Maharana Udai Singh in sixteenth century. The main part of the palace with its several `Mahals` is now exhibited as a museum. Almost all the rooms of the palace are decorated with beautiful paintings inlay glasswork, antique furniture and colorful enamels. The `Krishna Vila` is famous for its miniature painting depicting royal processions and festivals and games of Maharanas. `Mor Chowk` has an unique glass mosaics of peacocks in its wall showing the three seasons-summer, winter and monsoon.

The `Manak Mahal` or Ruby Palace has beautiful figures of crystal and porcelain. The `Bhim Vila` has exquisite paintings of `Radha-Krishna Lila` on the walls and has a glass mosaic gallery called `Suraj Gokhala` with beautiful stained glasses and a panoramic view of city below. The `Zenana Mahal` or the Queen`s Quarter is situated to the south and the `Dilkhusha Mahal` or The Palace of Joy has beautiful frescoes and wall paintings. The `Laxmi Vilas Chowk` is an art gallery, which houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.

The `Chini Chitrashala` is famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles, the latter of which has depiction of Biblical scenes including the flight to Egypt. The `Moti Mahal` or Palace of Pearls is lavishly decorated and `Sheesh Mahal` or Palace of Mirrors is famous for the dazzling glory of inlaid mirrors. There is `Hawa Mahal` and `Bari Mahal` with a lush garden built on a 90 ft height natural rock formation. The `Amar Vila` is raised in the highest point of the palace, which has exquisite hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces and a fascinating view of the city and lake Pichola.

Many palaces of Udaipur of the imperial era nowadays have been converted to the heritage hotels, which offer the same luxurious comfort that was part of majestic lifestyle once. Lake Palace, City Palace and the Jag Mandir Palace are the major palaces of Udaipur, which are famous for their outstanding architecture. Bagore ki Haveli is another well-known palace, which is preserved to a great extent. The Monument of Maharana Pratap Memorial is notable for the life-sized statue of Maharana Pratap Singh.

BAGORE KI HAVELI : Bagore Ki Haveli is an ancient building, built on eighteenth century by Amir Chand Badwa, stands on Gangotri Ghat in the vicinity of Pichola lake. This mansion boasts on its splendid architecture of subtle carved work and excellent glass work.

CITY PALACE UDAIPUR : This is another architectural marvel located in the serenity of lake Pichola. This majestic palace is considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, which is one of the famous tourist attractions.

LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR : This is one of the most romantic places in world. The palace situated amidst the tranquil beauty of Lake Pichola with imposing Aravalli Hills on one side and soaring palaces on the other, which provides the onlooker a heavenly view.

JAG MANDIR PALACE : Jagmandir palace is a beautiful building located on the southern island of Lake Pichola. The three-storied building is made with yellow sandstone and marble. This palace was built by Maharana Karan Singh on the earlier part of seventeenth century, which served as a hiding place for Prince Khurram(Shahjahan).

MAHARANA PRATAP MEMORIAL : It is the historic site dedicated to gallant Maharana Pratap.This memorial is situated on top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill and overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. In Hindi it is called `Smarak`, which is built in the memory of loved ones. Here a life-sized statue of Rana Pratap is present.