Another palace that I explored in Udaipur was the City Palace, the largest complex, standing magnificiently in Udaipur guarded by the strong fort walls. Thankfully, I had Ranvir, as my guide to escort me in my tour to Rajasthan. Ranvir informed me that initally the building was started by Maharana Jai Singh II, the city founder and later on additions were made by his successors. I especially liked the architecture of the palace, embellished by balconies, tower and cupolas. It is beautifully crafted and settled overlooking the Lake Pischola.

"Sir,........sorry!!... Tom...., the complex houses 4 main palaces and several minor palaces. In fact, the palace complex is segregrated into - Moti Mahal, Dilkusha Mahal, Baari Mahal, the suraj or the Gokhunda of the sun balcony, the Mor chowk." reported Ranvir.

He also took me to the Chini chitrashala that had a rich collection of Chinese porcelain and Laxmi Vilas Chowk is an art gallery, which houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings. The entrance to the palace is through the northern end of the Tripolia gate with its eight carved marble archs.

"You know! That part of the palace is converted into a museum." said Ranvir. I was quite impressed by the monuments as it showcased arms and armor, paintings and photographs, royal insignia, processional trappings and other objects, which reflect the heritage, and tradition of the Mewar and Sisodia Maharanas.