Yes, the City Palace in Udaipur is crowded until noon on all days of the week. And it is even more crowded on the weekends. The only way to escape the crowd as a solo traveller in City Palace is to either go there early in the morning or late afternoon. Sometimes though the crowd is lesser, you will get lagged behind the queue due to the old infrastructure of the palace—narrow stairways, miniature entrances, and tiny footpaths. So, the premise is to go early or late and still expect jammed time in the old passageways of the palace.

Is City Palace worth visiting?

The City Palace in Udaipur is undoubtedly worth a visit. The majestic palace took 400 years to sculpt to the creativity it represents now. It is a living example of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture in the stunning background of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli mountains. Further, it marks the historic shift of Mewar kingdom from its capital Chittor to Udaipur by King Udai Singh.

Opening timing of City Palace Udaipur

City Palace in Udaipur is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily, including weekends. That said, your aim should be getting the first ticket to the palace—to avoid the crowd. So, plan to get there by 9.00 am. Even then, you can expect some company, but at least you will be in the first group of people entering the palace.

How long does it take to see City Palace?

It takes a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 3 hours to explore the City Palace and the museum. Hence, travellers planning to visit the palace late afternoon must consider it. You will have to reach there no later than 2 pm to have a fulfilled experience.

Is a camera allowed in Udaipur City Palace?

Yes, taking photographs is allowed in City Palace Udaipur. I know it is the most anticipated part of solo travel. However, the happiness of taking pictures comes with the price of Rs. 250. And for a video camera, it costs Rs. 500. Make sure to attach a strap to the camera to prevent missing in the crowd.

A solo female travellers’ favourite spot in City Palace

Speaking of photos, my favourite spot to take pictures is the Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) in City Palace. It is a seven-floor building with archaic balconies that brings the entire view of the city to your eyes. I also liked the window opening from where you can see the summer palace where the King resided during the summer. It is now turned into a five-star hotel called Taj.

Is parking available in City Palace Udaipur?

Suspicions about the parking facilities in the City Palace are the worry of solo female travellers exploring Udaipur in a car. As you know, the road to the palace is too narrow and busy with pedestrians, streets stalls, parked vehicles. Fortunately, a parking place is available in City Palace, Udaipur. Although it is not free of cost, you have to pay Rs. 350 for full-day parking. 

Well, we are in the same boat if you think the parking charge is pricey. Can you believe that the entry fee for parking is more than the entry fee to the historic palace and its priceless museum?! So, if you are looking for other options, it is right in front of the palace. Yes, you can park your vehicles in the front area preceding the entrance of the palace. It is cheap, costing around Rs. 30 only. Usually, people skip this parking place because of its location outside the palace.

What is the best time to visit City Palace?

The best time to visit Udaipur City Palace is between October to March. It’s spring during these months in India, making it a favourable time for travellers.

Is City Palace Udaipur safe for solo female travel?

City Palace Udaipur is a safe environment for solo female travellers. I would say it is even better for female travellers because you will find a lot of solo travellers from various parts of the world venturing the palace with curiosity and excitement like you. 

Private guide in City Palace Udaipur

If you are immersed in the factual history of the palace, you can sign up for a guided tour. I highly recommend it as you get to know the palace’s fascinating history. If not the history, at least you need to know what you see, right?

The in-person private guided tour costs Rs.300. You also have an audio-guide tour. The audio-guided tour makes solo travel inside the palace easier and more convenient. It costs Rs.200. In any case, before renting the headset, you will be asked to show ID proof. Or else, you have to pay a security deposit of Rs.2000.

Boat ride in Udaipur City Palace

The City palace complex is another hyped area of the palace. The entry to the complex is Rs.30 for adults. Just to clarify, the City Palace complex is not a sightseeing location. It is the common area where you park vehicles which also serves as the entry point to the boat ride. The City Palace is the proud owner of royal buildings such as The Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, Jag Mandir, Neemach Mata temple located in the lagoon of Lake Pichola. These places are accessible only by boat. And, you can pick up a ride from the City Palace complex only. The boat ride costs Rs.400 from 9.30 am to 4 pm. After 4.00 pm it costs Rs. 700.

That’s all about the City Palace in Udaipur. Be smart and arrive early at the palace so you won’t have to deal with the crowds. You can find more information about Udaipur here. Happy travelling.