Where is the Crystal Gallery in Udaipur? – Is it Worth Visiting?
As the name suggests, Crystal Gallery houses a wide range of exquisite crystals from all across the globe. It is situated inside the majestic Fateh Prakash Palace. The palace was earlier a heritage property and has been converted to a marvellous hotel now. Keep on reading this blog to know if it is worth visiting the charming Crystal Gallery on your next solo trip to Udaipur!
History of Crystal Gallery
It is believed that the idea of opening a Crystal Gallery first came from Maharana Sajjan Singh. In 1877, he had ordered numerous crystals and crystal artefacts from Birmingham. Unfortunately, by the time the crystals arrived, Maharana Sajjan Singh had passed away. For a long time, the crystals were kept packed in the boxes. And then, after over 100 years, in 1994, the crystals and artefacts were put up in the gallery for visitors.
Some people say that because of the glamour and sheer beauty of these crystals, they were kept hidden for all those years. However, once they were displayed for the public at the gallery, the collection was customised as per the royalty of the Mewar region of Rajasthan.
Crystal collection at the gallery
This gorgeous gallery houses some of the most alluring and exquisite crystals from all corners of the world. You will find many different types of crystals and crystal artefacts here. Among the most popular artefacts are lamps, mirrored tabletops, washing bowls, crockery sets, perfume bottles, paperweights, fountains, and more.
One of the most popular crystal artefacts at the gallery is a crystal-embedded carpet. Along with a wide variety of crystals, the carpet has been designed with gold and silver threads, too, exuding a regal charm!
The people of Udaipur say that the Crystal Gallery boasts more than 600 different types of crystals, and some of these have never been used before.
If you happen to visit Udaipur on your next solo trip, I would definitely recommend that you set a few hours aside from your itinerary to check out this magical place. Many people also believe that the Crystal Gallery in Udaipur has the biggest private collection in the entire world. A visit to this place would surely make your solo trip to Udaipur memorable and unique!
You can check out this post to read why Udaipur is a must-visit tourist destination in India.
Crystal Gallery timings & fees
The Crystal Gallery opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 6:30 PM. As per your plan, you can choose a convenient time to visit the gallery. In my opinion, mornings would be better as this time of the day is usually slightly less crowded than other times. You will most probably finish touring in an hour or two since there is nothing other than sightseeing inside the gallery. After the visit, you can have a delicious lunch meal at the famous Rajasthani eateries in Udaipur.
Also, if you have a little extra time in hand, you can relax near the gallery and soak in the beautiful views of Lake Pichola.
Check out my blog on the famous lakes of Udaipur.
The entry fee for an adult at the Crystal Gallery is Rs. 700 ($9.22). At the gallery, you get access to an audio guide service too. This audio service includes four languages – English, Spanish, German and French. It will enhance your experience of visiting the Crystal Gallery and give you a deep insight into the history of the crystals and the Mewar kingdom of Rajasthan. Although the price may seem a little hefty, the experience is totally worth it!
Is photography allowed inside the Crystal Gallery?
Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Crystal Gallery. This rule has been implemented in order to ensure that crystals are not replicated. If caught clicking pictures inside the gallery, you could get into serious legal trouble. But hey, visitors are allowed to click pictures outside of the gallery. You can take as many pictures as you want with this majestic gallery in the backdrop!
How to reach the Crystal Gallery in Udaipur
Crystal Gallery is situated on the second floor of the Fateh Prakash Palace near Lake Pichola. Depending on where you are staying, I would recommend that you either take an auto or cab to reach the gallery.
If you are confident in your riding skills, you can hire a bike in Udaipur. Personally, I feel much more comfortable commuting on my own rather than booking a cab or taking public transportation every day. However, if you are a beginner at riding a bike, I would suggest you stay away from renting a bike. The roads and alleys are quite narrow in the city, and if you are a beginner, this may increase your chances of getting into an accident. And the last thing you want on your solo trip is to meet with an accident. So, be careful, ladies!
Is it worth visiting the Crystal Gallery?
Udaipur is a regal destination where every corner speaks of the Mewar history. All monuments and architectures have something to show and tell their visitors. The same goes for the Crystal Gallery. It is one of a kind in the entire world! If you are visiting Udaipur from outside of India, then it is definitely worth your time and money to check out the majestic marvel. Although a little pricey compared to other tourist destinations in Udaipur, it is worth every penny you spend!
So, ladies, pack your bags and book your next solo trip to Udaipur. Trust me, it will be one hell of an experience, and you will be taking home a bag full of sweet memories!