Fateh Prakash Mahal in Udaipur is one of the well preserved palaces. The palace, which ruled from 1884 to 1930 during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh, was built for royal parties and functions. Fateh Prakash Palace is located on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. Its Durbar Hall is a major attraction of this palace as its foundation was laid by Viceroy of India Lord Minto in 1909.
There are also a large number of paintings inside it. The palace also reveals other likes and dislikes of Maharana Pratap Singh. The presence of a large variety of crystal objects in the palace also reveals their preference for these objects. In fact, the collection was so vast that in 1968, it was realized that the collection is large enough to be displayed in a museum. The idea was soon shaped as a large part of the palace was turned into a museum.
Attractions of Fateh Prakash Palace
The various architectural features of Fateh Prakash Palace will definitely mesmerize you. On visiting the palace, you will see pictures of the walls. In fact, walking through the corridors and looking at various pictures on the walls can help to make you aware of the whole story. These pictures are actually a part of the epics or Rajasthani folk tales. These classical paintings are from the 17th and 19th centuries.
Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur: Rajasthani and Mughal ArchitectureOver the centuries, despite periods of peace and turmoil, the maharanas continued to embellish their architectural heritage, a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Under the British, Rajasthan was an assortment of princely states ruled by local kings. Time and again, the custodians of the House of Mewar would demonstrate their sovereignty and express their contempt for the British in not very subtle ways. The fearless maharana Fateh Singh was the only monarch who did not attend the Delhi Durbar on two occasions as he felt he did not owe allegiance to the Queen. Then in 1921 when Edward, Prince of Wales, son of King George V and Queen Mary visited Udaipur, the maharana refused to receive him, citing illness and, instead, sent his son.
How to reach Fateh Prakash Palace, ChittorgarhBy Road: Fateh Prakash Mahal is located on the Fort Road in the Chittorgarh Fort, 5 km from the center of Chittorgarh. You can easily reach here by rickshaw, local bus or taxi or walking.
By Train: Fateh Prakash Palace is well connected to nearby Chittorgarh railway station (6 km) from major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
By Air: Fateh Prakash Palace can be reached by the nearest Udaipur Airport (98 km) which is regularly connected to Delhi, Mumbai with domestic flights.
Entry fees and timings of Fateh Prakash Palace
1. There is no entry timing in the palace; the place is open 24*7.
2. The pricing of stay at Fateh Prakash Palace varies according to the room quality, seasons, and availability.
3. The price of the double Dovecote Room during the months from April to September begins at Rs.8000 per room. Dovecote suites cost increases to Rs. 17,000 per night. However, during the peak winter tourist season October to March the cost increases to Rs. 16,000, and Rs. 36000 respectively. The cost of breakfast is Rs.1500 per person.
4. Please note all the costs mentioned above are inclusive of taxes.
Best time to visit Fateh Prakash Palace
October to all year round, you can visit this beautiful structure as the sight of Lake Pichola is breathtaking. However, during the winter months from October to March, the beauty of this palace and surrounding increases manifolds, making the stay here all the more worthwhile.