Udaipur Museums and Art Galleries

(Udaipur, Rajasthan, India)

There are some really excellent museums and galleries to be found within Udaipur, covering topics such as Rajasthani archaeology and art works, to tribal artefacts, portraits of part maharajahs, elaborate mosaics and folk arts.

One of the most visited of these museums in located within Udaipur's City Palace, which visitors will discover a host of various curios and antiquities, as well as various historical portraits, Rajasthani wall paintings and an extensive weaponry collection. Also in Udaipur is the popular Vintage and Classic Car Collection, and the Crystal Gallery, which includes some rather unique pieces of furniture which are actually made from crystal.

City Palace Museum (Pratap Museum)

The City Palace Museum is a favourite of most visitors to Udaipur and is close to the Badi Chowk, the Battiyanni Chohtta, the Sunset View Terrace and the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel. Also nearby is the Jagniwas Island on Lake Pichola. Exhibits on display at the City Palace Museum include some very valuable pieces, such as the spectacular Mor Chowk (Patio of the Peacocks) mosaics, which depict the favourite bird of Rajasthani, the peacock. The entrance gateway leading into the City Palace Museum is known as the 'Door of Lord Ganesha' (Door of Lord Ganesha).
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, concessions

Ahar Archaeological Museum

Address: Ahar, India, IN
The Ahar Museum lies on the outskirts of Udaipur, some 3 km / 2 miles to the east of the city, in nearby Ahar. The main highlights include some rather unusual and ancient earthenware pottery, along with some interesting sculptures, a spectacular metal Buddha, and archaeological relics, some of which date back more than 3,500 years. The Ahar Museum is also home to around 20 different royal cenotaphs of famous Mewar maharajas (maharanas), including the Hindi king of Maharaja Amar Singh, who was in power in the early 17th century. Each of these Indian leaders were cremated here during grand ceremonies.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Vintage and Classic Car Collection

The maharajas' Vintage and Classic Car Collection is well worth a look and comprises just over 20 very individual and valuable vehicles. Located within the grounds of the city's Garden Hotel, visitors will be able to enjoy some examples, including a rather gorgeous Cadillac from the late 1930s. Particularly impressive is the actual Rolls Royce Phantom, which made a memorable appearance in the James Bond movie, Octopussy, filmed in the city many years ago.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 11:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, concessions

Crystal Gallery

Address: Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel, Udaipur, India, IN
Situated within the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel, the Crystal Gallery contains a particularly stunning and quirky collection of glistening crystal works. The many unusual pieces include everything from crystal chairs, tables and sofas, to sculptures and even crystal beds. All of the pieces were purchased by the Maharaja Sajjan Singh ordered these expensive pieces as long ago as 1877, although sadly died before they actually arrived, and they remained boxed up for more than 100 years, before being displayed within this gallery.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, concessions

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal (Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum)

Tel: +91 0294 252 9296
The Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum is a fairly small attraction, crammed full with a big collection of tribal jewellery, masks, dolls and Indian musical instruments. There are also a number of interesting paintings, folk arts, and even some old puppets. Those with children may like to time their arrival with one of the regular puppet shows, which are staged here every day in the auditorium area, at 12:00 and again at 18:00.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, concessions

Government Museum

The Government Museum is also located within the City Palace complex and contains a true mixture of exhibits, both comical and more serious in their nature. A large number of portraits show former maharajahs in all their splendour, sporting some rather impressive moustaches. The nearby courtyard contains a number of appealing handicraft shops, selling some quality souvenirs of your visit.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, free on Mondays