The City Palace stands at the centre of the old walled city of Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, from 1727 onwards, and later rulers kept adding to it. Part of the palace is still the residence of the former royal family, while the rest is open as a museum.
Architecture:
The palace is a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings that blend Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Pink and cream walls, carved balconies and painted gateways make it one of the most photogenic places in Rajasthan.
What to see:
- Mubarak Mahal, built as a reception palace, now a museum of royal costumes and textiles.
- Diwan-i-Khas (Sarvato Bhadra), the hall of private audience, with two huge silver urns (Gangajali) made to carry water from the Ganges to England for the Maharaja's journey in 1902.
- Pritam Niwas Chowk, a courtyard with four richly decorated gates representing the seasons – the Peacock Gate is the most famous.
- Chandra Mahal, the seven-storey palace of the royal family; when the Maharaja is in residence, his flag flies on top.
- The armoury and art gallery, with weapons, miniature paintings and manuscripts.
Good to know:
The City Palace is next to Jantar Mantar and a short walk from Hawa Mahal, so the three are usually visited together on a Jaipur tour. Allow about one and a half to two hours.
