In the heart of the Pink City lies the magnificent City Palace, a complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings that continue to serve as the residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, the palace is a striking blend of Rajasthani (Rajput) and Mughal architecture.
While the Maharaja's family lives in the private Chandra Mahal, a significant part of the palace has been converted into the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, showcasing royal costumes, armory, and artifacts.
Highlights of City Palace
1. Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace)
As you enter, the first building is the Mubarak Mahal, a fusion of Islamic, Rajput, and European styles. It now houses the textile museum, displaying royal robes, embroidery, and the famous 1.25 kg pashmina carpets.
2. Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace)
This seven-storey building is the residence of the royal family. However, the ground floor is open to the public as a museum. The "Royal Grandeur" ticket (expensive but worth it) gives you access to upper floors like the mesmerizing Sukh Niwas (Blue Room) and Rang Mandir (Mirror Room).
3. Pritam Niwas Chowk (The Four Gates)
The inner courtyard leading to Chandra Mahal features four beautifully decorated gates representing the four seasons:
- Peacock Gate (Autumn): Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, adorned with colorful peacocks (Most Instagrammed spot!).
- Lotus Gate (Summer): Dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring floral patterns.
- Green Gate (Spring): Dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
- Rose Gate (Winter): Dedicated to Goddess Devi.
4. Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)
Here you will see two gigantic sterling silver urns (Gangajalis). They are recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest sterling silver vessels. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II used them to carry Ganges water to England in 1901.
5. Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
An open hall with delicate marble pillars, now an art gallery displaying handwritten manuscripts and miniature paintings.
Ticket Options
City Palace has a tiered ticketing system:
- General Entry (Museum & Courtyards): Approx ₹300 (Indian), ₹700 (Foreigner). Covers Mubarak Mahal and courtyards.
- Royal Grandeur Tour: Approx ₹2000+. This includes a guided tour of the private Chandra Mahal floors. Highly recommended if you want to see the famous "Blue Room".
- Night Visit: The palace lights up beautifully at night. A separate ticket allows entry after sunset.
👑 Experience Royal Jaipur
Don't miss a thing in the Pink City. Our full-day tour covers City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Amber Fort.
Book Royal Tour - ₹2,800