The City Palace (Jaipur) is an awesome specimen of architectural brilliance in the city of Jaipur. The Royal Palace was built in the 18th century by the Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was the Rajput king of Amber. Some of the special features such as magnificent pillars, lattice or jali work, carved marble interiors and inlaid ornamentations make the palace beautiful in appearance and a treat to watch for the visitors.

The City Palace is one of the cherished attractions in the city.  There are two main entrance of the palace, namely Tripolia Gate and Jaleb Chowk. In the construction of the palace the architects, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and Vidyadar Bhattacharya, have beautifully infused the Mughal, European and Rajput styles of architecture.

City Palace, Jaipur
City Palace, Jaipur, Photo Courtesy: trekearth.com

Fast Facts:

  • Location: Jaipur (Rajasthan, India)
  • Built By: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
  • Built In: 1729 – 1732
  • Architectural Style: Fusion of Shilpa Shastra of Indian style of architecture with European and Mughal styles of architecture.
  • Structural System: Red and Pink Sandstone
  • Architects: Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and Vidyadar Bhattacharya
  • Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Everyday (Except on National Holidays, Holi and Diwali)
  • Best Time To Visit: October to March
  • Entry Fee: INR 75.00 for Indian; INR 300.00 for Foreigners
  • Jaipur also featured in Palace on Wheels 2nd day’s itinerary

History:

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Rajput king of Amber during the 18th century, commissioned the work for the outer wall of the City Palace Complex. The Rajpur king shifted its capital to Jaipur from Amer in 1727 due to water scarcity and increase in population. The architectural plan of the City Palace Complex was entrusted to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect. Therefore, the architect designed the Palace Complex according to the texts of Vaastushastra.

Attractions of City Palace:

Although the Palace complex was designed and constructed according to the texts of Vaastushastra, the City Palace showcases the perfect mix of Mughal, European and Rajput styles of architecture. Some of the popular gates of the complex are ‘Tripolia Gate’, ‘Udai Pol’, ‘Virendra Pol’, and ‘Jaleb Chowk’. These gates also serve as difference entrances to the palace. These entrance gates are marvelously decorated, which wins the hearts of the guests. The palace complex is constructed in ‘Grid Style’ and features different attractions namely, ‘Chandra Mahal’, ‘Govind Dev Ji Temple’, ‘Mubarak Mahal’, and ‘Diwan-I-Khas’. The Palace Walls are beautifully decorated in Mughal Style, featuring unique murals, mirrors and lattice work from inside.

Here are some of the major attractions in the City Palace Complex:

  • Mubarak Mahal: Mubarak Mahal was formerly used as reception for visiting dignitaries, now also popular as the Welcome Palace. This structure was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh. The structure is a must visit due to its attracting features such as beautifully carved marble gate and heavy brass doors on both sides of the gate.
  • Chandra Mahal: The Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is located in the heart of the complex. It is occupied by the royals. The palace serves a beautiful view of the city and the gardens. The fourth floor of the Chandra Mahal is the “Hall of Beauty” or ‘Shobha Nivas’ which features mirror effect walls and exquisite mica and blue tiled decoration. The present Maharaja occupies the Sukh Nivas and the Shobha Nivas.
  • Chhavi Nivas: The 5th floor of the Chandra Mahal is “Hall of Images” or ‘Chhavi Nivas’. This section of the complex is a treat to watch during rainy season. The blue floor and while walls complement the beauty of the complex. Moreover, the sixth floor is also a must visit attraction in the complex as it features rows of double columns adorned with mirrored ceiling. From here one can enjoy the picturesque view of the rocky hills.
  • Mukut Mahal: ‘Mukut Mahal’ or ‘Crown Building’ is the top most floors. ‘Badal Mahal’ is on the opposite of the Chandra Mahal, and in-between is the Govind Devji Temple and a very delightful system of fountains.
  • Diwan-i-Galleria: A very famous museum is located in the Palace Complex. In the former Diwan-i-am (Hall of Public Audience), the art gallery is featured. The museum has an extensive assortment of carpets, art, Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, Sanganeri block prints, Benares silk saris, folk embroideries and weapons used in the 15th century.

Some of the other attractions in the Palace Complex are The Peacock Gate, Pitam Niwas, Peacock Courtyard, Royal Jai Niwas Garden, etc. The City Palace Complex is a must visit tourist attraction in Jaipur. The complex is beautifully designed and featured numerous attracting features that win the hearts of the visitors.