City Palace – the Royal Residence of Jaipur

The city of Jaipur is an epitome of splendour and vivacity. It is well-known for its rich heritage and culture and a number of marvelous monuments such as such as Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Gaitore, Nahargarh Fort and Hawa Mahal that it houses. One of the most prominent structures in the pink city is the City Palace complex. While the pink city is a well-liked tourist destination in Rajasthan because of its numerous tourist attractions, the City Palace is one tourist hotspot famed for its awe-inspiring palace complex of wonderful palaces, art galleries, gardens and museum, courtyards, richly decorated gates, pretty art and imprinted doorways.

History of City Palace Jaipur

Built between 1729 and 1732, initially by Sawai Jai Singh II, the Palace complex was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur and the head of the Kacchawa Rajput clan. The Palace complex is located in the north-east of the central city and is easy accessible from all of Jaipur. It consists of a number of impressive courtyards, gardens and buildings.

Architecture

The credit for the construction of the great City Palace of Jaipur goes to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect in the royal court and the city planner of Jaipur, along with Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II also contributed in the planning as he was himself a keen architectural enthusiast. The architects successfully used a mix of the Shilpa Shastra of Indian architecture with Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture.

The outer wall was built by Jai Singh, but within it the palace has been enlarged and adapted over the centuries. There are palace buildings from different eras, some dating from the early 20th century. Despite the gradual development, the whole is a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

It is not only famous for its majestic architecture but also its location lures the visitors as it offers a stunning view of the city.  Visitors can also access the nearby tourist attractions like Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Government Central Museum, Jantar Mantar, Vidhyadhar's Garden and Govind Dev Ji Temple.

Structures within the Palace complex

The Palace complex is home to a number of famous structures such as the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, Govind Dev Ji Temple and the Diwan-I-Khas. The gates and walls are lavishly planned to Mughal style, with various lattice, murals, and mirrors embellishing them from sides. When we talk about the 'Chandra Mahal' museum it is famous for unique handcrafted products. Earlier Chandra Mahal was used as royal family’s residence and there were various places like Sri Niwas, Sukh Niwas, Chavvi Niwas, Mirror Palace, Shobha Niwas and Blue Palace inside this 7 storied palace.

Gateways to the City Palace

There are various richly decorated entrances to the City Palace that enhance its grace and beauty many times. These gateways include 'Virendra Pol', 'Tripolia Gate', 'Jaleb Chowk' and 'Udai Pol'. The entrance to the palace has been arranged from Virendra Pol and Udai Pol for the visitors while Tripolia entrance has been used by the royal family members.

Best Time to Visit City Palace

October to March is considered as best time to visit the City Palace of Jaipur, which is one of the most prominent historical monuments of the pink city.

Opening hours – 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Location – Jalebi Chowk, Near Jantar Mantar, Tripolia Bazar, Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302002

Entry Prices –

Please note that the price also includes an entry to Jaigarh Fort. It is valid for 2 days.

For Tickets and Information, contact – 0141 223 3509

Parking charges – 20-30 INR per bike or car

How to Reach the City Palace of Jaipur

From Airport

• Via Cab or Auto

  • Distance from Airport – 11.9km via JLN Marg
  • Time required for reaching City Palace by cab or auto – 30-35min approx.
  • Charges for one side via Auto – 150-200 INR approx.
  • Charges for one side via Cab – 170-220 INR approx.

• Via Public Transportation

  • You can reach City Palace using the city’s bus service.
  • Take an Auto to Jawahar Circle. From there take bus AC2 towards Joshi Marg. It will drop you at Badi Chaupad, from where City Palace is located at a 15 mins walking distance of500m
  • Total time required to reach City Palace following this route – 1 hr

From Railway Station

• Via Cab or Auto

  • Distance from Railway Station - 4.2 km via Station Road
  • Time required for reaching City Palace by cab or auto – 15-20 mins approx.
  • Charges for one side via Auto – 70-100 INR approx.
  • Charges for one side via Cab – 100-150 INR approx.

• Via Public Transportation

  • Bus service is available for reaching City Palace.
  • Reach Station Circle, from where you will have to take private city mini bus towards Galta Gate. Get down at Tripolia Bazar. From there the City Palace is just 450 m, a 15 mins walking distance.
  • It will take about – 20-25 mins