City Palace

The City Palace sits at the very heart of the old walled city and remains the residence of Jaipur's former royal family to this day. A sprawling complex of courtyards, gardens, museums and palaces, it is a living record of three centuries of Kachhwaha history and one of the finest examples of the fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles.

History

The palace was begun in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the visionary ruler who moved his capital from the hilltop fort of Amer to the new, meticulously planned city of Jaipur on the plains. Successive maharajas added to the complex over the following generations, giving it the layered character visitors see today.

Palaces and courtyards

The seven-storey Chandra Mahal is the centrepiece and the private home of the royal family; its lower floors house a museum, while the upper levels can be seen on a special tour. The elegant Mubarak Mahal ("Auspicious Palace") now displays royal costumes and textiles, including garments of the famously large Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. In the Diwan-i-Khas stand two enormous silver urns, listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest sterling silver vessels in the world, once used to carry Ganges water to England. The Diwan-i-Aam houses a gallery of miniature paintings, carpets and royal manuscripts.

The Peacock Gate

The most enchanting corner is Pritam Niwas Chowk, an inner courtyard framed by four ornate doorways representing the seasons. The exquisite Peacock Gate, dedicated to autumn and Lord Vishnu, is covered in vivid painted peacocks and is among the most photographed sights in Jaipur.

Visiting tips

Allow two hours to take in the museums and courtyards at a relaxed pace. The palace is beautifully located beside the Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, so all three can be enjoyed together on foot. Photography is permitted in most areas, and knowledgeable guides are available at the entrance to bring the history to life.