City Palace, Jaipur

Jaipur’s City Palace in Rajasthan, India is one of the most impressive sites in the Old City of Jaipur.

History of the City Palace

Initially built  in the eighteenth century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the elaborate complex of palaces has been enlarged and altered by the Jaipur royal family over the centuries: the royal family still own the palace today.

Comprised of a complex of palaces, including the Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal, Jaipur City Palace includes a mixture of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural influences and has been altered to over the years, with many features having been added in the early twentieth century.

Pitam Niwas Chowk, at the heart of the palace, has four elaborate gates, representing the season – the Green Gate (spring), the Lotus Gate (summer), the Peacock Gate (autumn) and the Rose Gate (winter): look out for the cordoned off areas beyond this where the royal family still live.

Jaipur City Palace today

The City Palace is part of the Jaipur composite ticket. The palace does get busy, especially with tour groups, so it’s worth going early or late and trying to avoid the middle of the day. There are plenty of wonderful nooks and crannies so make sure to spend time exploring.

Visitors to the Jaipur City Palace can view the former home of the wives of the maharajas, which is now an armoury displaying an interesting array of weaponry. The Jaipur City Palace also houses numerous museums, such as the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum which houses a collection of royal garb, such as that of Sawai Madho Singh I.

Getting to Jaipur City Palace

The City Palace is located in the heart of the Old City. Many other attractions are walking distance nearby. Tuktuks and taxis are widely available should you wish to head to Amer Fort or elsewhere after visiting.