In the heart of Jaipur stands the City Palace, a marvel of architecture. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, it is a grand complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens. This palace showcases the royal heritage of Jaipur, blending Rajputana and Mughal architecture.
City Palace is situated right in the middle of Old Jaipur which covers one-seventh of that area. The construction of the palace dates back to 1732, but it still looks fresh and crisp as it always would have been. Visit City Palace Jaipur on exclusive Jaipur travel packages for royal indulgence.
The City Palace of Jaipur is a masterpiece of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is also a testament to the royal heritage and craftsmanship of the bygone era. Built back in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this historic complex occupies a large part of Jaipur's heart. The palace also showcases an exquisite blend of European and Rajputana architectural styles. Its grand structures, including the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, are adorned with intricate carvings, mirrored walls, and ornamental gates. The palace and its attractions reflect the magnificence of the royal nature of Rajasthan.
As you step through the Virendra Pol or the Udai Pol, the majestic gates lead you into a world where every corner whispers tales of bravery, romance, and opulence. The inner courtyards, lush gardens, and decorated chambers, such as the Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, offer a glimpse into the lives of the rulers who walked these halls. The City Palace is not just an architectural marvel but also a cultural hub. It houses museums that exhibit royal costumes, armouries, and artefacts, allowing visitors to journey through time.
Moreover, the palace continues to be a residence for the royal family, adding a living chapter to its historical saga. The City Palace, with its rich history, architectural beauty, and cultural significance, remains an iconic symbol of Rajasthan's royal legacy.
History of City Palace -
Jaipur is considered to be the first-ever city from medieval times, which was planned well. The City Palace is the one-seventh part of the entire old Jaipur.
The idea of constructing this beautiful palace erupted in the mind of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He called the Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob to design the Jaipur city.
They infused Mughal and European style of architecture with the traditional Rajputi architecture. The construction began in the year 1729 and lasted till 1732.
The entire palace has small palaces, well-maintained gardens, beautifully carved courtyards, open terraces and more.
Further Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar were added in the premises along with the outer walls of the palace. The complete structure represented the rich culture and heritage of the ancient state.
Though this palace was completed, the process of making it more beautiful lasted until the early 20th century. It is still preserved carefully along with all the belongings inside the palace put on display.
Architecture of City Palace -
The City Palace is a marvellous blend of Rajputi, Mughal and European style of architecture. The design of the property follows the ‘Vastu Shastra’ which is said to be facilitating the art of living and the atmosphere inside the house.
The entire palace is structured in ‘Grid Style’ having four gates to enter and exit, namely ‘Tripolia Gate’, ‘Udai Pol’, ‘Virendra Pol’, and ‘Jaleb Chowk’.
It also consists of various palaces, gardens, courtyards, temples, terraces, balconies and patios which are beautified by latticework, jali work, carved marbles and inlaid ornamentations. The walls reflect the authentic Mughal style which features distinct murals, mirrors and latticework.
A unique feature found in Pritam Niwas Chowk is that it has four gates, which depicts all the four seasons.
First one is Mor Gate which portrays Autumn Season, then it is Leheriya Gate which represents spring season followed by Rose gate drawing winters and Lotus gate painting a picture of the summer season.
All this makes the entire palace a remarkable structure left behind by history.
Highlights
• Step into the grandeur of City Palace Jaipur, a symbol of Rajput and Mughal magnificence.
• Marvel at Mubarak Mahal's blend of Islamic, Rajputana, and European architectural styles and its stunning royal costume collection.
• Explore the Chandra Mahal's museum which is filled with Royal family treasures, and soak in panoramic city views from here.
• Admire Pritam Niwas Chowk's four gates, each depicting a season and a Hindu god.
• Step into the Diwan-i-Aam, where the world's largest sterling silver vessels are displayed, showcasing Rajputana's creativity and splendour.
How To Reach
1) By Air: The nearest airport to City Palace is Jaipur International Airport. It is located approximately 12.7 kilometres away. After landing, you can opt for a taxi or a cab service like Ola or Uber to reach the palace directly. The drive usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. For those looking for a more economical option, local buses, and auto-rickshaws are also available from the airport to the Palace.
2) By Road: From the Jaipur city centre, the City Palace is located just 4.8 kilometres away. The palace is located in Jaipur's old city area, which is easily accessible from the city centre. You can take an auto rickshaw, taxi or even avail a ride on a local bus to get to the Palace. The total journey to the palace takes around 15 to 20 minutes by road.
3) By Train: Jaipur Railway Station is a major hub in the Indian railway network. It is around 5.4 kilometres from City Palace. From the station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw, which will get you to the palace in about 15 to 20 minutes. Prepaid taxi booths and app-based cab services are readily available outside the station for convenience.
4) By Metro: Jaipur Metro offers a quick and convenient way to get closer to City Palace. The nearest metro station is the Chandpole Metro Station, which is about 1.9 kilometres away from the palace. From Chandpole, you can take an auto-rickshaw or walk to City Palace, which will take around 10 to 15 minutes.
Best Time To Visit
City Palace welcomes visitors all year round. Its longstanding grandeur overcomes all tests of time.
Best Day: Weekdays are best to visit City Palace. This is when there are fewer crowds here, giving you more space and time to admire the palace's intricate details without the rush.
Best Time of the Day: Plan your visit to the palace during the early morning or late afternoon hours. This lets you explore the palace in cooler temperatures. Additionally, it also gives you ample time to cover the vast complex. The City Palace is open from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. for general visits and reopens from 07:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the evening light and sound show, which starts at 07:30 p.m.
Other Essential Information
Facts about City Palace -
There are numerous facts of the palace you would be fascinated after knowing. Here goes the list of some of the best ones.
1. Some part of the City Palace is converted into a museum, and the other part is still used as the residential area of the former ruler of Jaipur.
2. The palace used by the royal family as their resident is called Chandra Mahal.
3. There are numerous gates to enter the palace, and there are four main ones. However, you can access all the gates but not the Tripolia gate, which is reserved only for the use of the royal family.
4. There are four small gates in the Pritam Niwas Chowk which depicts four different seasons of the year, namely: Autumn, Spring, Winter and Summer.
5. There are two sterling silver jars in the palace which holds the world record of being the world’s largest sterling silver vessels in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Tips for Visiting City Palace -
1. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot to explore the grand palace.
2. Carry a water bottle, as Jaipur can get quite warm, and staying hydrated is crucial.
3. Have at least 2 to 3 hours in hand, as there is a lot to see and explore within the palace.
4. Photography is allowed in most areas, but it is best to check for any signs where photography is prohibited.
5. Consider hiring a guide since they can provide valuable insights into the palace's history.
6. Carry your official government-issued ID card except Aadhaar.
Explore the Mubarak Mahal Textile Museum
Step into the Mubarak Mahal to uncover a treasure trove of royal attire. Marvel at the exquisite collection of costumes, shawls, and saris that once graced the royals. Each piece tells a tale of Rajasthani craftsmanship, blending art and history seamlessly. This museum, originally built as a reception hall in the 19th century, showcases the rich textile legacy of Jaipur. Here, you can see the famous Sanganeri block prints and the opulent royal formal costumes, providing insight into the lifestyle and traditions of the royal family.
Witness the Grandeur of Chandra Mahal
Explore the Chandra Mahal, where each floor unveils a new aspect of royal living. With restricted access, the ground floor museum offers a peek into the opulence that the higher floors hold. During your visit, you can witness the display of carpets and manuscripts here, showcasing the lavish lifestyle of Jaipur's rulers. This seven-storied building itself is an architectural marvel. Each of its floors is named distinctly and reflects the influences of Rajput, Mughal, and European styles. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and Aravallis from here.
Admire the Architectural Beauty of Pritam Niwas Chowk
Lose yourself in the beauty of Pritam Niwas Chowk, where four ornate gates represent the seasons and Hindu gods. The craftsmanship and vivid imagery of these gates offer a visual feast. They capture the essence of Rajasthani culture and heritage in stone and colour. These gates, known as the Peacock Gate, Lotus Gate, Green Gate, and Rose Gate, are adorned with intricate frescoes and detailed carvings. Each of these gates also narrates stories of the gods and the natural beauty of the seasons they represent.
Enjoy the Light and Sound Show at Night
As dusk falls, the City Palace becomes a hub of activity. During this time, you can enjoy a mesmerising light and sound show here. While enjoying the show, you can also learn about the rich history of Jaipur through captivating visuals and enthralling music. You can also witness how this experience under the stars breathes life into the palace’s walls. The show tells you about the palace’s history using a blend of music, light, and shadows. It also illuminates the architecture of the palace while telling the tale of Jaipur’s founding.
Unravel History at Diwan-i-Aam
Visit the Diwan-i-Aam, a hall where the maharajas once presided over public audiences. Now an art gallery, it houses an impressive collection of paintings, textiles, and manuscripts. Here, you can learn about the artistic and cultural endeavours of Rajasthan's royal courts. This marble-floored chamber is decorated with chandeliers and historical artefacts. You can also see two of the world's largest silver vessels here, which represent the ceremonial aspect of the monarchy.
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