City Palace
Royal palace complex with museums, courtyards, and still-inhabited royal quarters
Overview
City Palace, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, is a magnificent palace complex occupying one-seventh of the old city. This blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture serves as both a museum and residence for Jaipur's royal family. The complex includes several buildings: Mubarak Mahal (guest pavilion, now textile museum), Chandra Mahal (seven-story palace where royals still live), Diwan-i-Khas with world's largest silver vessels, and Pritam Niwas Chowk with four ornate gates. The City Palace Museum houses royal costumes, weapons, manuscripts, and miniature paintings.
Highlights
Mubarak Mahal - Royal textile and costume museum
Diwan-i-Khas - World's largest silver vessels (Guinness Record)
Pritam Niwas Chowk - Four gates representing seasons with peacock gate
Chandra Mahal - Seven-story palace (ground floor open, upper floors ₹2500 tour)
Vintage car collection - Rolls Royce and royal vehicles
Rajasthani miniature painting gallery
Exploring City Palace Complex
Enter via Virendra Pol
Main entrance gate, buy tickets. Collect audio guide (₹250) for detailed explanations
Mubarak Mahal Museum
Royal costumes, textiles, and Maharaja's wardrobes. See the 5-meter tall Maharaja's outfit!
Rajendra Pol & Diwan-i-Khas
Hall with two massive silver vessels used to carry Ganges water to England. Guinness Record holders
Pritam Niwas Chowk
Four beautiful gates: Peacock (autumn), Lotus (summer), Green (spring), Rose (winter). Instagram spot!
Chandra Mahal Courtyard
Seven-story palace. Ground floor accessible. Premium tour (₹2500) for upper floors and Maharaja meeting
Art Gallery & Armoury
Miniature paintings, manuscripts, and royal weapons collection
Extended City Palace Experience
Day 1
Regular Palace Tour
Follow main itinerary - Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, courtyards, museums (2 hours)
Lunch at Peacock Rooftop
Restaurant near palace with traditional cuisine and palace views
Jantar Mantar Visit
Adjacent astronomical observatory (200m walk), combine with palace ticket
Day 2
Premium Chandra Mahal Tour
Book ₹2500 tour for upper floors, royal rooms, meet descendants. Limited slots, book ahead
Crystal Gallery Visit
Separate area with European crystal furniture and chandeliers
Hawa Mahal
Walk to nearby Hawa Mahal (5 minutes), combine tickets
Visiting Information
Entry Fee:
₹200 for Indians, ₹700 for foreigners (includes museum). Optional: Chandra Mahal tour ₹2500
Timings:
9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Recommended Duration:
2-2.5 hours (basic), 3-4 hours (with Chandra Mahal)
Best Time to Visit
October to March. Visit 9-11 AM before it gets crowded
Getting There
Via MI Road to old city center (30 min)
Public Transport:
Central location in old city, easily accessible
Travel Tips
- •Audio guide (₹250) highly recommended - explains rich history
- •Combo ticket (₹1000) includes Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh
- •Chandra Mahal upper floors tour (₹2500) limited to 10 people/day - book online ahead
- •Photography allowed in most areas, no flash in galleries
- •Wear comfortable shoes - lots of walking between buildings