City Palace Jaipur

Place : Jaipur in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.

Popular For : Outstanding Architecture.

Best time to visit : October to February

The City Palace -
City Palace is located in the capital of Rajasthan and is a perfect example of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, the palace complex has been further developed by many of his successors. The City Palace stands proudly on the hill guarded by crenelated fort walls. In comparison to its rough exterior, the interior displays a delicate and exquisite world of beauty with elaborate use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, silver doors, fountains and gardens.

The City Palace consists of four main palaces. The Palace of Joy (Dilkusha Mahal), is lavishly decorated with frescoes and paintings. Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), and Krishna Mahal are adorned with exquisite colours and paintings. The ground and first floor of the Chandra Mahal, form the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum. The Mubarak Mahal, or the Auspicious Palace, contains the textile section of the museum.

What to See in City Palace -
Diwan-I-Khas : There is a dominating gateway with a lofty door in brass opening to a regal courtyard. Here lies the Diwan-I-Khas or 'Hall of Private Audience'- an open hall with a double row of columns with scalloped arches.

Diwan-E-Aam : Across the paved square, with its detailed decorations in deep red and gold, Afghan and Persian carpets, miniature paintings, astronomical manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit lies the 'Diwan-E-Aam' or the 'Hall of Public Audience'. At the other side is the Ridhi Sidhi Pol, with four small doorways carved with motifs representing the four seasons.

Chandra Mahal : Situated in north-west is the elegant Chandra Mahal, the residence of ex-ruler. The seven-storey Chandra Mahal is the center-piece and emanates fine views of the gardens and the Jaipur city. The complex boasts of an excellent museum, an armoury and several fine halls. The museum of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II has a comprehensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons. The paintings include miniatures in Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools. Each storey has an unique name and is a place of exquisite beauty and luxury. The topmost storey is called the Mukut Mahal.

Mubarak Mahal : Built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh II, the Mubarak Mahal, or the Auspicious Palace, exhibits the textile section of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum.

Sukh Nivas & Shobha Nivas : 'Sukh Nivas' or "Hall of Rest" is the drawing and dining room of the Maharaja, furnished with Mughal miniatures, European silver, glass dining tables and peep holes adorned with gold leafs, for ventilation. On the fourth floor of the Chandra Mahal is the 'Shobha Nivas' or "Hall of Beauty" with mirror encrusted walls having exquisite blue tiled dadoes and glittering gold leaf and mica decoration. The Shobha Nivas and the Sukh Nivas is still the residence of the present Maharaja.

Badal Mahal : Located opposite to Chandra Mahal the Badal Mahal has beautiful sprawling gardens. The Govind Devji Temple stands in the middle of the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. An amazing system of mountains is placed in the middle of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal.

Reaching City Palace Jaipur -
Air : Jaipur has its own airport for receiving both domestic and international flights, which is well connected to the rest of India.
Rail : The railhead at Jaipur is well linked to all the major cities of India.
Road : Jaipur has well laid road network, which leads to all the major destinations of Rajasthan and also connects Jaipur to Agra and Delhi.