City Palace (Jaipur)

Fast Facts Location Next to Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built By: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
Attractions :: Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Chhavi Niva, Sarvatobhadra,
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Timings: : 09:30 A.M. To 04:30 P.M. (open daily except on public holidays)
Entry Fee: For Indians: Rs. 35.00, For Foreigners: Rs.150.00
How to Reach : City Palace is approachable by taking local Buses, Rickshaws and Taxis.

Introduction

The Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is proud to cuddle the majestic City Palace in the heart of old city. It is the landmark on the tourist map of Jaipur. With extraordinary art and architecture, the palace stands formidably in grandeur. It is a perfect amalgamation of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. A part of the palace is still inhabited by the family members of the last Maharaja. The palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha community of Rajputs. The history is a witness to the alterations done to the City Palace complex

Architecture of City Palace :
The City Place of Jaipur is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan. If you wish to find a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal techniques of architecture, then City Palace is the best possible alternative for you. The elegance of the fort lies in the fascinating structures, lush gardens, huge edifices, splendid courtyards and royal mahals. The palace is a haven for numerous palatial structures built by the rulers. The palace is divided into two parts - Sawai Man Singh Museum and Residence of former king. The Complex of the palace includes magnificent palaces and hall like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. Shri Govind Temple and City Palace museum is another edifices housed in the palace.

Attractions of City Palace :
The Complex of the City Palace comprises of many attractions. They are as :
Mubarak Mahal: The palace has seen its completion during the reign of Sawai Madho Sing II. Worth seeing thing about this palace is the Mughl - European architecture. This reception hall had famous manuscripts of many epics like Mahabharata, Shahi-Ramayana and Surpadawali.

Chandra Mahal: This seven-storyed building has enormous towers all around it. There are different parts of the this mahal as Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas, Mukut-Mandir.

Chhavi Nivas: Chhavi Nivas is the "Hall of Images" which has a polished floor of blue and white painted walls. Here the kings used to retreat in the rainy season.

Sileh Khana: On the top of floor of Ananda Mandir there are beautifully painted halls where tourists can see different kinds of arms and armour of Jaipur Amber rulers.

Sarvatobhadra: In 18th - 19th century, this palace was used as Diwan-e-Khas, where the kings held meetings and gave their advice to their ministers. Transformed now into a Visitor's Rests Area, you can enjoy seeing two largest silver vessels on display here.

Sightseeing around City Palace, Jaipur :

Hawa Mahal: This Wind Palace, built in 1799, is one one of the major landmarks in the Pink walled city of Jaipur. Visitors are attracted to see the Rajput architecturein pink and sandstone windows. Climb up the Hawa Mahal and you have a beautiful view of the city.

Jantar Mantar: This remarkable observatory was built by Maharaja Jai Sing II in 1728. It is still an inspiration for the contemporary astrologers. The movement of the celestial bodies is calculated by the different instruments here.

Johari Bazar: There are lot of shopping areas near to the City Palace. A shopper's delight, the place has everything for everyone. Look out for exclusive handicrafts items, fabrics of bandhini, lac jewelery, and other exquisite Jaipur's souvenirs.