City Palace is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This palace consists of Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal. It was built by Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729 and 1732. European, Mughal, and Rajputs architecture can be seen here.
What to see at City Palace:
Mubarak Mahal: European, Rajput and Islamic architecture can be seen here. It is a museum. Major attractions of this museum are Sanganeri block prints, royal formal costumes, embroidery shawls, Silk Sarees, Kashmiri pashminas. Clothes worn by Sawai Madhosingh I are also placed here.
Pitam Niwas Chowk: It is inner courtyard. 4 seasonal gates can be seen here. Gates are North east Peacock Gate dedicated to Lord Vishnu, North West Green Gate dedicated to lord Ganesha, Southwest Lotus Gate dedicated to Lord Shiva parvati. Rose Gate dedicated to Goddess Devi.
Chandra Mahal: In the city palace complex it is a commanding building. It is 7 storied building. Major attractions of this mahal are floral decorations, mirror work on walls, unique paintings. Visitors are allowed only into first floor which consists of museum. Manuscripts, carpets and other items of royal family can be seen here.
Diwan-i-Aam: It is a public audience hall. Major attractions of this hall are miniature paintings, carpets, Kashmir Shawls, embroidered rugs, ancient texts. Manu scriptures of Bhagavad Gita can be seen here. Now it is acting as art gallery.
Diwan-i-Khas: It is a private audience hall of Maharajas. World’s largest sterling silver vessels are located here. These were used to carry water of Ganges to drink at the time of trip to England by Maharaja Sawai Madho. It is situated between art gallery and armoury.
Bhaggi Khana: It is a museum consists of European cabs, palanquins and old carriages. This was used to carry a ratha and priests.
Govind Dev Ji Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was built in garden environment during early 18th century. Every day aarthi conducts 7 times a day.
Maharani Palace: It was the residence of royal queens. Now it is converted into museum. Belongings of 15th century can be seen here. Small canon, walking sticks also located here.
What to see around City Palace:
Jal Mahal: It is located in the middle of Mansarovar Lake. This is one of the biggest artificial lakes. Rajasthani and Mughal Architecture style can be seen here. Red sandstone used in the construction of this mahal. It is located 11kms away from the Palace.
Akshardham Temple: This temple is famous for its architecture, idols, sculptures and carvings. Lord Narayana is worshipped here. It is located 5kms away from the Palace.
Hawa Mahal: It is five storied structure. This mahal has more than 950 windows. Latticework is the major attraction of this mahal. Mahal was designed by Lalchand Usta. It is located 5kms away from the Palace.
Amber Fort: In the medieval history this fort played a major role. True lifestyle of Rajputs can be known from this place. This is the right place for Muslim and Hindu architecture. It is located 13kms away from the Palace.
Jantar Mantar: This monument has been awarded as largest stone observatory in the world. Instruments are used to measure the time. It is located 5kms away from the Palace.
Getting to City Palace: Before reaching this palace one has to reach Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected with road, railways and airways. From Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Ajmer, Shahpura, etc buses come to this place. Railways of Jaipur are well connected with all the major cities such as Kolkata, Udaipur, Indore, Gwalior etc. Both domestic and international port is situated here.
Getting around City Palace: Buses and taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Palace.
Best time to visit City Palace: Best time to visit this place is between October to March.
Where to stay in City Palace: No accommodations inside the Palace Complex. Plenty of accommodations starting from Budget to 5 star hotels are available to stay at Jaipur.
Where to eat in City Palace: Eateries are not available here. Plenty of restaurants are available here. Dal Bati Churma is popular snack item of Jaipur.