Discover India's City Palace

What Is the City Palace of Jaipur?

The City Palace is a sprawling complex that occupies nearly one-seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. Built between 1729 and 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II — the same ruler who founded Jaipur and constructed Jantar Mantar — the palace blends Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. Successive rulers expanded it over two centuries, creating the layered complex visible today.

What makes the City Palace unique among Indian royal residences is that it remains a living palace. The Jaipur royal family, descendants of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty, continues to reside in the Chandra Mahal section. The rest of the complex operates as a museum under the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust.

What Will You See at City Palace?

The museum portion is accessed through the Virendra Pol gate, leading to a series of courtyards and buildings. The Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace) houses the textile and costume gallery, displaying royal garments spanning several centuries — including a staggeringly large outfit belonging to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I, who reportedly weighed over 250 kg and stood 2.1 meters tall.

The Pritam Niwas Chowk (Courtyard of the Beloved) features four ornate gates representing the four seasons, each decorated with distinct themes. The Peacock Gate (representing autumn) is the most photographed, with elaborate mosaic work in blue, green, and gold.

The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) contains the Gangajalies — two sterling silver urns certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest silver objects. Each stands 1.6 meters tall, weighs 345 kg, and holds 4,091 liters. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II had them crafted in 1902 to transport holy Ganges water on his voyage to the coronation of King Edward VII in London (source: Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust).

How Should You Plan Your Visit?

City Palace is located in the heart of the old walled city, adjacent to Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Our Jaipur day tour combines all three in a walkable circuit, typically visiting them in the late morning after returning from Amber Fort.

The museum galleries deserve at least 1.5 hours. For those with a deeper interest, the Chandra Mahal royal tour (available at additional cost) provides access to the private royal chambers with a palace guide — a rare opportunity to see a functioning Indian royal household.