The City Palace is the present-day residence of the current Maharaja of Jaipur, His Highness, Maharaja Sawai Shri Bhawani Singh Bahadur. It is also evident of the life spent by Late Raj Mata Gayatri Devi (Queen of Jaipur). These Maharajas were entitled according to their ranks. The very impressive title bestowed to Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur- ‘Brigadier His Highness Saramad-i-Rajaha-i-Hindustan Raj Rajendra Shri Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Sawai Shri Bhawani Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Jaipur’. The royal kingdoms and their thrones no longer exist but the monuments retreat to the majestic medieval era.

Mughal and Rajasthani architectural techniques were followed to construct this enormous palace. Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Devji Temple, Badal Mahal, Chandra Mahal, and the City Palace Museum are few attractions that the palace embraces. The City Palace was built under the sovereignty of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1699-1744).

Beautifully carved, two marble elephants greet at the doorstep of the City Palace, where the ‘Mubarak Mahal’ emerges first. Maharaja Madho Singh II built ‘The Mubarak Mahal’ in 19th century. Further, it is escorted by the Diwan-E-Khaas. It is an open hall, also known as the ‘Hall of Private Audience’, with two huge silver vessels on display. These vessels namely ‘Gangajali’ (carrier of water from holy Ganges) have been documented in Guinness Book of World Records for their size.

Ensure that you visit Diwan-E-Aam. This hall was meant for the public to pay their homage to the king. It is an art gallery these days and exhibits exclusive paintings (Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian), royal rugs, and saddles of royal animals. A very alluring Peacock Gate leads to the Chandra Mahal. The Chandra Mahal or Chandra Niwas is a museum, exhibiting exquisite royal costumes, paintings, mirror work, and lovely floral decorations.

The compound of the palace is bejeweled with the temple of Govind Dev Ji. The temple is renowned for its structure, and is also documented in Guinness Book of World Records for the Best Concrete Structure award. An area of 15,827 sq. feet is roofed up at a height of 119 feet which rests on four peripheral beams. The temple can put up 5000 people at a time. A display of amazing architecture!


Distance from the city center: Situated at city center
Built in: 19th century
Charges: Indians Rs. 35.00 and for foreigners Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort
Timings: 9:30 to 16:45 hrs.
Specialty: Chandra Mahal, Govind Devji Temple, Diwan-e-Aam