Located in the heart of the Pink City, Jaipur epitomizes grandeur and historical significance – the City Palace Jaipur. Steeped in centuries of palatial heritage and architectural richness, this magnificent royal palace stands as a testament to the grandiosity and cultural richness of Rajasthan. Join us as we begin an enlightening journey of unraveling the magnificent buildings, courtyards and fascinating tales of erstwhile royalty. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture buff or just fascinated by the past of India’s Maharajas, this guide promises to capture the majesty and splendor of one of India’s most iconic sites.
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History Of City Palace Jaipur
In the chaos of hammers and chisels, the iconic Jaipur City Palace emerged between 1729-1732, guided by the commanding leadership and skilled hands of Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who carefully arranged each stone after the ancient dance of Vastushastra.
Like plucked from a fairy tale, the unusual architecture of the palace began as a dream in the mind of Sawai Jai Singh II. Encountering a thirst for the land of Amber, he turned the heart of his kingdom to Jaipur, and ushered in a wonder which now promises to thrill and amaze visitors from afar. The City Palace is definitely one of the top places to visit even if you have just a day in Jaipur.
Architecture Of City Palace
Stunning designs decorate every inch of the city’s palace. From the ornate facades to the ornate details, each room exudes the artistry of a bygone era. The architectural styles are the culmination of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles, which combine to seduce the senses. Pavilions, gardens and temples are intertwined in a dazzling canvas of shapes and sizes and the Moon Palace, Mukut Mahal, Sri Govind Devji Temple, Maharani Palace, Mubarak Palace and City Palace Museum stand as beacons of luxury.
Interesting Facts About City Palace
– Mubarak Mahal has a grand royal appeal reflected in its collections ranging from silk pashmina shawls to bright Banarasi silk sarees, and dresses adorned with Sangneri prints and folk embroidery.
– This space gracefully safeguards and protects the weaponry with its origins that dates back to the 15th century.
– The City Palace has the largest silver urn in the world, made of 14,000 pieces of silver and weighing 345 kg. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II ordered water to be transported from the Ganges during his 1902 visit to England. Just the presence of this makes the City Palace one of the best places to visit in Jaipur.
What’s Inside The City Palace
Mubarak Mahal
Originally built by Maharaja Madho Singh II as a shrine for honored guests, the Mubarak Mahal dates back to the 19th century and blends Indian and European architectural styles. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum is also a part of the space here, a wonderful treasure reflecting pure immaculate craftsmanship. You can find a beautiful collection of pashmina shawls, Sanganeri block printed fabrics and other royal garments that once adorned the elite members of the royal family.
Pritam Niwas Chowk
Pritam Niwas Chowk is defined by four grand gates standing tall, each representing a different time of the year and honoring the skyline. While the Peacock Gate is decorated with iconic depictions of Lord Vishnu and his consort, it symbolizes autumn and celebrates spring with blooming lotus flowers at the Lotus Gate, giving you a glimpse of the stunning architecture of Rajasthan. Wandering around the beautiful residential street, one can’t help but be amazed by the intricate details that adorn the walls, from delicate flowers to intricate carvings.
Chandra Mahal
Step into the magnificent buildings of the Chandra Mahal- the Seven Storied building with ornate chandeliers casting a soft glow to the decorated interiors, the walls are covered with ornate murals and frescoes. Intricate carvings and delicate fabrics are abundant here, the sumptuous rooms offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Jaipur’s former rulers. The famous rulers of Rajasthan heritage are still alive, imbuing every corner with a sense of wonderful antiquity.
Diwan-I-Am
It is a popular public auditorium. This beautiful hall, decorated with carved pillars and impressive arches, served as a ceremonial place where the rulers of Jaipur held court and received their subjects. Imagine a maharaja sitting on a spacious throne listening to the cries and pleas of his people.
Diwan-i-Khas
The Diwan-i-Khas stands as a testament to the taste and grandeur of Jaipur’s royal rulers, where history meets the beauty that depicts the lavish lifestyle of the elite. This grand hall is adorned with marvelous diamonds and gold making it an intimate venue where the Maharaja led a private audience of dignitaries and honored guests.
Maharani Palace
Once a royal house, it now displays a well-preserved collection of Rajput weapons dating back to the 15th century. The walls of the palace are lined with lavish paintings depicting scenes from royal life, enhancing the atmosphere of royal splendor. It gives visitors an insight into the lives of these eminent women, their contributions to the nation and their lasting impact on the culture and traditions of Rajasthan.
Bhaggi Khana
Bhaggi Khana offers visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich imperial military history of Jaipur. Also known as the Royal Armory. You can admire an impressive array of swords, swords and guns, each testifying to the martial prowess of the warrior kings and queens of Rajasthan. From ceremonial armaments to battlefield weapons, every piece tells a tale of courage and honor.
Govind Ji Temple
Upon entering the chapel premises, one is greeted with quiet chanting. Inside the sanctorum, devotees gather to pray and seek God’s blessings. The idol of Lord Krishna, adorned with garlands of flowers, shines with the brightness of divine grace.
Book Now: Day Trip to Chand Baori, Step Well & City Palace from Jaipur
Where To Eat
If you are looking to eat within the premises of the City Palace Jaipur then Bardari Restaurant is a great option as it serves different varieties of cuisines including Indian. You can also indulge in your cravings by visiting the Palace Cafe or the Midtown Multi Cuisine Restaurant.
How To Reach
To reach Jaipur City Palace, head to Badi Chopar and Choti Chopar. It is about 12 km from Jaipur airport and 4.5 km from the railway station. Transport options include auto-rickshaws, taxis, or bike rickshaws available for immediate hire. Alternatively, hire the services of reputed car rental companies in Jaipur to explore the famous places of the city at the convenience of a private cab.
Entry Fees
City Palace Jaipur ticket price ranges:
-Adult tickets to the City Palace museum cost ₹200, while children aged 5-12 years cost ₹100.
-The composite tickets combine many experiences and the ticket price is ₹300 for adults and ₹200 for children.
-Adults pay ₹500 and children pay ₹250 to explore the museum at night.
-The Royal Grandeur package costs ₹1,500 for adults and ₹1,000 for children.
-The Royal Splendor package costs ₹3,000 for adults and ₹1500 for children.
Timings
The City Palace Jaipur timings differ on regular days and on holidays:
It is open from Monday to Saturday between 09:30 am – 05:30 p.m
On holidays, the palace is open between 09:30 am – 05:30 p.m
Conclusion
In conclusion, City Palace Jaipur reflects the magnificent heritage and royal heritage of Rajasthan. From its impressive architecture to its rich history and cultural significance, every corner of this mansion speaks of monarchial grace. Whether you marvel at the magnificent architecture of Chandra Mahal, explore the rich collection of Mubarak Mahal or delve into the history of Bhaggi Khana, a visit to City Palace Jaipur is an immersive journey that continues to penetrate and captivate visitors from around the world. The city Palace is without a doubt a gem in the crown of India’s architectural treasures.
FAQs
City Palace Jaipur is famous for its iconic architecture that blends Rajput, Mughal and European styles, is a museum showcasing royal artifacts and historical relics.
City Palace Jaipur belongs to the royal family of Jaipur, descendants of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Though the royal family does not reside at City Palace Jaipur, it is an important cultural and historical site, giving visitors a glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal past.
City Palace Jaipur features stunning marble and carved stone architecture, vast courtyards and the famous Chandra Palace, which offers panoramic views of the city.
