Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, promises a heady mix of all things Indian – vivid colours, bustling markets, gastronomical delights and most importantly, a walk into history. The city embraces some of the most fantastic monuments in the country and is sprinkled with forts, monuments and structures from the Rajput era. For those who want to take a stroll into the glorious period of Kings and Royalty, this is the place. Out of many such monuments, the City Palace in Jaipur is quite striking. Here is a guide for planning your visit.
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| City Palace - Jaipur Rajasthan - India |
History and Architecture
The City Palace was the muse of Sawai Jai Singh II who was responsible to give its initial structure from 1729 to 1732. Later, two able architects Vidyadar Bhattacharya and also the Sawai himself infused the Indian nuances with Mughal and European details to make it one of the most awe inspiring buildings in the city. It was the seat for the ruling King of Jaipur and included the two palace complexes – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Even now, the City Palace, commands the erstwhile awe and respect from visitors all across the globe.
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| Entrance of City Palace |
Apart from the palace complexes, the City Palace houses a museum. The other notable parts of the structure are the Diwan – I – Khas, Pitam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani’s Palace, Baggi Khana and the Govind Ji Temple. Stories like that of Ishwari Singh (son of Jai Singh) who died after being bitten by a snake and his 21 wives committing ‘sati’ (sitting in the funeral pyre of the husband) still hang heavy in the corridors of the palace. Make sure that you take your time to soak in the history and the legendary stories that reverberate in this magnificent structure.
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| A doorway inside City Palace |
How to Get There
Jaipur is well connected to Delhi by road and rail, it is not necessary to take a flight as the distance is only 277 kms and it takes not more than 4 hours to reach. The trains are also very convenient and well timed. Within the city, City Palace is quite accessible. Use a cab or local transport like auto rickshaws to get there. Please note that the entry is only from two of the three gates – Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol or the Atish Pol (Stable Gate). The third gate, Tripolia, is reserved for the Royal family.
Best Time to Visit
Weather wise, Jaipur has great weather between the months of October and December. Extreme cold and heat in the respective months are difficult to deal with for some, especially the summers.
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| City palace interior |
Opening Times
The City Palace and the Museum are open between 10.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m on the days of the week. It is only closed on major festivals like Holi, Diwali and other select few. Please check before you plan your trip.
Entry Fees
As almost all historical places in India, the fees for foreign nationals is more than Indians. Foreign National – Rs 150 for adults, Rs 80 for children and Indians – Rs 35 for adults, Rs 20 for children.
Other Tips
- There are plenty of guides available at the Palace. Choose a government certified person only as the rates are fixed. One can tip accordingly based on your experience.
- The aarti in the Govind Ji Temple can be seen 7 times in the day. Check for the timing before you get in.
- Be suitably dressed as a mark of respect. String tops & shorts etc for women are common as Rajasthan is a travel hub, but carry a light stole around the shoulders is recommended for women.
