City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan (India) ~ Glimpse into royal lifestyle of Rajputs

The City Palace in Jaipur is one of the best privately conserved palace complexes in India.  Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and his dynasty between 1729 and 1732 A.D. Since Independence, it has been the residence of Jaipur royal family and a large part of the complex is open for visitors. While on a family weekend break to the pink city, we spent a few hours at the Jaipur city palace complex, which turned out to be a nice experience.

The City Palace has been designed according to a ‘grid style’ and houses various structures such as, ‘Chandra Mahal’, ‘Mubarak Mahal’, ‘Diwan-I-Khas’ and the ‘GovindDevJi Temple. The architecture is predominantly in Rajput style, however, there is also a mix of Mughal & European styles most likely additions, in later periods of rule by the royal dynasty. 

I particularly like the intricate artwork on the walls & ceilings.

Much of the city palace has been converted into Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh Museum for visitors and it is a real treat to see the exhibits, both indoors & outdoors at the museum.

I was really amazed by set of 2 large silver urns, which were made on the orders of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, who was a highly pious Hindu and carried them (filled with holy Ganges water) during his trip to England in 1901.

There are also souvenir shops and a café within the complex, making it wholesome visitor experience at the city palace.The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar is also located inside the City Palace complex.

The city palace Jaipur is a fine testimony to the royal & somewhat decadent lifestyles our erstwhile Maharajas lived and is a must visit destination when in Jaipur.