The City Palace in Jaipur stands at the heart of the Pink City, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, between 1729 and 1732 as he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city. The sprawling complex blends Mughal and Rajput architectural traditions and continues to serve partly as the residence of the former royal family, while much of it operates today as a museum open to the public.
Among the palace’s key structures, Chandra Mahal rises on the western side behind a grand peacock gate, its interiors decorated with paintings of old Jaipur, floral carvings, and elaborate mirror work. The Mubarak Mahal, or Welcome Palace, houses a collection of royal costumes and textiles, while the Maharani’s Palace displays a well-preserved array of Rajput weaponry. The Pritam Niwas Chowk courtyard is especially admired for its four ornately painted gates, each representing a season and an associated Hindu deity.
City Palace is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. A visit of two to three hours is typically enough to see the main courtyards and museum galleries, though history enthusiasts and photographers may want to spend closer to half a day taking in the architectural detail and royal atmosphere throughout the complex.
