City Palace, Jaipur

The City Palace, Jaipur, is the royal palace at the heart of Jaipur's walled Pink City in Rajasthan, begun by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II when he founded Jaipur in 1727. The City Palace combines Rajput and Mughal styles, and was added to by later rulers until the 20th century.

The seven-storey Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the former royal family, whose flag flies from the top when the head of the family is in the city. Much of the rest of the City Palace is open as the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Maharaja Madho Singh II built the Mubarak Mahal as a reception hall in the late 19th century, and for his journey to England in 1902 had two huge silver urns made to carry Ganges water, so that he would not have to drink anything else. They stand in the Diwan-i-Khas and are among the largest silver objects in the world.

What to see

• Mubarak Mahal, with its royal robes, textiles and pashmina shawls
• The Diwan-i-Khas and the two silver Gangajali urns
• Pritam Niwas Chowk and its four painted gateways, one for each season, including the Peacock Gate
• The armoury of daggers, swords and matchlocks
• The Diwan-i-Aam, with miniature paintings and royal manuscripts

What to wear

The City Palace is a museum and residence with no strict dress code, but modest dress covering shoulders and knees fits the setting. Floors are stone and marble, so comfortable flat shoes help, and you need sun protection in the open courtyards. The textile gallery is the best place to see Rajasthani dress up close: court angrakhas, heavy lehengas, and safa and pagri turbans tied in the Jaipur style.

Local food to try

The palace is in the old city, a short walk from the food streets. Try pyaaz kachori and mirchi vada from the stalls, then dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi and ker sangri for lunch. Ghevar and mawa sweets are sold all along Johari Bazaar. Vegetarian food is the default; for kebabs and halal meat, head to the lanes near Ramganj.

Good to know

• Best from October to March; mornings are quieter
• Open daily, about 9:30am to 5pm; evening visits need a separate ticket
• Entry fee, higher for foreigners; some rooms and guided tours cost extra
• Allow two hours
• In the walled city, about 5 km from Jaipur Junction station
• Photography is restricted in some galleries

Nearby places

The City Palace shares a wall with Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal is a five-minute walk away. The two bazaars Johari and Bapu Bazaar are just south.