Palace · Rajput · 1729-1732
CITY PALACE, JAIPURThe royal residence at the heart of the Pink City
The Brief
The City Palace of Jaipur is a sprawling royal complex in the centre of Jaipur, India, built between 1729-1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as the principal residence of the royal family of Amber when he founded the new walled city of Jaipur. It is still the residence of the Jaipur royal family, with sections opened to the public. The complex includes the Chandra Mahal (the seven-storey palace where the royal family lives), the Mubarak Mahal (now a textile museum), the Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall), and four ornate gates representing the seasons. MyTripMyTravel arranges escorted visits with optional royal-resident access by prior arrangement.
The City Palace of Jaipur sits at the heart of the Pink City — the symbolic and physical centre of Sawai Jai Singh II's 1727 founding of Jaipur as the new Rajput capital after Amber. Jai Singh commissioned the palace and the surrounding city simultaneously, with the architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya designing both to a Vastu Shastra grid.
It is a layered complex of courtyards, halls, gates, and residential blocks built across 200 years. The Chandra Mahal — the seven-storey central palace — is still the residence of the Jaipur royal family; the top floor offers public access by special tour. Around it, the Mubarak Mahal (now a textile museum), the Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall with the world's two largest silver vessels), and four ornate Pritam Niwas Chowk gates (representing the four seasons) form the principal visitor circuit.
MyTripMyTravel includes the City Palace on the standard Jaipur heritage day. For travellers interested in the royal-residence access, we arrange the additional tour with advance notice.
Quick Facts
City Palace, Jaipur at a glance
What to See
THE HIGHLIGHTSPritam Niwas Chowk
Four ornate gates representing the seasons — peacock (autumn), lotus (summer), green (spring), rose (winter).
Diwan-i-Khas
Private audience hall with the world's two largest silver vessels (Guinness-recorded), made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II's 1902 London journey to carry Ganga water.
Chandra Mahal
The seven-storey central palace, still the royal residence.
Mubarak Mahal
1900-built guest house, now the royal textile museum.
Sabha Niwas (Diwan-i-Aam)
Public audience hall with elaborate ceiling and Mughal-inspired decoration.
Visitor Protocol
How We Run It
Combine with Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar — all within walking distance.
The Royal Splendour ticket includes Chandra Mahal access — worthwhile for serious heritage travellers.
Visit early to avoid crowds at Pritam Niwas Chowk.
Intelligence
CITY PALACE, JAIPUR FAQIs the royal family still in residence?
Yes — the Chandra Mahal in the centre of the complex is still the residence of the Jaipur royal family. Most of the complex is open to the public; the inner residence requires the special Royal Splendour tour.
Why is Jaipur called the Pink City?
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II had the entire walled city painted terracotta pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). The colour has been retained by law since.
How does it pair with Amber Fort?
Amber was the royal residence before Jaipur was founded in 1727. The royals moved to the new City Palace in Jaipur but retained Amber as a fortified residence. Standard Jaipur day covers both.