The City Palace complex in Jaipur has the most important architectural marvel in
palatial arts with its numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways
and temples. Covering about one-seventh of the old city, this exemplary
blend of Rajputs and Mughal architecture houses the seven-storied Chandra
Mahal(Moon palace), still occupied by the former ruling family of Jaipur.
There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the City Palace complex, such as the,
Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri
Govind Temple.The rest of the Jaipur City Palace complex consists of the Sawai Madho Singh II
museum .
As one enters the first courtyard of City Palace, one comes across the Mubarak Mahal,
which was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh II. Here lies
the splendid gateway, which leads to the Diwan-I-Khas or hall of Private
audience. It is an open hall, where there are two silver vessels on display,
which have entered the Guinness book of World Records.
As one moves on, one sees the Chandra Mahal, which is considered as the
main highlight of the Jaipur City Palace. City Palace of Jaipur has a lot of paintings, mirror work on
walls, and floral decorations that make the Moon Palace truly magnificent.
It is a seven-storied palace, where each level has a distinct name.
There is also the Sukh Nivas or the 'Hall of Rest', which has the drawing
and the dining area. On the fourth floor is the 'Shobha Nivas' or 'Hall of
Beauty' which is decorated with mirrors all over and has gold leaf and mica
decorations. It holds the dining room of the Maharaja, furnished with mughal
miniatures, European silver, glass dining tables and peep holes decorated
with gold leafs for ventilation.
The fifth floor is the 'Chavi Nivas' or the 'Hall of Images' and the sixth
floor is known for the beautiful view it offers of the surrounding area.
The uppermost floor is called the 'Mukut Mahal' or the 'Crown building'.
When one moves forward to Badal Mahal from the Chandra Mahal, one comes to
the Govind Temple. The lower two levels have the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II
Museum, which has a large collection of 15th century weapons, displays of
ancient jewellery, costumes, arms, chariots, howdahs, palanquins, shawls and
carpets. A section of the museum also contains dresses and costumes of the
former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. Paintings, floral decorations,
mirror walls and ceilings in the traditional style adorn the palace museum.
Attractions Near the City Palace
Hawa Mahal - Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap
Singh the 'Hawa Mahal', or Palace of the Wind, is an integral part of the
City Palace, built as an extension of the Zenana (women's chambers) standing
away from the main complex. This five storey building of unusual
architecture is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink
sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with
quick lime. The monument was originally built with the purpose of enabling
ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal
processions in the city without being seen by others.
Accommodation in Jaipur
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» Jai Mahal Palace
» Alsisar Haveli
» Hotel Mansingh
» Hotel Umaid Bhawan |
» The Rambagh Palace
» Hotel Bissau Palace
» Park Plaza |
» Samode Haveli
» Narayan Niwas Palace
» Chokhi Dhani Resort |
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