City Palace - Jaipur

Jaipur Palace, Located in Jaipur, the foundation of the palace was laid down, when the city itself came into existence. A perfect blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The vast jaipur palace occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, additions have been made to the palace complex by many of his successors. The city palace jaipur is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

The palace was originally used for official purpose, but today serves as a museum. Initially, the museum was known as the Maharaja of Jaipur Museum, but was later renamed as Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. There are two main entrances to the palace, the first one is from Jaleb Chowk and the other one from Tripolia Gate. The first courtyard, while entering from the Tripolia side, houses the Mubarak Mahal or the Auspicious Palace, which was earlier the reception hall of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It opens to Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience. The hall with two rows of columns are the center of attraction for tourists, since it displays two silver urns that are considered largest in the world. Another gate from here leads to the Diwan-i-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience.

The Chandra Mahal is situated in the northwest part of the palace and it is the place where the royal family used to reside. The Govind Devji Temple stands in the middle of the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal, which lies opposite Chandra Mahal. Sukh Niwas was meant for providing relaxation and rest. Shobha Niwas exudes an extraordinary beauty because of its remarkable decorations of mirrors, gold leaf and mica all over. There is also a Chavi Niwas while the top most floor, true to its position is known as the Mukut Mahal or the Crown Palace