The beautiful City palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs during his reign. Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the far sightedness of Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most impressive and magnificent architecture, art and craft structure in the city.

The architecture of the City Palace is a blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The royal family still lives in a part of the palace.

The palace complex can be reached from Sireh Deori Bazar through Chandi Ki Taksal which leads towards Jaleb Chowk. From here, one may proceed either through ‘Ganesh Pol’ or “Virendra Pol’, also known as Gainda Ki Deorhi (rhinoceros gate).Sprawling over the one-seventh of the walled city, it is divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

The palace was opened for public viewing in 1950’s and it still retains the pomp and splendor of the bygone era. The exhibits and interior designs coupled with richly decorated doors and gateways guarded by sentinels decked in full royal livery provide a unique opportunity to view the royal legacy of the Kacchawahas.

On entering the complex and before the palace proper lies the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of welcome or reception. The palace was built by Sawai Madho Singh in the nineteenth century. It has a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors on either side of this gate. Today, it has converted into a costume gallery, which displays royal attires of the Kings.

Then comes a splendid gateway, which leads to the Diwan-I-Khas, a hall meant for private audience. It is an open hall, where there are two sterling silver vessels on display, which are acclaimed to be the world's largest silver vessel. These vessels were made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry water from River Ganga to drink on his trip to England.

Diwan-I-Aam, which was meant for public audience, forms the other attraction of this courtyard. At present, it makes an art gallery showcasing enthralling painted ceilings and rare ancient handwritten original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures. Particularly intriguing in miniature copies of Bhagwat Gita made in this manner so that it can be concealed out of sight of Emperor Aurangzeb onslaught on Hindu scriptures.

Some very delicate miniature paintings in Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools on various themes including the Ramayana are some very engrossing displays. Also on display are elephant saddles called haudha.

In the series, Maharani's Palace, which was meant for royal queens, has been converted into a museum, showcasing weapons dated back to 15th century which are still in a remarkable state of preservation. Remarkable amongst them is scissor-action dagger. Other exhibits include protective chain armors, pistols, jeweled and ivory handled swords, a belt sword, small and assorted cannons, guns, poison tipped blades and gun powder pouches.

As one moves on, one sees the Chandra Mahal, which many consider being the highlight of the whole tour of City Palace. It has a lot of paintings, mirror work on walls, and floral decorations that make the Moon Palace truly magnificent.

It has seven stories and each story is known by a different name. The lower two levels have the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, which has a remarkable collection of 15th century weapons, carpets and rarities. There is also the Sukh Nivas or the 'Hall of Rest', which has the drawing and the dining area furnished with Mughal miniatures, European silver, glass dining tables and peep holes decorated with gold leafs, for ventilation. . 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.The fifth floor is the 'Chavi Nivas' or the 'Hall of Images', the maharajas retreat in the rainy season, with a polished floor of eggshell stucco and blue and white painted walls. And the sixth floor is known for the beautiful view it offers of the surrounding area. The topmost floor is called the 'Mukut Mahal' or the 'Crown building'. The wonderful architecture of this Palace with delicate paintings, mirror work on walls and floral decorations, makes it a "must-see" for every visitor.However the visit here is worthwhile for the exquisite Peacock in the courtyard outside. In the present day, this palace serves as the residence of ex-ruler.

When one moves forward to Badal Mahal from the Chandra Mahal, one would find Govind Dev Ji Temple, which is also quite like the others, a must-see.

Above all these, the Palace also offers delicacies in its multi cuisine restaurant.

The City Palace does not only have a lot of historical significance but is also a souvenir of the regal past. The palace, with its royal grace stands as a symbol of the royal elegance and courtly splendor that is no longer visible. Perhaps, this is why people love coming to the City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The palace is opened for visitors 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry fees for visitors is Rs150.