City Palace, Jaipur

City Palace is a popular heritage site situated in the heart of Jaipur. It is one of the magnificent buildings of the city. This beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. The palace is a beautiful amalgamation of the Rajput and the Mughal styles of architecture.

There is the Mubarak Mahal (or the palace of welcome) at the entrance of the complex. It was constructed in the 19th century by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh and was used as a reception area. Now, this building has turned into a museum devoted to King Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. A variety of royal attire along with Banarasi silk sarees and Pashmina shawls are put on display in the museum. The heavy clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I (1750-1768) can also be seen here.

Maharani Palace or Queen’s Palace is present in the complex of City Palace and proudly exhibits ancient Rajput weapons. The museum contains ivory-handled swords, chain armours, guns, pistols, cannons, poison-tipped blades and pouches of gunpowder. Amongst all, the scissor-action dagger is the most notable weapon. Some of these weaponry dates back to the 15th century.

City Palace is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm and charges an entry fee of Rs 75 from Indians and Rs 300 from foreign tourists.