Get The Royal Feel Visiting The City Palace Museum in Jaipur

One of the grandest destinations in India, Jaipur is such a place that is always vibrating with joyous occasions and festivities. And one fabulous place, in particular, is the City Palace in Jaipur where you’ll be compelled to go back in time after seeing all the treasures of the bygone days. Despite Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, you’ll also see the influences of Hindu Temples in the Mubarak Mahal, one of the royal dwellings of the City Palace. Here, you can stroll along the corridors of Chandra Mahal and observe the intricate design of different royal courtyards. And if this is not enough, you can check out the Pritam Niwas Chowk and its attractive four seasonal doors, it is pretty impressive. But wait there’s more which we will discuss as you scroll down.

Everything you need to know about the ‘City Palace Museum of Jaipur’

The City Palace now turned into a Museum is one of the best places to spend a day in Jaipur and what’s awesome is that the other half of the palace, Chandra Mahal is still the resident of Jaipur Royal Family. The entire complex contains various sections of royal residences like the Mubarak Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk, Chandra Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Baaghi Khana, Maharani Palace and more. My intention is not to bore you by describing a detailed history of each royal residencies in the City Palace of Jaipur but perhaps a brief knowledge won’t hurt.

A 19th century-built Mubarak Mahal has several architectural influences of Islamic, Rajput, and European styles. It was built as a reception centre now turned into a Textile Museum. The ground floor of Chandra Mahal on the west end is open to the public that has been converted into Art Museum. It contains old photographs, paintings and mirror work. It is a seven-storey building that also is an official resident of the former royal family. The inner courtyard Pritam Niwas Chowk is famed for its four seasonal gates namely, the Lotus (Summer) Gate, Green (Spring) Gate, Rose (Winter) Gate and one of the four displays 3D like images of the peacock at the Mor (Peacock) Gate.

These may be some of the dwellings to adore but out in the courtyard, Diwan-i-Aam treasures two artefacts that stands 1.6 metres tall as the Silver Urns. These silver vessels that weigh 340 kilograms have made their ways to be the world’s largest silver vessels recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Another major attraction that is a must visit is the Diwan-E-Khas located in the courtyard of Mubarak Mahal. Nonetheless, the City Palace also has other worth visiting places like the Maharani palace that treasures a unique scissor-action dagger and Baggi Khana that features old carriages and chariots.

The Palace Museums: It’s all about the precious treasures of yesteryears

By all means, the City Palace is a famous attraction every traveller must visit during their trip to India. And inside the palace features royal artefacts like the collection of the ornaments, dresses, paintings and weapons. Basically, there are three sections of museums that reside under the roofs of mahals adorned with fresco walls and ceilings.

Textile Museum

The Textile Museum located in Mubarak Mahal is all about the garments and ornaments worn by the royal family of Jaipur. And one fascinating fact I came across is that the dresses of the Queens and Princess were so heavy that they required a couple of maids to help. Besides, a noteworthy garment to see is the one worn by Sawai Raja Madho Singh II. It is said that, this 4 foot wide garment contained 190-metre long cloth. Another must-see attraction is the polo uniform worn by Sawai Raja Man Singh II. The variety of textiles you get to see here are the silk saris, sanganeri block prints, Kashmiri Pashminas and embroidered shawls. There is also a handicraft museum that is installed with all the royal wares.

Arms Museum

The Arms Museum is another best place in the City Palace to explore the ancient arms and weapons. This museum is located in the Maharani palace that displays a collection of arms like the pistols with two, three and four barrels and also daggers. But these are just some noble mentions. A 15th-century weapon, the scissor-action dagger, used during war campaigns by the Royals is also displayed followed by a particular weapon which is infamous for disemboweling a victim when it is withdrawn from his/her body. Here, one specific attraction that captivates all visitors is the sword gifted by Queen Victoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh during 1835–80. Throughout the museum, guns that also serve as walking sticks, small canon, shields are beautifully decorated that highlights the beauty of the museum.

Art Museum

The Art Museum is amongst the most visited site in the palace to witness the 3D painting of Sawai Ram Singh, India’s first photographer. It is said that no matter which side you stand, you’ll notice his eyes staring right at you, creepy yet interesting. The Art Museum features many old and rare photographs clicked by him and also a series of paintings of Sawai Ishwar Singh completely finished using his fingers. Apart from miniature paintings, this museum also installs ancient texts, Kashmiri shawls, embroidered rugs and carpets. To see what else you can find here, visit Diwan-E-Khas the next time you visit the City Palace.

In Addition

Baaghi Khana Baaghi Khana is another must visit place if you love automobiles, here, you’ll find a series of vintage cars, European cabs, old carriages and palanquins. The most interesting attraction here is the mahadol, which is a traditional chariot used to carry the idols of Hindu Gods. Ideally, these mahadols are also used to carry queens and brides during Indian weddings. Baaghi Khana also treasures the Victoria Baggi that was gifted to the Maharaja in 1876 by the Prince of Wales.

Govind Dev Ji Temple

Located in the palace complex itself is the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This 18th-century structure is located in the midst of the palace garden. The temple has beautiful Indian paintings and dangling chandeliers clinging above the golden ceiling. Aartis are still conducted every day here and is considered one of the pilgrimage places to the Jaipur royals to conduct rituals.

Where can you eat and shop after witnessing the palace’s attractions?

Food: Of course, in between sightseeing, you’re going to get hungry, but you can’t exit the premises and return again. So, to make things better for the visitors, there is an in-house restaurant at the City Palace named ‘Baradari’ that offers delicious meals to the visitors.

Shop: This place also features ‘Palace Atelier’ which is a perfect place to shop for heritage crafts and clothing. The products you’ll find here are all handcrafted and the money from the items bought will help in supporting the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation. It helps build the livelihood of the rural communities in India especially women.

The timings and ticket prices of the ‘City Palace Museum of Jaipur’

Except on Indian national holidays, this beautiful Jaipur City Palace Museum opens every day from 9:30 to 17:00 and 17:30 to 22:30. The Jaipur City Palace Museum also features Light and Sound show that displays the intricately designed buildings all lit up in dramatic colours of red, blue, yellow, pink. It gives such a visual treat to the eyes that you’ll probably soliloquy, ‘yes it was worth buying the tickets for the night tour of the City Palace.’ Below are the different prices of the palace, the museum, the night tours and exclusiive access to the palace rooms.

Tickets for Indian travellers visiting City Palace Museum

Information Source: https://goo.gl/myzRW8

Tickets for International travellers visiting City Palace Museum

How to reach Jaipur and get to the City Palace Museum?

Jaipur, where the majestic forts and palaces dwell surrounding the Aravalli hills is conveniently accessible by three major means of transport. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses are available from all the major cities in India. Jaipur has a railway junction and an international airport that is well connected from all the metropolitan cities.

Railway Station: Jaipur Junction (JP)

Airport: Jaipur International Airport

Since the City Palace Muarms`seum is conveniently located in the city centre and adjacent to another renowned tourist site in Jaipur, Jantar Mantar, you can simply cross the road to see this place. Jaipur has many taxi services, if not that then their three-wheeled rickshaws (cycle or motor) are always preferred to swiftly pass the hectic city traffic.

Note: The City Palace Museum has three gates, two for the public (Virendra Pol, Udai Pol) and one for the royal family (Tripolia Gate). Amongst the first two, the most preferred gate is Virendra Pol which leads directly to the Mubarak Mahal.

There is just so much to see and do in the City Palace, you have to sort out an entire day from your to-do-list. And I am pretty sure, after reading the attractions, night shows, sneaking into the royal rooms, you’re probably convinced to get on a trip to Jaipur and witness the City Palace Museum for yourself. So come with me on a museum tour to Jaipur’s best and mind-boggling sites by taking a Jaipur tour package from TMI. Interested? If its a YASSS, call us at +91-9212553106 or e-mail us at info@tourmyindia.com to book affordable travel package or more information.