JAIPUR
CITY PALACE
INTRODUCTION
 Located
in the capital of Rajasthan, the City Palace of Jaipur or
the main palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan
and Mughal architecture represents whole India as a single
entity. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the
walled city of Jaipur. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh
II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, additions have been made
to the palace complex by many of his successors.
DESCRIPTION
 The
architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani
and Mughal styles. The huge complex of the palace houses variety
of structures, courtyards, gardens, buildings and museum that
showcases the attire of real Rajasthan in its traditional
and modern form. There are many splendid small palaces and
halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal
and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the
Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace
Museum.
Chandra Mahal/ Moon Palace
Chandra Mahal, situated in the north-west direction of the
City Palace presents a beautiful view of the gardens and
the city. It is a seven stoyered building with each storey
has distinct name and style. The palace is ornamented by
beautiful paintings, floral decorations and mirrored walls,
a perfect combination of sheer beauty and luxury.
Mubarak Mahal
Mubarak Mahal or The Palace of Reception which used to serve
as the reception area of royal guests was built by Madho
Singh and is now converted into museum which shows cases
a bewildering array of royal costumes of the charismatic
prince Sawai Madho Singh. Apart from the royal costumes,
on display at the museum is some intriguing 15th century
royal armory that has been very well preserved.
Diwan-I-Khas
Dewan-I-Aam which has now been converted into an art gallery
and has unusual ancient Hindu manuscripts, exquisite work
 of
art belonging to Persion, Mughal and Rajasthani school of
art. The Dewan-I-Khas is conspicuous by its two large exquisite
silver vessels, which were exclusively made for Maharaja Madho
Singh. These vessels served the purpose of storing the holy
Ganga water during the erstwhile ruler's much talked about
trip to England.
Badal Mahal
Opposite to Chandra Mahal lies the Badal Mahal. In the centre
of the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal lies the Govind
JI Temple. The place is surrounded with beautiful gardens.
Outside the building is a large silver vessel, which the
Maharaja used to take on his trips to England to carry drinking
water.
ACCOMMODATION
For the exclusive groups there is a place, not seen by tourists,
unless the Royal Family knows one. An exquisitely ornate room
with mirrors and gold lacquer decorated by the master craftsmen
of the 18th Century, who used the ancient Indian technique
of mica in place of glass, to create, undoubtedly, the most
beautiful room in the City Palace Hotel the venue of the event.
The guests will have cocktails here and then proceed for dinner
to another fabulously beautiful room, decorated in the early
19th century, with gold leaf floral motifs on its walls and
ceilings. The walls of the room have Moghul paintings. The
best of the 19th Century silver and filigree work of Jaipur
can be seen here. The most important piece of furniture is
the fabulous Lalique table made especially for the Maharaja
of Jaipur.
SERVICES
Dining
A sit down meal, with a choice of traditional 'Thal' setting
or a continental four-course meal, is offered. There would
also be light live instrumental music or traditional Rajasthani
dances. The guests could have dinner or cocktails at the
Royal Pavilion itself, which overlooks the sprawling Jai
Niwas Garden and offers a panoramic view of the old city
of Jaipur.
Conference and Banquet Facilities
Alternatively, dinner could be arranged in the Banquet Hall
which is a massive twin room complex, still used for Royal
banquets. The Royal banquet table is laid on top of two
16th Century Persian carpets. Buffet style dinner is served
at this venue. The City Palace Hotel will be lit up for
the evening functions and will provide a Royal reception,
with caparisoned elephants and a traditional welcoming ceremony.
Recreation
There will be a cultural program of dance and music &
display of fireworks, to go with the event.
HOW TO REACH
strong>Air- The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport,
Sanganer which is at a distance of 11 km from where regular
flights connect Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major
destinations of India.
Rail- Trains are available from all the
major parts of India. The luxury train the "Palace
on Wheel" also covers the city.
Road- Jaipur can be accessed from all
the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai
by bus.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to February
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