Built with sandstone and blushed with paint in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, Jaipur is known as the Pink City. At its heart stands the magnificent City Palace. A complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings, the outer wall was built by Jai Singh II, Jaipur’s founder. A striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, the palace has been enlarged and adapted over the centuries with buildings from different eras, some dating from the early 20th century. However, the landmark has lost none of its original pomp and splendor. The royal family still occupies part of the palace, advancing in procession on formal occasions through the grand Tripolia Gate on its southern side.

Today, much of the complex is open to the public. The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum gives a great historical insight into the sheer wealth of the Maharajahs, containing a collection of royal costumes and superb shawls, including Kashmiri pashmina. The courtyard displays massive silver vessels that carried an emperor’s drinking water from the Ganges River to London in 1902 for Edward VII’s coronation. There are also some fascinating private rooms in the stunning Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), the current residence of the royal family, which visitors may also explore…

The Sukh Niwas, or ‘Hall of Rest’ was the drawing and dining room of the Maharaja. Painted in Wedgewood blue with white detailing, the room is adorned with Mughal miniatures, silver and glass dining tables.

Chandra Mahal’s third floor Rang Mandir is lined with mirror work across the walls and ceiling.

Shobha Nivas is on the 4th floor. The room is also known as ‘Hall of Beauty’. Still, under the control of the present Maharaja, the walls are lavishly decorated with mirrors and blue tiles ornamented with mica and gold leaf.

On the fifth floor is Chhavi Niwas or ‘Hall of Images’ which was the monsoon retreat of the Maharajah.

On the sixth floor is Shri Niwas and the seventh is the Mukut Mandir (Crown Temple).

At the very tip of the Chandra Mahal is the flag of the Jaipur royal family, which is only unfurled when the Maharaja is in residence. The private rooms are certainly an addition we recommend to the itinerary for both their beauty and the stories of love and valour.

These ideas are just a starting point for what your trip to India could include. To start planning your luxury tailor-made holiday to India, please contact us. Each trip designed by Rajasthan Tours is created uniquely for you, working to your budget, style and interests with an absolute commitment to quality. We take the work off you to allow you to enjoy the most memorable holiday experience.