The City Palace — Attraction in Jaipur Municipal Corporation

In Jaipur, there are 2 palaces managed by the royal family. 1. City Palace and Jaigarh Fort and the other forts are managed by Govt. Of Rajasthan. While the forts managed by Govt. Of Rajasthan charge a meagre sum of Rs. 50, the two palaces managed by royal family charge a huge sum of Rs. 300 per person and Rs. 4000 per person (in case if you want to visit the private residence) which is substantial. You can visit Amber Fort instead which has the same venues like Sheesh Mahal, Deewan e Khaas, Deewan-e-Aam.

The next tourist trap is welcome pictures taken at the entrance of the city palace. The moment you enter the palace, there will be staff of the palace with a steady camera which will invite you for pictures with traditional headgears and will inform you that the pictures are taken free of cost. They will give you a token and tell you to collect pictures at the end of your visit. However, we were surprised to find out that they were charging Rs. 300 onwards for print of pictures and were not willing to share a soft copy of those pictures by saying that they were not allowed to share the same. On a private negotiation with the staff, he was willing to share the soft copy of the pictures for half the price stated before.

The next trap is tour guides. They charge Rs. 400 for a group of 4. We were a couple and we expressed that we should be tagged along with a group of 2 so that we can share the price of the guide. However, the said request was refused by the guide saying that they do not merge groups. Most of the places in the palaces are self explanatory which would not require a guide. We paid Rs. 400 for a 40 minute tours which felt extremely overpriced. While in other palaces, you can negotiate the price with the tour guide and can easily get them for Rs. 100-200. The next trap is associated with tour guides only. They will take you to a shop situated within the palace which has quilts, sarees, bandhani fabrics and all stating that you will get authentic goods here only as the shops in the city don't sell authentic items of Jaipur. While at the start, they will say that we don't have to pay for seeing these things, the guides and shopowners are hand in glove with each other. They will use aggressive sales tactics to force you to purchase the goods from there under the guise of authenticity. So, I also fell to these tactics and purchased a Rani Saree for Rs. 2,500/-. However, I found out later while roaming the city that you can get Rani Saree for half the price which I was sold. The scenario remains the same in Jaigarh Fort. Hence, I would request to keep these things in mind while visiting the city palace. The forts managed by Rajasthan govt. are equally good...

I had the pleasure of visiting City Palace, Udaipur in March 2025, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Nestled on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace is a stunning example of Rajputana grandeur blended with Mughal and European influences.

Architecture and History

The architecture left me in awe — intricately carved balconies, towering domes, and expansive courtyards speak volumes about the opulence of the Mewar dynasty. Built over nearly 400 years, starting in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the palace complex is a seamless blend of history and artistry.

Museum and Exhibits

The City Palace Museum offers a well-curated journey through the legacy of Mewar. I saw royal costumes, weapons, miniature paintings, and vintage furniture — each piece narrating its own story. The Crystal Gallery, though ticketed separately, is worth a visit for its rare crystal artefacts, including a crystal bed and throne!

Views and Photography

What truly makes City Palace stand out are the breathtaking views of Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, and Lake Palace from its balconies and windows. The sunset casting golden hues over the water is a moment etched in my memory. The palace is a photographer’s paradise — every corner, corridor, and courtyard is Instagram-worthy.

Guided Tour

I opted for an audio guide which was both informative and convenient. You can also hire a personal guide to get in-depth stories and lesser-known facts about the royal family and the palace's hidden secrets.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Despite being centuries old, the palace is remarkably well-maintained. Clean walkways, informative signboards, and courteous staff added to the pleasant experience.

Entry Fee and Timing

Entry was reasonably priced, though some parts like the Crystal Gallery and vintage car museum have separate tickets. It’s open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds.

Nearby Attractions

After the palace, I explored nearby spots like Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli, and took a boat ride on Lake Pichola — all within walking distance. The boat ride especially offers a surreal view of the City Palace from the water.

Overall Experience

Visiting City Palace in March was ideal — the weather was pleasant, flowers were in bloom, and the mild breeze enhanced the charm of this heritage site. It’s a must-visit for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone looking to soak in the royal vibes...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the City Palace, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience that transported me back in time to the regal lifestyle of the royals. From the moment I stepped through the majestic gates, I felt enveloped by the rich history and grandeur that permeates every corner of this architectural marvel.

Opting for the Royal Pass was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made. This exclusive ticket not only granted us access to the main attractions within the palace but also provided a deeper insight into the fascinating stories and traditions of the royal family that once resided here. The guided tour that came with the Royal Pass was informative and engaging, revealing secrets and anecdotes that truly brought the palace to life.

As we wandered through the intricately decorated halls, opulent courtyards, and stunning gardens, I was in awe of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the palace’s design. The blend of architectural styles, from Rajput to Mughal influences, was a feast for the eyes, and I found myself snapping photos at every turn.

One of the highlights was visiting the museum housed within the palace, where we got a glimpse of royal artifacts, including costumes, weaponry, and paintings that depicted the life and times of the rulers. Each exhibit told a story, making it a fascinating exploration of the cultural heritage of the region.

In conclusion, my visit to the City Palace was nothing short of spectacular. I highly recommend purchasing the Royal Pass for anyone looking to immerse themselves fully in the palace's history and splendor. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience, the City Palace offers a captivating glimpse into the opulent lives of the royals that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss out on this gem if you find yourself...