Chandra Mahal
The Basics
One of the oldest buildings in the City Palace, the Chandra Mahal was built between 1727 and 1734. Its impressive exterior comprises various domes and balconies, while the interiors are beautifully adorned with floral decorations. The palace’s Peacock Gate, with a stunning motif depicting India’s national bird and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is one of the most famous parts of the palace.
Most group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) stop at the City Palace, and entering the Chandra Mahal with a guide can be useful if you want more historical context. English-speaking guides are available for hire at the City Palace entrance. A special ticket is required for the Royal Grandeur tour, which offers exclusive access to private rooms in the Chandra Mahal with a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Chandra Mahal—and the entire City Palace complex—is a must for all first-time visitors to Jaipur.
Photography is not allowed inside the Chandra Mahal.
Much of the City Palace is outdoors, under direct sunlight, so bring sun protection.
Meals, snacks, and drinks are available at the Palace Cafe, located within the complex.
The Chandra Mahal is mostly accessible to wheelchair users. For details, contact the site in advance or inquire at the ticket office upon arrival.
How to Get There
The Chandra Mahal is located within the City Palace in Jaipur’s Pink City, next to the Jantar Mantar observatory, and a few blocks from the Hawa Mahal. Navigating the Pink City is easiest on foot or by rickshaw, as the roads are congested. Driving, it’s about a half hour from Amber (Amer) and five hours from Delhi; trains to Delhi take 4.5 to 6 hours.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The City Palace is open daily except for on the second day of Holi. In the hotter months of the year (roughly April through mid-October), you may want to visit earlier in the day, before it gets too hot out, as much of the royal complex is outdoors.
What’s on the Other Floors?
Unfortunately only the ground floor of the Chandra Mahal is open to the public (except for those on the Royal Grandeur tour), but each floor has its own look and feel. The second floor is painted in hues of whites and blue, while the third floor features lots of mirror work. On the seventh floor is a crown-shaped pavilion with great views of the city.
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- Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace)
- Palace of Wind (Hawa Mahal)
- Jantar Mantar
- Swargasuli Tower (Isar Lat)
- City Palace
- Jaipur Wax Museum
- Royal Gaitor
- Bapu Bazaar
- Ram Niwas Garden
- Albert Hall Museum (Government Central Museum)
- Nahargarh Fort
- Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
- Temple of the Sun God (Galtaji Monkey Temple)
- Rusirani Village
- Lakshminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)