The Majestic City Palace of Jaipur

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया / आपका स्वागत है
  [Kripya / Aapka Swagat Hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिये / माफ़ कीजिए
  [Kshama kijiye / Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाएं
  [Kripya menu dikhaayein]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chaahun]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मुझे ... खरीदना है
  [Mujhe ... khareedna hai]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितना है?
  [Yeh kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे आधे
  [Das baje aadhe]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chheh]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhla sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

The history of City Palace is intertwined with the founding of Jaipur in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a prominent Rajput ruler. Seeking a more strategically advantageous location than the previous capital of Amber, Jai Singh II laid out Jaipur based on Vastu Shastra principles. The City Palace was constructed as the royal residence, serving as a symbol of power and culture for the Kachwaha clan.

The City Palace showcases a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, reflecting the cultural synthesis of the period. Construction began in the early 18th century and continued for several decades, with various rulers adding their unique touches. Key structures within the palace, such as the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal, demonstrate intricate craftsmanship and the artistic prowess of the artisans of that era.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, City Palace served not only as a royal residence but also as a center for political affairs. The palace hosted significant events, including formal durbars, and was a gathering place for nobility and diplomats. The royal family played a crucial role in the region's politics, fostering alliances and navigating the complexities of British colonialism.

During British rule in India, the City Palace adapted to new political realities. The rulers of Jaipur maintained a semi-autonomous status under British oversight. This period saw the palace become a venue for British officials and Indian royalty, reflecting the intricate dynamics of power and diplomacy. The palace's architecture was influenced by these changes, incorporating elements that appealed to both Indian and British sensibilities.

After India gained independence in 1947, the royal family of Jaipur transitioned from rulers to cultural custodians. The City Palace was opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience its rich history and heritage. Efforts have been made to preserve the palace and its artifacts, including the establishment of museums that showcase royal regalia, paintings, and manuscripts, highlighting the cultural legacy of Jaipur and its royal lineage.

City Palace is located in the heart of Jaipur. The nearest railway station is Jaipur Junction, approximately 2.5 kilometers away. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi, which are readily available. If you're arriving by air, Jaipur International Airport is about 12 kilometers from the City Palace. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available at the airport. Local buses also connect various neighborhoods to the City Palace, with the nearest bus stop located on Ajmer Road.

City Palace is best explored on foot, as many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. Auto-rickshaws are a convenient option for getting around the neighborhood. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle from one of the nearby rental shops. Public buses are available but may not be the most comfortable option for tourists. Taxis and ride-sharing services can also be used for longer distances.

City Palace is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places, so always keep an eye on your belongings. Areas like the Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar can be crowded; stay vigilant here. It's advisable to avoid deserted streets late at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for ambulances in India. Local hospitals, such as SMS Hospital, are equipped to handle emergencies. It's also wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the area.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites within the City Palace. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting temples, remove your shoes and maintain silence. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers on public buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local sweets like 'ladoo' and drink water from sealed bottles. Don’t refuse food offerings, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience City Palace like a local, visit the local chai stalls and try traditional Rajasthani snacks. Explore the nearby markets, such as Johari Bazaar, for jewelry and handicrafts. Engage with local artisans, who may share insights about their crafts. If possible, catch a cultural performance at the palace or nearby venues to immerse yourself in Rajasthani culture. Early mornings are the best time to visit to avoid crowds and appreciate the architecture.