The Chandra Mahal, or Moon Palace, is the crown jewel of the City Palace complex in Jaipur. Unlike other parts of the palace that serve as museums, Chandra Mahal remains the active private residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur. A towering seven-story citadel, it offers a rare glimpse into the living history of the Rajputana royalty.
🕒 Chandra Mahal Entry Fee & Timings (2026)
Access to Chandra Mahal is exclusive and requires a premium ticket. There are two primary ways to experience this palace:
| Ticket Type | Description | Price (Approx.) |
| Royal Grandeur Tour | Access to ground floor, 2nd, and 3rd floors + refreshments | ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Royal Splendour Tour | Full access to almost all floors including the rooftop | ₹4,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Museum Ticket | Access to Pritam Niwas Chowk (view from outside only) | ₹300 (Indians) / ₹1,000 (Foreigners) |
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Day) | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Night Visit)
Special Note: The Royal Tours often include a private guide and high tea at the palace café (Baradari).
Location: City Palace, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002.
🏛️ The Seven Stories of Splendor
Each floor of Chandra Mahal has a unique name and architectural theme:
Sukh Niwas (Hall of Rest): The first two floors, used as the royal dining and living quarters.
Rang Mahal (Hall of Colors): Famous for its stunning colored glasswork and mirrors.
Shobha Niwas (Hall of Beauty): A masterclass in gold leaf detailing, mirrors, and royal tiles.
Chhavi Niwas (Hall of Images): Painted in a striking blue and white theme, this was the Maharaja’s monsoon retreat.
Shri Niwas: The penultimate floor, reflecting regal opulence.
Mukut Mandir (Crown Temple): The open rooftop pavilion. From here, you can see the royal standard flag of Jaipur.
#Trivia: If you see two flags (one large and one small quarter-flag), it means the Maharaja is currently in residence!
✨ Top Things to Experience
The Peacock Gate: Before entering Chandra Mahal, you pass through the Pritam Niwas Chowk, featuring four gates representing the four seasons. The Peacock Gate (Autumn) is the most famous for its 3D-like glasswork.
Royal Artifacts: Inside the ground floor museum, view the Gangajalis—the world’s largest silver vessels, used by Maharaja Madho Singh II to carry Ganges water to England in 1902.
The Rooftop View: The Mukut Mandir offers the best panoramic view of the “Pink City,” with Jantar Mantar and Nahargarh Fort visible in the distance.
🚗 How to Reach Chandra Mahal
Nearest Bus Stop: Choti Chopad (accessible by e-rickshaw or taxi).
By Metro: The Badi Chaupar Metro station is a 10-minute walk from the City Palace entrance.
Entrance: Visitors with “Royal Tour” tickets often get the privilege of entering through the grand Tripolia Gate, which is otherwise reserved for the royal family.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Season: October to March provides the most comfortable weather for exploring the open courtyards.
Time of Day: Visit at 9:30 AM sharp. The morning light at Chhavi Niwas (the Blue Room) is legendary for photography, and you’ll finish just in time for high tea.
💡 Expert Visitor Tips
Photography: While photography is allowed in the courtyards, it is often restricted inside the private rooms of Chandra Mahal. Always check with your guide.
Dress Code: To respect the residence, wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
Book in Advance: Because these are “Private Tours” with specialized curators, it is best to book your tickets on the official City Palace website at least 24 hours in advance.
To understand the Chandra Mahal, you must understand the legacy of the Kachwaha Rajputs, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious royal lineages. Even though India is a democracy, the people of Jaipur still hold deep reverence for their “Maharaja.”
👑 The Current Maharaja: Padmanabh Singh
As of 2026, the head of the royal family is Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (often called “Pacho” by friends and family).
Accession: He was crowned in 2011 at the age of 12, following the passing of his grandfather, the late Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh.
Modern Royalty: He is a world-class polo player, a fashion icon, and a philanthropist.
Global Ambassador: He has partnered with brands like Dolce & Gabbana and even famously listed a suite in the City Palace on Airbnb to raise funds for the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, which supports rural women in Rajasthan.
🚩 The Mystery of the Two Flags: “Sawai”
If you look at the top of the Chandra Mahal (Mukut Mandir), you will see a unique sight: a large flag and a smaller flag (one-quarter the size) flying together. This is the “Sawai” flag.
The Legend of the Title
The title “Sawai” literally means “one and a quarter” (1 ¼).
The Origin: The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was so impressed by the wit and intellect of the young Maharaja Jai Singh II that he proclaimed the King was not just a “man,” but a “man and a quarter” (surpassing his peers).
The Symbol: Since that day, the rulers of Jaipur have used the title Sawai. To represent this visually, they fly a full-sized flag and a smaller 1/4th size flag below it.
Is the King Home? If the flags are flying, the Maharaja is in residence. If the flags are down, he is traveling.
🏰 The Royal Lineage at a Glance
| Notable Ruler | Contribution to Jaipur |
| Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II | Founder of Jaipur; builder of Jantar Mantar and Chandra Mahal. |
| Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II | Painted the city Pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. |
| Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II | The last ruling Maharaja; a legendary polo player and diplomat. |
| Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh | The current titular head; modernizing the royal brand. |
🏛️ The Living Palace: What to Respect
Because Chandra Mahal is a private home, there are certain protocols for visitors:
The “Tripolia” Rule: The central gate of the palace, Tripolia Gate, is strictly for the Royal Family. Visitors enter through the Atish Pol or Udai Pol.
Private Guards: You will see guards in traditional tunics and turbans. These are the Khas Chowkis (personal guards) of the Maharaja.
Charity: Much of your ₹3,000–₹5,000 “Royal Grandeur” ticket fee goes toward the upkeep of the heritage site and the royal family’s charitable foundations.
💡 Pro-Tip for 2026
If you are lucky enough to be in Jaipur during Holi or Diwali, the Royal Family often makes a public appearance in the palace courtyards. This is the best time to see the “Living Heritage” of Jaipur in its full, colorful glory.
