The Diwan-e-Am, or Sabha Niwas, is one of the most culturally significant structures within the City Palace complex of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729 and 1732, this grand hall was modeled after Mughal audience halls. It served as the royal court where the Maharaja addressed the common public, held coronations, and celebrated major festivals like Dussehra and Gangaur.
Today, it functions as a stunning art gallery, showcasing royal artifacts, hand-written scriptures, and the legendary silver “Gangajelis.”
🕒 Entry Fee & Timings (2026)
Visitors can choose between a classic day visit or an atmospheric night tour of the palace.
Day Visit (9:30 AM – 6:30 PM)
| Category | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
| Adults | ₹300 | ₹1000 |
| Children (5–12 yrs) | ₹150 | ₹500 |
Night Visit (7:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
| Category | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
| Adults | ₹500 | ₹600 |
| Children (5–12 yrs) | ₹250 | ₹300 |
Contact: +91 141 4088 888
Location: City Palace Complex, Gangori Bazaar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002.
🏛️ Architectural & Historical Highlights
1. The Royal Courtroom
The hall features multiple cusped arches supported by exquisite marble columns. The ceiling is a masterpiece of painted plaster in vibrant red and gold, reflecting the opulence of the Rajput era.
2. The World’s Largest Silver Urns (Gangajelis)
Though displayed in the Sarvato Bhadra (Diwan-e-Khas) courtyard nearby, these two massive silver vessels are the highlight of any Diwan-e-Am tour.
Record Holders: Guinness World Record for the largest sterling silver vessels.
History: Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II carried holy Ganges water in these 4,000-liter jars to London in 1901 to avoid drinking foreign water.
3. The Art Gallery & Pothikhana
The hall now houses an extensive collection of:
Miniature Paintings: Rare Rajasthani, Mughal, and Persian artworks.
Holy Scriptures: Hand-written copies of the Bhagavad Gita and other ancient texts.
Royal Armory: Historic cannons are prominently displayed outside the hall.
Textiles: Exquisite Kashmiri shawls and hand-embroidered rugs.
4. The Zenana View (Jalis)
Look toward the southern end of the hall to see the intricate latticed windows (jalis). These allowed the royal women to witness court proceedings and festivals while remaining in purdah (seclusion).
📍 Essential Visitor Tips
Dress Code: Wear comfortable walking shoes; the City Palace complex is vast.
Photography: Note that photography is restricted in certain sections of the indoor gallery. Look for signage or ask your guide.
Best Time: Visit between October and March to avoid the Rajasthan summer heat.
Guides: Hiring a certified guide is highly recommended to understand the deeper meanings behind the paintings and architectural symbols.
🚗 How to Reach Diwan-e-Am
From Railway Station (4.5 km): A quick 15-minute auto-rickshaw or taxi ride.
From Jaipur Airport (13 km): Best reached via a private cab (approx. 30-40 minutes).
By Bus: Get down at the Sindhi Camp Bus Stop and take an e-rickshaw to the City Palace entrance.
Choosing between the General Entry and the Royal Grandeur (or Royal Splendor) tickets is the difference between seeing a museum and stepping into a living royal residence.
While the general ticket gives you access to the public courtyards and galleries, the Royal Grandeur ticket is your “backstage pass” to the private world of the Jaipur Royal Family within the Chandra Mahal.
🏛️ Ticket Comparison: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | General Entry / Composite | Royal Grandeur / Royal Splendor |
| Price (Indians) | ₹300 – ₹400 | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Price (Foreigners) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,250 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000+ |
| Access Area | Public Courtyards & Museums | Private Royal Residence (Chandra Mahal) |
| Main Galleries | Textile, Armory, Photography | Everything in General PLUS Private Rooms |
| Special Perks | Standard self-guided tour | Dedicated Palace Guide & Light Refreshments |
💎 The “Royal Grandeur” Experience: Inside Chandra Mahal
The Chandra Mahal is a seven-story building where the current Royal Family still resides. With this premium ticket, you gain access to floors that are famous for their breathtaking aesthetics:
Sukh Niwas (The Blue Room): A stunning hall painted in white and “Jaipur Blue.” It was traditionally used as a drawing and dining room for the royals.
Shobha Niwas (The Gold Room): A masterpiece of art featuring walls decorated with real gold leaf, mica, and mirror work. It was used for religious ceremonies and royal audiences.
Chhavi Niwas (The Hall of Images): The Maharaja’s monsoon retreat. This bright blue-and-white room is one of the most photographed spots in the world for its surreal beauty.
Sri Niwas: A hall of mirror-work murals and floral decorations.
Mukut Mandir (Top Floor): Offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Pink City and the Aravalli Hills.
⚖️ Which One Should You Choose?
Choose General Entry if:
You are on a budget or short on time (1.5 hours).
Your main interest is the World Record Silver Vessels and the Peacock Gates (both are in the public area).
You want to see the Armory and Textile collections.
Choose Royal Grandeur / Splendor if:
You are an Instagrammer or Photographer: The “Blue Room” and “Gold Room” are the iconic backdrops you see in magazines.
You are an Art Enthusiast: The mirror and gold work inside the private quarters is significantly more intricate than the public halls.
You want a VIP Experience: These tickets usually include a specialized guide who shares intimate stories of royal life and access to an exclusive high-tea session.
💡 2026 Pro-Tip
If you decide on the Royal Grandeur ticket, book it for the early morning slot (9:30 AM). Since these tickets are limited to a small number of people each day, you can enjoy the private rooms in near-total silence before the midday heat and crowds arrive.
