Jaipur palaces are probably one of the most interesting sites to venture in the city. Jaipur is a land of several historical constructions and majority of them are magnificent palaces. Built over the hilltops, in the middle of enormous deserts, these palaces showcases close association between the ruling kings and their close possessions. Many of these palaces look rugged and rough from their exteriors; but their interiors project a different world of heritage and glory. However, some of the palaces of Jaipur are being converted to hotels and accommodation units, popularly known as the Jaipur Heritage Hotels and tourists flock to this land to get pampered in this royal hospitality. The palaces in Jaipur are the blend of royal past and modern world and the authorities have still managed to keep alive the magic of the fierce culture and traditions of city through the décor of these palaces.

The City Palace of Jaipur is the main palace and also the seat of the government. Construction of this palace complex started in 1732, but work continued into the late 19th century as changes were made to the internal decor, and several structures were added. One of the last structures added to the City Palace is the Mubarak Mahal built in 1890. The Mahal was used as the guesthouse for visiting dignitaries of Maharaja. However, now it is included in the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The Textile and Costume Museum is exhibited on the first floor. The Jaipur Darbar is held in the City Palace as well as the royal weddings, religious festivals, royal birthdays and coronations of new maharajas. The Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory is in the premise of this palace.

City Palace has become the location for many film shootings from Hindi movies to American movies. Mini series that was shot in the City Palace was "The Far Pavilions" based on a novel written by M. M. Kaye. Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Rajkumar, Bade Mian Chhote Mian, Khuda Gawa, Chahaat, Chor Machaaye Shor are some of the films shot at the City Palace of Jaipur. It is to this day the home to the Maharaja and Maharani of Jaipur.

Chandra Mahal is popular as the Palace of the Moon and belongs to an integral section of the City Palace that was built between 1727 and 1734. Chandra Mahal is one of the earliest buildings of the palace complex. From outside it appears to have seven storeys, the first and second floors are one high-ceilinged hall in reality known as the Sukh Niwas (House of pleasure) and above the Sukh Niwas is the Rang Mandir (Temple of Color). Above the Rang Mandir is the Sobha Niwas or the House of beauty. The two top storeys are the smallest of all. Above the Sobha Niwas lies the mirror palace or the Chavi Niwas and finally the topmost storey is the small open marble pavilion the Mukut Niwas (House of the Crown). The Chandra Mahal comprises the private apartments of the Maharaja of Jaipur. To the left of this building is the zenana, or the women`s quarters of the Palace. The Chandra Mahal is a heritage house and continues to be the home of the current royal family of Jaipur.

Rambagh Palace is the palace that served as the main residence of Maharani Gayatri Devi and Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. When Maharani Gayatri Devi came to Jaipur for the first time after her wedding she was welcomed in this palace to be presented to the Jaipur nobility and Jaipur court. Naharagarh Fort is located on the hilltop and it is said that there is a secret passage from the City Palace to this fort. This tunnel way was designed as an escape route for the maharaja and the royal family of Jaipur.

The marble elephant gate of the City Palace is known as the Rajendra Pol . Two marble elephants on either side flank the beautiful Rajendra Pol. Each elephant has been carved out a single piece of marble and were added by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II to commemorate the birth of his first son the current Maharaja of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh. The Diwan-i-Khas, also known as Sarbato Bhadra is used for private audiences with the Maharaja. Now this place holds two huge silver urns used by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh to carry Ganga Jal for his visit to England for the coronation ceremony of King Emperor Edward VII. Theses silver urns are the largest silver objects in the world.

The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is part of the City Palace complex and was used for the ladies of the Royal Family to maintain the tradition of purdah (veil) while they could easily observe the activities in the streets below without being seen themselves. The architecture of this palace is astonishing and is considered as one of the tourists` spots. Moti Doongri (Pearl Hill) is a small palace located on top of a hill. Built in the style of a Scottish Castle, Sawai Man Singh brought his new bride Maharani Gayatri Devi after their marriage. She liked the palace so much that Maharaja gifted it to Gayatri Devi. A small temple is also adjacent to the palace complex. During the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the Maharani Gayatri Devi was living in Moti Doongri, and was later arrested. Once, Indira Gandhi also called for excavations in the palace thinking that the Maharani may be hiding treasures inside the palace.

The palaces in Jaipur are some of the superb constructions ever made in India. The ancient culture and heritage of the nation is well maintained in these foundations till date. The unique décor and elegant poise of Jaipur palaces bring a stately charm in the city.