City Palace, Jaipur was the major attraction of my sightseeing tour. In fact, it was promoted in such a manner that I was quite fascinated to see the complex. Our guide, Ranvir, told us that City Palace showcases a perfect blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. Amazingly, the City Palace complex houses several palatial structures.

" OK, the first building we are heading towards is Mubarak Mahal and it was built by Kaharaja Madho Singh." informed Ranvir. The first thing that beheld my eyes was the beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors on either side. Different, I thought. Beyond this gate lies the Diwan -e-Khas, or the "Hall of Private Audience". Across a paved square lies the Diwan-e-Aam, or the "Hall of Public Audience".

Then we moved to north-west, " this is seven storeyed Chandra Mahal, the residence of the ex-ruler." informed my escort. Significantly, each storey has a distinctive name and is a place of sheer beauty and luxury. Paintings, floral decorations, mirror walls and ceilings in the traditional style adorn the palace. The uppermost storey is called the Mukut Mahal.

Then he showed us the Badal Mahal, The Govind Devji temple that stood in the middle of the Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal. I was quite impressed by the delightful system of fountains, placed in the middle of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. The palace has extensive and sprawling gardens.