Archive for the ‘Jaipur’ Category
January 24th, 2012 | 
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Day 01 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi – one of the most important metropolitan, as it is the city of power. It has a very good combination of both modern, as well as ancient culture. Transfer to your hotel and rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Over night stay at the hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi – Jaipur
Today you will drive to the pink city of Jaipur (260 Kms). Enroute you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Check into your hotel on arrival and rest of the day is at leisure. This evening you may optionally visit to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic Rajasthani village near Jaipur.
Day 03 : Jaipur
This morning visit the Amber fort, built in 16th century, enjoy an elephant ride at Amber. Drive past the Hawa Mahal, a Palace of winds. In the afternoon you will visit the city palace and museum, walk to adjacent Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory. Rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 04 : Jaipur – Jodhpur
After breakfast proceed by surface to Jodhpur (340 Kms), Upon arrival check-in to the Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Over night stay at the Hotel.
Day 05 : Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer (285 kms). Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert, like a golden mirage, is the magical city of Jaisalmer. With the crenellated golden sandstone town walls and narrow, streets, lined with exquisitely carved buildings, through which camel carts trundle leisurely, it has an extraordinarily medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. Arrive and check in Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast visit to the Fort, bazaars and the old mansions known as Havelis. People still live in these ancient buildings dating from 12th to 15th century. Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work. Over night stay at Jaisalmer.
Day 07 : Jaisalmer
The day is at leisure to explore the city and shopping. Over night stay at the hotel.
Day 08 : Jaisalmer – Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to Bikaner (333 Kms). Check in at the hotel on arrival. Later visit Junagarh fort, Lalgarh palace, Museum and the camel-breeding farm. Over night stay in hotel.
Day 09 : Bikaner – Pushkar
Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to Pushkar (250 Kms). Check in at the hotel on arrival. Later visit the Bramhas temple and the ghats on the banks of holy lake. Over night stay in hotel.
Day 10 : Pushkar – Delhi
After breakfast drive to Delhi (400 Kms). Arrive and check in at the hotel. Over night stay at the hotel.
Day 11 : Delhi
Transfer to the airport/ Railway station for homeward journey.
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If your are short on time, the ‘Best of India Tour’ is the best tour package to explore India. The ‘Best of India Tour’ combines the Golden Triangle tourist circuit and Udaipur to bring you the best of India.
Tour Information
Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights
Destinations: ( Delhi- Agra- Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur- Udaipur )
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
You will be received by our representative at the airport, who will take you to the hotel. You will be accorded a traditional welcome. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, head on a guided tour of New Delhi. Some of the monuments you visit on your sightseeing tour include Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, Connaught Place and India Gate. In the afternoon proceed on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visit Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Raj Ghat and other memorials. You also take a ride on a cycle rickshaw.
Dinner with an Indian family is the main highlight of your evening activity. You visit an Indian family for dinner to get an insight into the Indian way of life. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi- Agra
After breakfast proceed to Agra. In the afternoon tour the massive Agra Fort, which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort houses various beautiful palaces and mansions that you can visit on your tour of Agra Fort. In the evening visit Taj Mahal and watch the wonder monument change color as the sun sets. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to the Pink City—Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. The city has some palatial buildings, a mosque and the shrine of saint Salim Chisti. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur
This is the day to take in the architectural beauty of the Pink City. You visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal and other important places on your sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Jaipur is rich with ancient monuments, which were built centuries ago. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Jaipur-Udaipur
After breakfast transfer to airport to catch a flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh about four centuries ago. On your tour you visit many important tourist places in Udaipur, which include the Jagdish Temple, the City Palace and Lake Pichola.
Day 07: Udaipur-Delhi
The day is at leisure. Take independent walks in the bustling bazaars of Udaipur. You can also visit Shilpgram, the crafts village to shop for some exquisite handicraft items. Afterwards transfer to airport to catch a flight to Delhi.
Day 08: Delhi
Upon arrival check in at hotel. Refresh and relax. Later transfer to airport to catch a flight back home. Tour ends.
Built to be a pleasure palace for the royal family in 1799, Jal Mahal Palace (translated as Water Palace) of Jaipur is an extremely romantic place with its red sandstone intricate architecture casting beautiful reflections in the calm waters of the Man Sagar Lake, full of hyacinths. Surrounded by Nahargarh Hills, Jal Mahal is known for its majestic architecture and sophisticated design. It was once used for the royal duck shooting parties. It has also been home to one of the prime ministers of Jaipur estate.
Though abandoned, it is very well-preserved and provides a picturesque view from Nahargarh Fort. Set opposite the cenotaphs of the royal family, the first four floors of Jal Mahal is under water and only the top floor is above the water level. The lake eco system is a favorite home of a number of migratory and resident birds. The Mansagar Dam is situated on the eastern side of the lake and provides a good vantage point for viewing the lake and the valley.
Said to be one of the best example of Rajput architecture, Jal Mahal is result of vast architectural and technical excellence, which were not generally in vogue in 18th century. Though the entry in the palace is not allowed, as it is going to turn into the first palace hotel of Jaipur, tourists can see the beautiful palace from the Amber Road (National Highway-8). The original charm of the palace comes alive in the evening when the entire complex is bathed in flood lights. In winters, hundreds of migratory birds can be seen swimming in the Man Sagar Lake.
The Water-Colored Palace
The Jal Mahal or water palace in Jaipur, is an intrinsic example of Indo-Mughal architecture, stands like a vigilante of peace in the serene and quiescent waters of Man Sagar lake. With first four floors inside water, the majestic palace stands tall with its top floor outside the water arena. One can enjoy the tranquil waters of the lake while sitting under the elaborately modeled and exquisitely carved balconies and arched roofs, thinking about the royal menus of the duck shooting parties. The maharajah Sawai Madho Singh used to invite royal dignitaries to this leisure palace, who usually rocked the ambiance with their adventure autobiographies.
Words flied amidst the misty air carrying the aroma satiated with the chivalry of the Rajput kings. To the south of the lake, there are some alluring gardens and splendid examples of Rajput architectural style, waiting eagerly for the virgin footsteps of enthusiastic travelers. Rush to enjoy the out-of-the-world refreshing experience at the island palace, when cool breezes after kissing the waters, will rush to hug you. Take a tour of the famous Jal Mahal Palace to see the attractions of Jaipur.
Tours to Jaipur at no time can be declared as a dull affair. There are many tourist attractions in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, which will enchant you with their distinct architectural style and artistic finesse. Rajasthan inspires images of chivalrous Rajputs, grand palaces, fortified forts, manicured gardens and dominating temples. Jaipur is no different.
Amber Fort is the first on the list of many tourists on a sightseeing tour of the major tourist attractions in Jaipur. Set on a hilltop on the outskirts of Jaipur, it too nearly 2 centuries to complete this fort. Built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century, the Amber Fort has several sites worth a visit.
Some of the prominent attractions within Amber Fort in Jaipur include Maota Lake, Palaces with intricate mirror work, pavilions and murals depicting hunting scenes. A blend of Mughal and Rajasthan architecture, Amber Fort can be toured either by road or an elephant ride. Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort are the other forts that are popular tourist attractions in Jaipur.
Another popular tourist attraction in Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the purpose of this intricately carved five-storey Mahal was to allow women from royal families to observe the processions passing on the road below. A must visit tourist attraction in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal also provides magnificent views of Jantar Mantar, City Palace and the famous local market below that are the other popular tourist attractions in Jaipur.
A stunning example of Mughal architecture blending with the Rajasthan styles, the City Palace is a museum that houses rare manuscripts, Mughal and Rajasthani miniature arts, weapons and other items used by the royal family members. Jantar Mantar, built in stone and marble, is the most extensive of the five observatories built by the warrior-astronomer Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It is a popular tourist attraction in Jaipur as it showcases India’s scientific prowess in a time when US didn’t exist.
Adventure Tours of India can also arrange for excursions from Jaipur besides sightseeing tours within Jaipur. Excursions from Jaipur can range from traveling to popular tourist destinations around Jaipur to tours of the two cities – Delhi and Agra- on your Golden Triangle Tour, arranged by Adventure Tours of India.
Excursions to Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve are a favorite with nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists in search of a quiet refreshing vacation.
Excursions from Jaipur to the nearby marketplace of Bagru are apt for brief diversions from the sightseeing tours in the Jaipur city. Here, on your excursion from Jaipur, you can shop for the traditional Bagru prints made from vegetable dyes that are famous world over for their ethnic look.
Adventure Tours of India can also arrange for excursions from Jaipur besides sightseeing tours within Jaipur. Excursions from Jaipur can range from traveling to popular tourist destinations around Jaipur to tours of the two cities – Delhi and Agra- on your Golden Triangle Tour, arranged by Adventure Tours of India.
Excursions to Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve are a favorite with nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists in search of a quiet refreshing vacation.
Excursions from Jaipur to the nearby marketplace of Bagru are apt for brief diversions from the sightseeing tours in the Jaipur city. Here, on your excursion from Jaipur, you can shop for the traditional Bagru prints made from vegetable dyes that are famous world over for their ethnic look.
Jaipur, the first planned city of India and the capital of Rajasthan was built in 1727 A.D by the Kachhwaha Rajput, Maharaja Jai Singh II, after whom it was named. The most striking feature of this city is the pink wash applied to the buildings during the occasion of the visit of Prince of Wales in 1853, giving Jaipur its universal title, the ‘Pink City’. This royal city with its fairy – tale palaces, rugged fortresses display remarkable harmony in architectural splendor. Jaipur’s craft, especially lacquer bangles are famous all over the world. Some of the palaces, once the residence of Maharajas have been converted to heritage hotels. The famous landmarks here are the five-storey Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) built in 1799 and the Jantar Mantar observatory, built by Maharajah Jai Singh II in 1728.
Area : 200.4 sq. km.
Population : 40,324,320
Season : October to March
STD Code : 0141
Temperature :
: Max: 41oC Min: 25.8oC in Summer
Max: 22oC Min :8.3.8oC in Winter
Rain Fall : : 556 mm
Literacy : : 67%
Travel Guide
Air:
Jaipur International Airport, Sanganer is located at a distance of 13 kilometres south of the city. Singapore Airlines, Thai Airlines, Air Canada are among the International air carriers that offers services to Muscat, Sharjah, Bangkok and Dubai. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines and domestic carriers operate regular flights to and from Jaipur. There are direct flights to Delhi, Kota, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Rail :
Jaipur central railway station, located in the Bani Park region is well connected to all the major parts of the country. An excellent connection from Delhi is Shatabadi Express that provides a fast, air-conditioned rail service. Other direct connections to Jaipur are from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta. ‘Palace on Wheels’, one of India’s luxurious train passes through this station. Other trains include Marudhar Express (Varanasi – Jaipur – Delhi), 9770 Express (Jaipur – Purva), Gujarat Mail (Mumbai – Jaipur – Delhi), Shatabdi Express (Delhi – Jaipur – Ajmer), Superfast Express (Delhi – Jaipur), Mandore Express (Delhi – Jaipur – Jodhpur), Intercity Express (Delhi – Jaipur) etc.
Dahar Ka Balaji Railway Station near Jhotwara, Bais Godam Railway Station near Civil Lines, Durgapura Railway Station in south Jaipur and Gandhinagar Railway Station in Gandhi Nagar region are the other stations located within Jaipur city.
Bus :
Jaipur is well connected by roads to various parts of India. National Highway No.8 connecting Delhi to Mumbai and No.11 connecting Bikaner to Agra, passes through the district. The central bus station called sindhi camp is located at a distance of 1km from the railway station and 14kms from the airport. Regular bus services are available from here to nearby cities. Rajasthan State Road Transportation Corporation (RSRTC) runs excellent regular service of AC and Deluxe Coaches from Delhi.
Day 1 Arrival
Arrival in Delhi, meet our representative at the airport and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would list visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India. A detailed sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the majestic India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 3 Delhi – Agra
After breakfast, morning drive to Agra, on arrival transfer to hotel. Later proceed for city sight seeing tour visiting the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Also visit Agra Fort, containing the Pearl Mosque – the rusty and majestic red- sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambiance, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Also visit Itmad-up-Dau’s tomb, built by Noorjehan in memory of her father. Night stay in Agra.
Day 4 Agra – Jaipur
Check out the hotel and proceed to Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 to commemorate the birth of his son and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Visit the remains, it fortifications within the city including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other palaces. On arrival transfer to hotel. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 5 Jaipur
After meal in the hotel, start the day with excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it’s ultimate expression. Continue sight-seeing. Next we move to City Palace- a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of ancient astronomical instruments is still in use. Hawa Mahal is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. The five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trellis work and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 6 Jaipur – Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur- an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan enroute visiting Pushkar. Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. It’s marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Udaipur.
Day 7 Udaipur
After breakfast in the hotel, morning city sight seeing tour of Udaipur. The city is built in 1559 A.D. by Maharaja Udai Singh and has been described as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Col. James Todd. Visit the City Palace museum, the Jagdish temple, Sahelion Ki Bari ( Queen’s resort for their friends) Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir ( Folk art museum) and the Pratap Memorial. Rest of the day at leisure. Night stay in Udaipur.
Day 8 Udaipur – Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On arrival transfer to hotel. Night stay in Jodhpur.
Day 9 Jodhpur
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for city sight seeing tour of Jodhpur. Jodhpur – the stronghold of the fierce Rathore clan, was founded in 1459 by Prince Jodha. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill. Within the fort, visit Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph, built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant singh II around 1899 and Umaid Public gardens. Night stay in Jodhpur.
Day 10 Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer, on arrival transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 11 Jaisalmer
Morning city sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Throbbing in the heart of the Thar, the burnished sandstone, is an intricately molded wonderland in place of a barren land, today stands a city of gilded magic. The origins of Jaisalmer go back to the 12th century, when Rawal Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Ludarwa and laid the foundation of a new city. Visit the magnificent fort, the Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, with their carved balconies and brackets which are supreme examples of the art. Evening camel ride to visit sand Dunes. Night stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 12 Jaisalmer – Bikaner
After food, drive to Bikaner. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later city sight seeing tour. Bikaner is named after its founder Rao Bikaji in 1488. But long before this, the city was trade center on the caravan routes from Africa and West Asia. Bikaner’s dominant features are rippling sands and abundant sunshine. The city stands on an elevation, enclosed by a 7 Kms wall, which can be entered from 5 gate. Bikaner City is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs. Also visit Lallgarh Palace, the museum, Bhanda Sagar Jain and Deshnoke Rat temple. Night stay in Bikaner.
Day 13 Bikaner – Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Later visit Mandawa, founded 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and still the home of his descendants, has beautiful frescoes, havelis and mansions. Mandawa castle one of the finest castles of Rajasthan, is now a hotel and house of collection of armories, costumes of ancestors, canons from 1820 ancient coins, numismatic collection and many other interesting items, preserved in a museum. Night stay in Mandawa.
Day 14 Mandawa – Delhi
Departure Morning drive to Delhi and transfer to airport for onward journey.
Conceived and built by the great and mighty king, Sawai Raja Jai Singh, the name of the city ‘Jaipur’ has dual emphasis. ‘Jai’ means victory and and is also the first name of its maker. Today, the city is a major tourist attraction in India because of its magnificent forts, grandiose palaces, vivacious temples, multihued bazaars, pulsating streets and its renowned pink color to which the city owes its oft-used name ‘The Pink City’. This famous pink color symbolizes ‘welcome’ and was adopted during the times of the ruler Ram Singh II when he received the Prince of Wales in 1876. The color was chosen after several experiments to cut down the intense glare from the reflection of the blazing rays of the sun. Today, every home within the old city is obliged by law to maintain this uniqueness of the city. Throughout the old city you can see the traditional, marvelous, pink-colored houses with latticed windows lending charm to a scene which is almost miraculous at sunset.
CLIMATE
Jaipur has hot and humid summers and chilly winters. The maximum temperature in summer (from April to July) is around 45ºC. In winters (from October to March), days are sunny and pleasant days but during nights, temperature can be as low as around 5ºC. Foggy evenings are also part of the winters here.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Jaipur has daily flights to and from Delhi and Mumbai. It is also well connected with Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad and Calcutta. The airport is not more than 20 km from the city centre.
By Train: You can find a train to Jaipur from all the major cities of India. From Delhi, you can catch Shatabdi Express, Intercity Express, The Pink City Express and Chetak Express. Super Fast Express links Jaipur with Mumbai. The specialty trains like ‘Palace On Wheels’ (operational all the year round and has a 8-day trip) and ‘The Royal Orient’ (operational only from September to April) are, of course, the best options from Delhi.
By Road: Jaipur being the capital of Rajasthan, one can find frequent deluxe buses that include luxurious air-conditioned buses too, from Delhi, Agra, and all cities of Rajasthan to Jaipur. Sindhi Camp, the central bus terminal is situated in the heart of the city.
WHERE TO EAT
Jaipur has a range of multi-cuisine restaurants in its deluxe hotels that offer an assorted mixture of Indian, Asian and European cuisines and varied, yet, elegant environments. The Mirza Ismail Road (M. I. Road) has a number of eateries that serve good food in clean surroundings. If you are feel-the-real-thing types, you may try the Station Road with its many ‘dhabas’ or small roadside restaurants.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Elephant Festival is held in March or April every year on the auspicious occasion of Holi, the festival of colors. As the name suggests, dozens of elephants parade at the Chaugan stadium. The best-attired elephant is given a prize. Elephant Polo and cultural songs & dances are featured events in this festival.
Gangaur Festival takes place in March/April near Holi. It is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Gauri and is celebrated mainly by the women and girls. It is associated with marital happiness and conjugal bliss. The womenfolk enthusiastically perform several rituals associated with the event and a colorful procession of the Goddess is carried out in the city, which is a big tourist attraction.
Teej Festival is celebrated in July/August to welcome the monsoon season, which is so much awaited in the desert capital. A huge procession is carried out in the main streets in the honor of Goddess Teej, which includes elephants, camels, horses, chariots, palanquins, band players, acrobats and folk artists. Temporary jhoolas (swings) are erected for youngsters to enjoy. Effervescence, jubilation and myriad hues, which are characteristic of the state of Rajasthan, can all be seen here.
Jaipur Festival is a fairly recent event that takes place in the month of November where myriad of programs, competitions and felicitations are organized meant to revive old customs and traditions of princely Jaipur. It closes on, November the 18th, which is deemed as ‘the birthday’ of Jaipur.
Kite Festival is a three-day festival held on the eve of Makar Sankranti that falls on 14th January every year when the skies are of multi-colored skies vying with each other all-day long. The featured events are Fighter Kite Competition and Display Flying, where the participants compete with each other for the coveted prizes. On the final day, the Maharaja of Jodhpur gives a farewell dinner and distributes prizes at Umaid Bhawan Palace, the royal residence.