JAL MAHAL

Jal Mahal, the Water Palace, is a stunning architectural marvel situated in the midst of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. Built in the 18th century, its unique feature is the single exposed story, showcasing exquisite Rajput and Mughal styles. Nestled against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills, the palace offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. Surrounded by water, Jal Mahal creates a mesmerizing reflection during sunrise and sunset, making it a prominent cultural and natural landmark in Rajasthan's Pink City.

Jal Mahal, also known as the Water Palace, sits beautifully in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. This unique palace, mainly submerged underwater, is an excellent example of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Maharaja Madho Singh built it in the 1700s as a place to relax during duck hunting trips. Today, only the top floor, out of its five floors, is above water and offers stunning views of the surrounding Nahargarh hills and the lake itself.

Though visitors can't go inside Jal Mahal, the view from the lake's edge is still breathtaking. The palace's design, with its red sandstone walls and intricate Rajputana architecture, makes it a favourite spot for photos. It stands as a testament to Jaipur's rich history and is a key attraction for anyone visiting the city. Jal Mahal remains an unforgettable sight, especially at sunrise or sunset when its beauty truly shines.

History of Jal Mahal Jaipur

In 1956 AD severe famine was experienced by the people of the area where Jal Mahal is currently standing. This led to an acute shortage of water, and the ruler of Ajmer, therefore, decided to build a dam to deal with the problem of scarcity of water. The dam was initially built with quartzite and earth in the eastern side of the breathtakingly beautiful Ajmer Hills. Later, it was renovated in the 17th century into a masonry structure.

This dam is still standing today, and it’s 28.5-34.5 meters wide and 300 meters long. Three gates have also been built in the dam to release a sufficient amount of water to irrigate the nearby agricultural lands. This dam has undergone renovation and restoration by different rulers, but the final renovation was done by Maharaja Jai Singh 11. Other historical places and religious spots like Jaigarh Fort, Amer Fort, Kanak Vrindavan Valley, and Nahargarh Fort were built in the nearby areas of this lake. These are now connected with a tourist corridor of road networks.

It is believed that Jal Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a spot to relax after duck hunting. It is also surmised that this palace was built in 1750 by Maharaja Madho Singh 1. The beauty of this palace was later amplified by Maharaja Jai Singh 11 who completely renovated this palace and added a few more striking structures to it. It is also believed that the Man Sagar Lake was also built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh after constructing a huge dam that served as a source of water for the people in that area.

The architecture of Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is known for its exquisite architecture and splendid design that beholds the mind of the visitors. It is the finest example of excellent Rajput architecture, and the technical excellence that were not in vogue in the 18th century. The architectural grandeur of this palace comes to life, especially in the evening when the entire complex is covered by floodlights. The beautiful cravings on the shrines and the white marbles that have been used to build the palace make it look like a gem on its own. The reflection of the palace in the Man Sagar Lake gives an illusion of multi storeys standing over the water level.

At the corner of the palace there are four octagon-shaped chhatris and beautiful domes. In the centre, there is a chhatri made in Bengali style. Twenty one decorative pillars are also located in this palace that are considered to be the cenotaphs of the royal family. A platform is there in the centre of the garden area where dance performances and recitals were organized. The original garden got damaged in the past but now it has been recreated again to captivate the attention of the visitors.

Highlights

• Witness the beauty of the Jal Mahal’s red sandstone structure during the sunrise or sunset.
• Capture the palace's reflection on Man Sagar Lake, serving as the perfect object for photography.
• Marvel at the architecture that combines Rajput and Mughal styles, visible from the lake's edge.
• Enjoy a serene boat ride on the Man Sagar Lake, and soak in close-up views of Jal Mahal's stunning facade. 
• Admire the palace illuminated at night, offering a breathtaking view against the dark waters.

How To Reach

By Bus: Local buses from different parts of Jaipur city can drop you near Jal Mahal. Avail a bus from the Narayan Singh Circle stop in the city centre, and get off at Shahpura Bagh stop. It is the nearest bus stop to Jal Mahal, located 1.6 kilometres away. From here, you can take a 5 to 10-minute walk and reach the palace.

By Car: From Jaipur city centre, drive towards Amer Road, which leads directly to Jal Mahal. You can cover the 8.3-kilometre distance in 20 to 30 minutes.

Best Time To Visit

Jal Mahal welcomes visitors all year round, making any season a good time to explore its beauty.

Best Season: The monsoon season, from July to September, adds a special charm to Jal Mahal. The rains enhance the sandstone palace's beauty, making it look even more stunning.

Best Day of the Week: Opt for a visit during the week while avoiding the weekend crowd. This ensures a more peaceful experience and easier access to boating in the surrounding Man Sagar Lake.

Best Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon, around sunrise or sunset, offers the best views of Jal Mahal. The palace isn't open for entry, but these times provide enchanting views of the palace and the lake. The pleasant weather conditions add to the experience.

Other Essential Information

Facts about Jal Mahal

Here are some fun facts about Jal Mahal that will blow your mind completely.

1. Only the topmost floor of Jal Mahal is visible and accessible. All the remaining four floors stay submerged in the water of Lake Man Singh Sagar.

2. The palace was used initially more like a picnic spot and less as a residence, and therefore you won’t find any personal chambers over here.

3. The government of Jaipur continuously takes efforts to preserve and develop the areas surrounding Jal Mahal.

Tips for visiting Jal Mahal

There are a few tips that you must keep in mind if you’re visiting Jal Mahal for the first time.

1. Wear comfortable shoes for easy exploration around Jal Mahal and its vicinity.
2. Bring sunglasses and hats in summer to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Keep essential medicines handy for any unexpected needs during your visit.
4. Stay alert and watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
5. Explore handicraft shops around Jal Mahal for unique souvenirs.
6. Stay till evening to see Jal Mahal lit up, offering a spectacular view.
7. Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated during your exploration.