Jal Mahal, popularly known as the Water Palace, is one of Jaipur’s most spectacular sights. The city is surrounded by incredible architectural wonders, with the Jal Mahal at the top of the list. Standing in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, the palace, upon first glance, gives the illusion of hovering on top of the water; this is the moment when the breathtaking view takes your breath away.
The palace is moderately tall and features four dome-shaped pillars in the four corners and one large pillar in the middle. The Jal Mahal, today a famous monument in Jaipur, was formerly the Maharaja of Jaipur’s shooting palace.
Despite the fact that the majority of Jaipur’s structures are constructed with pink stone, which has earned the city the nickname “the pink city,” the Jal Mahal stands out due to the red sandstone used in its construction. The palace is no longer a tourist attraction because it has been transformed into a restaurant, and access to guests has been restricted.
Source: Wikipedia
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: How to reach?
By Air: The international airport is 18.2 kilometres away.
By Train: The Jaipur Railway Station is the closest station to the Jal Mahal, which is about 6.9 kilometres away.
By Metro: The metro station closest to Jal Mahal is Chandpole Metro Station, which is 5.9 kilometres away.
By Bus: The closest bus stop to Jal Mahal is Sindhi Camp Bus Stand, which is located 5.3 kilometres away.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: History
According to legend, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh constructed the Jal Mahal in the year 1799 for use as a hunting lodge for his duck-shooting expeditions and not as a palace to reside in. As he erected a dam between the hills, which resulted in the development of the lake, he can also be credited with the lake’s formation.
Another tradition asserts that Maharaja Madho Singh built it as a hunting lodge in the 1750s. In the 18th century, his son Madho Singh II was instrumental in expanding the interiors of the Jal Mahal by adding the courtyard grounds that are still a part of this palace.
In the eighteenth century, Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer renovated both the Jal Mahal and the lake surrounding it. In later years, the facade of this heritage property deteriorated owing to sewage and water damage, necessitating additional restoration efforts to return the palace to its present splendour. Despite the presence of trees on the terrace, the garden has not yet been restored to its former splendour. However, there are plans to rebuild a rooftop garden similar to the one at Jaipur’s Amer Palace.
Source: Pinterest
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: Construction
Jal Mahal was built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake; however, only one of its five stories can be seen now, as the other four are submerged in water. This lake has a maximum depth of 15 feet and a minimum depth of 4.9 feet.
This red sandstone castle reflects a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and is emblematic of the times when both of these empires ruled India. The four corners of the Jal Mahal are embellished with octagonal domes or chhatris, while the terrace in the centre is adorned with a massive Bengali-style rectangular dome.
People who have observed its former splendour speak of the terrace’s arched corridors, although these details are no longer true. Even after two centuries, the palace still possesses a wonderful appearance. From the Nahargarh Fort, visitors can view the Jal Mahal and be captivated by its beauty.
The Nahargarh hills, which round the lake from the northeast, are composed of quartzite rock formations and are covered with lush vegetation year-round. An intriguing fact regarding the restoration of this palace is that traditional materials for plastering were used, which are no longer employed in modern buildings. The plaster is partially composed of organic material: a mortar mix of lime, surkhi, and sand combined with gur (jaggery), guggal, and methi (fenugreek) powder.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: Activities
It does not take more than an hour to view the Jal Mahal from the shores of Sagar Lake, as typical tourists are not permitted to enter the structure, and public access has been restricted. When the palace was open to the public, gondolas took passengers over the lake to it, allowing them to experience a romantic journey across the water.
Photography
From the seating areas on the side of the road, with the hills and the castle as a backdrop, you can capture some great shots. At night, when the area is illuminated, and its shimmering silhouette is mirrored in the dark lake around Jal Mahal, it is a sight worthy of your attention and camera.
Savour the moment
When the sky is heavily clouded during the monsoon season, the grassy hills behind Jal Mahal provide a stunning backdrop, which is likely why it is one of Jaipur’s most photographed attractions.
The wall between the lake and the road is lined with seating spaces where travellers can sit and appreciate the view of the lake and the castle. Even if the area is frequented by many people, it is possible to spend some time there if you can locate a suitable site.
Source: Pinterest
Street shopping
On the pathway adjacent to the boundary wall, you will find numerous vendors selling Rajasthani jewellery, mojris, a traditional type of footwear, and handicrafts. Here, you may put your haggling abilities to the test, and the vendors will accommodate you.
Camel rides
Numerous photographers are available to take your immediate portrait in traditional dress, and you can also enjoy camel rides. There may also be one or two stands selling packaged snacks.
Bird watching
Numerous migrating birds frequent the lake and the verdant, salubrious, tree-covered slopes for birdwatching. You can spend a great deal of time admiring the place’s stunning beauty at sunset and bird watching.
Source: Pinterest
In its heyday, when the lake’s water was significantly cleaner than it is today, the Jal Mahal was home to migratory species such as the great crested grebe, flamingos, pintail, kestrel, and pilchards, among others. As pollution rendered the lake’s water unsuitable for them, they gradually ceased coming.
The Man Sagar Lake is now home to several species of birds, including the grey heron, common moorhen, blue-tailed bee-eaters, and white-browed wagtail, as a result of the restoration work performed on the palace and its environs. Authorities now hold an annual bird show to bring attention to the lake’s condition and encourage tourists and locals to keep it clean.
Source: Pinterest
Statues near Jal Mahal
A short distance from Jal Mahal, on the side of the road, is an additional wonderful site to see. It is a scenario or tableau representing a procession, with a sculpture of a monarch on an elephant leading the gathering with dancers and musicians following after. These bronze statues represent the splendour of the city under the reign of the Maharajas.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: Location
The palace is located on the important Jaipur-Amer route, four kilometres north of the main city of Jaipur. The majority of travellers who plan to visit the palace also include a visit to the Amer Fort, which is located 8 kilometres away.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: The ideal time to visit
The greatest time to visit Jaipur to see outdoor sights such as the Jal Mahal is between October and March, when the mercury drops and the weather is pleasant.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: Timing and entry fees
Since the Government has restricted access to the Jal Mahal itself, you will be unable to tour the real palace. However, a trail around Man Sagar Lake provides access to the Jal Mahal. There is no admission cost, and the park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
FAQs
What is unique about the Jal Mahal?
It is a five-story building constructed in the Rajput architectural style, with Mughal architectural influences.
Why is Jal Mahal underwater?
Why is Jal Mahal underwater? A severe drought in the 16th century led the villagers to build a dam, which created the lake that flooded the lowest portions of the lodge.
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