Jal Mahal- A Regal Oasis in the Heart of Jaipur
Jal Mahal Jaipur
Jal Mahal, or the “Water Palace,” is a stunning architectural marvel located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is situated amidst the Man Sagar Lake, and its beauty lies in the fact that it appears to float on the water’s surface. It will give you the illusion of almost floating atop the lake and that is the moment when this sight takes your breath away.
The palace is not too high and has 4 dome-shaped pillars at four corners with a huge one in the center. Jal Mahal was once the shooting lodging for the Maharaja of Jaipur. The city of Jaipur has earned itself the moniker of the pink city because of pink stone being used in most of its buildings while the Jal Mahal is unique due to red sandstone used in its construction. Today, visitors cannot explore the palace as a tourist attraction since the place has been converted into a restaurant and entry to visitors has been stopped.
The Palace is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, around 6 kilometers from the city center. It stands in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, surrounded by the picturesque Aravalli hills. The palace offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the sunlight reflects off the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. It is a popular spot for photographers and tourists seeking to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Jal Mahal History
The history of Jal Mahal, or the “Water Palace,” in Jaipur, India, is a fascinating tale of architectural ingenuity and royal luxury. The palace was built in the 18th century during the reign of Maharaja Madho Singh I of Jaipur. The exact year of its construction is uncertain, but it is believed to have been built around 1750. The palace was constructed as a summer retreat and hunting lodge for the royal family.
The Palace is a prime example of Rajput architectural style, characterized by its use of red sandstone and intricate designs. The palace’s design reflects a harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural elements. Initially, Jal Mahal served as a pleasure palace where the royal family could enjoy leisure activities
Also read- Hawamahal in Jaipur- A unique architecture made of Pink Sandstone
Submerged Levels- One of the unique features of the palace is that while it appears to be a five-story structure, four of its levels remain submerged underwater due to the construction of the dam that created Man Sagar Lake. Only the top floor of the palace remains visible above the water.
Jal Mahal Timings
Jal Mahal is open for visitors all days of the week from 6 am to 6 pm.
Jal Mahal Ticket Price
The ticket price for visitors is INR 100 per person
Attractions near Jal Mahal
visitors can visit some temples that are close to Jal Mahal. There is the Garh Ganesh Temple, Badrinath Temple, Govind Dev Ji Temple, and Birla Mandir.
Other Places for sightseeing near Jal Mahal: Other attractions in Jaipur that you can club with your Jal Mahal trip are City Palace, Amer Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Kanak Vrindavan Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, and Rambagh Palace.
Things to do at Jal Mahal
Regular tourist is not allowed to visit Jal Mahal and entry to the place is restricted for the public. During the days when the palace was open for tourist visits, gondolas ferried carrying the tourists near the palace and giving them a chance to enjoy a romantic ride over the lake.
Photography
Tourists can take some amazing pictures from the side of the road, with the backdrop of the hills and the palace. At night when the place is lit up and its glittering silhouette is reflected in the dark water around the Palace, it is a sight worth watching.
During the monsoons, when the sky is heavily overcast, the verdant hills behind the Mahal present a picturesque setting and that’s the reason it is probably one of the most photographed sights in Jaipur.
Street shopping
On the footpath near the lake, one can find several hawkers selling traditional Rajasthani jewelry, mojris which are traditional kinds of shoes and handicraft items. Tourists can put their bargaining skills to the test here and the hawkers will oblige you.
Camel rides
Tourists can take camel rides in traditional attire near the lake. You might also spot a stall or two selling packed refreshments.
Bird watching
The hills covered with lush green trees and the lake gets a lot of migratory avian birds. visitors can spend a lot of time admiring the mesmerizing beauty of the place at sunset and doing some bird watching. Jal Mahal is home to various migratory birds like great crested grebe, flamingos, pintail, kestrel, and pilchards.
Statues near Lake
A little distance from Jal Mahal is a scenery or a tableau depicting a procession in place, with the sculpture of a king on an elephant leading the group and being followed by dancers and musicians. These bronze statues reflect the glory of the days of the Maharajas in the city.
How to reach the Palace
To reach Jal Mahal in Jaipur, India, you can use various modes of transportation, depending on your starting point and preferences. If you’re traveling from within Jaipur or nearby areas, hiring a taxi or using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Ola can be convenient. You can simply input “Jal Mahal” as your destination, and the driver will take you to the nearest accessible point to the palace.
Jaipur has a well-connected public bus system operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). You can take a bus to the nearest bus stop to Jal Mahal, which is typically called the ‘Man Sagar Lake bus stop’.
