Jal Mahal jaipur

Overview Of Jal Mahal 

The Water Palace, or Jal Mahal, is one of Jaipur’s most striking monuments. Although the city is full of wonderful structures, many people agree that the Jal Mahal is the most beautiful. When initially seen, the palace seems to float above the lake, even though it is situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. At this moment, the breathtaking beauty in front of you can have you gasping for air.

The palace is kept from growing too tall by its five dome-shaped pillars, one in each of its four corners and a large one in the center. One of Jaipur’s most recognisable sites is the Jal Mahal. It used to be the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

The nickname “pink city” is given to Jaipur often due to the extensive usage of pink stone in the city’s architecture. However, the Jal Mahal’s usage of red sandstone sets it unique from the other monuments in the city. The palace has been turned into a restaurant, therefore it is no longer open to the public as a tourist destination. The palace is no longer accessible.A stunning architectural marvel, the Jal Mahal stands in the heart of Man Singh Lake on Jaipur’s outskirts. This stunning building was formerly a hunting lodge for Jaipur’s Maharajas but was renovated to become the city’s greatest attraction. After a day of duck hunting in the 1750s, Maharaja Madho Singh wanted somewhere to unwind with his hunting companions, so he commissioned the building of the Jal Mahal. The Jal Mahal, built from red sandstone, is a four-story edifice. Indeed, nearby Nahargarh hills and Man Sagar Lake are breathtaking.

Architecture of Jal Mahal

Only the top level of the Jal Mahal is visible to the unaided eye, with the other four storeys buried under Man Sagar Lake’s water. The Jal Mahal is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. This lake has depths ranging from 15 feet at its deepest point to 4 feet, 9 inches at its shallowest. This red sandstone fortress was built during the period when Rajput and Mughal monarchs coexisted in India. A combination of features from both dynasties went into the building’s architecture. The Jal Mahal has an octogonal dome (also known as a chhatris) on top of each of its four corners, and a massive rectangular dome in the Bengali style above the terrace located in the center of the structure.

Accounts from those who saw the structure at its height recall arched pathways on the terrace, although they are no longer discernible with the unaided eye. Even after over 200 years, the palace continues to amaze. The Jal Mahal is visible to visitors to the Nahargarh Fort, and even from a distance, they are usually amazed. The Nahargarh hills, which lie north-east of the lake, are covered in a rich canopy of vegetation all year round and include quartzite rock formations. One intriguing aspect of this castle’s renovation is the use of conventional materials like plaster. Rarely are these materials used in modern buildings. The mortar composed of lime, surkhi, sand, gur (jaggery), guggal (a resin), and powdered methi (fenugreek) is the organic component of the plaster. In order to make plaster, mortar is needed.

The History Of Jal Mahal

Although there are no official documents to support the legend, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh allegedly constructed the Jal Mahal in 1799 to use as a hunting lodge for his duck shooting trips rather than as a residence. There are rumors that the Jal Mahal was built in 1799, however there are no formal documents to support this. He may have also been in charge of the lake’s expansion since he built a dam in the valley between the hills, which caused the lake to develop.

According to a different urban legend, Maharaja Madho Singh constructed it as a royal hunting lodge in the 1750s. The courtyard gardens that are now a part of this palace were added to the Jal Mahal in the eighteenth century by his son, Madho Singh II. It was his efforts that led to this growth.

In the eighteenth century, Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer renovated the Jal Mahal and the adjacent lake. The palace’s front suffered from years of sewage buildup and water retention, requiring further restoration work to bring it back to its present magnificent form. The arched gates that formerly adorned the terrace and other garden elements are no longer as lovely as they once were. Even if there are trees growing on the terrace above the location, this is still the case. Design inspiration for this one came from the Amer Palace, located in Jaipur, India, and its rooftop garden.

What To See

Visitors to the Jal Mahal are awestruck by the building’s stunning architecture and elaborate design. It exemplifies the technical precision and the outstanding Rajput architecture of the 18th century. Both were out of fashion. The palace’s architectural beauty shines in the evening when floodlights illuminate the complex. The palace seems like its own beautiful pearl. It looks best because of the intricate carvings on the shrines and the use of pure white stones in its construction. Therefore, the reflection of the palace on Man Sagar Lake creates the illusion. That looks much taller than it really is.

You may make your time at the Jal Mahal one of the most memorable of your life. Do that by taking part in any number of exciting and interesting pursuits. We suggest the following in order to make the most of your time at the Jal Mahal:

Camel Ride

An additional thrilling experience awaits you near the Jal Mahal at the Man Sagar Lake. It is a bumpy and exciting camel ride. One of the best ways to experience real Rajasthani culture is on a camel ride near to the Jal Mahal.

Shopping In The Local Market

There is a cluster of little stores selling some of Jaipur’s finest jewels and handicrafts close to the Jal Mahal. Khadi apparel from these shops is far cheaper than similar items from other companies.

A Romantic Boat Ride

One of the best ways to take in the spectacular surroundings of the Jal Mahal is on a boat trip around ManSingh Lake. You’ll feel like you’re in a royal procession as you ride around the lake on one of these wooden boats. Indeed, these boats are made in the traditional fashion by Vrindavan’s woodworkers. You can view the Aravali hills. Surprisingly, these hills have an incredible number of temples and forts, from the middle of the lake as you paddle across it.

Sightseeing

Nahargarh’s most breathtaking sight is the Water Palace. It is partially submerged in Man Sagar Lake and nestled amid the Nahargarh Hills. Interestingly, sunset and sunrise are two of the most picturesque times of day. They make the sites ideal for visiting this palace and soaking in its magnificent views.

Things To Do At Jal Mahal

It takes less than an hour to see the Jal Mahal from the shores of Sagar Lake, even though it is inaccessible to the average tourist and entry has been limited. Gondolas served as ferries over the lake on the days when the palace was accessible to the public, transporting visitors to the palace and providing them with an amazing trip across it.

Take Images

You can get some very amazing shots from the rest areas along the route. The hills and the castle may make for some stunning photo backgrounds. The Jal Mahal’s exquisite design is reflected in the water during the evening, when the area is illuminated by lights and creates a spectacle that will live indelibly in the memory.

One of the most photographed structures in Jaipur is the Jal Mahal, which is surrounded by green hills and offers a breathtaking image during the monsoon season when the sky is extremely clouded.

Lightweight window shopping

Hawkers selling handcrafted products, traditional Rajasthani jewelry, and mojaris (traditional footwear) line the route alongside the border wall. Try your negotiating talents; these hawkers will gladly accept your lowest offer.

Rides on camels Not only are there many photographers in the area ready to take your picture while you’re dressed in traditional attire, but you can also go on camel rides. Pre-packaged snacks could also be sold at some of the booths.

Savor Every Moment Of It

The seats that border the wall dividing the water from the road allow visitors to relax while admiring the views of the lake and the castle. Even if there are a lot of people around, you could still enjoy your time here if you can locate a peaceful location.

Sculptures Close To The Taj Mahal

Another breathtaking view is located a short walk away, on the other side of the road from the Jal Mahal. The procession, which includes dancers and musicians, is led by a sculpture of a king riding an elephant. The sculpture is a component of a tableau that shows a single event. The grandeur of the city under the Maharajas’ control is well shown by these bronze constructions.

Watching Birds

Numerous migrating birds are drawn to the lake itself and the verdant hillsides around it. Two excellent methods to pass the time are to observe birds and watch the sunset while admiring the breathtaking beauty of the scene. Jal Mahal was home to a wide variety of migratory birds during its heyday, including great crested grebes, flamingos, pintails, kestrels, and pilchards, among others, when the water was far cleaner than it is today. They completely stopped going there since the lake’s water was tainted and dangerous to drink.

With the restoration of the palace and its environs, Man Sagar Lake has seen the comeback of several bird species. The common moorhen, gray heron, blue-tailed bee-eaters, and white-browed wagtail are a few of them. Authorities now hold an annual bird festival in addition to educating the public on the state of the lake in the aim of motivating both visitors and residents to maintain the lake’s cleanliness.

How To Reach

From Airport

Taxis are the fastest and easiest method from Jaipur International Airport to the Jal Mahal. It should take 15 minutes to travel. There is also a bus that will take you straight to the Jal Mahal from the Sanganer Police station. Getting to Jal Mahal by bus takes around an hour.

Jal Mahal Timings And Entry Fees

Officially closed by the government, the palace itself is off-limits. Thus, regrettably, you will not be able to see the “Jal Mahal.” Nonetheless, there is a path that goes around Man Sagar Lake to reach the Jal Mahal. During the day, you may enter free of charge between the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.