Jal Mahal, Jaipur

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.

• 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.

Fom Airport: The most convenient way to reach Jal Mahal from Jaipur airport is by taking a taxi that will take around 15 minutes to reach over here. You can also take a direct bus from the Sanganer Police station to reach Jal Mahal. It takes around one hour to reach Jal Mahal by bus.

The best time to visit Jal Mahal is during the rainy season when the weather becomes even more pleasant. The rain imparts a great edge to the stunning look of the sandstone of this palace and makes it look extremely stunning. People especially prefer to visit this spot during October as the weather is extremely pleasant during this month.

-Location: Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur

-Timings: 12-10:30 pm

Facts about Jal Mahal

Tips for visiting Jal Mahal