Jal Mahal - Jaipur And Its Most Stunning Marvel

Jal Mahal, Jaipur - Royal Rajsthan's crown jewel! The view of the water was much adored and coveted by royals in the desert state of Rajasthan. It is then of no wonder that one of the most popular summer retreat of the 18th century Rajput kings was conceptualized right in the middle of a lake.

The Enigma that is Jal Mahal, Jaipur

Picture credit: Kannan Muthuraman

Popping out of the Man Sagar Lake, the magnificent Jal Mahal Palace of Jaipur often loses the intrigue of the traveller to other mammoth monuments on the topography of the city. Literally translated into "water palace,” it is a one-of-a-kind structure, much of which is buried under the serene waters of the lake. Now a postcard icon of many Jaipur Tourism images and a protected monument under the Rajasthan government, it had previously enjoyed a silent existence; gazed at from only the shores in isolation until a massive renovation project was undertaken a few years back to revive the beauty and open its doors to the awed tourists.

Jal Mahal Palace is not exactly your quintessential Rajasthani Palace. It is instead, a small islet floating in the cradle of a vast lake. The five-storey Palace as such doesn’t have any chambers. Only a pavilion and a terrace garden with a one of a kind view of the Man Sagar Dam, the Nahargarh Hills and the city. It seems to have been built for a quick royal getaway in the summers and an abode for duck-hunting.

The architecture itself is one to behold. It’s exquisitely carved balconies and windows are signature Rajasthani style whereas the minarets or chattris and the semi-curved archways bring in hints of Mughal architecture. Build in red sandstone; it gives out hues of peach, light orange and a tinge of pink, keeping in tune with the palette of the Pink City. The Jal Mahal in Jaipur is one of those spectacular Indian monuments that you absolutely cannot miss. 

Picture credit: John and Melanie

And if you think the monument is breathtaking during the day, you will be left bewildered, almost unable to believe your eyes when you look at the Jal Mahal Palace all lit up at night!

The Mystery of Jal Mahal, Jaipur

There have been a few Indian monuments that have been a perpetual source of enigma and wonder for historians and tourists. The Jal Mahal is one of them. Apart from it functioning as a summer retreat, no one knows the real story behind its construction. The Man Sagar Lake itself is a man-made reservoir conceptualized and formed by a Rajput ruler and the precise king that constructed the monument remains elusive but, the final restoration is credited to Jai Singh II.

No matter who made it, the monument today lives on as a dream that lives away from the reality of the city. A faraway place from where you can contemplate and gaze at the city.

How to reach the Jal Mahal, Jaipur

Jal Mahal is easily accessible from any part of Jaipur. It is around 40 mins away from the Airport so you can hitch a cab to get there. Once you reach the periphery of the Man Sagar lake you can hitch a boat ride from the shore that will take you to and around the palace.

Picture credit: Andrea Kirkby

Places to visit around the Jal Mahal, Jaipur

1) Amer Fort

Located on a small hill, the fort is the most extensive show of the Rajput architecture and grandeur. This huge fort and its various chambers will transport you back to how the royals once lived and the glory of the Rajput Empire. Elephant rides are also available inside the fort to explore it like the royals would.

Picture credit: Feng Zhong

2) Hawa Mahal

“Palace of winds” or “Palace of Breeze” is located in one of the busiest districts of the city. This blushing monument made of red sand stone was built with almost uncountable number of windows to let the royal women observe street festivals. The uppermost storey of the building provides stunning views of the city. Plus, there is a market around that you can’t afford to miss.

Picture credit: Ashu Mittal

3) City Palace

You can’t afford to miss the present day abode of the royal family in the city. This pink palace has systematically placed small reminiscences and artifacts from the ancient dynasty for the visitors to explore and admire.

Picture credit: Richard Moross

Where to stay near the Jal Mahal, Jaipur

1) Trident Jaipur Hotel: Rs.4000

2) The Heritage Palace: Rs. 3000

3) Hotel Malak Mahal Palace: Rs.1800

Best Places to Eat near the Jal Mahal

1) Jal Mahal – Trident Jaipur Hotel: Everything about Rajasthan is royal, even its cuisine. The sumptuous offerings of the Jal Mahal restaurant are a witness to that. Said to have the extravagance of a royal meal and the rustic flavours of local tribes, the restaurant is a complete guide to Rajasthani gastronomy.

2) Rainbow Restaurant: Situated right off the Man Sagar Lake, this humble restaurant serves some authentic Indian dishes that are not too heavy on your budget. It offers an equal variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

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