Udaipur, the city of lakes, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan. The city is famous for its magnificent palaces, temples, gardens, and cultural heritage. Among the many attractions that Udaipur has to offer, one of the most remarkable ones is Jag Mandir Palace.
Jag Mandir Palace, also known as Lake Garden Palace, is a splendid island palace located on the southern island of Lake Pichola. The palace was built in the 17th century by three Rajput rulers and served as a refuge for Shah Jahan and his family during their rebellion against Aurangzeb. The palace is a marvel of Rajasthani architecture and has many features that will leave you awestruck.
If you are planning to visit Udaipur, you should not miss the opportunity to explore Jag Mandir Palace and its surroundings. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing tourist attraction, including how to reach it, what to see and do there, and what other places to visit nearby.
How to Reach Jag Mandir Palace
The best way to reach Jag Mandir Palace is by taking a boat ride from Bansi Ghat, which is located near the City Palace complex. The jetty facility operates from 9 am to 6 pm every day and charges Rs. 450 per person for a round trip. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes and offers scenic views of Lake Pichola and its islands.
You can also reach Udaipur by air, rail, or road from other cities in India. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap International Airport, which is about 25 km from the city center. The nearest railway station is Udaipur City Railway Station, which is about 4 km from the city center. You can also take a bus or a taxi from other cities in Rajasthan or neighboring states.
What to See and Do at Jag Mandir Palace
Once you reach Jag Mandir Palace, you will be greeted by eight life-sized elephant statues made of white marble that guard the entrance. These statues were added by Maharana Jagat Singh I in the 17th century and symbolize strength and royalty.
As you enter the palace complex, you will see a three-storied structure made of yellow sandstone and marble. The palace has several pavilions, courtyards, gardens, and fountains that showcase the beauty and elegance of Rajput architecture. Some of the main attractions within the palace are:
Gul Mahal:
This is the oldest structure in the palace and was built by Maharana Amar Singh in 1551. It was later renovated by Maharana Karan Singh in 1620 to accommodate Shah Jahan and his family who sought refuge here during their rebellion against Aurangzeb. Gul Mahal has a dome-shaped roof and is decorated with Islamic motifs and paintings.
Museum:
This is a small museum that displays the history and culture of Jag Mandir Palace and Udaipur. You can see various artifacts, photographs, paintings, and documents that tell the story of the palace and its inhabitants.
Darikhana:
This is a restaurant that serves delicious Rajasthani cuisine along with continental and Chinese dishes. You can enjoy your meal while admiring the views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace.
Gardens:
The palace has lush green gardens that are embellished with roses, jasmine flowers, palm trees, frangipani trees, and bougainvillea. The gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the palace.
Elephant statues:
These are eight life-sized elephant statues made of white marble that guard the entrance of the palace. These statues were added by Maharana Jagat Singh I in the 17th century and symbolize strength and royalty.
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Tips and Tricks for Visiting Jag Mandir Palace
To make your visit to Jag Mandir Palace more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some useful tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:
1. The best time to visit the palace is during sunrise or sunset when you can witness the golden hues of the sun reflecting on the lake and the palace.
2. The entry fee for the palace is Rs. 325 per person, which includes a boat ride and a guided tour. You can also book a private boat for Rs. 1500 per hour.
3. The palace is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day. You can spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the palace and its surroundings.
4. The palace can also be booked for weddings and events. The palace has hosted many celebrities and dignitaries, such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, and Brad Pitt.
5. The palace is wheelchair accessible and has a cloakroom facility where you can store your belongings.
Other Places to Visit Near Jag Mandir Palace
If you have some more time in Udaipur, you can also visit some other places near Jag Mandir Palace that are worth seeing. Some of these places are:
City Palace:
This is a complex of palaces, museums, and temples that was built by the rulers of Mewar over 400 years. It is one of the largest and most impressive palaces in Rajasthan and showcases the fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. You can see the lavish rooms, courtyards, paintings, weapons, and artifacts that depict the royal lifestyle of the Mewar dynasty.
Jagdish Temple:
This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651. It is located near the City Palace and is one of the largest and most beautiful temples in Udaipur. It has a pyramidal spire, carved pillars, and intricate sculptures that showcase the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. You can also see a brass image of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, at the entrance of the temple.
Lake Palace:
This is a luxury hotel that was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1746 on an island in Lake Pichola. It was originally a summer palace for the royal family and was later converted into a hotel by the Taj Group. It is one of the most romantic and iconic hotels in the world and offers a royal experience to its guests. You can enjoy the views of the lake, the palace, and the Aravalli hills from your room or from the rooftop restaurant.
Saheliyon ki Baari:
This is a garden with fountains, pools, and pavilions that was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II in 1710 for his queen and her maids. It is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake and is one of the most serene and picturesque places in Udaipur. You can see various types of flowers, birds, and sculptures that adorn the garden.
Fateh Sagar Lake:
This is a lake with three islands and a park that was built by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1889. It is one of the most popular lakes in Udaipur and offers various activities such as boating, cycling, horse riding, and camel riding. You can also visit the Nehru Park, which is an island with a zoo, a restaurant, and a fountain.
Pichola Lake:
This is a lake with four islands and scenic views that was created by a Banjara tribesman in 1362. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful lakes in Udaipur and is surrounded by palaces, temples, hills, and ghats. You can take a boat ride on the lake and see the Jag Mandir Palace, the Lake Palace, the City Palace, and the Aravalli hills.
Jag Mandir Palace is a majestic island palace in Udaipur that offers a glimpse into the history, culture, and beauty of Rajasthan. It is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the charm and elegance of Udaipur. If you are looking for a memorable vacation in India, you should definitely consider visiting Jag Mandir Palace and its nearby attractions.
You may also like to read: Jagmandir Lake Island, Udaipur : A fairy Tale
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Udaipur today and don't fotget to explore the exquisite Jag Mandir Palace!
