Jal translates to “Water” in hindi. Among all the natural resources in this world, none is more valuable than Water. It is perhaps the only substance that can prolong and enhance the quality of our lives. No wonder then, that Water is called the “Elixir of Life”. However, on the flipside, water can also unleash its fury and be incredibly destructive, if its pathways and drainage are not planned properly.
Jal Mahal literally means “Water Palace” and is built on the Man Sagar Lake, which is an artificial lake in Jaipur city. The very fact that the majority of this Palace is submerged in the lake and it was built close to 300 years ago, is indeed an Architectural marvel and points to the advanced engineering practices of the Rajput Era!
Origins:
The origins of Jal Mahal and when/by whom it was built, are still somewhat murky. Popular belief is that this palace was constructed in 1699 and the building and the lake around it were later renovated in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer. Another legend states that it was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, as a hunting lodge for his duck shooting excursions.
Man Sagar Lake:
The Jal Mahal is built on the Man Sagar Lake, which is an artificial lake. This lake is named after Raja Man Singh, the ruler of Amer who constructed it in 1610 by damming the Drayavati river. The king came up with this innovative solution in response to severe droughts from previous years. The Man Sagar Dam is on the eastern side of the Jal Mahal lake and provides a picturesque vantage point of the lake as well as the surrounding Nahargarh hills. The depth of the Man Sagar lake is 15 feet with its low-lying areas having a depth of about 5 feet.
Jal Mahal is famous for its breathtaking views. There are multiple vantage points from which you can view the palace such as the banks of the Man Sagar Lake, the Man Sagar Dam or the Nahargarh hills (Refer to our blog on Nahargarh fort here).
Architecture:
Jal Mahal is built in red sandstone, which is native to Rajasthan and is now painted Yellow. The Palace is a five-story building, of which four floors remain submerged underwater and only the top floor is exposed. The Palace contains Chhatris or umbrellas which are a typical feature of the Rajput architecture. Each Chhatri is like a small pavilion that marks the corners and roof of the entrance of important buildings.
The chhatris on the four corners are octagonal. The main rectangular Chhatri on the roof is unlike the rest of the palace as it is built using a Bengal style of design. On the terrace of the palace, there was once a beautiful garden with arched passages, but this garden no longer exists. The walls of this palace are built with a specially designed lime mortar and these solid stone walls hold back millions of liters of water and have prevented water seepage for close to 300 years.
Interesting Fact
The Palace is a five-story building, of which four floors remain submerged underwater and only the top floor is exposed.
Information about Jal Mahal:
Address:
Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India.
Location:
Jal Mahal is located on the Amer road and is about 4km / 2.4mi from Jaipur city.
How to get to Jal Mahal:
From Jaipur International Airport –
The driving distance by road from Jaipur International Airport to Jal Mahal is about 17.4km/10.8mi and it takes approximately 40 min from Jaipur airport to Jal Mahal, depending on the traffic conditions.
From Jaipur Railway Station (JP) –
The driving distance by road from Jaipur Railway Station to Jal Mahal is about 10.2km/6.3mi and it takes approximately 30 min from Jaipur Railway Station to Jal Mahal depending on the traffic conditions.
Hours of Entry:
Entry to Jal Mahal is currently prohibited by the Government of India as restoration work is still going on. There is a pathway around the Man Sagar Lake to view the Jal Mahal.
Admission fee:
Jal Mahal is currently closed. However, you can view the Jal Mahal from the pathway around the Man sagar lake.
Best time to visit:
October – February.
Why is Jal Mahal Closed?
Due to an ongoing court case, Jal Mahal is currently closed to the general public.
In 2003, the Jal Mahal project, which includes Jal Mahal and Man Sagar Lake, was put out to bid by the Rajasthan government. The Jal Mahal and its surrounding areas of about 100 acres are now leased to Property developers on a 99-year lease.
As part of the restoration activities, the palace and the lake have got a much needed uplift and there are plans to build luxury hotels around the lake. This Restoration activity has significantly boosted the economy of this area and provided plenty of employment.
When restoration work was carried out in the 2000s, the restorers decided to use the original organic construction materials. These organic materials were a mortar mix of lime, sand and surkhi mixed with jaggery, guggal and methi powder.
Considering when it was built and the fact that it is surrounded by so much water, it is interesting to note that the Jal Mahal has hardly any water damage to its structures and foundation.
Since the original terrace garden is lost, a new garden is being planned in its place. This terrace is based on a similar roof garden found on Amer Palace.
Nearby Attractions:
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Amer Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Jantar Mantar
- Nahargarh Fort
Shopping in Jaipur’s Vibrant Bazars:
Jaipur is one of the most popular shopping destinations in India. Traditional Jewelry, Ethnic Handlooms & textiles, leather goods, handicrafts, souvenirs and other exotic artifacts draw tourists from all over the world to Jaipur. Check out the link below for more information on some of the most famous bazars in Jaipur.
Where to Stay and Dine in Jaipur?
If you want to treat your taste buds to a unique culinary experience and make your stay memorable, then check out these fabulous options on where to dine and stay in Jaipur.
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