Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal Jaipur 

A wonder on land can be just a wonder, but what about a wonder in water? Its magical, its majestic!

Jaipur too has its own majestic wonder–JalMahal, a ‘palace’ floating over the beautiful lake- ManSagarLake. The structure stands just at the center of the wide and expansive lake. Calm and serene water all around casts a beautiful shadow of the palace offering a picturesque and eye beholding view of this winsome architecture.

Hills at the backdrop and the edifice standing amid the water presents a perfect sight to cherish.This pale colored edifice has a vague and misty history. Although, it is very clear that it is not a ‘palace’ in actual, but was a huntinglodge constructed by Maharaja for the purpose of hunting nearby. But who constructed it and when is a question which has an undefinedanswer. Some are of the view that MaharajaPratapSingh constructed it in 1799 A.D., while some credit it to SawaiMadhoSingh.

A fable associated with lake and the palace is that a severe drought occurred in 16th century and the locals were prompted to divert the water of Darbhawati River, flowing between Khilagarh Hills and Nahargarh Hills, by constructing a dam and thus, creating an irresistible and astonishing lake around the lodge which hid 4 of itsstoreyes. And that’s how, may be, a water locked lodge came to be known as Jal Mahal.

The most fascinating fact about this structure is that it do appears as a one storey high building but in actual it is five story high, the rest four of its storeyes stashed under the water. The Palace, constructed out of red sandstone, is the perfect amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal Architecture. Semi octagonal chhatris with delicately design cupolas adorn its four corners. An intricately carved Bengali styled chhatri or a domed pavilion in the mid of these two cupolas at both the ends present a perfect royal view of this water locked lodge.

Looking at the Palace from the front, there are 13 arched doorways like Jharokhas between the two ends. The two Jharokha at both ends are smaller while the rest 11 are somewhat bigger. The upper floor also has 3 arched doorways like Jharokhas at its center. Although, the number and stature of these Jharokhas are somewhat different in the back side.

There are stairs in all 4 directions to go up in the Palace. There are large rooms both at the first floor as well as at the second floor. As soon as, you reach at the top of the Palace, or the roof of the Palace, the vistas around will make you amazed! It has a decorative and elegant garden with arched passages on its terrace. This garden is named as ChameliBagh. It is probably designed on the pattern of ‘MughalChaharbagh”. The center of the Bagh has a dazzling water fountain. The four corners have aesthetically carved 5 pillared chhatris. In the mid of the two ends, on every side of the Palace, in all 4 directions there are magnificent and architecturally rich ‘Barahdariyan’.

The view all around along with the artistic and royal garden will leave you stunned! Surya Mandir or Sun Temple, CharanChhatri, Ganeshgarh in the front; expansive Jaipur city in the South; the dam and the hills in the East; Jaigarh, Amber Fort, and the old Govind Devji Temple in the North all together make it the most perfect destination where a human heart might desire to go! Alas! The garden, the fountain, the palace interior and the royal aesthetic taste of visiting inside the edifice all are now torn down. Ages of time and poor maintenance have washed off its beauty. All you can experience in the palace is just its remnants.

But the saddest part is now the entry inside the Jal Mahal as well as in the water of the lake is restricted.Few years back, specially designed ‘Gondolas’-boat like structures with boatman, used to be there in the lake, would take you across the lake to the Palace. Now the visitors can throng only on the banks to contemplate this astounding and wonderful structure.

The two most sunning facts about the Palace are- firstly, although, it is known as a ‘Palace’ or Mahal’ among the localites, the grand architecture of the place being the perfect evidence of it, but still it does not house any personal chambers inside. Probably, this is the proof that it was a created as a ‘hunting lodge’.

Secondly, standing amid the water, the structure might have been damaged but the limestone mortar used in its construction has made the walls of the Palace ‘rough and tough’- standing strongly against the waves of times and waters! Apart from this, the place is habitat for a variety of migratory birds like flamingoes, crested grebe, pintail etc.

Although, Jal Mahal is said to have been renovated and enlarged by MaharajaJaiSinghII of Amber in 18th century. But 200 years of time have made this Palace demolished and damaged. Moreover, the water of the lake is continuously drying up. Also, not much efforts have been made to keep this heritage afresh and that charming and that alluring as it was during its own golden period. Various restoration projects and plans, in the recent past, have been carried out to restore and preserve this jewel of our heritage.

Partly brown and partly green hills nearby, light and serene sky, pale colored edifice gliding over a large and extensive blue painted sheet of water, sun rays during sunrises and sunsets providing a crimson tinch of reddish golden color to the vistas, birds flying and chirping all around with beauteous migratory birds swirling in the lake makes this placea perfect aura of tourist destination. This spectacular and panoramic scene not only just soothes your eyes but also pacify your heart, pleases your ears and tranquilizes you mind creating somewhat a soporific effect all over you! Isn’t it amazing? A hunting lodge having such a magical effect all over you?

Photography by Manav Singhi - Article by Garima Gupta
Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

Jal Mahal Man Sagar Lake Jaipur

99 comments

  1. Wow exhilarating...Nice Sanps

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  2. Very catchy photographs very nice post !! Super Like !!

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  3. Waiting for it to be open to public too!

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  4. Nice write with lot of info and nice pictures.

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  5. Amazing pictures and an intriguing post. Sounds like something that needs to be on my travel itenary when its ready to open.thanks

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  6. TY for the info. Its a great location indeed. News that it will be opening for public is welcome. Wish to take 100's of photograph of this Mahal. U r lucky to get permission :-)

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  7. wowww :) photographs are so professionally clicked.was watching the pictures over and over :)

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  8. Beautiful photos there ! covering the jal mahal in day and night ! such a lovely place ..

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  9. Incredible India, Incredible Jaipur.... Great Post...Stay Blessed!!!

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  10. OMG OMG the pictures are so Beautiful :)

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  11. \this is really beautiful. I am planning a trip to Rajasthan after I return to india this summer. I would go there.

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  12. very nice pics,the first one is my fav ')

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  13. Beautifully captured the essence of jal Mahal

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  14. Gorgeous pictures. Nice to know it is going to be open to the public. If there's a next time that side, I would love to see inside Jal Mahal.

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    Replies
    1. Thank U . . . News is that its going to open pretty Soon. . . :)

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  15. Wow.... really amazing pics!!!!!!
    Great location!!!!

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  16. wow! beautiful place!
    what about follow each other?
    let me know :)
    have a nice day!
    xx
    Veronica

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  17. This must be a very nice place. The pictures are so nice

    Glamupyourlifestyle.blogspot.de

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  18. Can't wait for my next trip to Jaipur...always a treat. I will make it a point to visit Jal Mahal. Thanks for all the gorgeous photos.

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  19. Beautiful, I am delighted to see interiors.

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  20. WOW!! Stunning photographs! Waiting to see once it opens for public.

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  21. Very nice photos of the Jal Mahal.

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  22. Beautiful place.Thanks for sharing!

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  23. Wow beautiful Jaipur... My friend worked there and used to say about the city... Love to see the city

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  24. Hello,

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  25. Hello,

    Nice Blog :)

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  26. Woooow!!! Such a lovely places!!
    Thank you so much for your comment!! ;)

    Have a nice evening!
    Lady Trends
    http://myladytrends.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  27. it's fantastic! i love this side!
    thanks for your comment!! i follow you!!

    http://www.unarmarioconestilo.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  28. beautiful place!
    I love your idea!

    Now, I following you. Follow me!
    kisses, have a nice day!

    http://pamlepletier.blogspot.com.br/
    https://www.facebook.com/BlogForeverYourself

    ReplyDelete
  29. Que lugar lindo!!! adorei .. beijos

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  30. Olá;

    Olha fiquei encantada com as imagens, que lugar maravilhoso fiquei com muita vontade de conhecer o "Palácio da Água" uma arquitetura linda.

    Obrigada pela visita
    bjs

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  31. What a spectacular place! Thank you for your lovely comments. Of course I would love to follow each other. Following you now. Hope you will follow me back.
    hugs from New York,
    xx
    Ask Erena
    http://askerena.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. Heyy.. Nice post.... Amazing pics..

    Would you like to follow each other on both GFC and Bloglovin..


    beingbeautifulandpretty.com

    Love..
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  33. I already followed your GFC. :)

    Hope you follow mine too..

    Thanks again for visiting my blog

    Here's again my blog: http://kstylick.blogspot.com/

    You can also like my Facebook page.

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  34. Nice blog:)

    I follow you:)

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  35. Great post.. Beautiful and stunning clicks... I'm a new blogger... Do visit my blog.. http://kitchenserenity.blogspot.in/

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  36. Beautiful pictures! The place is awesome!:))

    Thanks for the comment in my blog. :))I'm following you now, hope you follow me back :)

    http://beatricemalveda.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  37. It's a beautiful place! The palaces are wonderful!

    Greetings!
    http://victimofmycloset.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  38. Preciosas fotografías!!
    Gracias por tu visita y comentario.
    Te sigo en CFG,Twitter y Google.
    Un saludo
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

    ReplyDelete
  39. This pictures are amazing!!
    Really like your blog,maybe we could follow each other! :)

    Only a storm in a coffee cup

    ReplyDelete
  40. What a marvelous place.... Great piece of art and culture.....

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  41. Great blog!!! <3

    http://linde-lo.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  42. Beautiful architecture and gorgeous skies.

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  43. nice place and nice photos!

    vistit my blog :) http://nailartcase.blogspot.com.es/

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  44. youe bolg is so nice... all the pics are just FAB.. im surly going to visit jaipur soon...

    beingbeautifulandpretty.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Beautiful photography!
    Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting...following you now...hope ou can follow back... <3
    Neha
    http://letstalkabouteverything1.blogspot.in/

    ReplyDelete
  46. Always wanted to visit this place thanks to you...you have increased my urge now...!!!

    Lovely clicks...!!!

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  47. wow the pics are so beautiful!! would love to go there some day

    xx
    http://www.worryaboutitlaterr.blogspot.com

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  48. great pictures ...totally in love with this place....

    let me know if u wanna follow each other..
    kisses V.

    livinginapinkcloud.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Is this place the same as Taj Mahal? It's very stunning and the historical background really got my interest. I will definitely include this in my travel bucketlist! :)
    Do you want us to follow each other? Let me know!

    xx, Mela
    www.wearismela.com

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  50. Nice this post!
    addictbeiconic.blogspot.com

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  51. Wow, wow, wow, It is really mindblowing... such a beautiful palace. I really wish I visit Jaipur... Very very nice thanks for sharing it with us...

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  52. It's an amazing place and I'm glad I got to see it - even if it was just from a distance. The pictures inside look stunning, hopefully I can go and see the inside some time in the future too!
    http://bluebalu.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/jaipur-water-palace/

    ReplyDelete

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