Jal Mahal or ” The Floating Palace” Of Jaipur ||Travel Guide ||

Jal Mahal

No doubt, there are many places on earth, which make us think whether this can surprisingly happen? Our Mother Earth is blessed with some magnificent natural spectacles and stunning man-made wonders, which is truly a mystery in itself.

Many places in the world are known as the most mysterious places in the world . Human beings have not even been able to known about all such palaces today, but there are many places where humans have reached. Let`s discuss one of the most mysterious place in India known as Jal Mahal ” The floating palace ” of Jaipur.

Jal Mahal (“Water Palace”) is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan , India. Jal Mahal , known by many different names such as Jal Mahal under water palace, floating palace or the water palace . The palace was originally constructed in 1699 ;the building and the lake around it were later renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh || of Amber.

History of the Jal Mahal palace

It was built 300 years ago by the Raja as a hunting lodge. However , when the king of Amber decided to build a dam between the two surrounding hills to save the city from floods in the 18th century, the depression around the palace started filling up with water . Today , when you look across the Man Sagar lake, you see this palace in the middle, with one floor and plant life peeking from above its roof. Another aspect that makes it such a prominent pick among mystery places in India is the fact that the water hides 4 more floors below it. Little else is known about this structure which has no chambers but a pavilion and a terrace garden.

From the Jal Mahal palace , you may enjoy a picturesque view of the Man Sagar Lake and the Nahargarh hills.

Let take an inside view to know more about Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal Information:

  • Location :- Amer Road
  • Type :- Palace
  • Also known as :- The Water Palace
  • Timings :- Morning till evening; everyday
  • Entry Fee :- Not open for visitors ; can only be viewed from the lake shore
  • Video/Camera :- Free
  • Architectural Style :- Rajput and Mughal styles
  • Commissioned By :- Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
  • Year of Constructions :- 18th century
  • Material Used :- Red sandstone

Jal Mahal Architecture

Jal mahal stands in the middle of a lake that has a maximum depth of 15 feet and a minimum depth of 4.9 feet. It is a five-stories structure built in Rajput style of architecture ,with influences of the Mughal architectural style. While four of its stories remain under water, only the top story remains visible , giving you an impression that the palace is floating on the waters of the lake. A huge Bengal-style rectangular chhatri also exists on the roof of the palace. Jal Mahal has been constructed out of red sandstone.

Things To Do at Jal Mahal :

Here are a few things that you must try if you`re visiting Jal Mahal-

  1. Boat ride : You can have a view of the Aravali hills, which has umpteen number of forts and temples on it while boating across the lake.
  2. Shopping in the local market : There are many small shops located near the Jal Mahal that sell beautiful jewelry items and handcrafts of Jaipur. You can also buy khadi clothes at a very budget friendly rate.
  3. Camel ride: The camel ride can be yet another activity that you must try near Jal Mahal , at the Man Sagar Lake. This will give you the traditional Rajasthani feeling.
  4. Photography Skills : This is something that nobody of you can even think of missing when you are at Jal Mahal as this palace is the most photographed spots all across the India.

Visitors Information:

  • Famous for : photography, scenic beauty
  • Entrance fee :10 per head for Indian, Nationals Rs.50 for foreigners
  • Visiting time : 9am to 5pm
  • Visit duration : 3 to 4 hours
  • Best season : October to march

How To Reach :-

Air : The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport, 15 km south of the city.

Rail : The train service ton Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.

Road : Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujrat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.

Attractions near Jal Mahal , Jaipur:

  • Kanak Vrindavan Mahal (1.4 km)
  • Amer Palace (4 km)
  • City Palace (4.4 km)
  • Badrinath Temple (5.1 km)
  • Anokhi Museum (5.2 km)
  • Jaipur Zoo (7.4 km)
  • Birla Mandir (9.9 km)
  • Rambagh Palace (9 km)
  • Bapu Bazar (6.7 km)
  • Jantra Mantra (6.6 km)

With a large number of memorials of Rajput and Mughal architecture of Jaipur, Jal Mahal is one which cannot be ignored. The Jal Mahal is the best example of the Rajput lifestyle in royal status. Here is everything about the Jal Mahal or ” The Floating palace ” of Jaipur , including its history, architecture, timings, entry, fee, and other details. When you are visiting this palace, make sure to explore some of other places , make sure to explore some of other historical places in and around Jaipur. And above all , do not forget to taste the best restaurants in Jaipur. This is the best tour which provides you to fill your holidays with refreshment and unforgettable experience.