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Just imagine a big farm house in a remote village; now instead of a farm, visualise water (a lake)! Head towards the Jal Mahal in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. A big palace right in the midst of a big lake comes into the picture. It is said that this castle served as a picnic spot for bird hunting for the Kings of Jaipur.
A distant view of Jal Mahal
Photo Courtesy: Kevin Jones
Jal Mahal, 250 years down the line, has stood the test of times. Four out of five floors submerged in the water, this exotic bungalow, is a representative of architectural finesse.
A view of the surrounding Aravalli ranges and the Nahargarh hill from Jal Mahal is just exquisite. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built the Water Palace in 1778-1803. A boat ride can only take the tourists to Jal Mahal.
The Beautiful Jal Mahal 2
Photo Courtesy: Juan Antonio F. Segal
Structure of Jal Mahal
The blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles create a luxurious design. The roof-top gardens are just apt for watching several bird species that fly around. The large intricately carved chambers and hallways are spacious. Semi-octagonal canopies on all the four sides can be seen from a distance.
A lone red sandstone palace in the centre of a big lake strike generates curiosity. The lightings in the evening make Jal Mahal look like a lonely bright star in the vast sky. In fact, it is nothing less than a wonder to see the structures inside the palace during the dark.
Jal Mahal in the evening
Photo Courtesy: Alok Verma, India
As of now, no one can stay in Jal Mahal. It has been renovated and restored from time to time. Maharaja Jai Singh II, gave a makeover to the depleting palace in the 18th century. Once again the Water Palace regained a new lustre that remains to this day.
The Man Sagar Lake was an artificially created lake due to the damming of Dharbhawati river. Today, it is one of the biodiversity hotspots and one of the prime tourist places in Jaipur.
Flamingos in Man Sagar Lake
Photo Courtesy: Solipsist~commonswiki
The surrounding habitat of Jal Mahal is a home to many birds. How wonderful it is to listen to the music of birds and watch the Sun drowning into the water from a luxurious place like this!
Jal Mahal, was once a picnic spot for the Kings, has now turned into a heritage. The infinite knowledge of the architects of such palaces tells the amount of talent and technology that existed in India.
Don't miss out on a visit to Jal Mahal in Jaipur!
