Jal Mahal

• Address: Amber Rd, New Indira Colony, Parasrampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
• Suggested visiting time: within half an hour
• Recommended tour: 7 Days Indian Golden Triangle Tour

Jal Mahal, located in the center of Man Singh Lake on the outskirts of Jaipur, is one of the most famous scenic spots in Jaipur. It's a palace in the middle of a lake, that's why the name of the palace translates into Water Palace in English.

History of Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal has a great Rajputana style of architecture, which made it marvelous. It's a four-storey building made of red sandstone. Four stories are submerged levels, though the palace only appears to be a single story. It was constructed by Maharaja Madho Singh I in the 1700s. He wanted to build a palace for himself and his royal families to have a resting place after they were hunting ducks around the Man Singh Lake. His son Madho Singh II enhanced the beauty of the palace by creating gardens to make the Jal Mahal more picturesque, using it as an imperial summer resort.

What to do in Jal Mahal

Taking photos: The Water Palace can only be seen from a distance as it is not open to visitors. Visitors will stop here to take some photos. There are small stalls providing ethnic clothes, and you can take pictures of ethnic clothes.
 

Camel ride: There is a camel riding service provided beside Jal Mahal. You can choose to ride a camel around the Man Singh Lake and see Jal Mahal in a different corner. Riding camel will give you the traditional Rajasthani feeling.
 

Gondola ride: Taking gondola is the best way to experience the beauty of the Jal Mahal. You can get close to see the technological and design achievements of the ancient palace.
 

Shopping: There are many small shops near the Jal Mahal that sell souvenirs and traditional handicrafts of Jaipur. You can also buy khadi clothes from the shops located over here at an exceptionally budget-friendly rate.

Best time to visit

♦ The best time to visit the Jal Mahal is the rainy season when the temperature is pleasant, and the sky is clear.

♦ Jal Mahal looks like a tranquil picturesque in the daytime. But the night view is more stunning when floodlights cover the entire complex.

How to Reach Jal Mahal

The Jal Mahal is just around 5km from the center of Jaipur's ancient city. It is easily accessible by autos and taxis. When you go to Amber Fort from Jaipur city center, Jal Mahal is on the way. If your budget is limited, you can try the local bus. Getting off at Shahpura Bagh, which is the nearest bus stop 200 m from Jal Mahal.