The stunning Jal Mahal literally “Water Palace”, is built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Originally built in 1699; the palace was later renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber. Jal Mahal palace is an architectural marvel displaying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The palace built on the eastern side of the lake, provides a picturesque view of Man Sagar Lake, and the surrounding Nahargarh hills. Man Sagar Lake that surrounds Jal Mahal is home to many variety of bird species including Great Cormorant, Flamingos, Pintail, Pochards, Great Crested Grebe, Kestrel and Pelicans.
The lake becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise during winter season, when migratory birds as far from Mongolia and Russia make a stopover at Man Sagar Lake on their way to breeding grounds. As the quality of lake went down due to pollution, number of birds declined. However, as lake restoration work was started, birds are again flocking back to Man Sagar Lake. Jal Mahal Palace is located on National Highway 8, mid-way between Johari Bazaar and Amer Fort; close to Kanak Vrindavan Garden on the road that connects Jaipur with Nahargarh Fort and Amer Fort.
The palace, built in red sandstone, is actually a 5-storied building, of which 4 floors remain underwater when the lake is full. Its stone walls hold back millions of litres of water, and the specially designed lime mortar helps prevent water seepage into the palace. A rectangular Chhatri on the roof is built as per Bengali architectural style. The light colour sandstone walls of the Lake Palace, creates a sharp contrast with the deep blue waters of the Man Sagar Lake. The lake is 15 feet deep with low lying areas having 4.9 feet depth.
Man, Sagar Lake is named after Sawai Man Singh II. It was created when a dam was constructed between the hills by the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh leading to formation of the lake. The 4 chhatris on four corners are octagonal in shape, built with an elegant cupola. Passage of time has had an effect on the palace with subsidence and partial seepage due to water logging. These have been successfully repaired under a restoration project of Rajasthan government. The Jal Mahal promenade is a popular place for pre-wedding photoshoots. The sunset and sunrise are the best time to stroll on the promenade.
History
Not much is known about Jal Mahal’s history. One theory says Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur built the Jal Mahal. Another says, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, commissioned Hawa Mahal & Brij Nidhi Temple. It was probably built as a bird hunting place for the Maharaja. However, a theory says Jal Mahal was built as a monsoon palace to be used as a pleasure garden. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh enhanced the interiors of Jal Mahal during 18th century when he added a courtyard to the palace which still exists. Legend goes that the lake palace was built in a year, when due to famine the lake bed had completely dried up.
Restoration Project
On the terrace of the lake palace, is ‘Chameli Garden’. The original garden built with arched passages has been lost, the current garden is a restored one. Restoration works started in early 2000s were not satisfactory and an expert in the field of similar architectural restoration projects of Rajasthan palaces tried to figure to bring back the original designs on the walls, after removing the recent plasterwork. Based on finding, restoration works on the palace were re-done with traditional materials used for plastering.
The highlight of the restoration works re-done was use of plaster made of partly organic material; a mortar mix of lime, sand and surkhi mixed with jaggery, guggal and methi powder. It was also noticed, there was hardly any water seepage, on the floors below water level except for a little dampness. A new terrace garden is also being created. Opposite to the lake palace are chhatris or cenotaphs erected in remembrance of some of the Kachhwaha rulers of Jaipur. These cenotaphs honour Pratap Singh, Madho Singh II and Jai Singh II among others. Jai Singh II’s cenotaph is made of marble and has impressive intricate carvings and a dome with 20 carved pillars.
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation under Congress government, signed a 99-year lease agreement with Jal Mahal Resorts, to develop 100 acres along the Man Sagar Lake and palace. The deal included cleaning of the lake and palace restoration. Plans are afoot to make the Jal Mahal Palace, a popular tourist destination. The total project area for restoration and development is 432 acres comprising the lake with 300 acres water spread, the lake precincts area of 100 acres with 15 acres of submerged land for tourism development and 32 acres for lake promenade and tertiary treatment facility and related works.
Under lake restoration project, a lot of work has been carried out including the re-alignment and diversion of city drains and setting up of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), de-silting of Man Sagar Lake, construction of artery road from Amber to Man Sagar Dam, construction of check dam, creating of 3 nesting islands for migratory birds, lakefront promenade, afforestation and treatment of forest area portion of lake catchment, plantation to stabilise lake embankment. Afforestation includes planting of variety of trees to diversity vegetation for feeding of wildlife and birds.
About 500,000 cubic metres of silt was removed from the lake, and used to strengthen of lake embankment and building of islands as wintering grounds for migratory birds. The tourism project also involves development of Convention Centre and Art Gallery, Arts and Craft Village, Food Courts, Public Park, Resort Hotels, Multiplex and Entertainment Centre, Craft Bazaar, Restaurants, and Gardens.
However, this part of the project hasn’t been carried out as a case was filled by subsequent BJP government objecting to awarding of contract by favouritism. A court case is ongoing regarding the same, and until its settlement, interior of the Jal Mahal Palace is not open to visitors.
Attractions Beside Lake Palace
Besides Jal Mahal, tourist can also visit Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort, Natwar Ji Temple, Garh Ganesh Temple, Maharani Ki Chhatriyan, and Radha Madhav Temple located not far from Man Sagar Lake. Other places worth visiting within kms of the lake are City Palace, Badrinath Temple, Anokhi Museum, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Bapu Bazar, Jaipur Zoo, Rambagh Palace, and Birla Mandir.
Boating on the lake is currently not allowed. Easily accessible from Jaipur via bus, taxi or private car; Jala Mahal is open for viewing for tourists’ ticket free, 7 days a week from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM. The Scented Chamber in the palace, is a theme room where tourists can experience scents and smells of the royal court with “Ittar” or perfumes. Other theme rooms are Monsoon unfolding, Mela Unfolding, Joys of Jal Mahal, and Gardens of Pleasure. Tourists can sit on seats between the lake boundary wall and road.
Tourist can also do shopping on the footpath next to boundary wall. Hawkers sell variety of traditional Rajasthani jewellery, mojri shoes and other handicraft items. Tourists can also enjoy camel rides beside the lake.
-
plag report-3351a475
plag report
plag report
