I judge my competency of being a temporary Jaipurite by my ability to go inside Jal Mahal. While there seemed a bleak opportunity that came my way once, I am not sure if this one will go out of my bucket list. Here’s me telling you why Jal Mahal is closed and what could be it’s foreseeable future.
Why Jal mahal is closed?
Jal Mahal is privately owned and public visitors are not allowed. But that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the touristy area. I mean you can’t skip it anyway, because it falls on the way between Pink City and Amer. So, when you’re headed to Amer, Jaigarh or Nahargarh Forts, you will pass by the beautiful water palace.
Jaipur has a lot of iconic places, but something that is so beautiful from far and yet not reachable makes this place all more alluring. Jal Mahal photos from the sunset viewpoint outside of Nahargarh Fort can make you fall in love with the city. But not many know that the best time to come here is during sunrise.
The sun shines at the backdrop of this architectural wonder while bicyclers and runners have the perfect start to their day. If you can’t visit during wee hours, make sure to stop by while coming back from Amer.
History
If you visit the Jal Mahal, you will notice that is palace is much smaller in size compared to Amber Palace or Jaipur forts. It so happened that Maharaja Madho Singh I built the water palace as hunting lodge and not as a residence during the 1700s. The Man Sagar Lake is surrounded by Aravalli hills that home wild animals. Hunting ducks was also a common phenomenon and this establishment aided their adventurous expeditions.
The architecture exhibits Rajput style and was made with pink sandstone. The pale-yellow tone of the exterior compliments that while interiors are primarily white. The symmetrical structure gives the palace an edgy look from each angle and reflects fine craftsmanship of Rajput culture.
Since Jal Mahal in Jaipur is accessible only from afar, it is fascinating to imagine that it is a seven-story building. Only the top two floors are visible while there are five more floors submerged in water and rooted to the ground. The stone withstands the lake waters as they were designed with lime mortar to prevent water from coming into the top floor.
Jal Mahal from inside
While Jal Mahal is closed, we can always find out how it looks from the inside. Here is the experience you can envision if you get to see this place intricately. At first, you need to a boat to reach the water palace. There are floating walkways that then let you walk right into the palace premises.
As you enter you will find the interiors in white painted with vibrant artwork adding life to the pale color tone. It starts with a painting of sun shining on the greenery of Jaipur and ends with a painting depicting picnic under a moonlit night.
There are multiple paintings that depict how the Jal Mahal looks in different seasons and also paintings of other prominent architectures of Rajasthan. Such artworks reflect how lifestyles used to be and how the royals celebrated festivals. There are also walls with floral motifs painted in real gold.
As you walk through the symmetrical corridors made of white marble overlooking the lake, you will find the Aravalli hills at the backdrop. The vantage point is way different from this part of Jaipur than what the ones who aren’t allowed here get to see! Interestingly, the architecture ensures cross ventilation so that it is breezy at all times.
The top floor has a garden area with the middle portion kept hollow and four sides of plantation equally distributed. There are seating areas in the middle while the four corners blossom with green shrubs and trees. It is a home to lots of birds that don’t have human intrusion and sing all day long.
Restoration work
Jal Mahal was first restored by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, during his reign. He turned this place into a relaxing retreat where he welcomed special guests.
Around 1962 the lake got polluted when drainage systems were directed to this waterbody. The water palace lost luster and charm, but a restoration plan brought it back to life and made it look like what it is does today.
A public and private partnership was done and the visioned was backed by Mr. Navrattan Kothari. An eco-restoration program was done to improve the water and marine life. A manmade island was also built in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. More than 150 species of birds migrate here during the winters and call this place their home.
The interiors were also restored and one part of it is best reflected by the artwork done in the top floor. The garden area has an enclosed portion with paintings depicting prominent places of Jal Mahal. On one side it has a painting of Kanak Vrindavan, on the other it has Galta Ji, then there is City Palace on one side and Garh Ganesh Mandir on the other. The four sides are skillfully designed as per their placements in the city.
The restoration was done with the intent of opening the Jal Mahal to the public. However, it has been over two years and we still see no sign of opening.
Why entry in Jal Mahal is banned?
The architectural structure is privately-owned, so until the owners give permit, we cannot see Jal Mahal from the inside. Jal Mahal is a sensitive property because it isn’t maintained – not enough to make it open to the public. The waters of the Man Sagar Lake are often filled with dirt and the structure has moss buildup.
Jal Mahal also does not have supportive structures on the exterior that ensures optimum safety required for regular visits. I am unaware if this place will ever be open for public visits. The only way you can visit this place is having a drone hover over it or know the owners who would be happy to host you.
How to visit Jal Mahal in Jaipur?
I have seen many reels and videos of people who have visited Jal Mahal from inside. They have only been able to do so with permit and provision. Knowing the owners personally is one way to go about it. You can also find out their contact and request them for a visit. Only with their permission and assistance can one visit the palace. Such a visit becomes a responsibility to the owner and they can only allow when they agree to take it up for special reasons.
Jal Mahal Jaipur vs Udaipur
While Jaipur and Udaipur are extremely different in terms of culture and aesthetics, one thing that makes Jaipur look like Udaipur is the water palace. Yes! I agree that Taj Lake Palace is nowhere in comparison to the Jal Mahal of Jaipur, but the backdrop does give it an Udaipur-like vibe. The single-fold Aravalli mountains makes you want to take that leisurely vacay at Udaipur.
Final thoughts
Jal Mahal is closed from the inside but not from the outside. If you want to make the most of your visit, you should come here during sunrise. This is the time when the palace looks the most beautiful. However, the evenings open up a bustling market that stays up till late in the night. If shopping is another reason why you’d come by the Man Sagar Lake, you must visit during the evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Jal Mahal open for public now?
Jal Mahal is closed from the inside but open for public 24X7 from the outside. The best time to come here is during sunrise. When the palace lights up at the night, it makes it ideal to spend a romantic time by the Man Sagar Lake.
2. What is the mystery of Jal Mahal?
There are no mysteries associated to the Jal Mahal. Just because it is inaccessible, there are rumors that circulate about the place.
3. What happened to Jal Mahal?
Water from the drains polluted the Man Sagar Lake during the 1900s. It was restored during the 2000s and the ecological balance of the waterbody gradually improved. Now it homes fishes and birds who beautify the palace.
4. Can you get married in Jal Mahal?
You cannot get married in Jal Mahal in Jaipur. It is not open to the public and doesn’t have enough space to host events.
5. Can we stay in Jal Mahal?
You cannot stay in Jal Mahal in Jaipur as it is not a hotel. It is a private-owned property that can be visited only through personal connections. Jal Mahal in Udaipur is a hotel where you can book a stay.
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