Jal Mahal (Water Palace)

This 5-story palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, who integrated Rajput and Mughal stylistic features into its architecture. After centuries of disrepair, a refurbishment project began in the early 21st century, though it’s still not open for the public to explore. However, many tours of Jaipur stop at the lake’s shores (usually en route to nearby Amber Fort) for photographs, particularly in the monsoon season when the lake is at its fullest.

• Peering across the water at the Jal Mahal is a must-do for all first-time Jaipur visitors.

• The Jal Mahal is not open to the public; most Jaipur sightseeing tours just stop in front of it.

• Sometimes dignitaries are allowed to visit the palace, so you may see boats on the water.

• The Jal Mahal is at its most photogenic in August and September, when monsoon rains cause the lake’s water level to rise.

The Jal Mahal is located between Jaipur and Amber Fort, just before the turnoff to the Jaigarh Fort road. It’s a 10-minute drive from both Amber Fort’s parking lot and Jaipur’s top attractions such as the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar observatory, and the City Palace.

While the Jal Mahal is viewable year-round, it is most attractive and photogenic during and immediately after the monsoon season (July and August), when the lake’s water level is high. Visit earlier in the year and you’ll see some of the lower floors, which are submerged when the lake is full.

Not much is known about the palace’s original intents, though many believe it was intended to be used as a summer getaway and duck hunting lodge for the royal family. After much neglect, it was restored as part of a public-private partnership, but has remained in a state of flux for years. There’s much speculation about the palace’s future fate, but for now the building remains closed to the public.

The Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. It was built at the end of the 18th century under the vision of the then-ruler Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The palace features a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal design elements.

The easiest way to get to Jal Mahal from the heart of Jaipur is by hiring a taxi or autorickshaw to take you or by joining a tour with transportation. The Jal Mahal is on the way to Amber Fort, and many tours stop in front of it for photos.

No, guided tours are not available to explore the Jal Mahal, as it’s not open to the public. However, many tours of Jaipur stop within view of the Jal Mahal, located in the middle of a lake, for long enough to take photographs.

The Jal Mahal is currently only viewable from the outside across the lake. Although it has been refurbished with hopes of reopening to the public, the project has stalled. However, it’s still worth visiting to look across the lake and see it from the outside.

The best time to visit the Jal Mahal is in the morning or at dusk when the light is suitable for photography. It’s also quite pretty at the end of the monsoon season when water levels tend to be higher; cloudy days can be less than ideal for photography.

Yes, there are attractions near the Jal Mahal. The palace is close to Amber and the massive Amber Fort, among the Jaipur area’s most famous sights. The Anokhi Museum is also located in Amber and provides a great introduction to the Rajasthani tradition of block printing textiles.