Jal Mahal Jaipur

Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber.
In 1596 A.D., there was an acute shortage of water because of severe famine in the region. Then, the ruler of Ajmer, was motivated to build a dam to overcome the problems of shortage of water caused by severe famine and to provide relief to people from severe hardships. Initially the dam was built with earth and quartzite in the eastern side of Amer hills. Then, later in the 17th century, the dam was renovated in a masonry structure. The dam which is standing today is 300 meters long and 28.5- 34.5 meters wide. There are three gates in the dam to release water for irrigation in the nearby agricultural fields. The dam has undergone several modes of restoration and renovation by various rulers, but the final renovation is credited to Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer. In the 18th century, other religious and historical places like Amer fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh fort, Kanak Vrindawan Valley were built in the nearby areas of this lake and now these all are linked through a tourist corridor of road network. Jal Mahal is also known as Water palace, which is situated in the Middle of Man Sagar Lake in Pink City.

Earlier in place of lake there was a natural depression where water used to accumulate. Jal Mahal was built in the year 1799. This historical palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The Man Sagar Lake was formed by constructing a dam between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh. This is the best example of Rajput architecture. This Mahal attracts lots of tourist because of its beauty and architecture. Jal Mahal is a romantic place as it is built in red sandstone. This Mahal is located 6 kms before Amber fort on Amber fort Road outside Jaipur. This is a 5 storey palace, out of which the first four floors are located under water, only the top floor of this palace enjoys the sunshine and rain. Even after the 200 years of construction, still its architectural beauty is the same as it was before. This palace looks fabulous from the Nahargarh fort.