Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city. The palace was originally constructed in 1799; the building and the lake around it were later renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber.

The Jal Mahal palace is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style of architecture. The building has a picturesque view of the lake itself but owing to its seclusion from land is equally the focus of a viewpoint from the Man Sagar Dam on the eastern side of the lake in front of the backdrop of the surrounding Nahargarh ("tiger-abode") hills. The palace, built in red sandstone, is a five-storied building, of which four floors remain underwater when the lake is full and the top floor is exposed. One rectangular Chhatri on the roof is of the Bengal type. The chhatris on the four corners are octagonal.

The Royal family chhatris and cenotaphs

At Gaitore opposite the lake are chhatris and cenotaphs erected over cremation platforms of some of the Kachhawa rulers of Jaipur. They were built by Jai Singh II within landscaped gardens. The cenotaphs are in honour of 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. It has a dome with 20 carved pillars.

The interior of the Jal Mahal Palace is not open to visitors.