Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal, the Water Palace, stands in the middle of Man Sagar Lake on the edge of Jaipur. Built of red sandstone, it appears to float, but most of the building is actually below the waterline and only the top storey shows. Its foundations were laid in 1699, and in the 18th century Sawai Jai Singh II renovated both the palace and the lake. The rulers of Jaipur used it as a retreat for leisure.

Green hills ring the lake, and birds are often seen in the trees along its shores. Boat rides take visitors closer to the palace, and camel rides are offered on the bank. Sunset turns the water gold, and after dark the palace is lit up, its reflection glowing on the lake. Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal are a short drive away.