An exquisite royal palace that looks like a floating marble structure in a lake is a sight to be discovered as one visits the mesmerizing Lake Pichola. The palace is known as Jagmandir or Jag Mandir Island Palace is located on the southern side of the lake and occupies the island with the same name known as Jag Island. More famously it is referred as Lake Garden Palace, Jagmandir Isla is an enormous structure that is flocked by tourists in huge numbers.
Jagmandir was built over a period by three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar kingdom. The constructure of this palace was started in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh and was succeeded by his son Maharana Karan Singh during the period of 1620 to 1628. It was finally completed by Mahrana Jagat Singh I during the period of 1628 to 1652 and hence named as Jagat Mandir.
Information for Visitors
Entry Fee: No; For Boat Ride – 700/- per person
Location: Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India
Entry Timing: 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM
History of Jag Mandir Palace
Jagmandir Palace in Udaipur has an interesting past to be revealed with the Mughal emperor Shahjahan, earlier known as Prince Khurram. In the year 1623, Khurram rebelled against his father Jahangir as he wanted to occupy the throne. Fearing for his safety, Khurram sought refuge in Mewar kingdom of Udaipur which was under the rule of Maharana Karan Singh.
Maharana Karan Singh offered refuge to Khurram as he was born to a Rajput lady. Khurram along with his wife and two sons were initially kept in City Palace. Afterward, they were moved to Gul Mahal in the partially completed Jag Mandir as it was safer due to its location amid the lake.
The domed pavilion, Gul Mahal remained as a refugee camp for Khurram for many years. It was later enhanced by Maharana Karan Singh’s son Jagat Singh into a magnificent palace and named as Jag Mandir Palace. It was left a huge impact on Khurram who later became Emperor Shah Jahan and went on built the marvelous wonder Taj Mahal.
Maharana Jagat Singh further added new structures to the palace complex including Gul Mahal. He was responsible for completing the construction of Jagmandir Isla in the 17th century. To honor him, the palace was named after him. Jagmandir acted as a refuge palace in one more occasion, dating back to the revolt of 1857. During the war, Maharana Swaroop Singh offered shelter to several European families in this palace.
Architecture of Jag Mandir Palace
The major tourist attraction of Jag Mahal Palace is Gul Mahal, the first structure that was built in 1551, during the reign of Maharana Amar Singh. The structure was further developed during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh to accommodate Prince Khurram who are offered shelter here. It was built with yellow sandstone; Gul Mahal is a dome shaped structure with the crescent of Islam fixed on top of it. Flanked by circular apartments made of white and black marbles, Gul Mahal is built in Islamic style of architecture.
The main palace is of the other famous structure Gul Mahal. The octagonal shaped towers in the corners of the palace are topped with cupolas further adorning the palace. The large reception halls, courts, and residential suites inside the palace were built in the Rajpur and Mughal styles of architecture.
As you enter the Jagmandir complex via a jetty from Bhansi Ghat through the sacred Pichola Lake, they encounter large statues of white elephants greeting them at the pavilion.
Jag Mandir Palace has beautiful flower garden in the large Garden courtyard of the palace complex. It is adorned with roses, palm trees, jasmine flowers, frangipani trees, bougainvillea and yew bush the garden impresses its visitors with its rich flora. The sprawling garden is covered with black and white tiles, the courtyard also has fountains and water pools.
Darikhana is located on the northern side of the palace, which is an open sided terrace. It is now operating as a restaurant, which offers lip-smacking Rajasthani cuisines that pleases the palate of the guests.
Bara Patharon ka Mahal is another attractive structure within the complex, also known as the Palace of Twelve stones. This is a fascinating structure got its name because of the twelve solid marble slabs.
Museum is a must-visit place for historians in the Jag Mandir complex displaying some of the most important historical parts of Mewar dynasty and its cultures.
Best time to Visit Jag Mandir Palace
October to March is considered as the best time to visit Jag Mandir. Summer months are best to avoid for an escape from the scorching heat during that time.
Conclusion
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