Jag Mandir, Udaipur

The monuments which depict the vastness of Udaipur’s history and culture are not only rich in heritage but also elegant as tourist spots. The Lake Garden Palace is one of the most wonderfully built palaces in the city of Udaipur also known as Jag Mandir. Being located in the center of Lake Pichola, this amazing Lake Garden Palace has some remarkable buildings in its complex which includes a garden also containing some of the lovely flowers. The rulers of Mewar used this Jag Mandir as summer resorts. This beautiful structure was constructed by the members of the Sisodia dynasty which began in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh. Take a look here at some of the attractive points about Jag Mandir.

History of Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir carries an amazing history connected with the Mughal emperor Shahjahan which was earlier called Prince Khurram. During the year 1623, Khurram rise in opposition with his father Jahangir with a view to capturing the throne. Being afraid of his safety, Khurram sought refuge in the Mewar kingdom of Udaipur which was under the reign of Maharana Karan Singh. Maharana Karan Singh decides to offer shelter to Khurram as he was born to a Rajput woman.

In the beginning, Khurram along with his wife and two sons were kept in the City Palace. After some time they moved to Gul Mahal in the half-completed Jag Mandir as this place was considered to be safe due to its location in the middle of the lake. The domed pavilion which is Gul Mahal served as a refugee camp for Khurram for so many years. It was later developed by Maharana Karan Singh’s son named Jagat Singh into a splendid palace and was named as Jag Mandir Palace.

As one makes an entry within the Jag Mandir complex through a jetty from Bansi Ghat, they meet huge statues of white elephants who greet them at the pavilion. Khurram who later became Emperor Shah Jahan was left with a huge impact by the beautiful palace and decided to construct the marvelous wonder known as the Taj Mahal.

Maharana Jagat Singh added other new structures to the Jag Mandir complex which also includes Gul Mahal. He was only responsible for finishing the construction of Jag Mandir Isla during the 17th century.

In his respect, the palace was given the name after him. Jag Mandir was one more time served as the refuge palace during the revolt of 1857. At the time of war and battles, Maharana Swaroop Singh provided shelter to a large number of European families in this palace.

Things to Observe at Jag Mandir

• The life-size elephants made up of marble are one of the best characters of architecture which you can see in the Jag Mandir who guards the palace.
• The museum in the compound of Jag Mandir is a must-visit spot as it shows off and retains some of the most vital sections of the history of the Mewar dynasty and culture.
• Visit the Darikhana restaurant which houses in the Jag Mandir complex, is very famous for the delicious Rajasthani food. So one should definitely pay a visit to this place.
• You can check out the beautiful garden courtyard in the Jag Mandir premises which is very capturing and because of this garden, this palace has got the name of Lake Garden Palace. The garden serves as an abode to beautiful flowers like yew bushes, bougainvillea, moss rose, jasmine flowers, nasturtiums, frangipani trees, palm trees, and verbenas. Placed under the cover of black and white tiles, this beautiful courtyard contains fountains and water pools and it has also been used as a private party space by the present Maharana as well as others who take this place for rent in special occasions.
• The Bara Pattharon Ka Mahal also known as ‘Palace of the Twelve Stones’ is one of the most fascinating constructions of Jag Mandir other than the Zenana Mahal (women’s quarters) and the Kunwar Pada Ka Mahal. This intriguing structure got its name from the twelve solid marble slabs which were used to build it.
• Gul Mahal, the most famous attraction of Jag Mandir was formerly built in the year 1551 which was later on developed at the time of Maharana Jagat Singh. It also contains the crescent of Islam on the topmost area of its dome. The Mahal is encircled by black and white murals and paintings which give it a rather unfamiliar touch according to the usual Rajput architecture.
• The Jag Mandir which is considered as the main palace contains eight-sided towers at the corners which are topped with magnificent domes.

In Popular Culture

Jag Mandir was considered as one of the prime locations in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy.

Things to Carry

• If you explore this beautiful place during the daytime, a hat and also the sunglasses are recommended.
• Wear comfortable shoes in order to make your tour through the entire building go on a long way in getting a delightful experience.
• Do carry a water bottle along with you as the water facility is not available there. End your day with a delicious dinner or lunch at the Darikhana restaurant.
• Do carry a camera with you so that you can click pictures of the amazing architecture and scenic beauty of this wonderful destination.

How to Get There

You can make a visit to this spectacular Lake Garden Palace by a 30 minute or 1-hour ferry ride from the Bansi Ghat jetty. Cruise rides and private boats are also available there.

Charges for Entry and Boat Ride

• Adult per head – Rs. 325 ( for 1-hour boat ride)
• Child per head – Rs. 165 ( for 1-hour boat ride)
• Adult per head – Rs. 225 ( for 30 min boat ride)
• Child per head – Rs. 115 ( for 30 min boat ride)

Best Time for Exploration

The perfect time to explore this place is from September to March. During this period, you will be enjoying the pleasant climate and you will not feel any tiredness thereby helping you for a better exploration of this wonderful Jag Mandir. This wintertime is the best time to travel to this place. Summer months should be avoided to get rid of the burning heat of the sun during that time.

Operating Hours

Jag Mandir is open from 10 am to 6 pm on all seven days of the week.

Interesting Attractions Nearby

• The City Palace which is located on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola is considered one of the most famous tourist destinations in the city of Udaipur.
• You can check out the Lake Palace which is placed on the other island of Lake Pichola, which is one of the many interesting spots of the city.
• The Jagdish temple which is placed closer to the Lake Palace is also a popular sanctum, constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh.
• Lake Fatehsagar lies nearby and can be enjoyed by having a sunset ferry ride.
• You can find out a large collection of turbans, masks, dolls, dresses and musical instruments of the Rajasthani culture at the Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum which is also placed nearby.
• The Vintage Car museum in the Lake Palace has a desirous variety of vehicles which belong to the families of royal status in Udaipur.

Conclusion

Udaipur’s beauty and grace remain in its magnificent architecture and natural beauty and Jag Mandir being one among the top tourist destinations of the city of lakes do leave a sign upon the mind of a tourist. Don’t forget to visit this amazing place while your trip to Udaipur city as it is one of the top-rated tourist attractions of the country. So hurry up and make a plan for a trip to Jag Mandir which is in Udaipur in this vacation time.