Jal Mahal (Water Palace) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Jal Mahal. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 3 Days Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur by Car

• 3 Days Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur by Car

• Four-Day Private Luxury Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur from New Delhi

• Jaipur Day Trip From Delhi by Car or Train—All Inclusive

• 5 Nights 6 Days Private Golden Triangle Tour - Delhi Agra Jaipur

While you can’t typically go inside the Jal Mahal, there’s no cost to take in the exterior. Visitors gather on the shore of Man Sagar Lake, especially in the evening, to admire the view of the palace in the middle of the lake. Many guided tours of Jaipur pass by the lake and stop for photos, as well as visiting other top sights. Expect to pay from US$5 for a private half-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur that starts and ends in the city, and more for longer tours or those that travel from Delhi.

It's not possible to visit the interior of the Jal Mahal, but you should definitely make time to pass by and admire the exterior while you're sightseeing in Jaipur. It's one of the city's most beautiful buildings, located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, and is lit up beautifully at night. You can stop by on your own for photos or a stroll, or join a guided tour of Jaipur that includes Jal Mahal as part of its itinerary.

Per one customer who booked the Jaipur Day Trip From Delhi by Car or Train—All Inclusive, "Kevin and Harpreet were just the best guide and driver. Kevin's knowledge of the city was amazing. Sometimes you get overwhelmed with the history which on this tour I didn't feel I was overloaded with information. I asked for a stop at a coffee shop and Kevin made it happen. If you're ever in Jaipur I fully recommend him and the driver Harpreet. Thanks to you both."

The Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. It was built at the end of the 18th century under the vision of the then-ruler Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The palace features a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal design elements.

The easiest way to get to Jal Mahal from the heart of Jaipur is by hiring a taxi or autorickshaw to take you or by joining a tour with transportation. The Jal Mahal is on the way to Amber Fort, and many tours stop in front of it for photos.

No, guided tours are not available to explore the Jal Mahal, as it’s not open to the public. However, many tours of Jaipur stop within view of the Jal Mahal, located in the middle of a lake, for long enough to take photographs.

The Jal Mahal is currently only viewable from the outside across the lake. Although it has been refurbished with hopes of reopening to the public, the project has stalled. However, it’s still worth visiting to look across the lake and see it from the outside.

The best time to visit the Jal Mahal is in the morning or at dusk when the light is suitable for photography. It’s also quite pretty at the end of the monsoon season when water levels tend to be higher; cloudy days can be less than ideal for photography.

Yes, there are attractions near the Jal Mahal. The palace is close to Amber and the massive Amber Fort, among the Jaipur area’s most famous sights. The Anokhi Museum is also located in Amber and provides a great introduction to the Rajasthani tradition of block printing textiles.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Jal Mahal. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Jaipur:

• Palace of Wind (Hawa Mahal)

• Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace)

• Jantar Mantar 

• City Palace

• Nahargarh Fort

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Jaipur.