Jag Mandir – Visitors Are Welcomed By Eight Royal Elephants

JAG MANDIR PALACE

AT

UDAIPUR

Jag Mandir is situated on an island in the Picalo Lake of Udaipur city in the Rajasthan state of India.It was constructed by Maharana Karan Singh as a hideout for Prince Khurram the estranged son of Emperor Jehangir the implacable foe of the Maharana. The reason for the aid was that the prince was the son of a Rajput mother.

It is also said that Shah Jahan [prince Khurram] derived some of these ideas for the Taj Mahal from this palace when he stayed there in 1623-24. The island has some striking carving including a row of elephants that looks as though they are guarding the island. The exquisitely carved chhatri in grey and blue stone is another example. 

Jag Mandir is built on an island and a charming little boat ride is required in order to reach this magnificent palace, also known as Lake Garden Palace. Visitors are greeted by eight majestic elephants, carved in stone, adorning the entrance.

Once you walk onto the grounds of the Jag Mandir, the lush garden is a sight for sore eyes; Fountains and tiny water pools, rich flower beds and a large patch of greenery welcome visitors to the royal grounds. These grounds are also used for concerts and shows. Remember to check with the hotel whether something is on for when you plan to visit.

Maharana Jagat Singh who made a number of additions to it later renovated the place. Within the palace was the temple dedicated to the Lord Jagdish and hence the name is derived from that. There is a museum detailing the history of the island as well and the neat courtyards.

For those wanting to enjoy a blissful romantic evening out, take to Jag Mandir in the evening. The Darikhana restaurant at Jag Mandir plays host to a splendid evening of romance. Dining here is on the exclusive side, and a minimum spend is required. For those only in the mood for some drinks, there is a bar, which also caters to the shisha crowd.  Jag Mandir truly is majestic, and for all you Bollywood fans; Darikhana was the very place where renowned Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon got married.

By Air

Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi, Maharana Pratap Airport, 28 kms.

By Train

The Railway Station is about 2 Km. from the city centre. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. 

By Bus

Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8, the major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the region during night hours. The State Transport Bus Stand is on City Station Road, NH 8, Udaipur.