Jagmandir Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan is another lavish palace depicting the grand style in which the kings of Rajasthan lived. The beautiful gardens and palaces inside are truly splendid. It is Located on an Island in the southern part of Lake Pichole and is visible from the City palace. Maharana Karan Singh built it in 17th century to provide a hiding place for Prince Khurram or Shah Jahan. Later in 19th century too it sheltered a number of European families during the revolt of 1857.
The palace is built in marble and yellow sandstone and comprises of many Mahals, the main attraction being the Gul Mahal where shah Jahan lived with his family. Gul Mahal was constructed in Islamic architectural style to match the taste of the Mughal Prince, and it also has a wonderful courtyard with black and white stones and a mosque in its premises. Other places to see in the Palace are Kunwar Pada Ka Mahal, place for the crowned prince, Patharo Ka Mahal, made of 12 huge marbel slabs and the last one is Zanana Mahal. There are eight huge marble elephants in the palace that look like the royal guards of the castle, and beautiful gardens with Palm trees and Rose and Jasmine flowers.
The premises of the Jag Mandir Palace have a museum displaying paintings of the Mughal period and there is also a restaurant called ‘Darikhan’ opened in 2001 serving delicious Rajasthani Cuisine. The palace gives another fine example of the regal life style of the Maharajas of the royal land of Rajasthan. Hence if you are in the city of lakes, you must visit this palace, which exhibits a union of Rajput and Mughal Architecture.
