Jag Mandir is a 17th-century island palace in the south of Lake Pichola. You reach it on the Pichola boat ride from Rameshwar Ghat (inside the City Palace) or Lal Ghat, and most rides include a stop of 20–30 minutes on the island. It's famous for its stone elephants, gardens and the story of sheltering Prince Khurram, later Shah Jahan.
Key facts
- Building began around 1551 and was completed in 1652
- Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) stayed here in the 1620s
- Reached only by boat; most Pichola rides stop here
- Eight carved stone elephants guard the water entrance
Two palaces float on Lake Pichola. The one in the middle is the Taj Lake Palace, open only to hotel guests. The one further south, with the stone elephants, is Jag Mandir, and you can step onto it.
The story
Building on the island was begun by Maharana Amar Singh, continued by Maharana Karan Singh and completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1652, who gave it his name. It’s also known as the Lake Garden Palace. Its most famous guest was Prince Khurram, who sheltered here in the 1620s while rebelling against his father, the Mughal emperor Jahangir. He later became Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, and some say Jag Mandir’s domes stayed in his mind.
What to see
- The elephant entrance. Eight life-size stone elephants stand at the water’s edge.
- Gul Mahal, the domed pavilion where Khurram stayed, with Islamic-style details.
- The gardens, with frangipani and bougainvillea.
- Views back to the City Palace, which you can’t get from anywhere else.
Getting there
The Lake Pichola boat ride from Rameshwar Ghat (inside the City Palace complex) or Lal Ghat stops at Jag Mandir on most routes. You get about 20 to 30 minutes on the island before the next boat takes you back.
Best time
The sunset boat. The island glows orange, and on the way back the City Palace lights come on. In season, book the sunset slot in the morning.
Eating on the island
Jag Mandir has a café and a restaurant. A drink on the island terrace is a lovely way to stretch your stop; dinner needs a reservation and a boat transfer, so ask when you book.
For more lake views, see our photo spots and sunset points.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Jag Mandir?
By boat only. Most Lake Pichola boat rides from Rameshwar Ghat or Lal Ghat include a stop at Jag Mandir.
Can I eat at Jag Mandir?
Yes, the island has a café and restaurant. For dinner, book in advance and ask about the boat transfer.
Is Jag Mandir the same as the Lake Palace?
No. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) is the hotel in the middle of the lake. Jag Mandir is the island further south, which you can visit.
