Though there is no official record of the exact period of origin of Jal Mahal, legend has it that it was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, whose idea behind building this palace was to use it as a hunting lodge for his duck shooting adventures and not as a palace to stay. The origin of the lake can also be attributed to him as it was formed when a dam was constructed between the hills which led to the formation of the lake. Another legend says that it was built by Maharaja Madho Singh in the 1750s to serve as a hunting lodge. His son Madho Singh II had a big role to play in enhancing the interiors of Jal Mahal during the 18th century when he added the courtyard grounds which are still a part of this palace. Jal Mahal and the lake around it were given a makeover by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer in the eighteenth century. Later years saw the facade of this heritage site deprecating due to sewage and water logging and restoration work was undertaken again to bring the palace to its current glorious state. Though there are trees atop the terrace of the place, the garden hasn’t been made to look like it was in its days of glory, including the arched gateways which used to be there at the terrace. However, plans are underway to recreate a rooftop garden here on the likes of the one at Amer Palace in Jaipur.

Old palace no covered with water gives unique impression of palace submerged in water..