A few days ago, my friend invited me to Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk. The walk was conducted by Mr. Neeraj who is based in Jaipur. Nahargarh heritage water walk explains the methods of ancient water collection and rainwater harvesting systems of Nahargarh Fort. There are two huge Baoris or step-wells in Nahargarh Fort for the collection and storage of rainwater. Here is a picture of one of the stepwells at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur.
Water walk uncovers the system of collecting and channelizing rainwater into these water storage systems or Baoris or step wells.
A Guide To Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk
During the last few years, Rainwater Harvesting has become a buzzword. Rainwater harvesting techniques and water conservation have become very important in recent years. So much so that without the rainwater harvesting process in place, the construction of a new building or house is not permitted by the urban authorities in Jaipur.
Neeraj, the walk leader has worked with the World Bank on water conservation. After shifting to Jaipur, he conducts water walks at Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort.
He traces his roots to western Rajasthan, a rain deficit region. Incidentally, water resource management is quite strong in the western region of Rajasthan.
This heritage water walk in Jaipur focuses on the entire system for collecting rainwater and its storage, which was used a few centuries ago. A large part of this system i.e. catchment area is still intact and functional. How people in those times conceived & developed the system of water collection & storage is something to ponder over. Some components of these systems share similarities with the ones used in Europe during a similar time frame, especially in Southern Europe!
The water conservation program was completely dependent on rainfall in this region. Once collected, the quantum of water could be used for more than a year and thereby making it easier to survive during rain deficit periods.
Although the major part of the water collection and conservation system is still intact and functional, some sections have been damaged, which seems to be a work of the human element rather than an efflux of time.
The water collected through these channels accumulates in Nahargarh Fort water reservoirs or storage tanks popularly called Nahargarh Baoris. Here are a few pictures that explain the system.
A close-up of this Nahargarh Fort water channel.
Here is a panorama shot of the Nahargarh water storage tank or reservoir commonly called Nahargarh Baori.
The Nahargarh water collection system proves how people worked in tandem with nature in a bygone period. Despite living in this city for many years, certain sections of the water conservation system especially the catchment area had escaped my attention too. While, we all have seen water storage in Jaigarh Fort, Amer Fort, and Nahargarh Fort, the modus operandi was unknown.
The current generation is unaware of ancient water conservation systems.
Here is a picture of the Nahargarh water channel during the monsoon. This picture shows how water collects in the water collection channels.
Stay updated with Jaipurthrumylens on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Lately, a few more companies have started undertaking Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk. Among the people who have recently started conducting the Nahargarh Water Walk are architects. Some people feel architects understand the whole concept of water harvesting better than anyone else. Is it true? I will leave that to you to decide. Here is a picture from Nahargarh Water Walk led by an architect.
What is the Duration of the Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk?
This heritage water walk requires around 2.5-3 hours. To this, you must add at least 35-45 minutes to reach Nahargarh Fort one way and Hence 1-2 hours for the entire commute time.
What is the starting point of the Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk?
Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk starts from a point outside the Nahargarh Fort
Is Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk interesting?
People seeking offbeat things to do in Jaipur might find the Nahargarh Heritage water Walk interesting. But this is subjective and water as a subject might not interest all travelers & tourists. One can certainly say this walk is more of an offbeat thing to experience in Jaipur. The walk is delivered in a story format.
Is Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk wheelchair accessible?
No, the route of the walk entails forest and steps that are not wheelchair accessible, hence not recommended.
What are the timings of the Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk?
It is available during the morning and evening in the summer season.
What is the minimum number of persons required for the Heritage water walk?
Water walks usually require a reasonable number of people and might not operate for a single person.
What is a good alternative to Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk?
If someone is seeking an interesting experience to showcase and understand the culture of Jaipur, then a heritage walk in the walled city of Jaipur will be a better idea. It is less time-consuming since it takes place in the heart of the city closer to Hawa Mahal, Jaipur City Palace, and Bazaars like Johari Bazaar, to name a few. It allows a more immersive experience in comparison to specialty walks like water walks. For more information read Heritage Walk in Jaipur
Is public transport available At Nahargarh Fort?
Nahargarh Fort is currently not served by public transport and one needs to hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the fort to undertake the water walk.
To know more about this water walk and how you can undertake one, you can email Jaipurthrumylens @gmail.com. Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk made its appearance first on Jaipurthrumylens – the best Jaipur blog.
JaipurThruMyLens 
New generation may not even know the source of water in their own house. Water conservation is very serious issue and we really need to take this very seriously. Highly appreciate the efforts Neeraj is taking. We need more such Neeraj everywhere. When we were in Jaipur we stayed at low budget hotel. We asked for hot water and the guy said leave the tap open for few minutes and the hot water will start flowing after some time. We might have wasted buckets of water before we get the solar heated water. If this thing can happen in Jaipur imagine the rest of India.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Chetan! It’s a common scene when hotel has a solar Geycer! While solar geycer might be good option to save electricity the flip side is wastage of water.I too have experienced this in many places. it’s quite like using paper bags in place of plastic, who cares for increased felling of tree? I feel at least in India everyone is only interested in saving their own money or efforts. No one is bothered with environment, pollution, conserving heritage or any other greater cause because no ones wants to take pains! This applies to well educated professionals too. I don’t know when all this will change! I hope you can read my negative Outlook… 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope we can learn from the technique and maybe work on our own to conserve water…Maharashtra has a lesson in hand!
This is an awesome post…a virtual tour of water conservation system!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Alok, I hope what you just wrote comes true ! I wouldn’t say that whatever happened in past was all good, but we have some lessons to learn. These systems were devised as a part of adaptation to local conditions. In devising such system, often the king would invite expert from far away countries to ensure fool proof system. by the way, It’s even better if you undertake the tour in person! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Will see…there is already too much on my list of places to explore 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice article I must say! A great and applaudable step taken towards water conservation. Today we see lots of issues prevailing in different states of our country due to water shortage. With such steps, I believe we can see colorful results.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Soumya Shetty! I hope people realize the gravity of situation before its too late! thanks for visiting! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi arv!
This is a very interesting and informative walk and I must confess I didn’t know anything about this heritage. I am proud of persons like Neeraj and all those who are passionately following such programmes. Thank you for highlighting those efforts and being a part of this walk. These pictures speak volumes about the wisdom of those who created all those channels to conserve water.
Thanks for sharing a valuable information.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Balroop! I am happy that you liked it! Yes, we need to appreciate Neeraj for his efforts to conserve this knowledge and pass it on to future generations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even though I have been to Jaigarh and Nahargarh but never thought of the places from a water management perspective!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mridula! These water walks are not on Commercial lines and would interest select few despite the fact that these are quite interesting. Do undertake one when ever you are visiting the city.
LikeLike
Brilliant article , thanks for bringing this to us Arv :).
Here is some fun if you wish to explore – http://foodforpoetryy.com/2015/11/28/liebster-award/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aishwarya! Thanks for being so thoughtful and nominating me for this award. I have been nominated earlier too by another blogger friend. I feel privileged by merely being on your list. 🙂
However my blog post are made on things or topics related to Jaipur. Also I generally write on aspects! which interests me. so taking part in this award will be difficult proposition in view of above. I have chosen to stay away from awards and paid posts till now, probably because that is how I feel about it. let me thank you once again for the privilege. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh completely respect your decision 🙂 I myself did this for the first time ! Cheers and keep us engaged with your beautiful posts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for appreciating that aishwarya! Sure! There’s so much to write, and very little time. Let’s see how I can do justice with that 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Where there is a will, there is a way 😉 Cheers !
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely shots of the walk!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks ladyfi! 🙂
LikeLike
A very interesting and pertinent topic for an arid region. The town planning during those periods were always done with a strong focus on the water collection systems.
LikeLiked by 2 people
True Somali.. if you look at any civilization.. Egyptian, Indus etc they all developed on rivers! Water was and will be important to us, after all our lives are dependent on it in more than one way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous..! 🍁
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
Can one do this trail in a Cycle? Any permits required? It would be useful if you could mark it on google earth and share a screenshot of the trail.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s possible only in certain section. And you need to carry your cycle till that point. I will not suggest cycle on this channel as these are heritage structures which have weathered over last 250-300 years. cycling will damage them further. some sections of this channel have already been damaged. given the fact that techniques used in construction of these channels were different and we don’t use them anymore, repairing is challenge. I have met with people who would like to get such heritage structures repaired with same techniques but are forced to use brick and cement due unavailability of trained manpower. There are other interesting places where you can cycle in Jaipur though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I understand. Maybe a day hike is more prudent! P.S – Please do share off trail cycling trails recommendation in and around Jaipur City.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure I can. I can also connect you with right people. you can send DM to me on instagram.
LikeLike
I have trekked around these channels, if you have any other query let me know
LikeLike
Btw the authorities have just approved water walk on these channels on Commercial scale, so it’s unlikely to approve cycling on this water channel.
LikeLike
Lovely lovely post sir. It is high time water conservation efforts are stepped up, due to erratic rainfall patterns these days.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes shubham! Btw these walks have not been officially launched by the authorities.
LikeLike
When will be the next water walk will be organized. I am very interested in joining it.
Also how can a person can understand the whole water harvesting concept in Jaipur.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pls mention your email. Will forward you details.
LikeLike
The water walks sound an excellent idea. I know the conservation of water is vital in many (most?) parts of India where the rainfall is little or unreliable. Suitable, tried-and-tested methods of collecting and storing water are equally important. Neeraj Joshi is doing an excellent job in trying to educate people about all this – and all during these very enjoyable walks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
True Millie. It’s a niche walk and one of it’s kind. In old days water was very important for selecting a site for the city and settlements, which is why most old cities and civilizations were located near the river or lake 🙂
LikeLike
I had once walked on one of the Micronesian Islands that had roads like these, deep within its jungles. I agree with the folks above, good pics!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Micronesian Is? Sounds interesting. Did you make a post out of it?
LikeLike
This is awesome. The irony is that people were much aware of the importance of natural resources and the need to preserve and conserve them. Where, today, despite having modern techniques, skilled labours, and knowing the fact that we need to conserve water and other natural resources are taking them for granted and wasting with open hands. 😦 Beautifully written post, and much thanks for the virtual tour. 🙂 cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the problem, Rashi. we have forgotten the basics because we have created alternatives. Sooner or later we will realize this. Have you ever visited Jaipur?
LikeLike
I hope we realize when there is still time. Oh yeah, I’ve stayed in Jaipur for almost a year.. and since, then visiting it often. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow! so you have relatives/friends here? we should catch up whenever you are in Jaipur…next!
LikeLike
Oh yeah… I have a like an army of relatives in Jaipur (sometimes, it’s scary. Esp, when ur on a vacation n u don’t wana turn the trip in a family gathering). Sure, so you’re a native?
LikeLiked by 1 person
great! I can understand… yup!
LikeLike