Kids growing up in Jaipur between the 1950s to 1990s can recall having been to Ramgarh Lake picnics during monsoon season. Ramgarh Dam or Ramgarh Lake was one of the most coveted picnic places in Jaipur. The drive from Jaipur to Ramgarh lake was fabulous during the monsoon with greenery all along.
I can recall being stranded mid-way on many occasions due to the rain-fed river crossings swelling up. This caused the traffic to a standstill. People had to wait for a couple of hours until the water levels receded and they could proceed. Ramgarh Lake comprises an integral part of Jaipur history. It was initally conceived as an irrigation project. It has supplied water to the city for close to a century. It has ceased being a water source for the last two decades. The reasons are in plenty; more on that sometime later.
Having gained the knowledge of a water walk being conducted by Neeraj Doshi at Ramgarh Lake got me curious. Neeraj has been conducting water walks in Jaipur for the last couple of years starting with Jaigarh Fort Water Walk. His Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk and Amer Fort Heritage Water Walk are popular among people seeking experiences beyond the standard Jaipur tourist itinerary. Neeraj is a graduate from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, Boston, and has worked with leading institutions both in the USA and India. Ramgarh Lake Water Walk represents the most recent addition to the list of heritage water walks in Jaipur; it is one of the most exclusive among all.
I attended Ramgarh Water Walk on a balmy winter afternoon. The walk allows one to traverse through its history spanning a period of 150 years. Ramgarh Lake was an artificial lake built by damming a seasonal river- Baan Ganga.
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, a strong proponent of this dam encountered immense problems in getting approval from Governor General of India during the late 1800s. Unfortunately, the dam could not be completed in his term. The difficulties were tied with the geography and politics of the region. It took a long time for things to get rolling for building Ramgarh Dam.
Neeraj explores considerable detail about the historic events that took place before and after building Ramgarh Lake. One of the most prestigious events was the rowing competition at Ramgarh Lake in Asiad Games in 1982.
The observation deck is one of the most magnificent places to observe the vast area Ramgarh Lake formerly occupied. The lake enclosed an area close to 16 sq km. This observation deck is reminiscent of the beautiful architecture of the pre-1940s.
The history of Ramgarh lake region is ancienter than the lake and dam. Ramgarh predates Amer as the capital of Dhundhar, a region administered by the Kacchawa Rajputs. While the history of Amer can be traced to 1000-1100 AD, Ramgarh is definitely older. Formerly, this region was called Manch. The Kachhawas consider Jamwa Mata as their Kuldevi or ancestral deity; this is similar to Romans worshipping Penates. Here is a picture of old Jamwa Mata Temple which has been replaced by a new temple.
Even to date, Kachhawa Rajputs visit Jamwa Mata to pay respect to their ancestral deity. It was customary for a king to visit the Jamwa Mata Temple after ascending to the throne. Here is a picture of the new Jamwa Mata Temple.
The walk culminated at the lawns of the beautiful Taj Gateway Ramgarh Lodge. The sunset experience at Ramgarh Lodge is unforgettable.
This building is built in Greco-Roman architecture during the term of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. In many ways, this building reminds one of the British Delhi or Lutyens Delhi. The columns are reminiscent of the ones in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
I always recommend people to visit Taj Ramgarh Lodge for a long drive from Jaipur. A sundowner or lunch overlooking the lake remains a must-have experience during the winters following the water walk. Ramgarh Lodge is a historic building managed by the Taj group of hotels.
Among the fringe benefits of attending this walk consist of a close encounter with Rhesus Macaque monkeys. The valley is full of monkeys, it wouldn’t be incorrect to say it is a monkey valley of Jaipur! The monkeys here outnumber the monkeys in Galta Ji Temple which is popularly called Jaipur Monkey Temple. Read A beautiful sunrise in Monkey Valley in Jaipur.
Why do I recommend Ramgarh Water Walk?
Ramgarh water walk is an offbeat excursion trip from Jaipur and allows one to peek into the glorious past of this region. Combined with Taj Ramgarh Lodge, it makes a compelling visit. It is an ideal weekend activity near Jaipur within 50 km.
Jaipur To Ramgarh Lake Distance
The distance from Jaipur to Ramgargh Lake is approximately 35 km and it takes an hour to reach from the walled city area.
How to book Ramgarh Heritage Water Walk
Ramgarh water walk can be done by booking the same in advance on http://heritagewaterwalks.com/
Wow. There’s so much history in your pictures. I’m hoping I will get to visit your country one of these days. It looks absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
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I’m glad this post resonated well with you, Lisa. I do hope you get to visit Jaipur and India, someday! It must look so different from your part of the world. 🙂
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It does! The buildings you show on your blog have so much character. It’s great to see!
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I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for letting me know, Lisa 😊
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Definitely a different experience to the usual round. Super pictures as always!
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I’m glad you enjoyed this virtual tour. 🙂
Hope you are doing well?
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We’re doing okay thanks, Arv. Like most people, keeping our heads down and awaiting better times. I trust you’re well too?
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Things are okay, currently. Situation out here is better than Europe. We have moved out of all kinds of restrictions. I’m sure things will be similar in a couple of months in your part of the world, as well.
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I hope so, but only if the conditions are good enough. The UK has been too slow to react to each wave of the virus, so far.
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I’m hoping things should get better within next two months.
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The vaccines are the big hope, of course.
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I guess so. Apparantly, there is a big apprehension in many parts of India as the front line workers get vaccinated. Is that the case in the UK, as well?
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The apprehensions here are that a) the vaccines may not be so effective against mutations, b) the front line workers (like teachers) are not being vaccinated quickly enough, and c) a lot of people may choose not be vaccinated because of conspiracy theory inspired fears about the vaccine.
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I guess it will take time for things to settle down. Conspiracies are bound to be there. Even the western world is apprehensive of Sputnik vaccine.
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Not just the Sputnik vaccine – we don’t have that in the UK. It’s any and every vaccine that the conspiracy theorists are targeting.
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I agree. I was meant even some of the governments too are cynical, like some Western nations over Sputnik. They have no issues with Pfizer or Astra Zeneca.
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True. The usual attempt to do each other down and claim the moral high ground.
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Right.
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Let us hope I can revisit Jaipur soon 😊
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Amen. Keep me posted. It’ll be great to catch up with you. 🙂
Did you visit in recent years?
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Oh yes, I had mentioned it early last year.
I was there in February 2020 to attend a wedding. Had plans to stay back and see the city but had fallen sick.
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Falling sick during travel is always a let down. I’m sure an opportunity will present again for you to visit Jaipur. 😊
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God knows what He is doing 😊🙏
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🙂
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Yes, would love to meet you Arv!
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Great 😊👍
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You make the place come alive! I wish I am able to see it some day.
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I’m hoping you do. Do you have any connections in the pink city? I merely capture it for you all. 😊 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Shikha.
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Something to keep in mind for another trip to Jaipur. I love the history and old buldings mixed in with the wonderful views. Looks like a great day trip. Maggie
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Oh, it sure is, Maggie. 😊 There are even some nice hiking trails. I have only done a few.
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These offbeat places like the Ramgarh Lake area are often the best places to visit. Your photography is as always excellent and gives me a good impression, Arv!
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I’m glad you liked it. It’s a beautiful scenic place. I’m happy you enjoyed this post and place. 😊
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Thank you for a wonderful history lesson arv. Ramgarh Lodge is indeed a serene retreat. I love that shot of the ruins of old Kuldevi mandir… such a rare pic!
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I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Indeed, it is a serene place. The temple is very old and historic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Thank you Arv, to take us on this amazing water walk and he lushness of the sprouting green makes it look really beautiful. There is so much hidden history you discover on your field trips, I really enjoy reading about it and your photography is really splendid. Have a great inspiring week , stay safe and healthy.
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I’m glad you enjoyed this virtual trip, Cornelia. It is indeed a great place to explore during weekend. Coming from a photographer, you comment is special 🙂
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🙂
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So much history. It is great to have place to visit within driving distance of home.
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I’m glad you feel so, Amelia. Do you have interesting places to visit near your home town?
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I love exploring historical places and architecture. Your photos are stunning as usual, such beautiful skies.
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I’m glad you liked the place and pictures, Gemma. I’m sure you will love visiting Jaipur and India, on the whole. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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It’s somewhere I have always wanted to visit 😊
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😊👍
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Arv, these are some wonderful views. It seems you definitely had an excellent trip. Even I am planning to visit a place near Jaipur soon for a wedding, not sure if I can make out time for a trip to the city and surroundings
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Certainly something that you will enjoy, Sarmistha. Good to know you will be touching down in Jaipur. Let me know where are you visiting, may be I can suggest what you can do in the little time you have. Is this in Feb?
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Thank you so much Arv, your suggestions would be of great help. Yes it is in the end of this Feb. I do have a few places in mind, not sure how things will turn out but till then I will keep planning in myself. I am interested to visit the Nahargarh Fort but I guess will not have the time to trek, so is there vehicle connectivity to the top of the hill? I was interested in this fort after reading your blog post on the Nahargarh Fort trek. I would also like to know if there are any boating services in the Man Sagar lake as I have heard it is a good spot for bird watching and also to see the Jal Mahal closely.
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Sarmistha, you can certainly visit Nahargarh Fort in car. A small hike is possible even if you are short of time. I can provide details. Boating in Jal Mahal is not possible, currently. Bird watching? That’s possible. Even though there are better spots for bird watching but I guess you won’t have enough for a seperate trip. You can connect with me via DM on any SM for more inputs. Hope this helped. 🙂
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O definitely Arv, I am looking forward to your suggestions. I will DM you for more of your suggestion as you are the only one I know from the area. Thanks. 🙂
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You are most welcome. I’ll be happy to help, Sarmistha. 🙂
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Sounds like quite an experience Arv. It’s ages since we visited Jaipur. Have been meaning to return for some time now. Will certainly keep these heritage walks in mind when we do.
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I’m sure you have some other exciting places that are keeping you busy since you are are an avid traveler. You must experience heritage walks in Jaipur. The water walks are one of its kind in this part of the world; something that I recommend.
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Beautiful photos Arvind! The walk sure sounds interesting. I was trying to picture the view with the lake full. Breathtaking! There is not much water now, is there? Post good monsoon should be good time to visit this place. I had been considering Ramgarh Lodge for a weekend getaway and your post is a sign 🙂 I presume Jamwai mata is a kul devi.
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I will recommend one when you visit Ramgarh Lodge. It is a pretty place to stay. My suggestion would be winter season. Monsoon is nice too. I regret to inform you even in monsoon, Ramgarh Lake doesn’t fill up. You can find a lot more in this walk. I’m sure you have enough reasons to plan a trip now, Monika. 🙂
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