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Jaipur Offbeat

Exploring Ramgarh Lake With A Heritage Water Walk

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. This lake is part of the Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

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’s history. It was initially 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 plenty; more on that sometime later.

The water walk at Ramgarh lake dam is conducted by Neeraj Doshi. There are two more heritage water walks in Jaipur – Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk and Amer Fort Heritage Water Walk. Ramgarh Lake Water Walk represents the most recent addition to the list of heritage water walks in Jaipur.

I attended Ramgarh Water Walk on a balmy winter afternoon.

History of Ramgarh Lake & Dam

The walk traverses the history of Ramgarh lake 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 the Governor-General of India during the late 1800s. Unfortunately, the dam could not be completed in his term. The difficulties were tied to the geography and politics of the region. It took a long time for things to get rolling for building Ramgarh Lake Dam. The dam was commissioned in 1897 AD to cover an area of 16 sq km. The water catchment area extends more than 800 sq. kilometers.

The walk explores 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 lake is a part of another historic event that influenced the course of World War II. The following building was built by Swinton Samuel Jacob and bears an inscription of an important year.

The observation deck, a part of the pump station is one of the most magnificent places to observe the vast area Ramgarh Lake formerly occupied. This observation deck is reminiscent of the beautiful architecture of the pre-1940s.

The history of the 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 or Jamuwai Mata as their Kuldevi or ancestral deity; this is similar to Romans worshipping Penates.

Ramgarh Lake Facts

The lake enclosed an area close to 16 sq km. The amount of money spent on its construction was close to Rs 585,000. The water capacity of the Ramgarh dam is 75 million cubic meters. A canal was constructed from the dam to link it with another dam in Kalakho, Dausa not far from Bhangarh Fort. It was close to 34 km long. It took 6 years to complete the project. The dam was complete in 1903 and started supplying water in 1931 under the rule of Sawai Man Singh II. The depth of the dam is approx. 60 feet. The lake dried up completely in 2005.

Jamwa Mata Temple

Here is a picture of the 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.

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The walk culminated at the lawns of the beautiful Taj Gateway Ramgarh Lodge.

Taj Ramgarh Lodge

The sunset experience at Taj 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.

Is Ramgarh Heritage Water Walk worth The Experience?

Ramgarh water walk is an offbeat excursion trip from Jaipur and allows one to peek into the glorious past of this region. It is more of a weekend activity near Jaipur since it is 60-70 km (to & from) from the city, depending on the location. One needs more than half a day to undertake this heritage water walk. If you attend this walk do ensure your car is parked safely. The monkeys of this region love chewing the rubber on the windshield wipers. They have a reputation for being the most aggressive among all monkeys found in Jaipur. Also, I recommend not to undertake this heritage water walk at Ramgarh Dam on a clear sunny day during the monsoon or summer season. The walk involves some walking so good walking shoes are recommended. The cost of the Ramgarh water walk is approx. Rs 1500 and can be undertaken only when a substantial number of people can enroll.

ramgarh-lake-dam-jaipur-pump-house-observation-deck

Which heritage walk is a good alternative to Ramgarh Heritage Water Walk?

A good alternative to the heritage water walk is a heritage walking tour in Jaipur which allows a good insight into the heritage, history, architecture, and culture of the pink city. What weighs in the favor of this walk is there is no extra commute time, cost, and experience. You can read more about this in this post – Heritage walking tour in Jaipur

Jaipur To Ramgarh Lake Distance

The distance from Jaipur to Ramgarh Lake is approximately 35 km and it takes an hour to reach from the walled city area.

How to book Ramgarh Lake Heritage Water Walk

Ramgarh heritage water walk needs to be booked in advance.

Queries about the walk? jaipurthrumylens@gmail.com

Ramgarh Water Walk

59 thoughts on “Exploring Ramgarh Lake With A Heritage Water Walk”

      2. 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.

        Liked by 1 person

      7. 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.

        Liked by 1 person

      10. 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.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. 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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  11. 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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    1. 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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      1. 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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      2. 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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    1. 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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  13. 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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    1. 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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