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Exploring Jamwa Ramgarh Lake With a Heritage Water Walk

Kids growing up in Jaipur between the 1950s to 1990s recall having been to Jamwa Ramgarh Dam picnics during monsoon season. Jamwa Ramgarh Dam or Ramgarh Lake used to be one of the most coveted picnic places in Jaipur located near Jamwa Ramgarh village. The drive from Jaipur to Ramgarh lake was fabulous during the monsoon with greenery all along. The lake is part of the Jamwa Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Jaipur. I can recall being stranded mid-way on many occasions due to the rain-fed river crossings swelling up; this caused traffic to a standstill. People had to wait for a couple of hours until the water levels receded to proceed further in their vehicles.

What is Ramgarh Lake? Ramgarh Lake is a man-made lake or reservoir near Jaipur. It was the main source of water supply for Jaipur for many decades. Jamwa Ramgarh Lake comprises an integral part of Jaipur’s history. It was initially conceived as an irrigation project under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II. The dam supplied water to the city for close to a century. It has ceased being a water source for the last two decades because Ramgarh lake dried up. One of the prominent events in Ramgarh Lake history was 1982 Asian Games in India. Rowing event of 1982 Asian Games was held in Ramgarh Lake. Many people ask why Jamwa Ramgarh Lake is dry and has no water? The reasons are aplenty. Some people feel that Ramgarh Lake went dry because the sources of water collection were encroached upon. Many feel this is also linked to politics. It is a complicated topic; water experts can share more information. It would be a good question to discuss during the Ramgarh water walk.

Read – Photography by Sawai Ram Singh II

Jamwa Ramgarh Lake Heritage Water Walk | Guide

The Heritage Water Walk at Jamwa Ramgarh lake is conducted by Neeraj Doshi. I have done similar walks in Jaipur before with Neeraj Doshi, Nahargarh Heritage Water Walk, and Amer Fort Heritage Water Walk. He used to conduct the Jaigarh Fort Water Walk at Jaigarh Fort but has ceased to do so over time. He ran a water consultancy business in Jaipur; Neeraj Doshi used to work at the World Bank before quitting and settling in Jaipur. I experienced Jamwa Ramgarh Lake Water Walk on a balmy winter afternoon.

The History of Ramgarh Lake & Jamwa Ramgarh Dam

The water walk traverses the history of Ramgarh lake spanning a period of 150 years. Ramgarh Lake used to be an artificial lake built by damming a seasonal river- Baan Ganga. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, a strong proponent of the Jamwa Ramgarh 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 to build Jamwa Ramgarh Dam. Ramgarh dam was commissioned in 1897 AD to cover an area of 16 sq km. The water catchment area extends to more than 800 sq. kilometers.

Why is Ramgarh lake historic and important? The history of the Jamwa Ramgarh region is older than Ramgarh 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. Kachhawa Rajput consider Jamwa or Jamuwai Mata their Kuldevi or ancestral deity; similar to Romans worshiping Penates.

Where is Jamwa Ramgarh Lake? Location

Ramgarh Lake is located in Jamwa Ramgarh Tehsil. It is around 40-45 km from Jaipur on a road that connects Jaipur with Aandhi. How to reach Ramgarh Lake? To reach Ramgarh Lake, use Jaipur-Delhi by-pass behind Jal Mahal and from there exit to state highway to Andhi. Ramgarh lake is just before the exit to Raisar village.

Ramgarh Lake Area and 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 Jamwa 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 completed 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.

Ramgarh Heritage Water Walk Route Details

Ramgarh water walk explores the historic events that took place before and after the building of Jamwa Ramgarh Lake. One of the most prestigious events was the rowing competition at Ramgarh Lake during the Asian Games in 1982. The lake is part of another historic event that influenced the course of World War II. The heritage water walk is conducted by Neeraj Doshi.

Samuel Swinton Jacob -1877

The building depicted in the picture below was built by Swinton Samuel Jacob and bears an inscription of an important year. This inscription can be found on way to Aandhi from the dam and a lot of narratives are explained here.

Ramgarh Dam Observation deck

Another important point of the heritage water walk is the observation point of the lake. The observation deck, a part of the pump station, is one of the most magnificent places to see the vast area Jamwa Ramgarh Lake formerly occupied. This observation deck is reminiscent of the beautiful architecture of the pre-1940s.

The Pumping Station

Ramgarh Dam Pumping station is closed to the public. But somehow, it is possible to get inside and get a glimpse into the machinery that once pumped water to Jaipur. The machinery was imported from England. It is not in use anymore but the premises are still owned and manned by the government department.

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 respects 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.

jamwa-mata-temple-ramgarh-jaipur-kacchawa-rajput-history

The walk culminated in 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 British Delhi or Lutyens Delhi. The columns are reminiscent of the ones in Connaught Place, New Delhi.

I always recommend that people 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 after the Ramgarh heritage water walk. Ramgarh Lodge is a historic building managed by the Taj group of hotels.

Among the fringe benefits of attending the Ramgarh water walk consists of a close encounter with Rhesus Macaque monkeys. The Ramgarh lake 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 Dam 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 the region. It is more of a weekend activity near Jaipur, since it is 60-70 km (to & 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 of the windshield wipers. They have a reputation for being the most aggressive among all monkeys found in Jaipur. Also, I recommend not undertaking 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 when a substantial number of people can enrol.

Looking for a review of heritage water walk in Jaipur? Download this heritage water walk review from a newspaper in Jaipur Patrika review Neeraj Doshi

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

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

What will you see now in Ramgarh Lake?

What is current status of Ramgarh Lake? You will see is a dried up Ramgarh lake currently. A vast, dry expanse, the dam structure, surrounding Aravalli hills, perhaps some thorny vegetation is all you will get to see especially post-monsoon. There is no water in the lake even during monsoon, the rainy season. Here are a few pictures of Ramgarh Lake from the recent times.

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

Revival of Ramgarh Lake movement

Over the last two years, some activists are demanding revival of Ramgarh Lake. Some leading page 3 people are also part of the movement. Among the activities organised to raise awareness for revival of Ramgarh Lake includes car rally, painting event, hot air balloon, etc. However, no change has been initiated on ground. One cannot sense any change in and around Ramgarh lake. A few critics feel that whole movement is aimed at political gains rather than actual achievement. I’m not sure if this is true. I will leave for readers to decide. On another note, one of the leading Hindi dailies has also been advocating for revival of Ramgarh lake. They have been publishing articles to raise awareness for last 3-4 years. This too has not yielded any results.

Jaipur To Ramgarh Lake Distance

Jaipur to Jamwa Ramgarh distance is approximately 35 km and it takes an hour to reach 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

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59 thoughts on “Exploring Jamwa 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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