Geography: Jag Mandir is situated in one of the two natural islands in the Pichola lake (named after the village Picholi nearby), on its southern end. The lake was initially created in the 15th century by a local banjara tribal chieftain for carrying grain across the streams. During the reign of Maharana Udai Singh II, in 1560, the lake was substantially enlarged by constructing dams across two streams. At that time, the Maharana also built the Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace (Jag Niwas Hotel) on islands in the midst of the lake. Udaipur city with its City Palace and other monuments and temples were built on the periphery of the lake.

History: The real threat, which almost decimated Mewar kingdom for many years, came from the marauding Marathas. The hope of survival revived when in 1817, the British came to their rescue with the "Treaty of Paramountcy" promising restoration of all the hereditary territories and protecting the state from any future invasions. Thereafter, peace and prosperity ensued in Mewar Kingdom. The pride and glory of Sisodia Rajputs were fully restored.

During the revolt in 1857, Maharana Swroop Singh (1842–1861) saved a number of European families, mostly women and children from Neemuch, which were given refuge in the Jag Mandir Palace.

The revolt was popularly known as the Sepoy Mutiny, and was also called the Indian Mutiny, (or the first War of Independence) against the British Raj.everal palaces in Udaipur. After the Independence of India from the British rule, on 15 August 1947, at the initiative of Maharana Bhupal Singh, the Mewar kingdom merged with the Indian union in 1949 along with other princely states of Rajasthan.

Often referred to as the 'Swarg Ki Vatika' or the garden of heaven, this beautiful palace is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Built on the Jag Mandir Island, about 800 m south of Jagniwas, this three-storeyed palace was built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620 and later completed by his son. Built in yellow sandstone and marble, it is said the king built it as a hiding place for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, before he ascended the throne. Legends say, Shah Jahan, who was then known as Prince Khurram lived here with his wife and sons. Maybe a reason why Gul Mahal, the section in which the prince lived, has strong traces of Islamic architecture, including the crescent. A mosque was also constructed here. Gu Mahal has a stunning courtyard with checquered black and white tiles. Folklore says, the Mughal prince was so impressed with the architecture of the palace, especially its pietra dura (stone mosaic) work, that when he used it in Taj Mahal in Agra.

The other attractions here are the life-sized marble elephants, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal, Zenana Mahal and beautiful flower gardens. It also has a museum that offers a glimpse into the history of this island and the palace. Interestingly, most locals also refer to it as Octopussy's house, referring to the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which was shot at several palaces in Udaipur.