Romance in the Lake Palace
An Oriental Island Palace straight out of Arabian Nights
Lake Palace at Udaipur, Rajasthan is one of the proud possessions of the famous Taj Group of Hotels, known worldwide for its hospitality and impeccable services. This grand turreted 18th century palace is situated on an island in the huge man-made lake called Lake Pichola and has earned a name as one of the most romantic places in the world. With Aravalli Mountains all around, the shimmering waters of the lake and its floating white marble palace seems to have sprung out straight from the leaves of the ultimate book of fairytales - Arabian Nights.
The canopied boats with highly polished wood, gleaming in the light of sun or moon, set the mood by serving as water taxis for the guests of this fantastical retreat. 83 stunning suites and palatial luxury rooms of the Lake Palace are all well appointed and opulently decorated. They offer expansive private marble terraces, gracefully done up with sofas and Oriental rugs, that open up to panoramic views of the surrounding water. One of the highlights of the Luxury India tours, Forts and Palaces Tours of Rajasthan, and Heritage India Tours, the Lake Palace breathes romance and medieval chivalry.
Some of the premiere rooms in the Lake Palace offer special additions, such as the intricately painted walls of the Sajjan Suite or the rare artistry of stained glass that graces the bedroom walls of the Khusmahal Suite. One of the most photographed hotels in India, Lake Palace was once the idyllic and cool summer retreat for the Maharana of Udaipur (just the swimming distance away from his private residence). Today, it is synonymous to picturesque views, comfortable lodging and impeccable services of the staff from Taj group. Sculpted as a perfect oasis in the desert land of Rajasthan, Lake Palace is simply stunning at sunrises and sunsets.
Historically, Lake Palace is not less interesting. A little farther south from the palace, you can see Gul Mahal, featured in the movie Octopussy, on another island. Gul Mahal has been the place of refuge for Prince Khurram, before he ascended throne as Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and again for the European women and children who were saved by Maharana Swaroop Singh when Indian Mutiny broke out during the British Raj period. It is said that it was the Lake Palace that inspired the design of Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz.
