Lake Palace Udaipur

Hotel Lake Palace

Lake Palace is a dream in marble sitting squat at the centre of Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India. If you find the Palace somewhat similar to India’s enduring icon, Taj Mahal, it is because Maharana Jagat Singh II, who built the Palace, was very friendly with the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan that won him the permission to copy some of the features of the Taj. Construction began somewhere around 1743 – 1746 on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock island called Jag Niwas. Since 1971, it has been running as a luxury hotel under the management of India’s leading hotel chain Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.

The grand Palace glistens in the moonlight and is indeed a sight to behold. One can have a view of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other. The successors of the Maharaja used the Palace as their summer retreat. They were famous for their royal durbans held in the elaborate courtyard graced with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens. It was Maharana Bhagwat Singh who decided to convert the Palace into Udaipur’s first luxury hotel and employed the services of Didi Contractor, an American artist, who worked on the project from 1961 to 1969.

The highlight of the palace is the upper room built in a perfect circle about 21 feet (6.4 m) in diameter. The flooring is inlaid with black and white marbles and the walls ornamented in different coloured stones akin to the Taj. Apart from this, there is a Shah Jahan’s throne sculptured from a single block of serpentine and a mosque dedicated to Kapuria Baba, a Muhammedan Saint.

Lake Palace is one of the finest hotels of the country replete with 83 rooms and 17 beautiful suites and 53 deluxe rooms. Each of the rooms is elaborately touched up based on different themes using local handicrafts and textiles guaranteed to transport visitors to the royalty of the bygone era. Maintaining the grace and luxury of the rulers, the rooms are adorned with cusped arches with inland stones of pink and green lotus leaves, and painted mirrors. There are apartments such as Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal that add to the beauty of the Palace.

The former banquet rooms have been converted into reception rooms, bars and restaurants serving the most exquisite meals cooked by top chefs of the country.

One can dine like a royalty with a meal fit for the king. The hotel runs boats to transport its visitors. Facilities for recreation such as swimming pool and a bar as well as conference hall are available at the Palace.

The city of Udaipur is synonymous with this world famous Lake Palace which now operates as one of India’s finest 5 star hotels. The magnificent palace is built entirely of white marble right at the heart of Lake Pichola.

Location A palace seemingly afloat on the still blue waters of Lake Pichola. 26 km from the airport and a kilometer from the city centre.

Accommodation 81 rooms including 13 suites.
Standard Rooms : All rooms overlook either the Lily Pond or the terrace. The rooms are elegantly appointed and offer guest amenities like international direct dial facility, channel music and colour television with satellite programmes.
Lake-Facing Rooms : These rooms offer a breathtaking view of the lake.
Small Suites: These suites are tastefully appointed large rooms with a living room and private balcony.
Deluxe Suites : Grandly decorated spacious suites.
Historical Suites : Opulent suites, decorated with miniature paintings and glasswork.

Restaurants and Bars Lake Palace's Jharokha : 24 hour coffee shop facing the lake and the city palace.
Lake Palace's Amrit Sagar : The bar, decorated with intricate glass mosaic work on the walls and ceiling.
Lake Palace's Neel Kamal : Facing the lily pond, serves Indian and continental cuisine.

Facilities Swimming pool, mini-gym, travel desk, car rental, shopping arcade, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers, doctor-on-call and baby sitting. 24-hour copier/telex/facsimile facilities. Secretarial service.