Lake Palace in Udaipur

Lake Palace Udaipur is housed in a gorgeous palace commissioned in the mid 18th-century by Maharana Jagat Singh II for seasonal use and was a summer home for generations of rulers for centuries to follow. It was transformed into a palace hotel in 1963 -- some may recognize the white-marble lake palace from its prominent featuring in the 1983 James bond film, "Octopussy" (which is regularly screened in bars and restaurants throughout the touristy parts of Udaipur to this day.) The hotel retains much of its original charm, with its beautifully maintained whitewashed exteriors dominated by successions of arched windows and traditional domed cupolas known as chhatris. The interiors are equally striking. Most of the common areas are outdoors, and there's a mix of courtyards filled with lush tropical foliage that creates a jungle vibe, plus multiple marble terrace areas with chairs, tables, lounge chairs, and swing benches.

Interior common areas include a narrow lobby with gold-and-beige marble floors, numerous crystal chandeliers, and a mix of ornately carved pillars and archways. The restaurants here follow a similar decor scheme, with lots of archways and gold-leaf painting on the walls. The upscale Neel Kamal adds beautiful silk tablecloths with gold-plated place settings, plus red-and-gold upholstered chairs, to the mix. Most guests are tourists with lots of cash to splash (including the occasional celebrity), and staying here is not at all cheap.

History of Taj Lake Palace
Earlier known as Jag Niwas, Taj Lake Palace was a unique pleasure home of Maharana Jagat Singh III of the Mewar dynasty. If old tales are to be believed, the Palace has a fascinating story behind it.
In the year 1743, Maharana Sangram Singh II received a request from his young son, Maharana Jagat Singh if he can live in the summer Palace Jagmandir along with his women friends. Maharana Sangram Singh denied his request and further taunted his son if he wishes to live in an island palace why doesn’t he get one built for himself. Maharana Jagat Singh took the taunt seriously and got his a pleasure palace on the island which got completed in 1746. The Palace was named ‘Jag Niwas,’ i.e., the home of Maharana Jagat Singh.
The worldwide glory of the Taj Lake Palace was enhanced during an international movie sequence. The Palace has also been used in a crucial scene of a Hollywood movie named ‘Octopussy.’ The Palace gained massive popularity due to this James Bond movie.