Lake Palace Udaipur is one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. The Palace, which is set within the picturesque Pichola Lake, provides visitors with a breathtaking vista. On one side, the majestic Aravalli Hills and on the other, soaring palaces provide the perfect backdrop for this lovely Lake Palace. Maharana Jai Singh II built Lake Palace in 1746, which is made of white marble. The spectacular Palace spreads across a four-acre island, giving the sense of being in a dream.
The Palace was once known as Jag Niwas, after the Maharana’s name. Lake Palace is the name by which it is known nowadays. Jag Niwas was built with the intention of providing a summer retreat for Udaipur‘s nobility. In the later years, the Palace was used as the summer resort by the descendants of Jagat Singh. The amazing exteriors would make you crave to peep once inside the beautiful Lake Palace. On entering this astonishing Palace, you would feel that you are in the seventh heaven to find everything just perfect.
The wonderful architecture of the Lake Palace Udaipur will send shivers down your spine. Lake Palace has a series of courtyards that are aligned with numerous columns, terraces, beautiful fountains and well laid gardens. Lake Palace also comprises several rooms by the name of Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal that add to the beauty of graceful palace. These exotic rooms are decked with carved arches, paintings, crystal work, stained glass work, inland stones of pink and green lotus leaves.
In the last few years, this palace has been transformed into a hotel that is managed by Taj Group of Hotels. This five-star hotel provides world-class amenities with immaculate hospitality to its guests. However, you can visit this palace without any hitch. The beauty of this breathtaking Palace cannot be bounded in words. Simply, a glimpse of this Palace will enthrall you by its charm. It is the perfect place to lighten up and feel relaxed with the serene view of tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. So, pack your bags to visit this superb romantic palace of the World.
History and Legend
Lake palace Udaipur was constructed under the supervision of Maharana Jagat Singh II who was the 62nd ruler of the dynasty of Mewar. Settled amidst the Lake, the palace was like a pleasure spot for him.
Formerly, the palace was popular as Jag Niwas, named after the Maharana’s name. History of the palace is related to the time when Jagat Singh II used to spend leisure time on the Lake Palace of Jag Mandir. Later, he built his own palace on the Lake Pichola. The palace was one among the other four spectacular islands on the lake namely Mohan Mandir, Arsivilas and Jag Mandir. It took three years to build this palace from 1743-1746, Lake Palace Udaipur.
Later in 1963, the palace was altered into a luxurious and romantic hotel by Maharana Bhagwat Singh. In 1971, Lake Palace hotel was tied with chains of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in order to maintain the royal tradition of hospitality.
Architecture
Lake Palace Udaipur is a masterpiece of brilliant architecture that showcases striking white marble building with notable courtyards, terraces, gardens and fountains. The conversion from palace to hotel was originally commissioned by Bhagwat Singh and was designed under the direction of an American artist, Didi contractor.
Now transformed into a luxury hotel, the palace has various rooms that are notified as Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal, Dhola Mahal, Khush Mahal and Bada Mahal. All the rooms are exquisitely designed with crystal artworks and stained glass works. There are also wonderful paintings which date back to the ancient era, Lake Palace Udaipur.
Entry fees and timings of Taj Lake Palace
There is no entry fee charged for entering the Lake Palace Udaipur. However, it is a resident only hotel equipped with all the necessary as well as luxurious facilities at the disposal of their guests.
According to hotel policies, the Check-in begins from 2 PM, and check-out service is available till 12:00 PM.
Things to do at Taj Lake Palace
It is hard to take off your eyes from the stunning beauty of the Taj Lake Palace Udaipur. However, there are some of the awesome things to do at the Taj Lake Palace listed below.
- Stroll around to learn and explore- There is a team of experienced historians offering an insightful session narrating the rich traditional anecdotes of prince and princesses and a variety of stories associated with the Lake Palace Udaipur.
- Make a spa appointment at Jiva Spa- Have you ever had a spa experience while boating? Well, if not then get ready for an exciting experience provided at Jiva Spa. You can take advantage of traditional spa therapies while floating on the calm waters of Lake Pichola.
- You can also attend on-site yoga sessions available here.
- To offer you an entirely local experience, there are tourist guides conducting astrology sessions and cultural shows.
Best time to visit Taj Lake Palace
The best days to visit the Taj Lake Palace are between July and October. The weather is quite pleasant in Udaipur during these months.
How to reach Taj Lake Palace
Udaipur is connected via National Highway (NH8), making it an easily accessible destination. If you wish to take a road trip from Delhi or Mumbai, NH8 is a boon for you Lake Palace Udaipur.
Airport- The Maharana Pratap Airport is situated 26 km away from the Taj Lake Palace. It will take around 40 minutes to reach Taj Lake Palace. The guests can take a private cab or taxi service to ease out the shuttle to and from the airport.
Railway Station- The Udaipur Railway Station is located 4 km away from the Taj Lake Palace. You can take local transport available nearby to commute to and from the Taj Lake Palace.
Public Transport- You can take a government-run bus to reach Udaipur. The Transport Corporation of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh run AC and Non- AC buses at a regular interval of time. The Udaipur City Centre is just 1 km away from the Taj Lake Palace. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a private cab to reach your destination.