Ever wondered how it feels to live a Regal Life in a beautiful palace that floats in the middle of calm lake. For those who have visited Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, the answer to the above question is a YES, ABSOLUTELY in bold and capital.
Built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1746 as his pleasure palace, Jag Niwas. Today, Jag Niwas is restored to its pristine glory and this mighty and magnificent palace is now known as Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur.
About the Property
The heritage hotel stands in the middle of the stunning Lake Pichola, and offers breathtaking views of the City Palace, Aravalli Ranges, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. The Palace hosts 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites, 3 exquisite dining places, an exotic bar, a peaceful library, a soulful spa and a zillion places where you can take mind blowing photographs.
A Dining Area that opens into this beautiful Tulip Garden
Gyan Sagar – The Library of the Palace
Every nook and corner of the property oozes grandeur and leaves you in a state of awe on every step you take. The beautiful library goes by the name of Gyan Sagar – an ocean of Knowledge. The architecture and the decor of the same leave a calming effect on your mind and by indulging in strategy games like Chess, it charges up your mind. So your mind always stays in a state between serenity and rage.
One of the best chess sets we have ever seen
And just opposite the library, crossing the sprawling King’s Courtyard, there’s the Palace’s in-house bar, Amrit Sagar, which serves the finest of wines, spirits and cigars. Add to that the glorious mosaic art work on the walls that adds to the charm of the place.
Dining Delight
Taj Lake Palace spoils you for choice by providing you an ultimate gourmet experience while you are enjoying your holiday. It hosts 3 grand restaurants that cater only to the in-house guests, each special in its own term.
1. Neel Kamal
Palace’s fine dine restaurant that serves the best and authentic Rajasthani cuisine and is also known to serve some of the most lip-smacking dishes from across India.
Classy interiors, giving a Rajasthani touch and feel, are best enjoyed with a live Classical Indian musical performance by renowned artists. Believe us, it is totally magical to enjoy your morsel with melodious Jal-Tarang playing in the backdrop.
P.S. They serve the best Lal Maas.
2. Bhairo
What better way to go on a dinner date than an open roof terrace restaurant that offers gorgeous lake front view and lovely skyline of the city that is foreshadowed by the magnificent City Palace.
Bhairo offers a 3 or 4 course European Cuisine Dinner that is as worthy as the view it offers.
3. Jharokha
The third restaurant, Jharokha, which means Balcony, is the only part of the palace that is not restored and is kept the way it was since the time it was constructed.
The all day dining place offers you with the best of the views of the dazzling Lake Pichola as you indulge yourself in the best breakfast spread you’ve ever had.
Rooms & Tariffs
Taj Lake Palace has an elaborate list of rooms and suites to choose from.
The Luxury Room is elegant in its vibe and offers a stunning view of the Tulip Garden.
The Royal Suites drive you back to the traditional times and offers some beautiful view of the lake and the Aravalli mountain ranges.
The tariff starts from Rs. 20000/- per night during off season and around Rs. 35000/- per night during peak season. However, every single dollar you spend for your stay at the Palace is totally worth it. No one matches the hospitality and the services as that provided by Taj Hotels.
Best Time to Visit
Udaipur has a moderate climate all throughout the year, but it is best enjoyed from October to December when the weather is cool and lakes are brimming post monsoon.
However, if you want to enjoy the royal treatment of the Taj with comparatively less damage to your pocket, a summer holiday is what you should be looking at.
Udaipur is relatively cooler during summer days, kudos to the artificial lakes around which the city is developed.
Taj Lake Palace is the best option to spend your summer holidays as the tariffs are lower and less number of tourists visit Udaipur during these times.
Activities at Taj Lake Palace
1. Yoga Mornings
The best way to start the day is by practicing Yoga on the ope terrace as the first rays of the sun brighten up the space and fill a positive aura in the atmosphere.
2. Heritage Walk
Enjoy a heritage walk with the historians on board and listen to tales of the glorious era gone by while enjoying the complimentary glass of wine and snacks.
3. Sunset Boat Ride
Witness beauty of the City Palace as the skies change their shades from blue to orange making it a surreal spectacle.
4. Enjoy the Cultural Performance
Get your feet thumping and your bodies swaying on the beats of Mridang and Manjeera as the artists perform before you breathtaking steps in Ghoomar and Bhavai.
5. Dine on a 150 year old Boat
Indulge in scrumptious delicacies as you dine like the royals on a 150 year old boat used by Maharanas and enjoy the serenity of Lake Pichola.
Things to do in Udaipur
City Palace: Explore the architectural marvel made of marble and granite offering splendid views of Lake Pichola
Vintage and Classic Car Collection: Go through the vintage car collection of the Maharanas which includes the 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom
Bagore Ki Haveli: Housing the world’s largest turban and various other artefacts, the haveli has a staggering 135 rooms and is a treat to the senses.
Click here to know more about the Venice of the East.
Udaipur has many tourist attractions as mentioned above. But, Taj Lake Palace itself presents you with so many offerings that you don’t feel like steeping your foot outside this floating marvel.
Taj Lake Palace is one experience you should definitely have in your lifetime. Yes, you will need to save up for 3-4 months, but the treatment, the hospitality and the service you will be offered is worthy to the single last penny.
Mastane Musafir 