Think you’ve seen the Taj Lake Palace before? You probably have since it’s played a role in many films and TV series, notably the Bond film Octopussy and The Jewel in the Crown. This is one of India’s most iconic hotels, a summer palace dating back to the 18th century and set in an unsurpassed location floating on an island in the middle of a lake in historic Udaipur. The vistas from every angle are simply magnificent, with the City Palace, Magra Hills and Aravalli Mountains visible from every sumptuous room and all the sights and attractions of Udaipur are reachable via a peaceful boat ride.
The 250 year old palace has been carefully restored and is packed with detailed paintings, elaborate glasswork, intricately sculpted ceilings and richly coloured fabrics throughout that bring to life the history of Udaipur’s best-loved building. The rooms and suites are extremely well-appointed with 24-hour butler service and opulent furnishings. The Palace Rooms feature the finest Royal Indian décor, or take a suite to get a taste for the Maharaja’s lifestyle. Talking of taste, there are three outstanding restaurants and a stylish bar at the Lake Palace, all open only to guests. You can choose from royal Indian cuisine at Neel Kamal, contemporary European cuisine at rooftop eatery Bhairo, or relaxed all-day dining at Jharokha serving dishes from all over the world.
For relaxation there’s a gorgeous rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, steam bath and saunas, as well as a fabulous spa. Extra features worth mentioning are the cultural shows and heritage walk around the palace to learn the stories and secrets hidden within.