There are only a few hotels in the world that double as historical monuments. Taj Lake Palace is just that. What was the summer palace of the Rajasthani maharaja is now a luxury hotel in the middle of the most beautiful places to visit in India.
Since the hotel is situated in the middle of lake with no visible island under it, the structure looks like it has emerged out of water, filling the place’s aura with mystery and whimsy. Just the arrival from the boat dock to the hotel, where you will be greeted with a shower of colorful petals, is enough to give you some chills upon entering this one-0f-a-kind hotel.
Aside from its palatial glory and impeccable location, the service precedes that of many hotels in the region. The staff will go to any lengths to cement your trip in Udaipur as one of the best. Although Udaipur is a fairly small Indian city, the staff is well equipped with excursion ideas to keep you entertained for several days, in this perfect honeymoon destination.
If some rest and recuperation is your idea of fun, then rest assured – there are many things to do in this desolate lake hotel. From the spa, which is situated on a romantic boat tied to the hotel-island to a professional fortune teller sitting in the middle of the lobby for you to have a session with. Moreover, the hotel has really entertaining traditional shows and dances that happen everyday in the middle open area close to the reception. You’re never too bored in this colonial style and very regal palace.
When it comes down to meals the hotel is has various choices from the perfect Indian restaurant with the intricately arranged set menu to the full menu or room service. Plus, the bar serves a very special gin martini that many travel just to taste. It has been featured on several travel shows.
Another advantage to staying at the palace is that access is only granted to those who stay there. So basically, many travel to Udaipur without being able to visit this historic palace, renovated to fit maximum accommodation needs from a royal palace – or summer home of the maharaja. As per the hotel’s rules, only people staying at the hotel can visit the ground, it’s amazing Indian restaurant, the bar of well-mixed drinks and its mesmerising pool – overlooking the other palaces around the lake.
To say the least, a stay at the Taj Lake Palace is not only mandatory for every Udaipur traveller, but an all-in-all enchanting experience. Book early as the hotel is always full!
