Have you ever dreamed of staying in a palace surrounded by water and mountains, where you can experience the splendor and romance of a bygone era? If yes, then you should visit Taj Lake Palace, one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in India. Located on an island in Lake Pichola in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, this hotel was once the summer residence of the Mewar royal family, and now offers a magical and memorable stay for travelers from all over the world. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Taj Lake Palace, from its history and heritage, to its experience and amenities, to its value and verdict. Whether you are planning a trip to Udaipur, or just curious about this stunning hotel, you will find this article informative, engaging, and appealing.
The History and Heritage of Taj Lake Palace
How Taj Lake Palace Was Built as a Pleasure Palace for the Mewar Royal Family
Taj Lake Palace was built in the year 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd ruler of the Mewar dynasty. He wanted to create a pleasure palace for himself and his royal entourage, where they could enjoy the beauty and serenity of Lake Pichola, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The palace was originally named Jag Niwas, after the Maharana, and was designed in the Mughal-Rajput architectural style, with white marble walls, domes, arches, and pillars. The palace also featured exquisite paintings, sculptures, and carvings, inspired by the Rajasthani culture and art. The palace was not only a place of leisure, but also a place of worship, as it housed a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity of the Mewar dynasty.
How Taj Lake Palace Became a Heritage Hotel and a Global Icon of Luxury and Romance
Taj Lake Palace remained a royal residence until the year 1963, when it was converted into a heritage hotel by Maharana Bhagwat Singh, the last ruler of the Mewar dynasty. He entrusted the management and operation of the hotel to the Taj group, one of the leading hospitality companies in India. The Taj group restored and renovated the palace, while preserving its original charm and elegance. The hotel soon became a global icon of luxury and romance, attracting celebrities, dignitaries, and travelers from all over the world. The hotel also gained fame and recognition from various travel and hospitality organizations, such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, and Traveller Made, who awarded it with several accolades and honors. The hotel also played a prominent role in the James Bond film Octopussy, which was partly filmed at the palace in 1983, and other media and cultural events.
How to Reach and Access Taj Lake Palace by Boat
Taj Lake Palace is located on an island in Lake Pichola, opposite the City Palace, the main attraction of Udaipur. The hotel is about 24 km from the Maharana Pratap Airport, and about 3 km from the Udaipur City Railway Station. The hotel provides a complimentary water taxi service for its guests, who can board the boat from the Bansi Ghat Jetty, near the City Palace. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes, and offers a scenic view of the lake and the city.
The hotel has a 24-hour check-in and check-out policy, and requires a valid photo identity proof and a credit card for verification and payment. The hotel also offers a baggage storage facility for guests who arrive early or depart late.
What to Expect and Enjoy in the Rooms and Suites of Taj Lake Palace
Taj Lake Palace has 65 rooms and 18 suites, each with a unique theme and design, reflecting the royal heritage and culture of the palace. The rooms and suites are divided into three categories: Historical, Royal, and Grand Royal. The Historical rooms and suites are the original rooms and suites of the palace, where the Maharana and his guests used to stay. They feature high ceilings, rich colors, Indian textiles, and antique furniture.
The Royal rooms and suites are the upgraded rooms and suites of the palace, where the Maharana’s family and close associates used to stay. They feature marble floors, Rajasthani artwork, sheer fabrics, and modern amenities. The Grand Royal suites are the most luxurious and exclusive rooms and suites of the palace, where the Maharana’s personal chambers and quarters used to be. They feature spacious living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms, with lavish decor and furnishings.
They also offer additional amenities and services, such as personal butler, jacuzzi, private balcony, and limousine transfer. All the rooms and suites have views of the lake and the city, and are equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, and bathrobes/slippers.
How to Indulge and Relax in the Facilities and Services of Taj Lake Palace
Taj Lake Palace offers a range of facilities and services for its guests, to make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Some of the facilities and services are:
Swimming pool: The hotel has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, overlooking the lake and the city. The pool is open from 7 am to 7 pm, and has a lifeguard on duty. The pool also has a poolside bar, where guests can order drinks and snacks.
Spa: The hotel has a floating spa, located on a boat on the lake. The spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies, such as massages, facials, scrubs, wraps, and aromatherapy, using natural and organic products. The spa is open from 9 am to 9 pm, and requires a prior appointment.
Yoga sessions: The hotel offers complimentary yoga sessions for its guests, conducted by a professional yoga instructor. The yoga sessions are held every morning at 7 am, on the rooftop terrace of the hotel, and last for about 45 minutes. The yoga sessions are suitable for all levels of experience, and help guests to relax and rejuvenate their body and mind.
Heritage walks: The hotel offers guided heritage walks for its guests, led by a knowledgeable and friendly staff member. The heritage walks take guests around the palace, and explain the history and significance of the various rooms, artworks, and artifacts. The heritage walks are held twice a day, at 10 am and 4 pm, and last for about 30 minutes. The heritage walks are free of charge, and do not require a reservation.
Cultural shows: The hotel organizes cultural shows for its guests, featuring local artists and performers. The cultural shows include folk dances, puppet shows, fireworks, and live music, showcasing the rich and diverse culture and traditions of Rajasthan. The cultural shows are held every evening at 7 pm, in the courtyard of the hotel, and last for about 60 minutes. The cultural shows are free of charge, and do not require a reservation.
Cooking classes: The hotel offers cooking classes for its guests, taught by a master chef. The cooking classes teach guests how to prepare some of the signature dishes of the hotel, such as dal baati churma, laal maas, and ghevar. The cooking classes are held on request, in the kitchen of the hotel, and last for about 90 minutes. The cooking classes cost INR 5000 per person, and include a certificate, an apron, and a recipe book.
How to Dine and Drink in the Restaurants and Bars of Taj Lake Palace
Taj Lake Palace has four restaurants and one bar, offering a variety of cuisines and beverages for its guests. The restaurants and bar are:
Neel Kamal:
This is the signature restaurant of the hotel, serving authentic Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the hotel, and has a royal and elegant ambience. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has a buffet and an à la carte option. Some of the special and signature dishes of the restaurant are ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, safed maas, and malpua.
Bhairo:
This is the rooftop restaurant of the hotel, serving European and Continental cuisine. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the hotel, and has a romantic and breathtaking ambience. The restaurant is open for dinner only, and has an à la carte option. Some of the special and signature dishes of the restaurant are grilled salmon, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, and chocolate mousse.
Jharokha:
This is the all-day dining restaurant of the hotel, serving Asian, Indian, Italian, and Western cuisine. The restaurant is located on the first floor of the hotel, and has a casual and relaxed ambience. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has a buffet and an à la carte option. Some of the special and signature dishes of the restaurant are dim sums, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.
Amrit Sagar:
This is the bar of the hotel, serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar is located on the ground floor of the hotel, and has a cozy and intimate ambience. The bar is open from 11 am to 11 pm, and has an à la carte option. Some of the special and signature drinks of the bar are cocktails, wines, whiskies, and mocktails.
Private dining:
The hotel also offers the option of private dining for its guests, who can choose any location on the premises, such as the lily pond, the terrace, the garden, or the boat, and any menu from the restaurants, to enjoy a personalized and exclusive dining experience. The private dining option is available on request, and requires a prior reservation and confirmation.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Taj Lake Palace
Taj Lake Palace is not a cheap hotel, but it is worth every penny for the experience and service it offers. The rates and prices of the rooms and suites vary depending on the season and the category, and range from INR 30,000 to INR 6,00,000 per night. The rates and prices include breakfast and free Wi-Fi, but exclude taxes and other charges, such as spa, laundry, mini-bar, etc. The hotel also offers various discounts, offers, and packages, such as early bird, last minute, honeymoon, and family, which can help guests save some money and get some extra benefits. The hotel has a 24-hour cancellation and refund policy, and allows guests to modify or cancel their bookings without any penalty, if done within the stipulated time.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Staying at Taj Lake Palace
Taj Lake Palace is a hotel that has many pros and few cons, and is loved and praised by most of its guests and reviewers. Some of the pros and cons of staying at the hotel are:
Pros:
The hotel has a unique and stunning location, on an island in the middle of a lake, offering panoramic and picturesque views of the lake and the city.
The hotel has a rich and glorious history and heritage, dating back to the 18th century, and showcasing the royal and cultured lifestyle of the Mewar dynasty.
The hotel has a high and consistent standard of service and hospitality, provided by the Taj group, and featuring a round-the-clock butler service, a water taxi service, and a personalized attention to every guest.
The hotel has a wide and diverse range of facilities and services, such as a swimming pool, a floating spa, a yoga session, a heritage walk, a cultural show, and a cooking class, catering to the different needs and preferences of the guests.
The hotel has a variety and quality of dining and drinking options, such as Neel Kamal, Bhairo, Jharokha, and Amrit Sagar, offering different cuisines and beverages, and a private dining option, offering a romantic and exclusive dining experience.
Cons:
The hotel is expensive, and may not suit the budget of some travelers, especially those who are looking for a value-for-money or a budget-friendly option.
The hotel is crowded, and may not offer the privacy and tranquility of some travelers, especially those who are looking for a quiet or a secluded option.
The hotel is old, and may not have the modern and updated amenities and features of some travelers, especially those who are looking for a contemporary or a state-of-the-art option.
Why Taj Lake Palace Is Worth It for a Memorable and Magical Stay in Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace is a hotel that is worth it for a memorable and magical stay in Udaipur, because it offers a unique and unparalleled experience and service that is hard to find anywhere else. The hotel is not just a place to sleep and eat, but a place to live and feel the splendor and romance of a bygone era, and to immerse oneself in the beauty and culture of Rajasthan. The hotel is a perfect choice for travelers who are looking for a luxury, royal, and romantic option, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a premium product. The hotel is also a great choice for travelers who are looking for a heritage, cultural, and experiential option, and who want to learn and explore the history and traditions of the Mewar dynasty and the region.
If you are interested in booking a stay at Taj Lake Palace, or want to know more about the hotel, you can visit their official website, or contact them by phone or email. You can also check out their social media pages, or read their reviews and ratings on various travel websites. You can also browse through our other articles and resources, where we have more information and tips on Udaipur and Rajasthan, and other travel destinations in India and abroad.
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