Taj Lake Palace is a luxury hotel, which is an exo...

Taj Lake Palace is a luxury hotel, which is an exotic abode of 83 beautiful rooms and suites featuring white marble walls, managed by Taj Group of Hotels, in picturesque city of Udaipur. It is situated on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola and its natural foundation spans across 4 acres. The hotel runs a speed boat which transports tourists through a jetty from the City Palace Complex to the hotel. It has also been voted continuously over the years as the most romantic hotel of India.

The bright and striking moonlight, the picturesque lake side, what could the princess resist. Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd successor of royal Mewar dynasty, used to have moonlight picnics with the ladies of Zenana on this beautiful lake island. It was only till the time his father found out about it and closed this option for him. Therefore, he decided to make his own palace. It was built between 1743- 1746 AD and the palace was named as Jag Niwas, after the name of its founder.
The palace was erected facing east, so as to allow its inhabitants to pray to the Surya, the Hindu Sun God, at the crack of dawn. The successive rulers used this exotic palace as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards. The upper room of the palace is a perfect circle and is about 21 feet in diameter. Its floor is studded with black and white marbles. Also, the walls are ornamented with niches and adorned with arabesques of different colored stones. There are many courtyards present inside the premises with fountains, open terraces, beautifully done gardens. Many rooms by names of Ajjan Niwas, Bada Mahal, Phool Mahal, Khush Mahal and Dhola Mahal are there in Lake Palace. These rooms are exquisitely done with pink and green lotus leaves, glass work, unique paintings and carved arches.

As the years gone by, this palace started to lose its charm. But, Maharaja Bhagwat Singh, who was the last ruler of the Mewar, decided to convert this palace into Udaipur s first luxury hotel as it was the only way visible through which the palace could be preserved for years to come. This beautiful palace was turned into a luxury hotel in 1971. Jamshyd D. F. Lam of the Taj Group greatly helped in the restoration of the original property with his works and experiences. He was also the first General Manager of the Taj Lake Palace & the youngest at that time in India. Later in 2000, a second restoration was also undertaken.
At present, this hotel is placed among the top 10 luxurious hotels of the world. This breathtaking palace cannot be described in words and just one look at this heavenly creation will take your breath by its charm and beauty. The quiet Pichola Lake and the tranquil locations around will give one that needed break from the hustle bustle of the city. Taj Lake Palace is also a perfect movie location. Famous movies shot here are namely James Bond Octopussy, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Ram Leela to name a few.