Taj Lake Palace Udaipur is one of the most prestigious and luxurious heritage hotels in Udaipur, settled beautifully within the calm waters of Lake Pichola. In 1746, built as Maharana Jagat Singh II’s pleasure palace, it stands today as a magnificent symbol of royal elegance and grandeur. The white marble monument floats on the lake, offering guests the surreal experience against the sceneries with the picturesque beauty of the Aravalli Mountains and the City Palace. It typifies the richness in architectural culture and regal richness in the state of Rajasthan. If you want to witness this beautiful prestigious and heritage site or any other place in Udaipur, then ourย Udaipur tour packagesย are personalised to bring peace and serenity, all blending with nature, adventure, and culture.
History of Taj Lake Palace
The Taj Lake Palace, originally known as Jag Niwas, was built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II of the Mewar dynasty. It was conceived as a royal summer palace and pleasure retreat for the Maharana and his guests, a serene escape from the heat and bustle of the city.
Constructed entirely of pristine white marble, the palace appears to float gracefully on the waters of Lake Pichola. Its intricate architecture, with domes, arches, and delicate carvings, blends Rajasthani and Mughal styles.
For centuries, Jag Niwas served as a private royal residence. However, in the 20th century, as the cost of maintaining such a grand palace became prohibitive, Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Udaipur made the decision to convert it into a luxury hotel. This transformation began in 1963, and in 1971, the management was handed over to the renowned Taj Group of Hotels, giving it its current name, Taj Lake Palace. Its unique setting and regal charm gained international fame after being featured in the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy.”
Architecture of Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace has 65 rooms and about 18 grand suites showcasing its luxurious interiors. There are many other facilities available at this stunning heritage hotel such as the 24 hours fitness center, games room, shopping arcade, and business center as well. The rooms are decorated with intricately carved wooden furniture and lavish silk fabrics.
Every room offers a lake or garden view making you feel calm and composed. You can find a flat-screen TV and a DVD player in every room. The bathrooms are attached with a bathtub, shower, and all the necessary toiletries. You can avail butler service offered in every room.
There are two exclusive restaurants and a premium bar in the hotel premises. These select signature restaurants have a customized menu that serves finger-licking delicious cuisines.
1. Neel Kamal– This exceptional dining destination serves the real flavors of Rajasthan in a royal platter. The restaurant chefs have also picked a few North West frontier delights which are worth tasting.
2. Bhairo– Bhairo is an excellent rooftop restaurant that treats you to astonishing views and contemporary European dishes. The scenic view is further enhanced with the presence of a jharokha which overlooks the gorgeous Lake Pichola.
3. Amrit Sagar– You can spice up your evening at the Amrit Sagar bar. The bar serves a premium range of cigars, cocktails, signature martinis, wines, mocktails, cocktails, and sheeshas. The bar holds a royal collection of premium international drinks for the guests.
You can enjoy free parking and free wifi at the restaurant.
Entry fees and timings of Taj Lake Palace
There is no entry fee charged for entering the Taj Lake Palace. However, it is a resident only hotel equipped with all the necessary as well as luxurious facilities at the disposal of their guests.
According to hotel policies, the Check-in begins from 2 PM, and check-out service is available till 12:00 PM.
Attractions Near Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
The Taj Lake Palace, situated amidst the serene waters of Lake Pichola, offers a unique and central base for exploring Udaipur’s top attractions. Many of these historical and cultural gems are just a short distance away, often accessible by boat or a brief car ride.
Here are some of the must-visit attractions near Taj Lake Palace:
- City Palace (approx. 1 km): A magnificent complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens showcasing a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It’s easily reachable by a short boat ride from the palace’s private jetty.
- Jag Mandir (on Lake Pichola): Another island palace on Lake Pichola, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance (it’s said to have inspired the Taj Mahal). Accessible by boat from the City Palace or other ghats.
- Jagdish Temple (approx. 1 km): A grand Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its intricate carvings and impressive structure. It’s located near the City Palace.
- Bagore-Ki-Haveli (approx. 1 km): A historic mansion turned museum on Gangaur Ghat, showcasing royal artifacts and hosting popular evening cultural dance shows.
- Fateh Sagar Lake (approx. 4-6 km): A beautiful artificial lake with three small islands, offering boating opportunities and scenic views.
- Saheliyon Ki Bari (approx. 4 km): “Garden of the Maids,” a picturesque garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
- Vintage and Classic Car Museum (approx. 1.9 km): A fascinating collection of vintage cars once owned by the Mewar royalty.
- Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Palace) (approx. 6 km): Perched on a hilltop, this palace offers panoramic views of Udaipur, especially stunning at sunset.
Many of these attractions are clustered around Lake Pichola, allowing for easy exploration and beautiful lakeside views as you move between them.
Best Time to Visit Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
The best time to visit Taj Lake Palace Udaipur is from October to March. During these winter months, the weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures, sunny days, and cooler nights, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the serene surroundings of Lake Pichola.
While July to September (monsoon season) offers lush greenery and moderate temperatures, and April to June (summer) brings significant discounts, the intense heat during summer can be quite challenging for exploring.
How to reach Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
Udaipur is connected via National Highway (NH8), making it an easily accessible destination. If you wish to take a road trip from Delhi or Mumbai, NH8 is a boon for you.
Airport– The Maharana Pratap Airport is situated 26 km away from the Taj Lake Palace. It will take around 40 minutes to reach Taj Lake Palace. The guests can take a private cab or taxi service to ease out the shuttle to and from the airport.
Railway Station– The Udaipur Railway Station is located 4 km away from the Taj Lake Palace. You can take local transport available nearby to commute to and from the Taj Lake Palace.
Public Transport– You can take a government-run bus to reach Udaipur. The Transport Corporation of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh run AC and Non- AC buses at a regular interval of time. The Udaipur City Centre is just 1 km away from the Taj Lake Palace. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a private cab to reach your destination.
