India at a Glance

• Rajasthan
• Kerala
• North India
• Leh Ladakh
• Beaches

Rajasthan Attraction

• Lake Palace
• Jaipur
• Jaisalmer
• Jodhpur

Lake Palace, Udaipur  is in fact a white marble palace that seems to float miraculously on the still waters of Lake Pichola. Probably the most romantic hotel in the world, this 250-year old palace offers guests a unique blend of serenity and opulence.Udaipur, the famed 'city of sunrise', was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a fearless Rajput king. This languid lake city with its fantasies in marble, picturesque hibiscus-covered gardens and elaborate fountain pavilions, embodies the glory of the Rajput era

It was built in 1743- 1646 under the direction of them Maharana Jagat Singh II (62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar) of Udaipur, Rajasthan  as a royal summer palace and was initially called Jagniwas or Jan Niwas after its founder. The Maharana, ruler of Jaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friendly with Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glories of his incomparable buildings at Agra. The palace was constructed facing east, allowing its inhabitants to pray to the Sun god at the crack of dawn. The successive rulers used this cool haven as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens

Travel to Udaipur and take a close look at the darbar miniatures; you will find the king seated, enjoying festive moments leisurely, surrounded by ambrosial maharanis. In another miniature you will see a robust prince listening to the classical musicians, beside a lake with shimmering blue waters. In yet others, you will see heads of state engaged in merrymaking. These are all instances from the past, of the awareness of the importance of leisure amidst the regular humdrums of life. No wonder today, even after hundreds of centuries, the princely state of Rajasthan is able to preserve its colourful palace as a holiday vacation center par excellence. Jag Nivas island, now the famous Lake Palace Heritage Hotel, one of the most picturesque palaces of Rajasthan, displaying the exquisite Mughal architecture which inspired the Taj Mahal, is famous for its presence in the James Bond film Octopussy. Located at 3 km from the city railway station, and set amid awe-inspiring fairytale gardens, the Lake Palace is subtly managed by the eminent Taj Group of Hotels. Being the original iconic palace-hotel of Rajasthan, the Udaipur Lake Palace is undoubtedly luxurious, combining traditional opulence with every modern amenity a five star traveller might desire. See the famous Lake palace Heritage Hotel in Udaipur.