Taj Lake Palace is Udaipur’s signature hotel and our splurge pick. Its original building, Jag Niwas, was built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd ruler of the House of Mewar, and it was converted into a heritage hotel in 1963. It sits on its own island in Lake Pichola, with the City Palace across the water, and guests arrive by a short boat transfer from the City Palace jetty. The hotel lists 65 rooms and 18 suites, three restaurants and a bar, an outdoor pool with Jacuzzis, a spa and a fitness centre. It suits honeymooners, anniversaries and anyone who wants to sleep inside the view everyone else photographs from the shore.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on an island, so everything starts with the boat. The property page notes that guests reach it by a brief mandatory boat transfer from the City Palace jetty, and the hotel lists limousine and yacht transfers on request. From the jetty the City Palace and the old-city sights, including the Jagdish Temple and Bagore Ki Haveli, are close; the airport is roughly 45 minutes by road.
Rooms
The hotel lists 65 rooms and 18 suites, from palace rooms to grand suites, many with lake or City Palace views. The building’s marble courtyards, lily ponds and small gardens give it a different feel from a modern resort. Book early for October to March, and look for rates around Diwali, when the island fills quickly.
Who it suits
Couples and special occasions above all, and travellers who want a quiet base away from traffic. Families are welcome, but the island setting means young children need watching near the water.
Good to know
The property page shows check-in from 2 pm and check-out at noon. The outdoor pool is open from 7 am to 9 pm. Dining includes Neel Kamal for fine Rajasthani and Indian food, Bhairo for European fine dining and Jharokha, a 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant, plus the Amrit Sagar bar. Free WiFi and free self-parking are shown on the property page. Expect premium rates and book dinners ahead.
Why stay here
- ✓Island palace on Lake Pichola
- ✓Outdoor pool with Jacuzzis
- ✓Spa and wellness circle
- ✓Three restaurants and a bar
- ✓Boat transfer from the City Palace jetty
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Fitness centre and yoga
- ✓65 rooms and 18 suites
Good questions
How do you get to Taj Lake Palace?+
By a short boat transfer from the City Palace jetty, which the property page describes as mandatory. The hotel also lists limousine and yacht transfers on request.
Does Taj Lake Palace have a pool?+
Yes, an outdoor pool with umbrellas, sun loungers and Jacuzzis, open from 7 am to 9 pm on the property page. There is also a spa and a fitness centre.
What is the history of Taj Lake Palace?+
The original Jag Niwas palace was built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II. It became a heritage hotel in 1963.
