One of the world’s most well-known luxury hotels, the Taj Lake Palace was the film set for a significant part of the James Bond motion picture ‘Octopussy’. The decadent hotel was portrayed as the Bond girl’s secluded lair and appeared to be floating in the middle of Lake Pichola.
Reached only by a short boat ride from the banks of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, the secluded Taj Lake Palace boasts endless courtyards and verandas, a grand rooftop pool, stunning lake views and an air of opulent sophistication.
Emerging from the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace evokes a magical aura of dreams and fairy-tales. The luxurious floating palace is a vision of white marble, glistening in the moonlight, reminiscent of the romantic Taj Mahal.
From the moment you arrive at the Taj Lake Palace, you will step into a world where needs are met before desire has even been realised. Guests are greeted ceremoniously with a rose petal shower, a traditional Rajasthani welcome and refreshments, before being introduced to the wonderfully elaborate world that is the Taj Lake Palace. Everything is possible here; you only have to ask – that is, if your Royal Butler has not already predicted it.
The breath-taking palace was built in 1746, by Maharana (Prince) Jagat Singh II; the 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar. Legend has it that the young prince enjoyed romantic moonlit picnics, entertaining ladies of the zenana on the lake island of Jag Mandir. A most delightful hobby for the young prince – until his father found out, promptly putting an end to his romantic shenanigans.
For the Maharana, there was only one option; build his own extravagant love palace on another lake island. The opulent palace was conceived in passion and named Jag Niwas.
What may have started as a rebellious young prince’s grand gesture was later converted into one of the world’s most opulent hotels, by Maharana Bhagwat Singhji, in 1963. The luxurious Taj Lake Palace is now run by the Taj Group of Hotels, who continue to carry on the royal traditions of the sumptuous Lake Palace.
The Taj Lake Palace is located in the middle of Lake Pichola, the heart and soul of Udaipur. To reach this magnificent palace hotel, a boat collects you from the riverbank. As you get closer, the enchanting palace begins to emerge from the mist; a vision of marble, a representation of what once was, a true picture of regal Rajasthan.
Perhaps the grandest suite in India, the Grand Presidential Suite boasts 1,734 square feet and is lavishly decorated in a style reflective of the Mewar dynasty’s indulgent tastes. The suite is sure to exceed its guest’s expectations and has arguably the best lake view sunset in the world.
Guests of the Taj Lake Palace can choose to dine by the lily-pond, poolside or rooftop. Royal butlers are always on hand to arrange a private table at any location of your choice.
A Luxury Lake View Room at the Taj Lake Palace starts from ₹48,000 per night during the peak season (October – March), inclusive of breakfast and taxes.
Are you feeling inspired and ready to get started? Please do get in touch to begin planning your tailor-made Rajasthan tour. As a preferred partner of the Taj Group, we have fantastic discounts and complimentary extras to share with you. For inspiration on how a stay at the Taj Lake Palace might best fit within your wider itinerary, do check out our suggested Luxury Rajasthan with Taj Hotels sample tour and our Ultimate Luxury India Tour.
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