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Destination Traveller

Taj Lake Palace

By the Destination Traveller editors · 30 October 2026

Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India

The Taj Lake Palace appears to float on Lake Pichola: a white marble palace built in 1743–46 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer retreat, reached only by boat. Rooms have been restored to their original splendour, every guest has a butler, and the restaurants are reserved for residents. It is one of the most romantic hotels on earth.

Best for: Couples celebrating a special occasion on a Rajasthan journey.

Where it is

The palace occupies its own island on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, opposite the City Palace. Guests cross by boat from the jetty, and Udaipur airport is about 40 minutes by car. The historic city, temples and the City Palace are a short boat and walk away. See our Rajasthan by palace hotel trip.

Rooms and suites

Rooms and suites combine white marble, inlaid glass, silk and carved arches with modern comforts; many look across the lake to the City Palace or the Aravalli hills. The grand suites, such as the Shambhu Prakash Suite with its long balcony, are named after Mewar rulers. Butler service is included for every guest.

Food, spa and the rest

Three restaurants and a bar are for residents only: Bhairo serves European cuisine on the rooftop with lake views, Jharokha offers Indian and international dishes all day, and Neel Kamal serves royal Rajasthani food. J Wellness Circle has a spa offering Ayurvedic and modern treatments, and there is a courtyard pool among lily ponds and fountains.

The moment

Arriving by boat at dusk as the palace lights up on the water, with rose petals and a welcome from your butler.

Why we chose it

Rajasthan is a land of palaces, and this is the one people dream of. The setting is unique, the restoration exquisite, and the residents-only restaurants keep it peaceful. It is expensive, but worth it for at least one night on any Rajasthan journey.

When to go

October to March is best, with warm days and cool evenings; November and February are ideal. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon arrives in July, filling the lake.

The longer stay

Stay two or three nights in Udaipur: the City Palace, a sunset boat on the lake, the gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari and a day trip to the Jain temple at Ranakpur.

Part of our Big Trip

The City Palace on the shore of Lake Pichola, Udaipur

Rajasthan by Palace Hotel

From about £5,000 per person

Questions

How do I get to the Taj Lake Palace?

By the hotel's boat from its jetty on the shore of Lake Pichola.

When was the palace built?

Between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, as a summer palace.

Are the restaurants open to non-residents?

No, the restaurants are reserved for resident guests.

Does every guest get a butler?

Yes, butler service is part of the stay.

Is there a pool?

Yes, an outdoor pool in a courtyard.

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