Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
After the young prince, Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur, was caught frolicking at moonlight picnics with ladies of the ‘zenana’, he built his own pleasure palace on Lake Pichola. The Maharana called this palace which he built in 1746, Jag Niwas. Jag Niwas is today the majestic and magnificent Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed here.
This heritage hotel has 66 luxurious rooms and 17 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. Distinctly designed to capture a different mood and period, each room and suite is unique and exquisitely blends with authentic Indian decor.
The incomparable location provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite cuisines at the elegant restaurants of Taj Lake Palace. These are open only to resident guests. Signature speciality restaurants at this palace serves a choice of cuisines. Neel Kamal for authentic Rajasthani and other dishes from India. The seasonally open-air Bhairo serves contemporary European delicacies. In the evening, indulge in signature martinis, cocktails and a grand collection of premium international spirits at the bar, Amrit Sagar.
Get ready to feel the weight of the world leave your shoulders with an indulgent experience at Taj Jiva. A select range of exquisite services include beauty and wellness treatments that befit royals. Using only the best ingredients to offer you everything from glowing skin to a rejuvenated mind and body.
www.taj.tajhotels.com
About Udaipur
Udaipur, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II, it’s located around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens, famed for its intricate peacock mosaics.
Known as the Venice of the East, the city of Udaipur, with its elaborate palaces, serene lakes, exotic temples and resplendent gardens, has a lot to offer. Within the City Palace, a must see is the Government Pratap Museum which displays old sculptures and inscriptions. The antique paintings of Mewar, the turban of prince Khurram later on called Shah Jahan, who built the world famous Taj Mahal has also been displayed here as a token of friendship of Maharana Khazan Singh.
Because the sky conditions at Udaipur are quite favourable for solar observations, Asia’s only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory is situated on an island in the middle of the Lake Fatehsagar, which makes for a great day experience, especially for those fascinated by astrology.
