Hotel Review: Taj Lake Palace

Just imagine - you board the jetty and commence the short but scenic journey from the shores of Udaipur to your destination - the Taj Lake Palace. Gliding effortlessly across the peaceful waters, you can’t help but feel like you’ve entered a different part of India - somewhere more peaceful, more serene. As you disembark, you feel the enchantment and revel in the beauty of this historic 17th-century royal summer retreat turned heritage hotel.

Udaipur, and specifically the Taj Lake Palace, had been on my ‘list’ since my first trip to India in 2015. I held off from visiting for the subsequent trip, and waited to visit this beautiful destination with my husband, rather than as a solo traveler. There’s something about the mix of royal history, heritage architecture and peaceful surroundings that make you truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time and are roaming through your own palace when staying here.

Although the decor may seem more dated compared to several newer heritage hotels in India, it’s truly part of the charm. Spend the morning exploring Udaipur, retreating to the hotel pool during sunny afternoons. For the evening, enjoy traditional music and dance performances in the hotel courtyard before savouring Indian dishes at Neel Kamal or European cuisine at the rooftop restaurant, Bhairo. Whether you’re dreaming of being a 17th-century princess or a character from an 80’s Bond film (‘Octopussy’ was shot here), you’ll surely have a memorable stay.