Taj Lake Palace is one of India's most famous hotels and about as close as a building gets to floating: an 18th-century white marble palace covering its own small island in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. You arrive by the hotel's boat, the City Palace rises on the shore behind you and the outside world stays on the far side of the water.
The palace, known as Jag Niwas, was built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a royal summer retreat and opened as a hotel in 1963. Taj now runs it with 65 rooms and 18 suites, three restaurants, a bar and a spa. James Bond fans will know it from Octopussy.
Booking sites show entry rooms from roughly $600 a night in the quieter months, approximate and well above that from November to February. It suits couples who want the story and the setting above all and who are happy to spend most of their time on the island. Couples who want space, gardens and private pools should look across the lake at The Oberoi Udaivilas.
Highlights at a glance
- An 18th-century marble palace on its own island in Lake Pichola
- Arrival by the hotel's boat with a rose-petal welcome
- 65 rooms and 18 suites, many facing the lake
- Neel Kamal Rajasthani dining and Bhairo with lake views
- Views of the City Palace across the water
Why Couples Love Taj Lake Palace
Nothing prepares you for the arrival. The boat pulls away from the jetty, the palace grows larger across the water and staff are waiting with rose petals as you step onto the marble landing. It is theatrical in the best way.
Once inside, the palace is a maze of courtyards, fountains, carved balconies and lily ponds. Every corner frames a view of the lake, the hills or the City Palace glowing at sunset. Because the island is small and access is limited to guests and diners, it feels private even when the hotel is full.
The Taj team leans into romance. Butlers are attentive, honeymoon touches are common and there is always someone ready to arrange a private boat ride or a table for two on the terrace. It is the kind of place where you plan to explore Udaipur and end up staying on the island.
Rooms and Suites to Book
The hotel has 65 rooms and 18 suites. Room sizes and views vary a great deal because the building is a historic palace rather than a purpose-built hotel. Some rooms look over the lake toward the City Palace or the hills, while others face inner courtyards and lily ponds.
For a honeymoon, pay for a lake view. Watching the light change over Lake Pichola from your window is half the reason to stay. The historical suites, decorated with stained glass, frescoes and period furniture, are the splurge and feel like rooms in a royal home.
When you book, state your preferred outlook in writing and ask which rooms face the City Palace. Mention the honeymoon too. If budget is tight, one night in a suite followed by a cheaper second hotel can work better than several nights in a courtyard room.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Neel Kamal serves Rajasthani and Indian fine dining and is the place for a celebratory dinner. Bhairo, the European restaurant, sits high on the palace with views across the lake. Jharokha is the all-day restaurant, open around the clock and Amrit Sagar is the bar for an aperitif as the City Palace lights up.
Ask about a private dinner on the terrace or on the hotel's boat. They are not cheap, but couples who book one rarely regret it.
The J Wellness Circle spa offers Indian and international therapies with Ayurvedic and modern techniques. There is also an outdoor pool and a heated pool, a fitness center and yoga. The pool is small compared with the big lakeshore resorts, but it is set within the palace walls with the lake just beyond.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do in Udaipur
The City Palace is directly across the water and deserves half a day. Go in the morning, then walk down to Jagdish Temple and the old city lanes for miniature paintings and textiles. The concierge can arrange vintage car tours of the city, which are fun for one of you who loves old cars and comfortable for the other.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset is essential, ideally stopping at Jag Mandir, the island palace to the south. Saheliyon ki Bari, a garden of fountains built for royal women, is a quiet hour. For views, take the ropeway or a drive up to Sajjangarh, the Monsoon Palace, at dusk.
The hotel's packages sometimes include a guided visit to Molela, a village known for terracotta art. Yoga sessions are available on the island for slower mornings.
Getting There
Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is about 50 minutes by car from the hotel jetty, depending on traffic. From the jetty, the hotel's boat takes you across to the island in a few minutes. Limousine and yacht transfers can be arranged on request.
Udaipur has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai and is about an hour's flight from Jaipur. Many couples arrive by road as part of a Rajasthan tour, often from Jodhpur via the Ranakpur temples, which is a long but beautiful day.
Because the hotel sits on an island, every trip into town needs a boat. The service is frequent, but build a few minutes into dinner plans and remember that late-night movement is on the hotel's schedule.
Good to Know
The best months are roughly October to March. Lake levels are usually highest after the monsoon, which matters because the palace looks its best surrounded by water. April to June is very hot.
The island is compact. If you like long walks or big lawns, you may feel confined after a few days; two or three nights suits most couples.
At temples, both partners should cover shoulders and knees and remove their shoes. Udaipur's old city is generally relaxed, but agree on prices before rickshaw rides.
Mosquitoes are present around the lake, especially in the evenings. Use repellent; dengue occurs in Rajasthan and if you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
Is It Worth It?
For a once-in-a-lifetime night, yes. Few hotels anywhere match the arrival by boat, the marble courtyards and the view of the City Palace from your window. Low-season rates are reasonable for a hotel of this fame, though peak-season prices climb steeply.
The trade-offs are real. Rooms vary, the pool is small and you depend on the boat to go anywhere. You also pay for the name.
Couples who want space, private pools and big gardens should choose The Oberoi Udaivilas on the shore. Those who want palace style with more modern comfort and easier access to town may prefer The Leela Palace Udaipur. Many couples do one night here and the rest across the lake, which gets you the best of both.
Insider tips
- Request a lake-facing room toward the City Palace in writing.
- Book a private terrace or boat dinner for your celebration night.
- Pair one or two nights here with a stay on the lakeshore for space.
- Leave buffer time for the boat when heading into town for dinner.
