This 18th-century marble palace appears to float on Lake Pichola. Accessed only by boat, it offers romantic luxury with ornate rooms, lakeside dining, and stunning views of the surrounding City Palace and Aravalli hills.
Taj Lake Palace is a luxury heritage hotel built in 1746 on a natural island in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The palace was originally constructed as a pleasure retreat for Maharana Jagat Singh II of the Mewar dynasty and converted into a hotel in the 1960s. It is accessible exclusively by boat from the City Palace jetty, enhancing its sense of isolation despite sitting in the middle of the city.
The architecture is entirely in white marble and is designed in the classical Rajput style, with ornate jharokha windows, lotus-shaped fountains, decorated courtyards, and open-air terraces. The palace spans the full footprint of the island and appears to float directly on the lake's surface. The City Palace complex, Jag Mandir island, and the Aravalli hills ring the surrounding water, providing a dramatic panorama from all sides of the property.
The hotel offers 65 rooms and suites, including standard Luxury Rooms, Luxury Lake View Rooms, Royal Suites, and the Grand Royal Suite. All categories are furnished with hand-painted tiles, period antiques, carved furniture, and decorative inlay work in keeping with the Rajput aesthetic. Butler service is standard across room categories.
Dining is available at Neel Kamal, the signature restaurant serving Indian and continental cuisine over the lake, and at the Jal Mahal Bar. The Amrit Sagar pool sits at the edge of the island and is fed by the lake. The Jiva Spa provides Ayurvedic and holistic treatments. Cultural performances including folk music and puppet shows are arranged by the hotel. The concierge organises sunrise boat rides, vintage car drives, City Palace tours, and cooking classes.
Amenities
- pool
- spa
- restaurant
- bar
- boat service
- wifi
Location
Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
24.5768, 73.6813 View on map
Highlights
- Island palace accessible only by boat, creating an unmatched sense of arrival and seclusion
- 18th-century white marble Rajput architecture set directly on Lake Pichola
- Neel Kamal restaurant with lakeside dining surrounded by panoramic Udaipur views
- Amrit Sagar pool at the lake's edge with views of the City Palace and Aravalli hills
- In-hotel cultural performances including Rajasthani folk music and puppet shows
Tips for visiting
- Request a Luxury Lake View Room or Royal Suite on the City Palace-facing side for the most dramatic photography angles.
- Sunrise over Lake Pichola as seen from the hotel's terrace is exceptional — set an alarm and bring a camera.
- The hotel boat departs from the City Palace jetty; arrange check-in timing carefully to avoid arriving during peak afternoon heat.
- Non-guests can sometimes visit for lunch or dinner at Neel Kamal; reservations are essential and availability is limited.
- October through February offers the clearest water and most comfortable temperatures for exploring the lake and surrounding ghats.
When to visit
October to February is optimal, with November particularly recommended when post-monsoon water levels keep the lake full and the white marble palace is reflected across the surface. Monsoon season (July–September) brings heavy rains but dramatic lighting.
Accessibility
The island location and the historic palace structure present significant accessibility challenges. Access requires a boat transfer, and the palace's multi-level layout involves stairs throughout. There are no lifts in the historic wing. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss which room categories and areas are accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
How do guests reach Taj Lake Palace?
The hotel is accessible only by boat from the City Palace jetty on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. Hotel staff escort guests from the jetty; arrival timing is coordinated with the front desk when booking transfers.
Is the hotel suitable for families with children?
The hotel welcomes families. Children's menus are available at the restaurants and the hotel's concierge can arrange boat rides and cultural activities suitable for children. Parents should note that the open-water island setting requires supervision of young children near the lake.
Does the hotel have a swimming pool?
Yes. The Amrit Sagar pool is located at the edge of the island and offers sweeping views of Lake Pichola, the City Palace, and the Aravalli hills. It is available exclusively to hotel guests.
What is the best time of year to visit?
October through March is ideal. October and November in particular offer post-monsoon water levels that make the lake visually spectacular, while temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities.