|
The Lake Palace with its beautiful fountains and verdant gardens is located in the middle of the picturesque lake of Pichola, Udaipur. Sprawling across 1.43 hectares, this seemingly floating marble palace attracts all and sundry with its grand yet elegant architecture, whose majesty has stood the test of time. It is located on the Jag Niwas island. Recently, this summer residence of the rulers of Mewar has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel, and has the distinction of extending hospitality to such eminent personalities like Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy, Shah of Iran, and the King of Nepal. As a luxury hotel, it combines the best of serenity and opulence. It is one of those places which look like a virtual heaven on earth.
Maharaja Jagat Singh II who was friendly to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, encouraged his architects to produce a replica of some of the buildings in Agra, for the construction of his summer resort, and the materialising of this vision is the Lake Palace, which was constructed or rather created, in 1743.
The Lake Palace showcases beautiful ethnic themes using textiles and handicrafts. Nothing can be more pleasing than experiencing a traditional Rajasthani entertainment while enjoying the lake's scenic views from the grandeur of Lake Palace. The regal courtyards of this palace turned heritage hotel are lined with huge columns, high pillared terraces, fountains and pretty gardens, all adding to its magnificence.
This palace which looks like a jewelled lotus floating on the waters, has apartments like the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal adorning it. Khush Mahal, also known as Maharani Suite, has a Moorish setting, and with its coloured glassworks and marble flooring, the room offers a wonderful view of the sunset.
The richly decorated spectacular interiors of the rooms are decked with arches, pink inland stones, green lotus leaves and painted mirrors, which provide a warm soothing ambience. The walls are decorated with beautiful, intricate glass mosaic works and the rooms face the beautiful view of the lake with its placid waters.
The Lake Palace has a total of 85 rooms, including 53 deluxe rooms, which are a statement in comfort and luxury. There are 13 elegant suites with each having a theme. The current reception rooms, bars and restaurants of the palace were once the royal banquet halls of the Maharajas. Coffee shop, jewellery and souvenir shops, bar, mini-gym and swimming pool are all there to ensure modern living is not compromised to give you a feel of the bygone regal aura.
With the majestic horseshoe folds of the Aravalli ranges on one side of the lake and the amazing palaces on the other side, the Lake Palace acts as a focal point to all the other places of tourist interest in Udaipur. An amazing rose garden called Gulab Bagh stands east to this palace. The best time to view the Lake Palace is during the sunrise and sunset. This is when the marble glows softly with the play of light and stands boldly against the backdrop of the horse shoe folds of the Aravalli ranges. So do visit this beautiful palace which is nestled in nature, to catch a glimpse of the royal Rajputana splendour! Generally you have to enjoy a boat ride before entering this palace, though the palace has a landing, which can double up as a helipad too for that matter.
To more about tourist attractions in and around Udaipur go to:
| |
|
|
