Udaipur is romantic, wistful and serene – a city built around three lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges. The famous lake palaces that seem to emerge from the placid Lake Pichola, whisper the memories of a bygone era
The city was the last capital of Mewar and remained so until the state was merged with the Republic of India in 1947.
In the middle of Lake Pichola stands the beautiful and luxurious Lake Palace. The Palace was built by the Maharana Udai Singh in 1567 and used as a royal summer palace until being run as a hotel, now under the management of Taj. The hotel literally sits right in the water with launches to transfer you over to the city and other palaces.
The fabulously decorated bedrooms and public rooms offer enticing views over the lake towards the city, mountains and the island of Jag Mandir. The palace of Jag Mandir was built by Maharana Karan Singhji in 1622 as a pleasure palace for royal parties and is now used as a restaurant. This splendid monument with its domes, marble pillars and fountains has a magnificent approach of a row of marble elephants that seem to guard the entrance.
Numerous sightseeing experiences are available to palaces, forts and temples and for the more adventurous mountain biking, horse riding and trekking.
The hotels Jiva Spa offers a full range of treatments from traditional Indian to body scrubs and wraps, and the swimming pool in one of the wonderful courtyards provides a welcome spot at the end of an exhaustive day sightseeing.
