Floating marble hideaway
Arriving by private boat across Lake Pichola, guests are greeted with falling rose petals before evening Rajasthani folk performances begin.
“The titular character is living in luxury in the Taj Lake Palace, the floating summer home built for Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1743.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Round-the-clock royal butler service and private candlelit dining aboard historic lake barges.
Remarkable
Six decades of continuous hosting, preserving traditional Mewari court hospitality and ceremonial rituals.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, AFAR and Tatler.
The Taj Lake Palace floats on the calm surface of Lake Pichola and was built in 1740 as a summer retreat.
“Floating serenely on Lake Pichola like a marble mirage, the Taj Lake Palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Mewar as a summer retreat.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched on its own island in Lake Pichola, the palace looks directly across the water to Udaipur's historic City Palace and the Aravalli hills.
The rooms
Carved wooden furniture, traditional Mewari motifs, and stained glass frame views over Lake Pichola, attended by dedicated round-the-clock butler service.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
White scalloped marble arches surround the outdoor heated swimming pool, looking out across the water to the city lights.
The spa
Ayurvedic bodywork and royal rituals take place in private treatment rooms or aboard the dedicated spa boat.
The whirlpool
A circular outdoor whirlpool tub sits on the curved wooden deck of the private spa boat.
Restaurant
Jharokha
Scalloped arch windows look onto the water at this all-day dining cafe, which serves breakfast buffets and afternoon tea.
A real-life jewel in Lake Pichola, this eighteenth-century palace is a sweep of courtyards, corridors, and pavilions inlaid with stone, gilt molding, and mirrors.
Bar
Amrit Sagar
Smoked cocktails and vintage spirits are poured in a green marble salon adorned with traditional arches.
At the table
Flaming torches light open-air rooftop tables at Bhairo, where European dinners face the illuminated shoreline.
How it began
Constructed in the 1740s by Maharana Jagat Singh II as royal retreat Jag Niwas, the floating marble palace became a hotel in 1963.
“The mesmerising floating hotel glimmers in the centre of Lake Pichola, a wedding cake-white palace of arching windows and domed turrets...”
Good to know
Stay here
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.