Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India: Stay of Distinction

This amazingly beautiful hotel is located in the heart of mirror-clam Lake Pichola reached by a short ferry ride. Once the palace of a Maharaja, now a deluxe hotel. There are 84 rooms all beautifully designed and each having a particular theme and decorated with textiles and handicrafts of the region. The courtyards of the hotel are lined with columned terraces, fountains and gardens.

Your touring begins with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is a spectacular complex containing decorated mirror works and galleries adorned with frescoes. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics, and ornamental doors and painted windows.

You will also visit the Jagdish Temple, one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish Temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur from 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. This three-storied temple is a wonder of architecture that comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls. In those times, 1.5 million rupees were spent to raise this structure. The spire of the main temple is around 79 feet high that undoubtedly dominates the skyline of Udaipur. This shikhar (spire) is festooned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians making it truly a sight to behold.

Every year, many come to visit this holy place of worship. The serenity as well as the architectural magnificence of the temple cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this temple to get the blessings of Lord Jagdish.

Continue to visit the Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the mid 18th Century. Literally translated as "The Garden of the Maidens", it evokes vivid pictures of the luxurious lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The garden is said to have been made for the 48 girls that the Maharana received in his dowry! The beautifully landscaped discreet gardens are adorned by four pools with dainty kiosks and encompassed with flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains. A series of walls and shady trees protect these gardens. To add to the ambience the garden also has a lotus pool and the tingling bells add to the nostalgia of these gardens.

Your tour ends with a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. You will be able to get a view of the Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundry).