Visit to exotic Lake Palace - Udaipur

Patrick Mark (Switzerland)
Visited: October 14th, 02.

Right from my childhood I was always beguiled by the lifestyles of the Indian Kings and Princes and had a great instinct of visiting this princely kingdom and experience the rich cultural heritage, their lives and their palaces. After reading quite a number of books on Indian princes and palaces like 'The Indian Princes and their States' by 'Barbara N. Ramusack', 'Indian temples and palaces' by Michael Edward's and many more my provocations gain height.

In my 3 weeks tour to India my first choice was visiting exotic Lake Palace Udaipur in Rajasthan. I was told by my tourist agent that the Lake Palace was once the royal summer palace of the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan, and was later transformed in to a 5 star luxury hotel. I really felt that was the perfect way to quench my lust and to luxuriate in the royal palace of by gone era.

I traveled towards the western part of India to Udaipur City in the state of Rajasthan. The Lake Palace was one of the most exotic hotels that I ever stayed. I was absolutely stunned by the beautifully carved white marvel palace and the picturesque beauty of its surrounding. It had a perfect ambience, the hotel is amidst the shimmering blue waters of lake Pichola and gave a mirage of a floating palace from palace

The attendants there were dressed in typical attires with red turbans on their head and stylish black big mustache-a unique style in itself. I was told by one of the managers of the palace that the palace was constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh in the year 1754, today it is maintained by the Taj group of hotels one of the renowned groups in India and offers the complete ambiance for a romantic stay.

It was quite astonishing that the palace has 85 luxuriating rooms, I was bound to think what was the purpose of making so many rooms under one roof. There were also some special suites embellished with its glowing marble pillars and royal paintings/portraits of royal family that particularly left me absolutely mesmerized. Beyond belief were the work of arts and glasswork on ceiling and walls. Most of the colossal elegant bedecked chambers offer huge windows providing a view to the pretty lake.

As I walked through the great lawns, pavements and royal rooms, I felt like a prince belonging to same glorious royal era of the royal family, that moment I wanted to baptize in this fairyland forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed a perfect scenic beauty of palace surroundings as my room overlooked a refreshing lily pond. My attendant said, " if this scene looks familiar to you, then you have doubtless seen the James Bond movie "Octopussy"". To my wonderment it was true, the lake was in its full splendor.

I also had a long cruiser through Lake Pichola, reflection of the palace adorned with the golden rays of the sun shimmering like a crown in the blue lake was a lifetime experience and I was lucky to capture these magnificent view in my handy-cam. My guide, Ramchandra told me that beside fish, the lake is also a home to turtles and a species of crocodile. I could enjoy some glimpse of fish and few migratory birds, he continued, during winter time the crocodiles come on the bank of the river, luxuriating in the hot sun and whole environ turns out to be a astounding green.

Totally engulfed with the thoughts walking down the corridors, reflection of that era spark in my mind. Silks and brocades, crew of servants dressed in most exquisite styles, royal hunts and feasts - this palace has seen it all.