May
16
2009
Lake Palace Hotel
Author: SamUdaipur has many beautiful and wondrous sites and cultural aspects that attract many tourists every year. One of the more remarkable city icons also offers the best of luxury accommodations for its guests. This is the Lake Palace Hotel, which is located on a natural rock formation in Lake Pichola. The hotel is situated on the rock that consists of over 4 acres of land area. It was originally built as the royal summer palace, which contributes to the feeling of splendor in the ambiance and the special attention and importance each guest receives. The little lake island is accessible by boat, and the hotel has a special ferrying service for its guests. For any tourist who is searching for a great hotel in Udaipur the Lake Palace is one of the most luxurious options available.
The palace was built in 1743-1726. It was designed to face the East, so that the inhabitants are able to pray to the Sun god at dawn. The regal white marble walls, column lined courtyards, fountains and pillared terraces all contribute to the royal feel. The hotel has 83 guest rooms that allow for great views of the lake and the city of Udaipur while providing a fabulous secluded retreat. Members of the royal family used the palace for private summer parties and ceremonial darbars. This is a tradition that has remained and the palace is often the chosen location for wedding receptions and private celebrations. The romantic gardens and fountains in the courtyard offer a unique and special setting for any occasion.
Through many years of weathering and constant use the palace began to deteriorate and was in need of repair and renovation. It had become almost totally deserted by the 1950s and it was Bhagwat Singh that decided to turn it into a hotel. He hired the American artist, Didi Contractor as a design consultant and began a major overhaul of the property. The palace has a place in Western pop culture and served as a setting for the James Bond film Octopussy.
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