Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur, India

Jul 15, 2024 | India, Stays, Travel, Udaipur | 0 comments

My mom works way too hard. She doesn’t know when to take a break.
Can’t relate. I’ve taken it upon myself to make sure she has fun in exotic places. I think I’m doing a great job so far. I decided on the Taj Lake Palace for my queen. She deserved it. Besides, I was tagging along, and I deserved it too.

I booked a stay in September since it’s at the tail end of the off-season so that it’s not peak pricing, but it’s also not raining heavily mid-monsoon. I love a good deal so it’s always shoulder season travel for me. Taj Lake Palace Hotel is part of Amex’s Fine Hotels and Resorts collection, so I booked through the American Express travel portal. Booking my stay at Taj Lake Palace was a breeze. A week before my arrival, I received an email confirming my stay and detailing the pre-arrival arrangements, which set the tone for a well-organized visit. They arranged the boat transfer and usually have the room ready for early check-in. It’s part of the perks of the Resorts Collection, which includes the following:

American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Benefits

1. Noon Check-In, When Available
Early check-in is offered if available, allowing you to start your stay sooner.

2. Room Upgrade Upon Arrival, When Available
Enjoy an enhanced room, such as a higher floor or a better view, subject to availability at check-in.

3. Daily Breakfast for Two
Complimentary breakfast for two people each morning of your stay.

4. Guaranteed 4 PM Late Check-Out
Extend your stay with a guaranteed late check-out, giving you more time to enjoy the property and its amenities.

5. Complimentary Wi-Fi
Access to free Wi-Fi during your stay.

6. Unique Property Amenity
This varies by property but often includes a dining or spa credit, typically worth $100 USD. For example, it might be a $100 food and beverage credit or a $100 spa treatment credit.

Best Time to Visit

  • Ideal Months: October to March, for the best weather and festival experiences.
  • Budget-Friendly Visits: April to September, for lower costs and fewer crowds, keeping in mind the weather conditions.
On-Season (Peak Travel)

October to March:

  • Weather: The weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
  • Festivals: This period includes major festivals like Diwali (October/November), Mewar Festival (March/April), and Holi (March), which attract many tourists.
  • Activities: Ideal for outdoor activities, boat rides on Lake Pichola, visiting historical sites, and enjoying cultural festivals.
  • Crowd: This is the busiest time of the year, with a high influx of tourists, leading to higher prices for accommodation and travel.
Off-Season

April to June (Summer):

    • Weather: Hot temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F).
    • Activities: Less favorable for sightseeing due to the heat, but indoor activities and early morning or late evening visits can be enjoyable.
    • Crowd: Fewer tourists, leading to lower prices for accommodation and travel.

July to September (Monsoon):

      • Weather: Monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall, cooling down the temperature to a range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
      • Activities: The rain enhances the beauty of Udaipur’s lakes and greenery. This is a great time for photography and enjoying the scenic beauty.
      • Crowd: Still fewer tourists compared to peak season, but this period can be more enjoyable due to the pleasant weather and reduced prices.

Arrival and Check-In Process

You start the Taj experience before you even arrive at the palace. There is a stunning boat dock where you check in and they scan your luggage. You board a cute boat, which gives Lake Como vibes. It’s a short ride, but the boat drivers sometimes offer to take photos. Some of the boat guides have been with the hotel for 15+ years. They welcome you with a rose petal shower and a traditional Rajasthani welcome ceremony, which includes aarti (a religious ritual of light), garlanding, and a tikka (a mark on the forehead). Check-in is super swift and efficient. Your guest experience manager gives you an informational letter with all the cultural experiences, which are briefly highlighted below.

Taj Lake Palace Hotel Cultural Experiences
  • Traditional Welcome Ceremony: Guests are greeted with a traditional Rajasthani welcome ceremony, which includes aarti, garlanding, and a tikka.
  • Live Music and Dance Performances: Enjoy live performances of traditional Rajasthani music and dance, including folk dances like Ghoomar and Bhavai, accompanied by instruments such as the tabla and harmonium.
  • Cultural Shows: Experience puppet shows (Kathputli) that tell stories from Rajasthani folklore and history. These shows are often performed in the evening and are suitable for all ages.
  • Boat Rides on Lake Pichola: Take a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, where you can enjoy views of the Jag Mandir, City Palace, and the surrounding landscapes. The boat rides often include a guided tour with historical insights.
  • Heritage Walks: Join guided heritage walks around the palace and the city of Udaipur, where you can learn about the architectural marvels, history, and stories of the Mewar dynasty.
  • Astrology Sessions: Experience personal astrology sessions with a local astrologer who can provide insights based on traditional Indian astrology.
  • Sunset Rituals: Witness evening rituals and ceremonies, such as the lighting of lamps around the palace and on the lake, creating a magical ambiance as the sun sets.

Accommodation

Our room was gorgeous yet cozy. There was a reading nook with a lake and city palace view. It was absolutely beautiful. The decor was a perfect blend of old-school Rajasthani charm and modern luxury. The room was spacious, with comfortable beds, a spacious bathroom, and all the amenities a person could ever need.

All rooms include:
-24-hour butler service, laundry, inroom dining and
-24-hour on-call doctor & nurse
-Minibar​
-Tea and coffee maker
-Yoga kit on request
-Suit, skirt & padded hangers
-Twice daily housekeeping (more on request)
-Daily turndown service
-Iron & board on request​
-Separate bedroom and bathroom
-Inclusive of basic Wi-Fi​
-Blue-ray DVD Player on request​
-Rollaway beds on additional charge​
-Flat-screen TV​
-Forest Essentials bath amenities​
-Bath menu and bath salts​
-Lit make-up mirror, dryer & scale​
-Cypress waffle robes & slippers​
-Ploh feather duvet & mattress top​
-Infant cribs (up to age 2 years) on request​

Dining Experience

This property has a very high standard of dining. The food at this hotel was probably the best of any of our stays. I loved both Jharoka, their lake side dining area and Neel Kamal, plush seating with iconic Versace plates.

Jharoka is where breakfast is served daily. An extensive buffet and menu are available. Although their Indian menu is amazing, I’m a huge fan of their Belgian waffles and French toast. 

It’s got gorgeous views whether you’re seated in their garden under a canopy tent or by the windows overlooking the peaceful lake.

The signature dish at Neel Kamal, the Rajasthani Thali, was the best meal in India. Every dish on the thali had perfectly balanced notes of flavor that I highly recommend trying it for at least one meal.

Royal Palace Rajasthani Thali

Thali – the Indian equivalent of a degustation menu, offering a multitude of Rajasthani specialties, served on a gold platter and Versace plating

Non-Vegetarian

  • Tandoor aur Tawa (Appetizers from the grill)
    • Murgh ke Boothe: Chicken tikka marinated with sour gourd, brown onions, and yogurt
    • Gosht Dekchi ke Soole: Picatta of lamb rubbed with a marinade of kacchri, cloves, Mathania red chilies, and yogurt, smoked and slow-braised in an earthen pot
  • Shorba (Aromatized broth)
    • Gosht aur Daliya ka Shorba: Mildly spiced lamb and bulgur broth
  • Choolhe se (From the wood fire)
    • Laal Maas: Traditional Rajasthani fiery lamb curry prepared with the choicest lamb cuts and Mathania red chilies
    • Murgh Kesar Kastoori: Kesar Kastoori – a well-renowned heritage liqueur with a fragile flavor of “Kesar” – is the potency of this chicken preparation. The sumptuous gravy with exotic spices makes it a mouth-watering delight
    • Palak Mangodi ki Subzi: Emerald spinach tossed with sun-dried lentil dumplings
    • Sangri Dakh Khada Masala: A harmonious blend of distinct flavors with local runner beans and raisins cooked in pounded whole spices
    • Thikri ki Dal: Yellow lentils cooked in a traditional earthenware pot tempered with ginger and chilies
    • Jeera Rice: Cumin flavored basmati rice
    • Bapla Bati: Unleavened whole wheat bread, served with choorma
  • Halwai se (Desserts)
    • Kesaria Rasmalai: Cottage cheese patty dipped in saffron flavored milk
    • Malai Ghewar: Fried honeycomb pastry topped with reduced pistachio flavored milk

You can also request a candlelight dinner on the balcony under the stars, and they’ll have a gorgeous setup. Definitely worth looking into if planning for a special occasion like a proposal or an anniversary dinner!

Guest Services

Taj Lake Palace is amazing at catering to guests’ needs. Their staff is so friendly and courteous at all times. Whether it’s setting up a table or suggesting activities to pursue, they take their time making sure guests are well informed and make the most out of their stay! The guided boat tour was a great recommendation – it was an added $100 for 2 people, but we got a tour of the lake and docked at Jag Mandir. Heads up to request an English guide if you want the tour because most of the guides speak in Hindi. If available, a guest experience manager will accompany you to translate!

Gym and Pool

The swimming pool is gorgeous with a large mango tree that’s shaped like a heart! The pool is almost always busy since it’s not too big. It has 2 jacuzzis at the end in rounded pillars. The gym is quite small but very well maintained. The facilities have been well integrated into the palace to maintain its original structure.

💡Pool is emptiest around 9:30 AM

Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Location: Taj Lake Palace, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Budget: $453/Night + ~$200/Dining

 

  • Stay 100% 100%
  • Dining 100% 100%
  • Pool 100% 100%
  • Aesthetic 100% 100%

Things to do in Udaipur

1. City Palace

The City Palace, located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, is an architectural marvel that offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The palace complex includes museums, courtyards, and gardens, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts and artworks. Highlights: Intricate peacock mosaics, the Crystal Gallery, and the Vintage Car Museum

2. Lake Pichola Boat Ride

A boat ride on Lake Pichola is a must-do activity in Udaipur. The lake is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and features two beautiful islands: Jag Niwas (Taj Lake Palace Hotel) and Jag Mandir. Highlights: Sunset boat rides offer stunning views.

3. Jag Mandir

Also known as the Lake Garden Palace, is a historic palace located on an island in Lake Pichola. The palace was built in the 17th century and served as a summer resort for the royal family. Highlights: The palace’s architecture, marble structures, and the scenic gardens.

Bless my mom for handling a vacation with me. It’s not for the simple ones lol 🧿💙🪬

I’d obviously stay here any chance I get. This is the best blend of heritage property and luxury hotel services I’ve ever visited. It’s literally the most aesthetic place I’ve ever been in India. Udaipur has some of the prettiest little corners I’ve ever seen. The lake is so peaceful, and the city has a lovely old-school charm that makes me want to stay forever.

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