World's Best Hotel: Taj Lake Palace Udaipur

TripAdvisor announced their 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards based on both the calibre and number of reviews and Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur took the No 1 spot among One-Of-A-Kind hotels.

 

Pic: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff

A royal summer escape in the 18th century

Located bang in the middle of Lake Pichola, it began life as palace named Jag Niwas. Erected between 1743 to 1746 in the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh II, it was intended to be a getaway for the Mewar royal family during the warmer months.

 

 

Pic: Kind courtesy Taj Hotels

From regal residence to luxury escape

In 1971, the Taj group of hotels took over the management of the newly-created hotel from the then maharaja and the mahal began a new journey as a bespoke hotel. Though its royal charm and design have been carefully preserved, the palace was modernised and equipped with top-drawer facilities

 

 

Pic: Kind courtesy Taj Hotels

Why it's so unique

The hotel can only be reached by boat, making the journey as special as the stay.

Pic: Kind courtesy Taj Hotels

A destination for the world's who's who

Throughout its history, the hotel has hosted an array of VVIPs -- Queen Elizabeth II, US first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Lord Curzon, Gone With The Wind actress Vivien Leigh, the Shah of Iran, the king of Nepal.

Pic: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff

Dreamy decor

The little white palace that looks like it is peacefully adrift in the lake has 65 rooms and 18 suites, each kitted out so beautifully that a stay here is unforgettable. Thr facilities are beyond imagnation as well, be it spas, therapies, butler service etc.

 

 

Pic: Kind courtesy Taj Hotels

Delicious food

Indian, international, Rajasthani, there's cuisine to suit even the fussiest.

Pic: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff

A movie star in its own right

The Lake Palace has popped up as a background in many a film -- for instance Octopussy, The Tiger of Eschnapur, The Indian Tomb

 

 

Pic: Kind courtesy Taj Hotels
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