In north-western India stands a marble palace that appears to float upon the tranquil waters of the lake. Originally a royal residence, it was transformed into a hotel in the 20th century — so splendid that it was recently voted the world’s finest historic accommodation.
Luxury hotels are plentiful, but hotels that are also historic monuments are far rarer. It is this distinctive quality that Wanderlust magazine sought to highlight in a recent ranking of the world’s finest historic hotels. Townhouses, convents, castles… in total, ten authentic and truly unique properties were showcased. And taking first place was an Indian hotel: the Taj Lake Palace. Located in Udaipur, this palace of almost unreal beauty can now be experienced through luxurious hotel stays, much to the delight of its guests.
From royal residence to luxury hotel
Before becoming one of India’s most luxurious hotels, the Taj Lake Palace was a palace known as Jag Niwas. Built in 1362, it was completely transformed in the 18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II, ruler of the royal House of Mewar. He wished to create a place for 'moonlight picnics and royal gatherings'. In other words, the magnificent palace served both as a summer residence for the royal family and as a retreat for private nocturnal meetings. Legend even has it that the prince commissioned the palace after his father forbade him from entertaining his romantic conquests at Jag Mandir Palace.
Converted into a hotel in the 1960s, the palace has retained all the richness of its past. Several of the hotel’s butlers are even said to be descendants of the former royal servants.
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A magnificent marble palace in the heart of India
If the Taj Lake Palace already impresses with its history, its architecture is equally breathtaking. Whether viewed from the shore or from the boat that carries guests to the hotel, the splendour and sheer scale of the palace are astonishing. Its black-and-white marble walls are the first thing to captivate visitors, with some even adorned with semi-precious stones.
The interior is no less spectacular: gardens, fountains, columns and terraces surround the inner courtyards. The rooms and suites are, naturally, just as luxurious, blending contemporary comfort with royal heritage in a subtle and elegant way. Silks, hand-carved latticework, teak furniture… every detail evokes the refinement of former princely residences.
The most beautiful moments to admire this architectural masterpiece are at dawn and sunset. Facing east — in honour of Surya, the Hindu sun god — the palace reveals itself at its most radiant. The first, or final, rays of sunlight dance upon the waters of the lake, enhancing the monument’s beauty even further. It is an experience best enjoyed from the shoreline, within the palace itself, or aboard a 150-year-old barge that can be booked through reception. A setting, perhaps, for the most unforgettable candlelit dinner of a lifetime.
The 10 finest historic hotels in the world, according to Wanderlust magazine
- Taj Lake Palace, India
- JW Marriott El Convento, Peru
- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul, Turkey
- Hotel Esplanade Zagreb, Croatia
- Alvear Palace Hotel, Argentina
- The Xara Palace, Malta
- Colmberg Castle, Germany
- Three Tree Hill, South Africa
- InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel, France
- Casa Gangotena, Ecuador
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