Living Like Maharajas
When we realized that we would be spending our one year anniversary in India, we immediately jumped at the chance to celebrate at one of the most romantic hotels in the world - the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.
The incredible hotel is situated on a man-made island in the middle of serene Lake Pichola, and the only way to get there is to take a speedboat from the hotel's private jetty. The palace was originally built in the 18th century by the King of Udaipur as a pleasure palace for his son. It was converted into a hotel about 40 years ago and was restored into the perfectly rundown palace it is today. From the lilac doors to the white curved archways, from the flocks of pigeons to the scattered lily ponds, the Taj Lake Palace felt undeniably unique and authentic, and is definitely one of the best hotels we've ever visited.
Upon our arrival, we were showered with rose petals, and quickly were informed that the hotel manager had upgraded us to a Grand Royal Suite (where the King used to stay and about four levels higher than the room we had booked). Needless to say, I don't think our stay could have been more special or perfect. From the staff to the food to the views to the royal treatment, everything about the Lake Palace was pure magic. And for two days, we lived like maharajas.
Waiting at the jetty for a boat to whisk us across the lake to the Lake Palace Hotel.
On our way to the Lake Palace, with the City Palace in the background. The City Palace is where the Kings of Udaipur have lived for centuries.
Coming up to the Taj Lake Palace.
Showered with rose petals from the roof as we arrived to the palace.
The front terrace view.
Receiving a welcome blessing.
In awe of the grounds at the Taj Lake Palace.
The door to our suite.
Our living area and dining room!
Before dinner, our amazing butler surprised us with cake and made us put on traditional garb for a photo.
Dinner on our first night in India. We had traditional vegetarian Rajasthani thali, which consists of small dishes of different vegetables and grains.
On Day 2, we skipped sightseeing to relax by the pool and soak up as much Lake Palace as we could.
View from the pool area of City Palace.
No matter the time of day, the combination of the sunlight, the lake, and the architecture was breathtaking.
Each night, the hotel offers a sunset cruise. This is a view of the City Palace at sunset from the boat.
Looking back at the Lake Palace. Heaven!
Udaipur as seen from the sunset cruise.
Bathing men in Udaipur.
We stopped at Jag Mandir, another palace on Lake Pichola used for large events. Every girl in Udaipur wants to get married here.
At Jag Mandir. Get your hands off my lobby boy!
In the courtyard at Jag Mandir.
Jag Mandir at dusk.
Jag Mandir at dusk.
Back at the Lake Palace, we watched a traditional live dance and music performance.
On our final morning (and my birthday), we woke early up for some sunrise yoga. That view...
Stephen feeling blissed out after yoga.
Back in our suite, I was surprised with a cake and champagne by our butler Manaas. He was the best!!
Birthday cake and truffles. So good!
We were very sad to leave this place. Our short stay may have been the most memorable of both of our lives!