Rema’s Ramblings – Thoughts and Musings from Mumbai to Miami
By Rema Deo
Lake Palace: Where Time, Tradition, and Tranquility Meet
Growing up in Mumbai, I never imagined that I would even visit the Udaipur Taj Lake Palace Hotel – let alone stay there. If you’ve been reading my articles in Desh Videsh, you know that I recently spent a few days in Udaipur.
The Lake Palace is what invariably comes up if you do a google search of Udaipur. It has become a de facto icon of Udaipur even though several other luxury hotels have been built there in recent years. When we were invited for an event in Udaipur this past December, we decided to arrive a few days early. While we explored several stay options, our fingers kept coming back – almost involuntarily – to the Lake Palace.
We did not regret that decision.
Managed by the Taj Group, the Lake Palace is a 280-year palace still owned by the Royal family of Udaipur. Many of its rooms have been converted into hotel accommodations, yet they retain their old-world charm, reflected beautifully in the décor. Situated in the middle of Lake Pichola, the only way to reach the hotel is by boat. The moment we were brought to the private jetty, the difference was unmistakable.
We were treated like royalty. Each family was escorted in a private boat to the hotel where we were treated with a Royal Umbrella welcome and rose petals showered around us. The staff greeted us with folded hands and “Khamma Ghanni” (many greetings) throughout our stay. Not once did we have to share a boat with anyone else. Not once did we have to wait more than a couple of minutes for a boat to take us to the other side.
The Taj Lake Palace hotel is one of only two Michelin Three Keys hotels in India – and it’s easy to see why. The service was impeccable. There were so many unique, thoughtful touches – a daily evening pooja performed at the garden temple by a Panditji, a flautist playing live on the rooftop every morning and evening, and a Rajasthani cultural show every night. Every evening, the staff also carefully lit 50-60 lanterns by hand and arranged them in a decorative pattern on the courtyard floor.
The experiences continued throughout the day – a heritage walk through the property each afternoon, and a sunset boat ride to Jag Mandir Island in the evenings. As we checked in on Christmas Eve, there was another surprise – Santa Claus arrived bearing gifts – but not through a chimney – he came by boat, accompanied by the melodious sound of sleigh bells! What an outstanding entrance!
Over the course of our stay, whether we were interacting with the concierge, dining at one of the restaurants, or simply hanging around with a gorgeous view of the legendary City Palace building, it was clear that the staff took immense care to ensure that guests wanted for nothing. But it was while simply sitting on one of the balconies, watching the white palace walls turn golden at sunset, that we knew we had chosen perfectly – and that this was an experience that would linger long after the trip was over.
About the Author:
Rema is an IT professional whose experience includes cybersecurity consulting and implementing financial technology solutions in highly regulated environments. She lives in South Florida with her husband. A proud mother of twin boys, she is also an active member of the local Indian community. Rema enjoys traveling to different countries and meeting and working with people of different backgrounds and cultures. Rema is actively involved in the South Florida community and serves as a Board Member of the Indian Regional and Cultural Center, and has also served on the Board of Trustees of the North Broward Preparatory School.
