Lake Palace
Palace Island palace in Udaipur, converted luxury hotel
An 18th‑century island palace on Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, now operating as a heritage hotel. Visitors take boat trips to view the palace façades and surrounding cityscape.
The Lake Palace, locally known as the Taj Lake Palace and originally Jag Niwas, is an 18th-century marble palace built on an island in Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It was constructed as a summer palace and later converted into a luxury hotel that occupies the entire island.
Guests and visitors arrive by boat; the palace is operated as a hospitality property and is a frequent venue for high-end events and weddings. Its island setting and white marble facades make it one of Udaipur’s most photographed landmarks.
The palace was built in the mid-18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a royal residence. It was subsequently maintained and repurposed over the centuries, eventually opening as a hotel run by a national hospitality group.
The building occupies Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola at the heart of Udaipur city in southern Rajasthan, with the city shoreline and historic palaces immediately adjacent.
- Boat access: Only reachable by boat from the Udaipur shore; most visitors arrive via short motorboat transfer from the city.
- Film appearance: Featured in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which increased its international profile.
How to Get to Lake Palace #
The Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace, Jag Niwas) sits on an island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur. From Udaipur Railway Station or the city bus stand take a taxi or auto‑rickshaw to the City Palace / Gangaur Ghat area (a short 2-3 km road ride from the main station). Boat transfers to the island depart from the City Palace/Gangaur Ghat jetty; the hotel operates boats for guests (the crossing is only a few minutes).
Tips for Visiting Lake Palace #
- If you want to go inside the Taj Lake Palace, make a dining reservation (afternoon tea, lunch or dinner) or book a room - the palace does not admit casual walk‑in visitors, so reservations are the practical way to experience the interior.
- For views without a hotel booking, take an early morning or sunset boat from Gangaur Ghat for the best light and fewer crowds; sunset boat rides show the palace illuminated and are the most popular photo times.
- Avoid relying on public shorelines at peak times-book a private boat or a restaurant table at the palace for a less crowded experience, and confirm boat schedules with your hotel or the ghat operator in advance.
Best Time to Visit Lake Palace #
The Lake Palace (Udaipur) is best visited in the cool, dry season (October-March) for pleasant weather-expect higher crowds and book ahead.
Weather & Climate near Lake Palace #
Lake Palace's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 38°C. Moderate rainfall (654 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month with highs of 38°C and lows of 26°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
