This 18th-century boat only palace is now the most iconic hotel in the world

In the middle of Lake Pichola, gently floating like a marble mirage, sits one of India’s most remarkable buildings: the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.

It’s not just a hotel, but an actual palace, built in the 18th century.

The property has a long and illustrious history, and is now one of the most iconic hotels in the world.

In fact, it’s so exclusive that it’s reachable only by boat.

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Originally called Jag Niwas, this floating palace was built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, ruler of Mewar.

It was meant to be a summer retreat for the royal family.

The location was deliberate, offering breezes off the lake, privacy from the city, and a panoramic view of the Aravalli hills.

Over the centuries, the palace hosted royal gatherings, cultural performances, and quiet retreats.

However, by the mid-20th century, the building had fallen into disrepair.

Then, in 1963, the tides turned.

Maharana Bhagwat Singh, one of the last ruling kings of Udaipur, decided to restore the palace and turn it into a hotel.

It was not a mere vanity project, but a strategic move to preserve the structure and boost tourism.

The palace was leased to the Taj Hotels group in the 1970s, which still manages it today.

Since then, the hotel has been carefully maintained and thoughtfully updated, but the architecture and layout remain largely intact.

What makes the Taj Lake Palace different from most luxury hotels isn’t just the setting, but the structure itself.

The palace is made almost entirely of white marble, with carved balconies, open courtyards, and Mughal-style domes.

Frescoes, mosaics, and ornate windows reflect the craftsmanship of the time.

Inside, many of the rooms still feature original elements: antique furniture, hand-painted ceilings, and mirrored walls that once lit up under candlelight.

The hotel has just 65 rooms and 18 suites, a relatively small footprint compared to other luxury resorts that have up to 5,000 rooms.

With no roads leading to the hotel, the only form of transportation is taking a boat.

While modern amenities have been added, much of the experience is intentionally low-key.

You won’t find shark tanks or private movie theatres, but the property doesn’t need them.

Over the years, the Taj Lake Palace has quietly gained an international following.

It was featured in the James Bond film Octopussy in 1983, and has been visited by everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to Queen Elizabeth II.

Yet, despite the fame, it doesn’t feel flashy.

It may not have plated its interior and exterior with 24-karat gold like other hotels, but you can still feel the luxury.

Today, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur stands as a rare example of living history.

It’s not a floating theme park, but a working hotel inside a 270-year-old royal residence.

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