Lake Palace Hotel

I'm sure many are wondering why the family chose to write about a hotel.  Earlier I wrote that to me, India represents extremes, we are all aware of the Indian slums, now lets experience some of India's splendor (other than my family, who will always be my highlight)

Any trip to India is filled with visits to many Palaces.  Unlike drab european castles of grey brick and mortar, Indian Fortresses are much more appropriately called Palaces.  Indian Palaces, like typical fortresses, are Massive units with large, imposing walls which stretch on endlessly.  

What differs is Indian style.  These palaces, more than a defensive fortress, are works of art.  Indian Palaces have a profound attention to detail.  Every inch of construction is carefully planned and beautifully developed.  There is design to every curve and step of the Palaces.  The choice of construction material, the marble, the wood, the colors, the jewels/gold. the engravings, the sculptures....it was endless how the Maharajas (Hindu Kings) of the past would patron artists to create these works of arts.  It would never be enough to just to put a wall up - instead the wall must contain engravings of mythical scenes, carefully pieced together by individually laid jewels/pearls/gold until the wall itself becomes an art piece.

In Udaipur we stayed in a Hindu Palace - Lake Palace Hotel (which was where the Bond film Octopussy was filmed and honestly the initial reason we chose to stay at this Palace/hotel).  Udaipur, as a location is beautiful small town (small by India standards) that is famously regarded as a Honeymoon Retreat in India.  The city surrounds Lake Pichola, which is all surrounded by a surreal mountain range.

Upon arriving at the Boat launch, the view of the city, City Palace, mountain range and Lake Pichola surrounding Lake Palace is breathtaking.  We were filled with anticipation as we drifted towards our Island Palace.  Upon arrival, we are greeted by a local in traditional garb who escorts us to the building entrance.  Where two women dressed in beautiful saris serve us drinks while we are showered with Rose petals from above.  

We were then taken to the courtyard where the Indian traditional dancers and folk band were playing the sitar/tabla/singing.

Equipped with new new peackcock (toy) sidekicks,  it is the girls turn to put on a dance show (which for the record was very well received).

I swear to you, I am not making this up, the air of the entire Palace actually has a scent of jasmine and rose naturally wafting through the Palace.   Savitri said she wanted to "eat up the air" . The service was unreal, it was actually such amazing service we were not certain how to respond.  The staff anticipated our wants and went a step further fulfilling unrecognized needs.

A rose petal motif was created on the floor of our room!

The view when stepping outside our room

The food was delicious, every bite had a distinct flavor and experience.  Shannon had a Yoga class, on the terrace roof top at sunrise.  Arts and crafts were organized for the kids, sunset boat cruises, our rooms were, of course, elegant and beautiful.

The view from every point of the Palace (including our room - Jaya slept by the windows) was an awe inspiring panoramic setting.

The pool was extravagant, as were the corner pillars which enclosed 2 jacuzzi tubs with yet again an amazing view.  Gord and I were so taken by the Palace that while everyone else was sleeping we spent hours exploring the palace grounds and taking pictures.

Our Bengal Tiger pose (we forgot to tell Daddy!)

The water was FREEZING, but our girl Jaya went for a swim with Daddy.  Savitri and Mommy dipped our toes in then went directly to the hot tub.

What finally sent my senses over the top were the Shadow Dancers.  At night, on the highest wall of the Palace was the projected shadow of a girl dancing, to as our guide described "develop ambiance and mesmerize our guests."  There is thought and attention to every detail of every step of this Palace.    Lake Palace is far more than just a hotel; it is an Experience.

We were eventually forced o leave this Nirvana.

We then did a camel ride through a small rural village during which Savitri fell asleep laying back onto the camel hump and Daddy.  She's so cute.

Ajeet