The Lake Palace
Not far from Jag Mandir stands one of the most recognizable landmarks in India—the Lake Palace. Officially known as Jag Niwas, the palace was built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer retreat for the royal family. Viewed from the lake, the structure appears almost dreamlike. Its white marble walls rise directly from the water, creating the illusion that the palace is floating. The changing light transforms its appearance throughout the day. At dawn, it appears soft and ethereal, while at sunset, it glows with warm golden hues. But its beauty amplifies when the darkness around it is illuminated by the lights from the City Palace and the Lake Palace.
The palace now functions as a luxury hotel, yet it continues to embody the refinement and artistic vision of the Mewar rulers. Delicate balconies, intricately carved windows, elegant courtyards, and ornamental gardens showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of the period. Even from a distance, the Lake Palace becomes one of the defining images of Udaipur and serves as a reminder of the city’s remarkable relationship with water, architecture and beauty.
