Lake Palace, Udaipur

Lake Palace, Udaipur

Lake Palace (formerly known as Jag Niwas Palace) is a former summer palace of the royal dynasty of Mewar, now operated as a hotel. The Lake Palace is located on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India, and its natural foundation spans 4 acres (16,000 m2).

The Jag Niwas palace was constructed of white marble circa 1743–1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd custodian of the House of Mewar. The palace, built to look like it is floating on the lane, was extensively used as a summer retreat for the Mewar royal family.

Currently, IHCL is managing the hotel and has done so for the last 50 years. The palace has attained global fame for its appearance and as a location for several hit movies.

History

Lake Palace, and Pichola Lake was built by Rana Lakshasimha (Laakha) of Parmar Rajputs, in 1362 AD. The Lake Palace was rebuilt between 1743 and 1746 under the direction of the Maharana Jagat Singh II (62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar) of Udaipur, Rajasthan as a summer palace. It was initially called Jagniwas or Jan Niwas after its founder.

The palace was constructed for facing east, allowing its inhabitants to pray to Surya, the Hindu sun god, at the crack of dawn. Jagat Singh felt that the City Palace was too public to invite the beautiful young ladies of Udaipur with decadent, moonlit picnics. Therefore a palace in the centre of Lake Pichola would offer much more privacy. The successive rulers used this palace as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains, and gardens.

The walls are made of black and white marbles and are adorned by semi-precious stones and ornamented niches. Gardens, fountains, pillared terraces and columns line its courtyards.

Gallery

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