Udaipur's top luxury hotels are the Taj Lake Palace (an 18th-century palace on an island in Lake Pichola), The Oberoi Udaivilas and The Leela Palace on the lake shore, and Taj Fateh Prakash Palace and Shiv Niwas Palace inside the City Palace complex. They're worth it for a honeymoon or milestone if you'll actually spend time at the hotel.
Key facts
- Taj Lake Palace: built 1743–1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as Jag Niwas
- Taj Lake Palace is reached only by the hotel's boat
- Room rates start well above ₹30,000 a night in season
Udaipur has some of the most famous hotels in the world. Here’s how to choose, and whether to.
The lake palaces
- Taj Lake Palace. Built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as Jag Niwas, a summer palace on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Reached only by the hotel’s boat. Seen in the James Bond film Octopussy.
- The Oberoi Udaivilas. On the west bank of Pichola, with domes, courtyards, gardens and semi-private pools in some rooms.
- The Leela Palace Udaipur. A grand lakeside palace hotel with views of the City Palace. Home to Sheesh Mahal restaurant.
Inside the City Palace
- Taj Fateh Prakash Palace. Inside the City Palace complex, overlooking the lake. The Crystal Gallery is in the same palace.
- Shiv Niwas Palace. A crescent-shaped palace hotel inside the complex.
In the hills
- Fairmont Udaipur Palace, in the Aravalli hills to the south-west.
- Taj Aravali and Taj Lalit Bagh outside the city.
See resorts near Udaipur.
Are they worth it?
Yes, if:
- It’s a honeymoon, anniversary or milestone. See our honeymoon guide.
- You’ll spend afternoons at the hotel: pool, spa, dinner.
- The view from your room matters to you.
Maybe not, if:
- You’ll be out sightseeing all day.
- You’d rather spend on experiences.
A good compromise: one night in a palace hotel, the rest in a heritage haveli.
Tips
- Book lake-view rooms early; they’re the first to go.
- Ask about boat transfers and dinner reservations when you book.
- Rates are lower from April to September.
Want help picking? Tell us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-guests visit the Taj Lake Palace?
Only with a restaurant reservation; otherwise it's for hotel guests. You can see it up close from the Lake Pichola boat.
Which is better, The Oberoi Udaivilas or The Leela Palace?
Both are excellent and on the lake. The Oberoi is spread out with gardens and pools; The Leela is a single grand building closer to the Old City. Choose by style and room type.
Are palace hotels in Udaipur worth the money?
For a honeymoon or special occasion, yes, if you plan to spend time at the hotel. If you'll be out sightseeing all day, a heritage hotel gives better value.
