Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India ideal for a special holiday, the re- preserve its glorious heritage. guests will mar- Jag mandir darshan suite offers a picturesque splendent taj lake palace, udaipur overlooks the vel at the original and restored glass, mirror and view of the palace on Jagmandir island, built by silvery lake pichola, with the aravalli mountains as pietra dure inlays, frescoes, sculpted stone and maharana Karan singh in the early 17th century. its backdrop. originally built in 1746 by maharana decorative gilt molding, artifacts, chandeliers, the mughal prince Khurram, later emperor shah Jagat singh ii, the 62nd successor of the legend- and carved and inlaid furniture. each room and Jehan, sought refuge there in 1623, and it is said ary mewar dynasty, the palace is now managed suite, distinct in design, exudes a historic, regal, it was the inspiration for the taj mahal at agra. by taj hotels resorts and palaces (www. tajhotels. and contemporary ambience. the chandra prakash (or luster of the moon) com), and the group has spared no expense in the palace hotel is home to a variety of suite has a celestial glow, with golden chande- offering guests a taste of royal india. the taj lake opulent suites. the sajjan niwas suite, built be- liers and lamps that softly light the decorative gilt palace, udaipur is spread across four acres and tween 1874 and 1884, retains an old-world charm molding, sinuously sculpted marble, fine fretted boasts numerous courtyards, pavilions, ponds, in its lamps, portraits, glass mosaic inlays, tradi- screens, inlaid floor, and frescoed ceiling. in its gardens, patios, and fountains, creating an idyllic tional cloth fans, and mirror-surfaced doors. the grand suites and through its gracious service, the setting both inside and outside its walls. bedroom, decorated with frescoes depicting the taj lake palace, udaipur makes every visitor feel taj conducted extensive research in local hindu deity Krishna, is suffused with romance. like a personal guest of the maharana.• history, architecture, and crafts when refurbish- the sajjan niwas suite’s terrace overlooks the ing the palace’s interiors, taking great pains to lake, mountains, and Jagmandir island. the The Sajjan Niwas suite (above); the Jag Mandir Darshan suite (below) volume 31, number 3 posted with permission. copyright © 2008 leaders magazine, inc. leaders 123.