Ever wondered why the one who loves you calls you their princess, or queen, or prince, or king? Not much in everyday life feels royal. For years it left me wondering what it would be like to live like royalty, in the true sense, for just one day.
अगर किसी चीज़ को शिद्दत से चाहो, तो पूरी कायनात तुम्हें उससे मिलाने में लग जाती है. If you want something with all your heart, the whole universe works to bring it to you.
After years of dreaming, I lived that royal day not once but twice. First at the Lake Palace in Udaipur, in January 2018. Then at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, in September 2025.
Two palaces, two royal families
Both of these crown jewels were built by the royal families of their regions. Today both are run as hotels by Taj, part of Indian Hotels, which brings the royal hospitality to life.
The Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Lake Palace sits on its own island in Lake Pichola. It was once the summer house of the royal family of Mewar. Today it is a luxury hotel, open all year, and the closest thing I know to the royalty dream.
You are met at a small dock, and a royal boat carries you across the water. At the palace, horns sound and rose petals shower down as you step in.
When we stayed, the hotel gave us a free guide to the palace's history. And there are lovely views of Lake Pichola from every side.
If you feel like spoiling yourselves, you can book a private dinner at one of several quiet spots in the hotel. Ahh, and we did!
It was the peak of the January winter. My husband and I sat on the rooftop with a fire lit for us, a butler and a menu made just for us. If this isn't modern royalty, then what is?
This stay was a wedding gift to us. It was a remarkable way to begin our married life, and it set an exceptionally high bar.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Years earlier, before I was married, I visited Jodhpur with my parents. I still remember walking into the museum at the Umaid Bhawan. The hotel entrance runs beside the museum entrance, only grander and brighter.
That day I made myself a promise. One day I would walk in through the hotel entrance. And a child would be watching me with stars in their eyes, making the same promise to themselves.
A decade later, we were choosing a place for our first trip alone with our toddler. Naturally, we were nervous. We wanted somewhere easy to reach, and a hotel that would understand our needs with a toddler. Most of all, we wanted a hotel good enough on its own, with no need to go sightseeing.
So I found the courage to keep the promise I had made so many years before. Our next royal dream would be the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
And boy, the moment I set foot through the gate, it was so much more than I had imagined! This trip will always hold a special place in our hearts, because so many precious moments came true for us there.
There are royal gardens, an outdoor pool and much more. When we stayed, hotel guests got a free guided tour of the palace (not to be missed!) and free entry to the museum. The food, once again, was a delight.
Your own royal dream
India has a hospitality like nowhere else. You are welcomed with warmth, and treated with care and respect.
So if you have a dream, royal or not, in a royal city or not, talk to us. We will help the experience come alive for you.
About the writer
Pooja Ganesh
Pooja curates stays for Gentle Mile Holidays. She looks for places that are unique, not just expensive, across India and abroad.
