Bal Samand Lake Palace
If you’re a traveler who dreams in vintage tones, wants your holidays steeped in history, and prefers palaces over hotel chains — then Bal Samand Lake Palace in Jodhpur might just be your perfect stay. Set against the backdrop of the shimmering Bal Samand Lake, this 17th-century red sandstone palace offers a royal stay rooted in Marwar legacy, and is now one of the most peaceful and picturesque stays in Rajasthan.
Built for Kings, Now Yours to Explore
Originally built in 1658 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh I of Marwar as a summer palace, Bal Samand was a luxurious retreat away from the hustle of Mehrangarh Fort. Designed in traditional Rajput architectural style, the palace features jharokhas (arched balconies), latticed windows, hand-painted ceilings, and stone-carved colonnades.
Over centuries, it remained the royal family’s lakeside escape — a place where state guests, noble families, and visiting dignitaries were hosted. Today, it’s open to travelers looking to experience that same sense of royal relaxation — minus the pomp, but with all the charm.
Where Heritage Meets Comfort
Bal Samand Lake Palace offers a boutique collection of rooms and suites housed within the original palace and garden wings:
- Garden Rooms are surrounded by flowering orchards, gulmohar trees, and fountains — perfect for quiet mornings and sunset walks.
- Palace Suites offer elevated luxury with antique furnishings, regal color palettes, and direct views of the lake.
Every room is a tribute to traditional Rajasthani design, from hand-carved wooden furniture to stone inlay work and vintage chandeliers. But it’s also equipped with modern comforts like air-conditioning, plush bedding, Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms.
It’s a space where you wake to birdsong and temple bells, not traffic — where each day starts with a lake breeze and ends with lantern-lit walks.
Experience the Art of Slowness
The 60-acre estate surrounding the palace is a world in itself. While many heritage stays focus on architecture alone, Bal Samand creates an experience that flows between history, nature, and solitude.
- Stroll through Mughal-inspired gardens filled with bougainvillea, neem trees, and lotus ponds.
- Watch peacocks roam free or spot migratory birds by the lake.
- Take a horseback ride through the orchard trails.
- Enjoy a quiet afternoon reading in the shaded courtyards or under a banyan tree.
Here, time slows down — and that’s exactly the point.
Dining Like a Maharaja
Food at Bal Samand is rooted in local tradition. Meals are served in courtyards or under canopies by the lake. Their menu blends classic Rajasthani dishes (like Laal Maas and Gatte ki Sabzi) with North Indian and continental options. Much of the produce is locally sourced — some from their own gardens.
Dinner becomes a sensory experience — with flickering candles, traditional music, and cool desert winds.
Royal Roots & Legacy
Bal Samand is still owned and maintained by the royal family of Jodhpur, who have preserved its original architecture and personal touches. Unlike some over-commercialized heritage hotels, this one retains a personal, intimate vibe. The team here shares the palace’s stories like family secrets — and it’s those moments that make your stay feel deeply connected.
You’re not just staying in a hotel. You’re inhabiting a piece of Marwar’s living history.
Quick Facts for Bookers
- Where: Near Mandore, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Best Season: October to March
- Perfect For: Couples, creators, writers, slow travelers, heritage buffs
- Highlights: Private lake views, Mughal gardens, real royal history
- Booking Link: bookmyhotel.link/BalSamandLakePalace
Final Word
Bal Samand Lake Palace isn’t just about opulence — it’s about stillness, legacy, and quiet luxury. It’s the kind of place where you can unplug, unfollow, and truly tune into history. For Gen Z travelers craving experiences with substance, this lakeside retreat is your gateway into the royal rhythm of Rajasthan.
