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The Lake Palace Hotel is built in the middle of the lake. When I went, you would make a reservation, then call the hotel once you are ready to come. You then wait at a getty by the edge of the lake for a boat to come and pick you up. The water is clear, calm, and the white palace in the middle of the lake bring yo back to the land of fantasy, to the land of the magic lamp, of the caves that open, and of the magic carpet. All of these images just flashed through my mind as I gazed at the absolutely gorgeous building that was going to be my home for one day. Inside the hotel, after you passed a courteous check-in desk, you find yourself in a courtyard, with a beautiful pond with numerous water jets, around which four corridors lead you to the rooms. I believe all the rooms ring the edge of the palace, and therefore opening any curtain will find yourself staring into the water, and if you are lucky, you will look over at part of the city you came from. Besides gorgeous architecture, the hotel offered a gorgeous view of nature through an outdoor terrace where guests can retire to watch the sunsets reflecting against the water and the Thor mountain ranges in the distance. The terrace is wringed with bougainvilla and other desert plants, with lounge chairs set up for those who want to settle down for a long while. In the dining room, you can order from a Western or an Indian menu, and after dinner, one can settle down for cultural performances at the fountain in the courtyard. Life can''t be any better than this.

The Fort sits on a mighty rock 400 ft tall. From atop the fort, you have a sweeping view of the valley below. No wonder the maharaja had chosen this location to make his home--from his perch, he has a commanding view of any approaching enemy, and can defend his territory most efficiently. The climb is fairly steep, and at every corner, you can find old women in bright saris sitting under umbrellas offering their wares. Predominantly, they would want to read your palms. Let them, a handful of paises or a couple of rupees may make their day, and you are out of almost nothing. The palaces within are carved from a hard sandstone that have the look and feel of marble. The ivory columns supporting the palaces are inlaid with darker stones, and the sculptors' chisels have carved into the columns remarkably real, dancing figures of birds and flowers, as if the stones were just soap. Everywhere I gasped with admiration at the beautiful handiwork of artists long ago.

One of my favorite places at the Fort is in the lady's quarter. Here, a room has been set aside where the ladies of the palace can look out into the streets to observe festivals, or just everyday life. To prevent the gaze of the curious, the window is covered by a beautiful handcarved block resembling a mesh, where the ladies can observe without being seen themselves. The ceilings of this room has been intricately carved, and covered with remnants of semi-precious stones. My friend told me that after the maharaja became weak in the 18th century, looters invaded many forts and palaces and removed many of the stones. Otherwise, the forts would have been even more gorgeous, although how that can be possible I can't even begin to imagine.