Bal Samand Lake Palace

400 year old peacock fountain. The sign reads, "When in use, creates a magical illusion. The peacocks themselves respond to the magic, as they often gather here to dance".

The path leading out of the rooms towards the trails. Massive peacocks roam the place and they say monkeys as well. We did see an ancient banyan tree full of giant bats.

The palace and outbuildings were built in the
late 19th century. These canals wind their way
through the grounds and include an aqueduct.

Comfy rooms- decent mattress and
GREAT shower...good after bucket baths.

View of the pool from the meadow. The lake on the grounds was created in 1159 A.D. and the red sandstone that built these structures was quarried there.

Pretend you’re Nero or Merv Griffin
in the opulent and deserted marble pool.

View of the adjacent Bal Samond Palace- there are great trails around this lake and into the nearby hills. This is the one place in India where you don’t see anyone. Saw a world class sunset here.

Good traditional Indian and Western breakfast! Dining room style: Ponderosa meets Wes Anderson. Waiters might be chatty.

View from the terrace.

Bal Samand Garden Retreat is redone from
a local Maharajah’s stable- there’s an equestrian vibe
about the place, but it doesn’t feel stuffy.