Perched right on the shores of Lake Pichola, arriving at The Oberoi Udaivilas by boat under a shroud of rose petals drifting from the ramparts ranks among the world's greatest hotel entrances. One of India's most spectacular hotels, the palatial 30-acre compound opens up to a maze-like lattice of sandstone corridors and gold-tipped domes, designed to mimic the layout of Udaipur itself. Rooms with pretty cushioned alcoves look out onto private terrace with embroidered parasols and a sensational 240-foot pool, which runs moat-like along the side of the buildings.