Serenity Now: India's Cities on the Water

India is the second most-populous country on earth, which brings to mind crowds, noise and stress, rather than thoughts of a relaxing vacation.

But you can indeed find peace and tranquility here -- in unusual settings that you won't find anywhere else on earth.

Here are two unique places to find peace by the water:

Relax Like a Royal at the Lake Palace

In Northwest India, in the state of Rajasthan, there is the city of Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, the City of the Lakes, the City of Sunrise, the City of the Dawn.

When you first arrive, you'll think that's an awful lot of hyperbole, as the city seems fairly a typical one of its size in India -- a place where cars zigzag down the streets, drivers lean on their horns and cows and goats wander everywhere.

You'll start to understand how all the lyrical names came about when you reach Lake Pichola, just outside of the city. This lake is about two miles long, and a mile wide, and the red Aravalli Mountains just beyond seem to rise from its blue waters.

Udaipur was once the seat of power for the royal family that ruled the region. Over a period of centuries, they constructed a series of palaces around the lake -- and one that fully occupies a four-acre island in the middle of the lake, called Jag Niwas, or the Lake Palace.

	Lake Palace Courtyard

The Lake Palace was designed to be disarming: It was constructed in 1743 by Maharana [Prince] Jagat Singh II as a place to woo the women of his court. It was certainly one site of conquest for a certain British secret agent -- the James Bond movie Octopussy was filmed here.

You don't have to be royalty or a spy to experience the pleasures of the Lake Palace, as it's now a resort, operated by the Taj group.

The Lake Palace can only be accessed by boat, and from the time you arrive -- and are showered with rose petals -- to the time you depart for land, you will be pampered and cosseted in the old royal tradition of the realm.

The palace has tranquil courtyards, filled with flowers and reflective ponds, a full spa with traditional Indian and western treatments, a pool with a view of the other palaces lining the lake and several excellent restaurants. Neel Kamal, overlooking the lily pond, serves local Rajasthani fare.

	A Houseboat on the Backwaters

Breakfast at Jharoka includes a Western-style buffet, followed by a service of Indian breakfast. Through the scalloped windows in the morning, you can just catch a glimpse of one of the lake's several "ghats," or bathing areas, well-used by the local population.

In the evenings, the hotel offers concerts and dance performances.

Tired of Relaxing?

Even if you're feeling extra-lazy, don't miss a boat tour of the lake. You can add to your feeling of going back in time by adding on a tour of the local area via classic car (both of which can be arranged by the hotel).

Another lovely afternoon excursion is the City Palace, which you can see on the shore just opposite the Lake Palace. This palace was constructed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and is now a museum with room after room of the exquisite and extraordinary, from bold stained glass windows to mosaic-style walls tiled in reflective glass, to delicate trompe l'oeil murals. From its upper floors, there are views of the palace compound, the city of Udaipur and on to the mountains.