Jodhpur, the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Marwar, Rajasthan’s largest princely state, a city awash in hues of blue, dominated by the large, imposing and wonderfully preserved Meherangarh Fort that towers over the alternately sleepy and bustling city with its winding roads and teeming markets, is a popular destination for good reason. A mere 5 kilometres north of the city limits of Jodhpur, on the Mandore Road, is the Balsamand Lake Palace, overlooking the still, clear Balsamand Lake. Built in red sandstone employing the typical ornate Rajput architectural style, it was initially conceived as the summer residence of the Jodhpur Majarajahs. The lake itself, artificially created in the 13th century as a water reservoir that supplied drinking water to the city - now complements the lush green lawns and staggered, terraced gardens of the property. This old royal retreat has now been fitted with all modern amenities which however does not take away from the old world charm of the property.