Does anyone have any info on buffet lunch at the Lake Palace in Udaipur?

Not this specific one no but in general I avoid buffets. Are too often left overs re hashed from the night before! Plus u will not prob do justice to the variety of food and are prob better off ordering a couple of items a la carte, knowing they are freshly prepared and eating as much as u can handle! Sorry if this answer went a bit haywire! Just airing my views!

I actually want to know specifically about Udaipur Lake Palace Hotel grounds and island.

Is there an inexpensive way to see the Lake Palace Hotel for photographing ? How can one get on their boat to get there without it costing an arm and a leg ie lunch reservations? Or is what LP describes as ?the ultimate dining experience? worth an arm and a leg? And, how much is that anyway??

You can take the boat out to the hotel whether or not you are a guest. You can walk around the lobby and the public areas. I don't imagine you would be challenged at all (have not been there post 9/11 or the attacks in New Delhi 2 years ago). In general, I don't recall their restaurants as being expensive, and I would actually recommend it for a good lunch or tea, esp if there are serving upstairs on the roof or poolside. If you are challenged, say you are going to the bar, and go have a coke or a beer.

The boat goes from the shore to the front door, so you don't get a whole lot of picture opportunities. You could also hire a boat to take you around the lake and take pictures of the hotel as well. I don't have any idea of price, can't imagine it is too much.

One of the best places to photograph the hotel is from the windows of the City Palace Museum, which you will probably go to anyway.

If Lonely Planet lists the restaurant as one of their "high-end" recs, then take this in line with their pricing structure, which is low. I find LP's high-end recs to usually be very good value for money. Can't recall exact prices, but certainly cheaper than the Udavilas.

Is much cheaper than Udai Vilas for not very good food! I think Cicerone has a good suggestion. Go either for mid morning coffee (light may be better for pics) or for mid afternoon tea. Then you can legitly spend a little bit of money using hotel facilities and wander about without guilt and click to your hearts content!

I stayed at the lake palace hotel in udaipur about three years ago. The food was good, but I would not recommend the buffet. I stayed at the Rajvillas in Jaipur in January 2004 and was very impressed with the accomodation and food. I have heard great things about Udaivillas (hope I have the spelling right)in Udaipur. Maybe you should try the buffet there.