India is a country blessed with natural beauty as well as royal resplendence. Once you are here, you will actually be overwhelmed by the heritage it emanates. All year round, travellers visit this country because of its legendary grandeur. Globetrotters in search of luxury trip to unique and fascinating locales must consider a visit to India to experience the wonders of a stay at some straight out of fairy tale kind of luxury hotels that are exceptional in their own. These opulent palaces of Indian aristocrats are among the best accommodations in the world, set in unparalleled splendour and unique architectural achievement.
Keeping in mind the influx of classy tourists, there are many palaces in the country which have either turned into lavish hotels or are newly constructed masterpieces. Explore some of them with us.
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Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Lake Palace is one of the most elegant palaces that resides in Rajasthan in Udaipur. It is the personification of the man-made wonder arising out of the azure water of Lake Pichola. This palace lies on an island amidst the picturesque Lake that makes it a globally famous heritage hotel. It has an construction of white marble spread over four acres of the land base, constructed in 1746. This luxury hotel surrounds a wonderful backdrop of mountains and palaces to experience a royal treatment during a leisure trip. The renowned, luxury hotel makes a great respite from the relentless city life with ample exceptional facilities. One can evidence the elegance and supreme taste through its architecture, built-in furnishings and furniture. It is one impressive destination whose charm calls on the rich and the famous personalities of the world.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is the last expression of the princely architectural extravaganza having an construction of the 19th century. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, it is now the home of Gaj Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur who retains a private wing apart from the hotel. Umaid Bhawan is one of the vastest residences in the world featuring 26 acres of enticing gardens, aesthetically carved balconies, antique furnishings, and an engaging ambiance that create a lush atmosphere fit for royalty. The Victorian influence mingled with subtle Rajasthani trends provides elegance to this palace-turned hotel. The seamless intervening of fine Indian and modern Art Deco designs makes Umaid Bhawan, one of the most craved hotels to stay at. The way this hotel portrays the culture and tradition of the state is hard to witness anywhere else.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
The Rambagh Palace is one of the magnificently traditional, classy built luxurious hotels of India. This imperial luxury hotel of Jaipur has been playing host to royalty and the elite since 1835. With affluent finishes, gilded furnished set up and recherché objects d’art, Rambagh Palace is a “Jewel of Jaipur”. The extensive, grandiloquent gardens set up in terrific symmetry have cut above the best parklands in the world. Being among the best hotels in Jaipur, the mansion offers strikingly furnished suites with elaborate décor. The sheen fabrics and silk drapes having ardent hues reflects Rajasthan’s stateliness. It offers outstanding dining experiences that are all about sampling the finest of Indian and international cuisines. No surprise, it is hospitality personified and gifts once in a lifetime experience with the lavishness it emits.
Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
On the banks of Lake Pichola, Oberoi Udaivilas finds itself in the heart of the lake city, Udaipur. Voted one of the best hotels in the world, this magnificent edifice is famous for its traditional architecture. Having its inspiration from the city’s palace layout, this hotel spread in fifty acres of land. Its decorative domes and stone-carved corridors connects with trickling water bodies, fountains, huge courtyards and lush green gardens. This incredible property overlooks architecturally rich palaces, dazzling hilltop forts, an ancient temple and the popular Aravalli mountains. Enjoy a royal treatment amidst all modern luxuries that provide an indelible experience to tourists who come here to stay. This beautiful palatial hotel let the tourist experience the zenith of royalty and the opulence of royal culture.
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is an iconic hotel that was the vision of Jamshedji Tata. One of the most renowned luxury hotels in India, the Taj Mahal Palace is definitely in a league of its own. An architectural phenomenon, the hotel blends together the Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles, and offers panoramic views of the glorious Arabian Sea. Taj Mahal Palace is a majestic hotel that reflects the contemporary Indian influences along with stunning alabaster ceilings, elegant archways, onyx columns, hand-made silk carpets, sparkling chandeliers and spectacular cantilever stairway. From impressive Belgian chandeliers to remarkable Goan Christian artefacts, the hotel integrates an array of artistic styles and tastes.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Taj Falaknuma Palace, the former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, was passed on from generation to generation as a precious jewel. It is also known as the ‘mirror of the sky’ being built in clouds, thousands of feet above, revealing the ever-changing tones of the sky. Falaknuma Palace is Hyderabad’s most exclusive address, the sole preserve of royalty. Taj group has instilled a new life in it under the guidance of Princess Ezra, wife of the eighth Nizam. Sets on several acres of land, this Palace is a space dedicates to the art of perfecting pleasure. Those who visit here enjoy the splendour just as conceived by the Nizam. The Palace features a library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle, housing the rarest of manuscripts. Moreover, there are two restaurants, Celeste and Ada, which reflect its European and Indian design influences.
Samode Palace, Jaipur
Nestled amidst the Aravallis, Samode Palace is a gem in itself being a spectacular and authentic example of Rajasthan’s noble heritage. Accorded for being the best heritage property in the whole of the country, Samode Palace exudes vintage charm. This aesthetic royal palace offers not just grand settings, but also classic hospitality along with a quiet, and relaxed ambience. The Heritage lover’s Paradise glows with rich colours and affluent designs. Decked in traditional furnishing with frescoes, marble work, mosaic floorings, antiques, paintings and carpeted floors, this luxurious hotel brings you one of the most unforgettable experiences of the lifetime. The hotel is a celebration of traditional values and gracious living with all rooms furnished in traditional Rajasthani style. In the nearby Mughal gardens, Samode Bagh offers a unique experience of a luxurious tented camp that combines warmth, luxury, and elegance.
Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore
Aman-i-khas is the most sophisticated and luxurious Jungle resort present in Ranthambore. Located at the edge of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, the hotel Aman-i-Khas lets you experience serenity with an opportunity to see the clarity of pristine wildlife very closely. This is one of the best hotels in India to explore the wilderness in the lap of luxury. The picture-perfect setting, the beautiful man-made watercourse, the culinary masterpieces from the fresh organic kitchen garden and the sun-kissed private decks of Aman-i-Khas; all welcome you to this exotic resort that stands against a perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle. Each of the luxury tents of Aman-i-Khas gives you a glimpse of the Mughal era. Its far-flung setting in the heaven of repose and unique jungle safari in Aravallis makes this place exceptionally exclusive.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas, greets its guests with a spectacular view of the famous historical monument of undying love, the Taj Mahal. It offers a seamless blend of Mughal and Moorish architecture which is evident in its terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors. This opulent hotel is wonderfully grand and luxurious with hints of traditional decor that brings back the bygone era feel. The supreme hospitality of this hotel summons scores of tourists who want to spend their vacations in a royal manner. The traditional architecture of the hotel harmonizes with the complicated Mughal architecture. Staying at this luxurious hotel in India and having the pleasure of viewing the Taj mahal privately is unprecedented. The magnificent view of the Taj, wrapped in the initial rays of the sun or its supernatural view in the moonlight will simply leave you spellbound.
Wildflower Hall, Shimla
An esteemed property of The Oberoi, Wildflower Hall nestled in the Himalayas is perched 8,250 feet above sea level. The Wildflower Hall in Shimla bears a great resemblance to a fairytale castle. The resort was the residence of the erstwhile commander-in-chief of the British Army. It has an impressive ambience of stately homes. This hotel is an amazing blend of nature and architecture having mountains and lush green views of Shimla valley as its surroundings and interiors ladened with tasteful furnishings and authentic artwork. The interior reflects the distinctive charm of the history and the teak wood floors add to its extravagance. The cool breeze of the Himalayas and lush green views with warm hospitality and exclusive dining make the Oberoi Wildflower Hall one of the finest hotels in India. These uber-luxurious hotels are a must-visit for savvy travellers who seek the ultimate in a luxury stay. These palatial hotels are phenomenal resorts to leave behind the stresses of everyday life and immerse in the fairy tale world of palace life.
Ayushi Dashora is a passionate writer and has a keen interest in creating writeups that depict art. She loves to travel and has crafted some interesting articles on travel that are worth reading. You can find some of the best pieces at Jaipur Stuff.
