It is a fact well-known that India has abundant reserves of culture, history and natural beauty. But it is also home to the kind of luxury hotels and resorts that have earned global acclaim—a fact that many international travellers are yet to learn and Indian travellers sadly ignore. From restored palaces and plush glamping retreats to chic beach resorts, our guide to some of the best luxury hotels in India offers the most unique experiences in the lap of grandeur. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, a royal retreat or just a relaxing getaway, there is definitely something for you on here.
Taj Lake Palace
Set in the middle of Lake Pichola – in India’s storied Udaipur region – Taj Lake Palace has long been praised as one of the world’s most romantic hotels.
It’s almost hard to believe your eyes. The white marble marvel appears to float above the water, all the while surrounded by the majestic Aravali mountains.
It’s almost hard to believe your eyes. The white marble marvel appears to float above the water, all the while surrounded by the majestic Aravali mountains.
Rambagh Palace
Featuring white marble corridors and red brick accents, the Rambagh Palace was used by the Maharajas of Jaipur in various capacities over the years, first as a handmaid’s residence then a hunting lodge and finally a royal guesthouse.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Still a residence of the Jodhpur royal family, this meticulously restored palace from Taj hotels makes an unforgettable first impression.
The commanding Art Deco-styled facade, made of desert sandstone, rises atop a hill at the highest point in Jodhpur, in northwest India.
The commanding Art Deco-styled facade, made of desert sandstone, rises atop a hill at the highest point in Jodhpur, in northwest India.
Taj Falaknuma Palace
The jewel of Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace captures a gloriously gilded past.
In its past life, the 19th-century palace was the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. In fact, Princess Esra, former wife of the current titular Nizam of Hyderabad, worked closely with Taj hotels during the careful renovation process.
In its past life, the 19th-century palace was the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. In fact, Princess Esra, former wife of the current titular Nizam of Hyderabad, worked closely with Taj hotels during the careful renovation process.
SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace
Located in Jaipur, SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace is easily one of the most stylish hotels in India.
Decked out in contemporary colors and eye-catching wallpapers, the Relais & Châteaux address hotel adds a modern touch to the otherwise ancient surrounds.
Staying true to its regal identity – built by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur for his favorite queen – the 250-year-old Rajmahal Palace boasts pristine lawns, lofty bay windows, marble staircases and glamorous decor.
Decked out in contemporary colors and eye-catching wallpapers, the Relais & Châteaux address hotel adds a modern touch to the otherwise ancient surrounds.
Staying true to its regal identity – built by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur for his favorite queen – the 250-year-old Rajmahal Palace boasts pristine lawns, lofty bay windows, marble staircases and glamorous decor.
Tented Camps / Safari-Style Lodges
SUJÁN The Serai
A nostalgic outpost in the middle of the golden Thar desert, outside of Jaisalmer, SUJÁN The Serai is a 100-acre oasis set amid dunes and starry night skies, promising memorable dining experiences and musical campfires.
Featuring terrace lounges and locally made textiles, the 21 tented suites are scattered across the dramatic landscape and share a communal tented restaurant, spa and reception area.
Featuring terrace lounges and locally made textiles, the 21 tented suites are scattered across the dramatic landscape and share a communal tented restaurant, spa and reception area.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore
Just adjacent to the Ranthambore National Park, in north-central India, The Oberoi Vanyavilas is the ideal base from which to explore the territory of Bengal tigers.
While majestic beasts roam the reserve, travelers can take off on a safari or admire the views from the hotel’s panoramic Observation Tower.
Later, you can unwind with a treatment at The Oberoi Spa or take a wander through the hotel’s 20 acres of manicured gardens.
Designed to recall royal Raj caravans, the tents come complete with canopied four-poster beds, teak wood floors, deep-sink clawfoot tubs and tiger-print accents.
While majestic beasts roam the reserve, travelers can take off on a safari or admire the views from the hotel’s panoramic Observation Tower.
Later, you can unwind with a treatment at The Oberoi Spa or take a wander through the hotel’s 20 acres of manicured gardens.
Designed to recall royal Raj caravans, the tents come complete with canopied four-poster beds, teak wood floors, deep-sink clawfoot tubs and tiger-print accents.
Aman-i-Khas
With just 10 tented suites, Aman-i-Khas is among the most exclusive tented camp experiences in India.
The oasis sits on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, surrounded by flora and fauna. On site, there’s an outdoor fire pit, alongside a spa, swimming pool and a romantic dining tent.
The oasis sits on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, surrounded by flora and fauna. On site, there’s an outdoor fire pit, alongside a spa, swimming pool and a romantic dining tent.
Remote Retreats
Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas – An Oberoi Resort
A mountain getaway with views of the majestic Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is in a league of its own.
Surrounded by nature at 8,000 feet above sea level, the grounds on which the colonial-style hotel stands on the grounds that was once the summer home of Lord Kitchener, former Commander in Chief of the Indian Army.
For an unparalleled experience, we’d recommend splurging on the Lord Kitchener Suite – it’s 1,450 square feet of handmade rugs, antique furniture, marble bathrooms and views of the Himalayas.
Surrounded by nature at 8,000 feet above sea level, the grounds on which the colonial-style hotel stands on the grounds that was once the summer home of Lord Kitchener, former Commander in Chief of the Indian Army.
For an unparalleled experience, we’d recommend splurging on the Lord Kitchener Suite – it’s 1,450 square feet of handmade rugs, antique furniture, marble bathrooms and views of the Himalayas.
Ananda in the Himalayas
An Ayurveda spa sanctuary in the heart of the Himalayas, Ananda stretches across the 100-acre Maharaja Palace Estate.
Inspired by colonial hill stations of old, guest rooms and villas combine classic furniture with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook peaceful forests, the Ganges valley and palace gardens.
Inspired by colonial hill stations of old, guest rooms and villas combine classic furniture with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook peaceful forests, the Ganges valley and palace gardens.
Amanbagh
A remote getaway in the foothills of the Aravalli mountains, northwest of Jaipur, Amanbagh seems at home in its all-natural setting.
The 37 suites and pavilions embody the best of Mughal architecture, showcasing incredible attention to detail in the latticed stone work, pink marble bed platforms, vaulted entrances and lofty domed ceilings.
The 37 suites and pavilions embody the best of Mughal architecture, showcasing incredible attention to detail in the latticed stone work, pink marble bed platforms, vaulted entrances and lofty domed ceilings.
Urban Sanctuaries
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Promising continuous views of the Taj Mahal – just 600 meters away – The Oberoi Amarvilas is the place to stay in Agra.
It’s not an ancient property, by any definition, but the Mughal-style design and gold leaf accents certainly look the part of a royal residence.
It’s five minutes from the pedestrianized street leading up to the Taj and the hotel will transfer guests to and from the site by electric buggy (vehicles releasing carbon emissions aren’t allowed within 500 meters of the mausoleum).
As you might hope, every room at Amarvilas has a view of the Taj Mahal.
It’s not an ancient property, by any definition, but the Mughal-style design and gold leaf accents certainly look the part of a royal residence.
It’s five minutes from the pedestrianized street leading up to the Taj and the hotel will transfer guests to and from the site by electric buggy (vehicles releasing carbon emissions aren’t allowed within 500 meters of the mausoleum).
As you might hope, every room at Amarvilas has a view of the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal Palace
Few hotels in the world embody old-world glamor quite like the Taj Mahal Palace.
Opened in 1903, the hotel was built by Jamsetji Tata (known as the “father of Indian industry”) and has been used to host maharajas, visiting dignitaries and celebrities over the decades.
Located in south Mumbai, the 285-room palace is the epitome of grandeur. There’s the luxurious Arabian Sea-view rooms (with marble bathrooms), gold fabrics, grand chandeliers, fine-dining restaurants (including Masala Kraft, serving contemporary Indian cuisine), a harborside bar and sky-high ceilings.
Opened in 1903, the hotel was built by Jamsetji Tata (known as the “father of Indian industry”) and has been used to host maharajas, visiting dignitaries and celebrities over the decades.
Located in south Mumbai, the 285-room palace is the epitome of grandeur. There’s the luxurious Arabian Sea-view rooms (with marble bathrooms), gold fabrics, grand chandeliers, fine-dining restaurants (including Masala Kraft, serving contemporary Indian cuisine), a harborside bar and sky-high ceilings.