India boasts an array of magnificent palaces that have been transformed into luxury hotels, offering visitors a unique and opulent experience steeped in history. These palace-turned-hotels showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and architectural splendour while offering an unforgettable royal experience.
- Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Rambagh Palace, often called the ‘Jewel of Jaipur’, was originally built in 1835. In 1925, Rambagh Palace became the permanent residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, Rambagh Palace, today, offers its guests luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings.
Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors, airy verandas, and majestic gardens set in 47 acres echo with history.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family, the palace has one thing in common with the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra—the palm court marble used in its construction.
Umaid Bhawan Palace inspires with exotic views of the historical Blue City, vast sand dunes, and intimidating Mehrangarh Fort. This heritage palace hotel in Jodhpur is conveniently located 20 minutes from the airport, close to the main shopping areas, and the Balsamand and Kalyana lakes. The last of the great palaces of India, the property houses a family museum, as well as the resplendent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, with dancing peacocks and a subterranean Zodiac Pool, the property currently offers 70 breathtaking art deco- style rooms and suites.
- Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Perched 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad is Taj Falaknuma Palace, a jewel amongst the clouds. Built in 1894, it is the former palace of the Nizam, rumoured to be the richest man in the world at one time.
Overlooking the twinkling City of Pearls, this enchanting palace hotel exudes romance and grandeur that take one back to when the Nizam ruled Hyderabad. From the moment you arrive at Taj Falaknuma Palace in a horse-drawn carriage, the palace butlers treat you like royalty. The five-star luxury hotel, spread over 32 acres, allows you to journey to the gilded ages, where opulence and excess is celebrated and savoured in equal measure.
- Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
A jewel floating in the middle of Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace is a building made of marble locally sourced from Rajnagar, brought in by bullock carts travelling 66 kms to Udaipur. With architecture influenced from Mughals and predominantly led by Mewari techniques, this heritage hotel has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world-renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed at it. It was the secluded lair of the film’s eponymous Bond Girl.
- Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur
The crescent-shaped palace, built in the early 20th century, in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh been meticulously maintained and preserved. Shiv Niwas Palace by HRH Group of Hotels offers a spa and wellness center, a large outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi throughout the property.
This architectural marvel offers elegant suites featuring traditional décor. They are equipped with air-conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV, mini-bar and wardrobe. The private bathrooms feature bath facilities and contain complimentary toiletries.
- Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal
The first Jehan Numa hotel – Jehan Numa Palace – was built in 1890 during the rule of Nawab Sultan Jehan Begum, and named after her, by her second son General Obaidullah Khan, Commander-in-Chief of the erstwhile Bhopal state Force. After the death of the General in 1924, the Palace was renovated, and through this time the General’s sons continued to use it as their secretariat till 1952, when all Jagirs were abolished by the Government of India. The family rented it out to the Government for use as a hostel, and then as the office of the Geological Survey of India, till 1981.
Nadir and Yawar Rashid, the grandsons of General Obaidullah Khan, and the owners of the Palace, then decided to share their legacy with the world and convert it into a world-class heritage hotel. Jehan Numa Palace Hotel opened its doors to visitors in September 1983. In the year 2000, the Palace was classified as a Heritage Grand Hotel, the first of its kind in Central India.
The fine tradition of Bhopal hospitality continues, albeit in a new form. The younger generation, sons of Nadir and Yawar, are also involved now in running the Jehan Numa Hotels. Royal living, once the sole preserve of nawabs, is offered to guests generously and with courtesy.
- Devi Garh, Udaipur
Strategically placed atop a hill in the Aravalli Range, RAAS Devigarh overlooks the village of Delwara. Its construction was completed in the year 1760, under the reign of Rajrana Sajja Singh II. The palace was originally built using locally mined marble, a practice that was followed once again during its restoration.
Known earlier as Delwara Fort Palace, the origins of the building lie long before its completion in 1760. In recognition of his service to the famed Maharana Pratap of Mewar, the principality of Delwara was gifted to Rajrana Sajja Singh and his brother, Ajja Singh, following the battle of Haldighati in the year 1576.
The palace fortress, as it can be seen today, tells the tale of its brave and loyal benefactors, and with the coming of the modern era it has been transformed into one of the most spectacular luxury travel destinations of the region. The restoration of the hotel was undertaken by a team of 750 people over a period of almost 15 years. Finally, in 1999, Devigarh opened its gates to the public, offering visitors a blend of new-world comforts and old-world charm.
- Raj Palace, Jaipur
The oldest mansion in Jaipur, originally called ‘The Chaumoo Haveli’, it was built in 1727. It was named after the last ruler of Chaumoo, Thakur Raj Singh. In 1996, Princess Jayendra Kumari converted it into a luxurious palace hotel. It still retains the splendor and a lot of artefacts from the bygone era.
This luxury hotel affords you some larger than life, unique and memorable experiences that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere, making your stay an experience worth having.
