Ever dreamed of waking up in a palace room? Not just any, but those Maharajas ruled vast kingdoms from the very walls. This fantasy can be your next luxury getaway in none other than India’s most regal state, Rajasthan. Among the world’s top luxury travel destinations, this northwestern state has an exquisite collection of heritage hotels waiting to envelop you in royalty. For your next grand Indian stay, ahead is a list of some of the most magnificent top hotels in Rajasthan.
Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
What was once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II now welcomes its visitors to live in the same opulence. This royal palace stay in Jaipur has grounds sprawling over 47 acres, with influences of both traditional Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. A walk through its landscaped mughal gardens, where the peacocks roam too, is one way to step into the shoes of the former king. Dining at the palace’s exquisite Suvarna Mahal, the formal ballroom with frescoed ceilings & gilt mirrors, is another. Our guests especially love Rambagh’s royal high tea experience.
Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Another exquisite heritage hotel in Jaipur, Samode Haveli is a 175-year-old fortified mansion on the Pink City’s outskirts. Still lovingly managed by the descendants of the royal Samode family, each of its 43 luxurious suites & rooms tells a unique story. You will find every different wall adorned with hand-painted murals, mirror work & elaborate traditional art– so detailed that you’ll notice something new every time you pass by. Perhaps the most enchanting spot is by the mosaic-tiled pool, surrounded by traditional arches & private dining nooks for a refreshing afternoon.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
One of the world’s largest private residences, Umaid Bhawan is an impressive Art-Deco style palace built between 1928 & 1943. This stunning heritage hotel has served as the wedding location for many A-lister celebrities, including that of Bollywood Actress Priyanka Chopra & American Singer Nick Jonas. Located on the Chittar Hill, every room is treated with stunning views of the blue city. Parts of the palace are still home to royalty, making this stay even more special. In the museum, a wonderfully displayed collection of vintage cars impresses guests & visitors alike.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Dreamiest of all, the Taj Lake Palace is no less than a mirage soothing to the eyes. As the name suggests, this luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola. Once a pleasure palace for the city’s royalty, it was built in 1743 amid the serene Aravalli Hills. Extravagance sees a new definition in this ornate palace– every corner you turn into has an antique or a traditional Rajasthani feature worth gazing at, and its palatial suites are no different. Every moment you spend here is marked by royalty— be it a magical dinner at its rooftop restaurant, Bhairo, or a sunset cruise across the Lake. Its beauty & impeccable hospitality has made it one of the best heritage hotels in Rajasthan & the world.
SUJAN Jawai, Jawai
Rajasthan’s hidden gem, Jawai is located between the golden dunes of the Thar Desert & the Blue City, Jodhpur. The accommodations are ten exceptionally designed tents, which offer the comfort of a modern 5-star hotel in the desert state. Despite its remote location, guests can enjoy modern amenities including air conditioning and internet. Complementing your grand stay here is an extraordinary leopard safari in what is considered the world’s leopard-spotting capital. Every intimate safari is made more special with a touch of local heritage– your guides are none other than the indigenous Rabari tribesmen.
Amanbagh, Alwar
Tucked away in the rugged Aravalli hills is the Amanbagh, a modern-day Mughal palace hotel that captures the era’s elegance perfectly. This traditional yet contemporary sanctuary is about a three hour drive from the famously known Ranthambore National Park. The resort’s theme is further complemented by its unique pale pink marble & sandstone pavilions. Each of their 40 suites with high domed ceilings opens into private courtyards or terraces, where peacocks often wander. The feautured marble bathtubs are carved from single pieces of Udaipur green marble.
FAQs
Yes, many of the aforementioned palace hotels still remain partial residences to the royal families. This little piece of information makes the stay even more special for most travelers. Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan & Khimsar fort are two examples of such heritage hotels.
Absolutely! While off-beat experiences come at the cost of being remote & lesser known, the best ones will always match the comfort of luxury like any other. Rajasthan in particular has a great bunch of off-beats places to explore, all complemented with the finest accommodations & transport.
Owing to their enchanting beauty is the demand for luxury hotels, especially during the wedding season in India. We recommend our guests to book their stays at least 3 to 4 months in advance. For premium suites & stays during peak wedding season, it is safer to book your suites at least 6 months in advance.
The best way to plan your luxury Rajasthan Palace holiday is with luxury travel specialists based in India. Reputable luxury travel agencies, such as TRAVELOSEI (1800-917-1663), are happy to offer exclusive experiences in addition to your royal stays.
