Last Updated : Jan 19, 2026  |   Author : Tanya Prasad   |   View Count : 1697   |   Read Time : 10 min

Inside the Top 10 Most Iconic India Palaces Hotels

India holds more palaces than any other nation on Earth—not by a small margin, but by thousands! It’s the living legacy of a subcontinent that was never one kingdom but hundreds, leading to the rise of palatial residences, few of which have opened their doors to travellers who wish to experience royal living. These astonishing regal buildings, built by Maharajas to immortalise their reign, each have a story to tell, and a unique, fairytale-like stay to offer. Let’s take a look at India’s top-most astonishing palace-turned-hotels.

What makes the India Palaces Hotels special compared to regular luxury stays?

The palaces of India each hold royal history within their walls, where kings & queens have actually lived and ruled for centuries. These restored palaces are now open to the public for a unique luxury experience, unlike replicas or themed heritage hotels. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s no less than living in a museum.

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The world’s most astonishing palace hotel & India’s crown jewel, the Lake Palace is a floating hotel in the middle of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola. This 270-year-old palace lets you sleep in royal rooms with lake views that stretch as far as your eye can see. Born from Maharana Jagat Singh II’s vision of a summer palace, this property was taken over by Taj and beautifully restored to a hotel. If you’re a James Bond fan, you might recognise those stunning walls and views from the film “Octopussy”. 

Key Highlights

• Each of its 65 rooms & 18 suites is adorned with centuries-old artwork and intricate mirror work that catches the light beautifully.
• The hotel’s iconic J Wellness Circle spa offers rejuvenating wellness treatments that incorporate the world’s oldest wellness traditions— Ayurveda. 
• Enjoy a royal feast under the stars at their rooftop restaurant, Bhairo, or dine at the gorgeous Jharokha. 
• Even reaching the gates of this beautiful white marble dream is an experience in itself. Only accessible by boat, a gentle ride across the water takes you from the shore to the hotel.

Tours & Activities

Hailed as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is India’s most romantic location. Hosting over 10 lakes, this royal destination is also nicknamed the “City of Lakes”. While you’re here, a private sunset boat cruise across Lake Pichola is non-negotiable. Witness the resplendent City Palace light up at dusk, as if someone painted it in gold. During the day, you can visit the same City Palace to discover antique items in its actual royal quarters. Bagore ki Haveli & the Monsoon Palace are must-sees too.

Plan Your Visit

This India Palace India is best enjoyed during the winter months of October to March, the monsoon here is exceptionally beautiful with the lake waters replenished, and the Aravallis that surround the city flourish in lush green. 

Although the experience of staying in a floating palace is hard to put a price on, you are looking at around 600 USD per night during the regular season, which can climb up to 2000 USD per night for a premier lakeview suite.

2. Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Home to the King of Jaipur until 1957, this palace in Jaipur still retains the same royal grandeur, which you can feel the moment you walk through its gates into those perfectly manicured gardens. The property has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles to Jackie Kennedy and Oprah, cementing its status as India's most prestigious palace hotel.

Key Highlights

• Sitting on 47 acres of gardens, where peacocks strut around throughout the day, the Taj Rambagh Palace has 78 rooms. They have each kept the original royal touches, including silk everywhere, handcrafted furniture, and arched doorways. 
• The amenities of the hotel are as royal as its history. Relax with gemstone therapy at the J Wellness Circle Spa.
• Enjoy a regal feast at the Suvarna Mahal restaurant, which occupies the former Palace ballroom. 
• The hotel offers an exclusive royal butler service for the truly bespoke royal hospitality experience to cater to your individual preferences.

Tours & Activities

Jaipur, adored as “The Pink City”, is home to some of India’s most legendary landmarks. The iconic Amer Fort is 20 minutes away, situated on a hilltop with numerous courtyards and palaces to explore. Down in the old walled city, the gorgeous Hawa Mahal and the City Palace are must-sees. For a thrilling addition to your stay, embark on the Jhalana Leopard Safari with an expert naturalist.

Plan Your Visit

The best time to experience the Taj Rambagh Palace and Jaipur’s royal heritage is between October and March. And depending on how fancy you want to get, rooms here run between $300 USD to $800 USD per night.

Once home to Jaipur's Maharaja until 1957, this 47-acre palace has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Oprah.

Plan Your Royal Palaces Holiday

3. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Another exceptional Taj property, Falaknuma translates to the “mirror of the sky”, a name that makes sense when you actually see this beauty perched 309 meters above the princely city of Hyderabad. This property took nine years to finish, magically blending Italian and Tudor architecture. Restored impeccably by the Taj group, every inch of the palace reflects its original glory.

Key Highlights

• The palace is famous for hosting one of the longest dining tables in the world, with 101 seats!
• The hotel’s Celeste restaurant serves authentic Royal Hyderabad cuisine, where you must try the famous biryani the city is known for. 
• Each of its 60 rooms is no less than a historic museum for you to sleep in, with handpicked antiques & gilded furniture.
• Explore its vast palace library, consisting of a magnificent collection of rare books & manuscripts.

Tours & Activities
The city itself, Hyderabad, has a great mix of old-world history and a modern urban city. The Charminar is the city‘s iconic landmark alongside the bustling Laad Bazaar and the Golconda Fort. Visit the Salar Jung Museum, hosting rare artefacts & sculptures from various civilisations.

Plan Your Visit
The best time to visit it is between November and February when the weather is cool and you can enjoy the city’s attractions. You’re looking at $400 USD to $1200 USD per night, with the Royal suites going even higher.

4. Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

For a refreshingly different experience, discover the Jehan Numa Palace with charming imperial architecture. One of the lesser-known, it was built in 1890 by General Obaidullah Khan. Having stayed in the same family for generations, the palace has a special, personal touch you won't find in chain hotels.

Key Highlights

• The property is spread across 6 acres of gardens with a variety of flowering plants that smell heavenly, and mango trees. 
• With a total of a hundred rooms, it is bigger than most India palaces, but still manages to feel intimate like a boutique property. 
• The hotel also runs the Jehan Numa retreat closeby, where you can extend your stay with captivating Jungle safaris. 
• Relax by its swimming pool, indulge at its Chakra Spa or the steam & sauna centre.

Tours & Activities

While Bhopal usually flies under the tourist radar, compared to a city in Rajasthan, say Jaipur or Udaipur, you’ll still find a list of authentic experiences and to your advantage, fewer crowds. Visit the upper and lower lakes, which are gorgeous for evening walks. The Museum of Man is an interesting visit as well. For a historic excursion, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sanchi Stupa— one of India’s oldest stone structures.  

Plan Your Visit
Although generally pleasant year-round, the best time to stay at Jehan Numa is between October & March. Owing to its off-beat location, the nightly prices here run between $150 USD to $400 USD. 

5. Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior

Wake up to the views of the historic Gwalior fort at this 144-year-old erstwhile royal guesthouse. Built by the king of Gwalior in the 1880s, the Taj Usha Kiran Palace is one of the more intimate, smaller palatial stays. This means the service is as personal as it can get– the staff is attentive & remembers your preferences to make your stay as pleasant as possible. 

Key Highlights

• The palace is spread across a lushly landscaped 9-acre estate, with 50 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites & tents.
• Indulge in signature Indian spa experiences at the hotel’s J Wellness Circle Spa. 
• Enjoy royal dining at the palace restaurant with live classical music. You can also opt for the personalised dining menu experience here.
• Take a relaxing stroll through the property’s lush gardens, which include an Italian marble fountain in the courtyard.

Tours & Activities
Less-travelled compared to the impressive forts of Rajasthan, the Gwalior fort, sitting right next to the hotel, is beautifully preserved. Enjoy the light & sound show here, showcasing the fortress’s history. The Jai Vilas Palace Museum shows you how the royal family actually lived, also home to the world's heaviest chandelier. 

Plan Your Visit
Located in the heart of Central India, the best time to stay at the Taj Usha Kiran Palace is between October & March. And for this royal experience, you’ll have to spend about $200 USD to $500 USD per night.
 

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6. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

The world’s largest private residence, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, offers an experience like nowhere else— sharing your stay with the royals. That’s right– the palace is still partially occupied by the descendants of Jodhpur’s royals, with another part hosting a fascinating collection of vintage cars & other royal items. 

Key Highlights

• Stay in one of the palace’s 71 Art Deco rooms & suites overlooking the Blue City, complete with luxurious furnishings for an authentic royal experience. 
• With a guided tour of the palace grounds, explore its glorious past at its museum, which houses numerous royal antiques.
• Enjoy a horse riding session at the Maharaja’s private Marwar Horse stable.
• Dine at the charming open-air Pillars cafe or the regal Risala restaurant, where centuries-old royal recipes are still followed the same.

Tours & Activities
The Blue City, Jodhpur, is a rugged historic town with its skyline dominated by the impressive Mehrangarh fort. Explore the fort’s museums, which house royal items such as gold palanquins & weapons and witness panoramic views of the city. Also visit the serene Jaswant Thada & Mandore Gardens. 

Plan Your Visit
Similar to most of North India, the best time to experience the Umaid Bhawan Palace is between October & March. For this royal residence stay, you can expect to spend around $420 USD to $1200 USD per night, depending on the suite you opt for.

7. Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemrana

Cascading down a hillside over multiple levels, this unique fort stay lies just about a 2-hour drive from the Delhi International Airport. Originally built in the 18th century, the Neemrana fort was restored by historian Aman Nath & partners in the 1980s. Unlike most palace stays, your experience here will feel more adventurous & less formal than properties managed by large hotel chains. 

Key Highlights

• Explore the property’s unique hanging gardens & ancient step wells, situated across multiple levels.
• For an adventurous addition to your stay, take on a thrilling zip line ride across the palace levels.
• Enjoy traditional puppet shows & vibrant Rajasthani folk performances for a culturally immersive stay.
• For a refreshing break, lounge by one of the palace’s two swimming pools, or indulge in the spa centre.

Tours & Activities
A destination in itself, the Neemrana fort is spread across 6 acres. Explore its many entrance gates, gardens & stepwells. You can discover the environs with a camel ride, which can also take you to nearby villages for an off-beat tour. The hotel also offers a 5 km vintage car ride around the Neemrana village.

Plan Your Visit 
Although the fort’s elevation keeps it cool even during the late summer months, the best time to enjoy your stay here is from October to March. Rooms here run from around $80 USD to $200 USD a night.
 

This 18th-century fort is located on a hillside across multiple levels, offering a more adventurous palace experience just two hours from Delhi.

8. Chail Palace, Himachal Pradesh

Set at an elevation of 7,000 feet, the Chail Palace is a unique summer retreat palace with spectacular hill views. The property is famed for hosting the world's highest cricket ground and polo ground. Sitting in the Himalayan foothills, the palace was built by the King of Patiala in 1891 with the intent to create something more beautiful than the town of Shimla, where he was banned.

Key Highlights

• Enjoy a round of cricket or polo at the property’s royal grounds, known for being the world’s highest.
• The Palace hosts a variety of rooms, cottages and suites with antique furniture and wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Admire the palace’s 19th-century royal architecture, elegant decor, and royal artefacts.
• Enjoy their onsite restaurant, bar, or open-air cafe for food and drinks with fascinating hill views.

Plan Your Visit
Pleasant year-round, you can plan your stay here between March & June for a cool summer retreat, or between December and February if you wish to enjoy the snow.

Run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism rather than a hotel chain, the rooms are usually between $100 USD to $300 USD per night.

9. Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore

Designed to look like St. Paul's Cathedral in London, this hotel’s white dome is visible across the city. Built in 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore to host the Viceroy of India, this stunning pure- white palace building is located on a small hill overlooking the city. Its two-storey architecture has European influences & a projecting porch on the ground floor.

Key Highlights

• The palace has 54 rooms, featuring high ceilings, Belgian crystal chandeliers, and elaborate marble staircases.
• Indulge in a royal feast at the palace restaurant, which has the original Italian marble flooring and dramatic chandeliers. 
• Try your hand at billiards at the hotel’s relax & lounge bar. 
• Enjoy a romantic dinner at its rooftop restaurant– the Royal Terrace, with gorgeous city views at night. 

Tours & Activities
The city of Mysore is famous for its royal history that goes back nearly 600 years. A must-visit here is the Mysore Palace, which shelters the royal throne, and its building is especially beautiful when lit up at dusk. The Chamundi Hills temple, Mysore Zoo, and the Brindavan Gardens are all nearby. The city is also known for silk and sandalwood, so shopping here is a treat too.

Plan Your Visit
For a comfortable stay, visit between September & February, or time your visit for the Dasara festival (usually October) when Mysore comes alive with celebrations. A stay here can cost you anything between $150 USD to $400 USD per night.

10. Samode Haveli, Jaipur

Built as a royal mansion in the mid-19th century, this 150-year-old palace showcases the region’s authentic Rajput architecture. It gained international recognition when it was featured in the 1984 television series "The Far Pavilions" and has since hosted dignitaries, artists, and high-end travellers.

Key Highlights

• Spread across several courtyards, each of the Haveli’s 39 rooms & suites is adorned with traditional Rajasthani textiles that belonged to the Royal family.
• Enjoy cultural performances at the stunning Durbar Hall, which originally functioned as the royal reception hall.
• Dine under the stars with panoramic views of the Pink City at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. 
• Explore the Haveli’s library, sheltering rare books & vintage photographs of the city’s royals. 

Tours & Activities
The hotel’s location puts you within walking distance from Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars, where you can shop for exquisite handicrafts & precious gemstone jewellery. Explore the must-visit sites of Jaipur, including the Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar & City Palace. 

Plan Your Visit
The best time to experience this royal stay in Jaipur is between October and March. A stay at Samode Haveli can cost you between $120 USD to $350 USD per night, depending on room category and season.

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FAQs

1. Do the palaces of India have modern amenities such as WiFi & Air conditioning?
Even though an India palace India can be centuries-old, they have been carefully restored to include all modern comforts you can expect from a regular 5-star hotel. You can find WiFi, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, and all contemporary facilities across all such hotels.

2. How far in advance should I book a palace hotel?
For popular properties like Taj Lake Palace and Rambagh Palace, we recommend you to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Plan an extra few weeks in advance if you are planning your journey during peak season from October to March, or especially around major festivals like Diwali or Dasara.

3. Is the India Palaces hotel suitable for families with children?
Yes, most of the palaces of India are family-friendly and offer connecting suites with extra space. Properties like Neemrana Fort Palace even have kid-friendly activities like zip lining & camel rides, while you can enjoy a few games of cricket & polo at the Chail Palace.