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There are some stunning heritage hotels in India. These exquisite properties, once housed aristocratic families, offer guests the unique opportunity to live like royals. These historic retreats feature well-appointed guest rooms, impeccable service, and state-of-the-art amenities. From striking palaces to formidable forts, these 11 stunning heritage hotels in India should be on your bucket list.
11 most spectacular palace and fort hotels in India that are perfect for your next luxurious vacation
A two-hour drive from Indore, Ahilya Fort is a majestic fort hotel perched on the banks of the tranquil Narmada River. Built-in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, this ancestral property showcases the Maratha dynasty’s trademark architectural elements, such as high walls and ramparts, intricately carved pillars, arched gateways, and walls with awe-inspiring frescoes and murals. Ahilya Fort currently boasts 19 elegant guest accommodations, each with a distinctive personality, in six distinct buildings and an inviting outdoor pool. The buildings are connected by courtyards housing lush green gardens and charming fountains.
Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, the palace hotel is a significant landmark in Rajasthan. This historic property exhibits Art Deco and Renaissance design elements. Encompassed by 26 acres of well-manicured lawns, the palace hotel offers 70 well-appointed Art Deco-style rooms and suites. The palace hotel’s beautiful sandstone structure boasts opulent interiors featuring intricate marble latticework, crystal chandeliers, and hand-woven carpets. Visitors can unwind at the Trophy Bar, pamper themselves with the spa’s signature treatments, or dine at Risala, a Rajasthani fine-dining eatery, or Pillars, a charming open-air cafe located on a collonaded terrace that overlooks the sweeping gardens.
Offering panoramic vistas of the Aravalli Ranges, this 234-year-old warrior fort hotel is nestled atop a granite hill. In addition to the well-furnished guest suites and thoughtful hospitality, Alila Fort Bishangarh stands out for its exceptional culinary experiences. Guests can dine at Amarsar, a multi-cuisine restaurant—Haveli, the poolside eatery, or Nazaara, a rooftop restaurant serving local dishes. Moreover, the hotel’s expert staff curates bespoke experiences for guests, which include wellness treks, sound healing sessions using traditional Tibetan singing bowls and instruments, and guided village tours.
The Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, is one of India's most stunning heritage hotels. The property, with its stunning architecture, Mughal gardens, flawless service, and modern amenities, was built in the 1830s as a garden house and later expanded into a palace in the early 20th century. Guests can indulge in delectable Rajasthani dishes at Suvarna Mahal or sample international favourites at the Rajput Room. The property’s Jiva Spa is well-loved for its rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments.
Perched atop a hill, Aurika, Udaipur - Luxury by Lemon Tree offers breathtaking Udaipur and Lake Pichola vistas. This regal hotel boasts 139 guest rooms and suites, each meticulously designed to blend contemporary amenities with traditional Rajasthani charm, providing an opulent retreat for discerning travellers. Mirasa, the all-day dining restaurant, serves a delectable array of multi-cuisine dishes that cater to every palate. Guests can enjoy at Ariva Bar, which offers an extensive selection of fine wines, spirits, and craft cocktails in a chic and relaxed setting. For those seeking rejuvenation, the hotel’s well-equipped fitness centre and serene spa, Araya. The spa offers a range of treatments designed to soothe the mind, body, and soul.
Tijara Fort Palace, about an hour’s drive from Alwar city, is a 19th-century architectural marvel. The hotel is home to expansive rooms displaying aesthetically pleasing interiors, lush hanging gardens, and panoramic vistas of Rajasthan’s natural landscapes. Housing five different palaces—Rani Mahal, Mardana Mahal, Deewar Mahal, Tope Mahal, and Khajur Mahal, the property’s guest rooms have their own character, with every detail thought through. Guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, relax with a drink at the Marigold Bar, or take a dip in the welcoming outdoor pool.
Jehan Numa Palace in Bhopal is a magnificent palace hotel steeped in history. Constructed in 1890 by a Bhopal ruler, the palace exhibits a distinctive architectural mix of British colonial, Italian Renaissance, and classical Greek design aesthetics. Picture relaxing on verdant lawns amidst the colourful bloom of bougainvillaea or taking a dip in the pool bordered by royal architecture. This palace hotel also has a diverse array of restaurants and bars. The restaurants Under The Mango Tree, Shahnama, and La Kuchina are must-visits. They feature lively settings and serve lip-smacking Indian and international cuisine crafted using the freshest local ingredients.
Constructed in 1812 on the banks of the Ganges River, BrijRama Palace is one of the oldest structures in Varanasi. The palace hotel's architecture showcases the influence of the Maratha dynasty. This heritage hotel houses lavishly appointed rooms, upscale eateries, and a rooftop wellness deck. BrijRama Palace is ideal for people looking for a grand and culturally immersive stay in Varanasi. Guests can enjoy live music and dance performances at the property, partake in the Ganges Aarti ceremony, and visit the nearby Dashashwamedh Ghat and Vishwanath Temple.
Built-in the 17th century by the Mewar royal family, Deogarh Mahal’s hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli Range. This heritage hotel has 60 guest rooms and suites. Its highlight is the Maharana Suite, which features beautiful stained glass windows, age-old antiques, and an expansive bathroom with a standalone bathtub for a king. The hotel’s expert team curates experiences such as cycling and jeep tours to nearby villages, lakeside picnics, private sundowners on the terrace and traditional meals at the regal restaurant.
A three-hour drive from Kolkata will lead you to the pristine Belgadia Palace. The erstwhile royal family of Mayurbhanj has converted a section of their ancestral palace into a boutique property that houses one-of-a-kind artworks and antiques showcasing Odisha’s rich history. This 200-year-old palace is home to elegant suites, conference spaces, billiards, a theatre room, a terrace for musical and dance performances, a gym, a spa, and a museum.
The former home of the Nizam of Hyderabad, this dazzling palace hotel boasts 60 guest rooms and suites, a world-class spa, an Indian fine-dining eatery, Adaa, and a multi-cuisine restaurant, Celeste. Visitors can partake in a host of immersive activities like guided heritage tours, private dining experiences, and an exploration of the property’s grounds on horse-drawn chariots.
