Heritage properties that have been converted to premium hotels mean that guests can relive the royal past albeit with a luxe touch. A luxury stay in India’s heritage properties is not just about experiencing royalty but also about turning back time to understand the history, heritage and culture that has shaped these places. Here are some heritage properties to bookmark for your next regal getaway.
Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur
Built in the early 20th century when Maharana Fateh Singh was ruling, the crescent-shaped Shiv Niwas Palace in Udaipur offers a stunning array of 19 suites to choose from. In the past, the palace was reserved exclusively for visiting dignitaries and guests of the House of Mewar which has now been converted to a plush space for discerning guests. Each of the well-appointed suites are done up with original furniture and portraits from the royal family and overlooks natural landscapes that make a stay here like no other. Keeping the royal guesthouse hospitality intact, the staff here are always attentive and around. It is little wonder then that the property has won the National Tourism Award for Best Heritage hotel in 'Heritage Grand' category seven times already.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Built by H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singh to replace Mehrangarh Fort as the symbol of new Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest private residences in the world. Nestled amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, this golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived in the fashionable Art Deco Style. The 347-room palace was completed in 1943 15 years in the making and has been the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since. Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the majestic 105-foot-high cupola that you see here is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The palace is a destination by itself with its own private museum, two restaurants, Risala & Pillars, the Trophy Bar, a majestic neo-classical ballroom, a smoking room, a well-stocked library, and a choice of lounges.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace is probably best known for being the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi. The Taj property now has 78 keys and the stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites have retained their original splendour and charm. Suvarna Mahal is the former ballroom that has French-style crystal chandeliers where you can enjoy a bespoke meal. There is much to explore for the gourmand here - Rajput Room, the all-day-dining restaurant, Verandah Café, the lounge bar, Steam, and the Polo Bar. The J Wellness Circle Spa, yoga and meditation sessions complete the wellness offerings. With its expansive venues, it is also a favourite for weddings and events. This with the impeccable service, makes this a must-see. After all the likes of Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Jacqueline Kennedy have been guests of this property rightly dubbed as ‘The Jewel of Jaipur’.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Touted as one of the most romantic hotels in the world, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is located on Lake Pichola with the majestic Aravalli Hills in the background. With 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites, a private boat will take you to the property. This property was the erstwhile Jag Niwas and has been built with white marble and is peppered with gardens, fountains, jharokhas and landscaped courtyards. Built between 1743-1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, this was used as a summer retreat by the erstwhile Mewar Royal family and was converted into a heritage hotel in 1963. It shot into fame when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed here and offers stunning views of the neighbouring City Palace, Machla Magra Hills, and Jag Mandir. All the in-house residents that are exclusive to resident guests include Neel Kamal which serves authentic Rajasthani and Indian fare as well as the seasonally open-air Bhairo that whips up European delicacies. Wind down your day at the Amrit Sagar, with signature cocktails and drinks as you see the sun go down on the Pichola.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Perched 609 metres above sea level, Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad was built in 1894, and served as the royal residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, believed to be the richest man in the world in his time. The hotel now has 60 rooms and suites and is spread over 32 acres of lush gardens. Each of the rooms have been carefully restored rooms and offers stunning views of the palace courtyard. A meal at Adaa, the in-house Indian fine-dining restaurant, merges traditional flavours with a contemporary touch is a must when you are here. The other restaurant is Celeste where you can sample international delicacies. The best experience however is a romantic experiential dinner at the terraced Gol Bungalow with stunning night-time views of the city. The Durbar Hall, Jade Room, and the iconic 101-seater dining hall complete with crystal chandeliers is an ode to its timeless grandeur.
The Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj
The stunning white facade of The Belgadia Palace in Odisha's Mayurbhanj dates to the 1800s and has a distinct Victorian architectural style with Georgian decor and served the guests of the erstwhile royal family. Currently being overseen by the fourth generation of the family, sisters Maharajkumari Mrinalika and Akshita M Bhanj Deo who have converted the palace into a hotel in 2015. With 11 rooms and suites spread over 15 acres, the property is also intended to be a model for sustainable tourism, the property is the best way to discover the art, culture, history, and heritage of the surrounding region. So, think a Mayurbhanj Chhau Performance, engaging with a Dokra Artist, bird watching, or visiting a local village to see sabai based handicrafts and furniture, and more, this property bets big on experiences. Located near the forest reserves of Simlipal and Baripada, this region is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal
An architectural marvel that fuses British Colonial, Italian Renaissance, and Classical Greek styles with a touch of Nawabi elegance, the Jehan Numa Palace is a restored property that belongs to the Nawabs. The accommodation here is a nod to the nawab life. A 19th-century residence, the property has 100 rooms with six suites. The rooms are well-appointed and overlook courtyards and stunning landscapes. Lakuchina, the award-winning restaurant is the place to indulge in a gourmet meal and sample what a fusion of traditional and contemporary culinary excellence looks like. When here do not miss the special dining experience at The General’s Table with an exclusive dinner under the Mango Tree, where history meets fine dining in a setting that embodies the Palace’s storied past. The hotel also has an interesting evening heritage tour where you can explore the historic Jehan Numa Museum and Palace, with a guided tour that offers a deep dive into the storied past of Bhopal’s royal lineage, followed by a drive through the city's heritage sites.
Samode Palace, Jaipur
The 16th-century Samode Palace is a beautiful sandstone structure that makes for a stunning visual against the majestic Aravalli hills and is a good example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The beautiful retreat has Mughal arched doorways, bright-hued intricated hand-painted murals, bougainvillaea fringed courtyards and more. The 43 rooms here are done up to take you back to the days of the past with four-poster beds, regal fabrics and an ancient Rajputana vibe. The food balances tradition and modernity with something for every palate. The best part is that these are housed in the erstwhile Durbar Hall and Sheesh Mahal so you can be forgiven if you think you are being treated as royalty. The in-house spa, swimming pool, and gym will make health watchers happy. The best part is that the property has immersive experiences for its guests that include walks to the nearby village that bring the local textiles, arts, and crafts to the forefront.
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