Heritage Hotels in India will take you back on an enthralling journey of Indian history. These are the places where you can experience the luxury and comfort in the charming castles which were residence to Kings. The spacious, gracious and spectacular massive buildings were transformed into heritage hotels when commercialization began in India. They are the best places for those who haunt luxury and history seekers. Excellent efforts have been made in maintaining, restoring these heritage properties. It is the people and the legendary hospitality which builds up the heart and soul of these heritage hotels. The category of heritage hotel includes Residence/Havelis/Castle/Forts/Palaces which were built prior to 1935 and have a minimum of 15 rooms.
1. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR – Heritage Hotels
It is a floating jewel in the middle of Lake Pichola on an island with breathtaking views of surrounding Aravalli Hills, Jag Mandir and City Palace from every room. The architecture is inspired from Mughals and decorated in Mewari style. The elegant restaurants are open only for its resident guests. It is rated as the most romantic heritage hotels in India. It has 66 elegantly decorated rooms. The restaurant serves a choice of cuisine which includes authentic Rajasthani cuisine at Neel Kamal, European delicacies at open air Bhairo. Get pampered as a royal at Jiva Spa with treatments which are derived from the ancient wellness of India. The palace continues the tradition of the grand luncheon hosted by Royal families. It is rated as one of the most romantic heritage hotels in India. The grand presidential suite, Shambhu Prakash, is spread across 1734 square feet with a private spa, jacuzzi and a personal butler is rated as the most expensive hotel suites in India.
● Check in time- 2.00 pm
● Check out time – 12.00 noon
● It has a resident only facility and all services and amenities are only for in house guests.
2. TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE, HYDERABAD –
It was built in 1894 and is the former palace of the Nizam. It overlooks the twinkling city of pearls as perched 2000 feet above the city. As soon as you arrive in a horse drawn carriage you are treated like a royal. The property is spread over 32 acres with 60 rooms and suites which are refurbished by Her Highness Princess Esra. Every room will provide you the marvellous views of the courtyard and 400 years old city of Hyderabad. The 101-seater dining hall at stunning Durbar Hall is decorated with Belgian Chandeliers. The assorted terraces and gardens host celebratory events and business conventions. Jiva spa at the property will relax and rejuvenate you with a traditional Indian wellness approach. It hosts a live Qawwali performance every evening. Perfect place for a destination wedding.● Check in time -2.00pm
● Check out time – 12.00 noon
● Pets are not allowed.
3. UMAID BHAWAN PALACE, JODHPUR –
The property is spread over an area of around 26 acres. It is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is owned by the Taj group of hotels. It has a blend of eastern and western architecture. It has 64 rooms and suites which are well furnished in royal style. It is the world’s sixth largest private residence. It is located on the highest point in Jodhpur. The rooms will give you exotic views of Blue city, Mehrangarh Fort and surrounding vast sand dunes. Experience the tantalising taste of Rajasthani cuisine and Indian cuisine at Risala restaurant. Trophy bar will help you unwind with unique hunting themed décor and vast collection of international spirits. Experience the luxury and comfort the way royals did.
● Check in time-2.00pm
● Check out time – 12.00 noon.
● Pet friendly.
4. FERNHILL ROYAL PALACE, OOTY –
This heritage hotel is spread over 50 acres. It was the residence of the king of Mysore. It resembles a Swiss chalet with the finish of teak. It has a magnificent ballroom with a high vault ceiling. The lobby is decorated with paintings of all yesteryear rulers. It is surrounded by the tea gardens of beautiful Nilgiri Hills. The rooms are subtle and luxurious with the details of high contrast colours. The rooms facing the garden will take you to the British era. Curry and rice is a multi-cuisine restaurant that specialises in Anglo- Indian dishes. Darbar Hall is an ideal venue for hosting gala dinners, meetings and events for up to 250 guests. It was popularly used as a ballroom by the royals.
● Check-in time -2.00pm
● Check-out time-12.00 pm
● Wheelchair assistance
5. SAMODE PALACE, JAIPUR –
The palace is 475 years old and it is a splendid example of regal Indo- Saracenic architecture. The palace displays exquisite Indian and Mughal styles. The palace has hosted many royals, celebrities, travellers and artists. The picturesque location of the palace is its uniqueness. It is a quiet location in the valley surrounded by hills. The hospitality and the luxury at the accommodation will definitely redefine comfort. Each room is different and is uniquely designed. The flowers can be seen everywhere be it courtyard, carved couches, flowing curtains, linens, in the bathtubs or the painted walls of the palace. You can feel the essence of romance everywhere in the palace. The restaurants here will give you a choice of Asian and European delicacies along with the Royal Indian cuisine.
6. KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT – Heritage Hotels
It is acclaimed to be India’s finest luxury heritage resort. Sprawling across 25 acres, it displays the true charm of Kerala’s heritage. There is true amalgamation of heritage and luxurious comfortable stay at the resort. It has a scenic view as it is on the banks of Lake Vembanad. They offer great options of accommodation like luxury rooms, suites and villas to give you utmost comfort. The traditional architecture, infinity pool, the seafood bar at the banks of backwaters, Ettukettu a multi cuisine restaurant will satiate your taste buds. It is the winner of the World Travel Award , National Award winner as Best 5 star hotel in India. This place because of its location is picture perfect for destination weddings.
7. CHAPSLEE, SHIMLA –
The stay at Chapslee can be described as extravagant. It has been designed thoughtfully and meticulously. The standards of services provided by it are unmatched. This was the summer residence of Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala from 1938. The palace is renowned for its Indian, Continental, Anglo-Indian cuisines. The suites are grand in size and appointments. The king size brass beds are the focal point as you enter the room. The rooms are intricately furnished with teak wood furniture and walls are decorated with rhododendron pattern wallpaper. The fireplace in the adjoining sitting area has an enchanting hill view.
8. NAINI RETREAT, NAINITAL– Heritage Hotels
It was formerly the residence of the Maharaja of Pilibhit. The property has been renovated and maintained according to modern day comfort. The scenic location and luxury will provide you a relaxed stay. The rooms are royally furnished into designer suites. The ambience is pleasant and the furnishing done is very gorgeous. The personalized services will allow you to have a relaxed vacation. Enjoy the intimate and exceptional dining experience with Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and Continental cuisines. The cultural events during the evening displays Kumaoni culture.
9. NEEMRANA FORT, ALWAR – Heritage Hotels
It is a premier 5-star heritage hotel located on Aravali hills in Neemrana. It is a perfect weekend getaway destination. It is a 553 years old medieval Fort palace spread across 6 acres. Special care has been taken to restore and preserve the time-honoured structures. It is a 14- tiered property involving many steps and ramps. You can enjoy hanging gardens, dive in the swimming pools, rejuvenate at Ayurvedic spa and have a thrilling experience at India’s first zip-line. It is perfect for destination weddings as the property looks mesmerising when lit with thousands of candles, decorated with lilies giving the perfect feeling of being Royal. The evenings come alive with Rajasthani cultural events. Uplift your mood with the ambience and essence of Rajasthani culture. There is a great range of rooms to choose from. Perfect place to enjoy both sunrise and sunset away from the city’s hustle bustle.
10. TAJ MAHAL PALACE, MUMBAI –
It is a 5-star heritage hotel built in 1903 and symbolises India’s harbour landmark. It overlooks the majestic Gateway of India. There are 285 rooms and suites with striking balance of nostalgic elegance and rich history. The rooms are equipped with all the modern facilities. The property hosts nine of the city’s iconic restaurants and bars. It is India’s first luxury hotel. You can enjoy high tea and live music every evening. It is one of the famous landmark locations of Mumbai. It was the first 5-star hotel in India. Lord Mountbatten announced independence on the steps of this hotel. It received READER’S CHOICE DESTINASIAN AWARD 2019 [BEST HOTEL 14TH consecutive year], TRIPADVISOR- CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2019.
● Check-in time – 1400 hrs
● Check-out time -1200hrs
India being a land of kings and maharajas it has so many Heritage Hotels to choose from. Each and every property is unique in its heritage and historical background. These heritage hotels have been hosting many celebrities from across the globe who wanted to experience royalty. Each room, corridor, courtyard, fireplace and the dining area will let you have an experience of a lifetime. Live royalty feels royal.
