Finding the right hotel can be an ordeal for any traveler, but staying at one of these unique, luxury hotels will have you falling in love with India over and over again.
India is a beautiful country. The combination of deep history, unique architecture, rich culture, and amazing wildlife makes it one of the top vacation destinations in the world. If you’ve ever traveled to an unfamiliar area, you know how hard it can be to find accommodations that fit your needs.
India has several luxury hotels to choose from, but which are the best, and what will you get if you book a stay at one of these upscale hotels?
Taj Lake Palace
Staying at Taj Lake Palace is like living as royalty. In the middle of Lake Pichola, just 45 minutes from Udaipur airport, sits one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Taj Lake Palace was built as a royal palace in 1746, and its white marble facade has stood as a stark contrast to the deep blue waters of the lake ever since.
There are 83 guest rooms and suites available, each with their own flat-screen TV, in-room safe, minibar, coffee/tea making facilities, complimentary daily newspaper, and Forest Essentials bathroom products. If you’re looking for a massage, you can stop by their spa, which also offers a steam room and jacuzzi. You can work up a sweat in their fitness center and then dive into their outdoor pool to cool down. You can stay at this luxurious hotel for $350 a night. If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, the Taj Lake Palace Grand Presidential Suite can be booked for $5,962 a night.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
If you want to stay in a grand palace designed to blend Western and Eastern influence, then Umaid Bhawan Palace is the perfect choice. Umaid Bhawan Palace rests high above the desert capital of Jodhpur. This private residence sits on 26 acres and was designed by famed architect Henry Lanchester.
You can stay at this beautiful, sprawling palace for as little as $354 a night. Two restaurants and one bar can be found within, each offering multi-cultural cuisine. If you’re looking to relax, you can stop by Jiva Grande Spa for a massage or use their sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. The Umaid Bhawan Palace offers both an indoor and outdoor pool to cool off in and a fitness center that will help you stay in shape during your vacation.
Banjaar Tola
If you love nature and wildlife, there may be no better hotel in the world than Banjaar Tola. This safari lodge is located on the banks of the Banjaar River in Kanha National Park. Staying at Bajaar Tola is like living with nature. They offer 18 tented suites, each costing $1,063 a night. While staying at the lodge, you can take part in any of their signature experiences, such as stargazing, safari drives, or village tours. For dining, they offer traditional meals of the region.
Ananda in the Himalayas
If you’re a fan of yoga and resort spas, then Ananda in the Himalayas is the perfect luxury resort and spa for you. Situated in the foothill of the Himalayas overlooking the Ganges river valley, Ananda in the Himalayas is one of the most peaceful places in the world. While staying here, you can take part in classes taught by masters in crystal healing, Reiki, and intuitive massage or experience Vedanta talks, healing experiences, and physiotherapy. Prices at Ananda in the Himalayas start at $251 per night.
Rawla Narlai
Enjoying the attractions of the countryside between Jodhpur and Udaipur is easy while staying at Rawla Narlai. This heritage resort was once one of the Jagir Villages of Jodhupur’s royal family. Now it offers indulgent dining for its guests. These extravagant meals can be enjoyed at any of the many scenic areas the hotel has to offer for prices starting at $81 per night.
Suryagarh
Suryagarh is a warm paradise that sits in the Thar desert. The hotel resembles a sandstone fortress, and the sprawling grounds with its courtyard and outdoor pool look like something from a movie set in a medieval palace. Suryagarh offers many different experiences for its guests, including an archery workshop and yoga. Prices start at $44 a night.
Ramathra Fort
What can be better than staying at a 400-year-old fort? Ramathra Fort is a hotel situated in a sprawling fort surrounded by a perimeter wall. Staying here allows you access to a lake and beautiful countryside, providing one of the most unique vacations in all the world. Prices start at $227 a night, and guests can take part in many activities, such as a jungle safari, nature walk, village safari, and bird watching.
The Lodhi Hotel
Located in the Indian capital of New Delhi, the Lodhi Hotel offers luxury in the heart of the city. If you decide to stay at the Lodhi, you will have access to their spa, salon, and gym. Art lovers will find a wide variety of contemporary Indian art around the hotel thanks to a partnership between the Lodhi Hotel and art galleries in the area. 48 rooms and suites are available with prices starting at $160 per night.
The Taj Mahal Palace
If you want to stay in one of the most famous buildings in the world, then book a night at the Taj Mahal Palace. The Taj Majal is old-world glamour personified. Built in 1903 by Jamsetji Tata, this hotel has housed numerous celebrities, politicians, and royalty. There are 285 rooms to choose from in the palace, including a select few that offer spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. The Taj Mahal Palace offers fine dining experiences specializing in contemporary Indian cuisine, a spa, a salon, and an art gallery filled with work from young, Indian artists. Rooms at the Taj Mahal Palace start at $221 per night.
SUJAN Jawai
Leopards are beautiful animals and a rare sight to most, but if you stay at SUJAN Jawai, you just might see one of these rare and elusive creatures. SUJAN Jawai has nine luxurious tents to choose from with starting rates of $1,152 per night. Dining at SUJAN Jawai is a unique experience. You can choose from fresh salads, pastas, or locally-caught fish, prepared right in front of you in the middle of nature. There are many activities at SUJAN Jawai if you’re looking for an adventure, including wilderness drives, temple trail excursions, sunset jeep rides, and cycling.