8 Regal Retreats in India Where Travelers Can Live like Kings and Queens
The Maharajas of India’s past built magnificent palaces as a symbol of their power. However, in 1971, India abolished “privy purses,” or governmental payments made to these rulers. Many of these palaces have been transformed into heritage hotels, offering travelers the chance to live like royalty. From the eastern state of Odisha to Rajasthan in the north, here are eight regal retreats where travelers can indulge in the luxury of the past.
Jehan Numa Palace – Bhopal
Step back in time at Jehan Numa Palace in Bhopal, a neoclassical palace with a 19th-century exterior. Built by General Obaidullah Khan, this pristine white building was transformed into a 100-room hotel by his grandsons in the 1980s. The hotel combines salvaged original artifacts and Raj-era photos with modern luxuries, such as a palm-lined pool and Chakra spa services. Dine on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine or savor the hotel’s legendary Bhopali fare prepared from secret palace recipes at the restaurant named Under the Mango Tree.
Haveli Dharampura – Delhi
Once a nobleman’s home, the 19th-century Haveli Dharampura has been meticulously restored over six years. Now a 14-room boutique hotel, it received an honorable mention in 2017’s UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The atmospheric Mughal-era hotel features red sandstone-arched colonnades, a marble courtyard, Arabesque tile-work, and intricate stone and wood details. Enjoy historic Mughal recipes at the in-house Lakhori restaurant or relax on the breezy rooftop while listening to the muezzin’s call from the nearby Jama Masjid.
Taj Lake Palace – Udaipur
Accessible only by boat, Taj Lake Palace is a stark white edifice in the heart of Lake Pichola. Originally a summer pleasure palace for Mewar royalty in the 1740s, it was transformed into a heritage hotel in the 1960s. This fairy tale palace boasts domed pavilions, ornamental turrets, crystal chandeliers, and 83 antique-filled rooms and suites. Enjoy nightly folk dances in the gleaming courtyard or choose from one of the four dining options serving global cuisine. Indulge in a spa treatment and enjoy the impeccable service provided by personal butlers.
Taj Falaknuma Palace – Hyderabad
Perched nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, Taj Falaknuma Palace is a hilltop hotel with 60 luxurious rooms and suites. As you move up its room classes, the lavishness increases, culminating in the opulent Nizam Suite. Experience the lifestyle of the Nizam of Hyderabad while enjoying state banquets of yore-style food, grand gardens, a billiard room, and a library modeled after the one at Windsor Castle. Admire the Venetian chandeliers, royal portraits, and heirlooms from the Nizams’ era in the decked-out staterooms.
Taj Usha Kiran Palace – Gwalior
Taj Usha Kiran Palace is a lavish Taj hotel that combines old-world vibes with contemporary style. This palace from the 1800s was once a guesthouse and royal residence. Its interiors feature ancient stone carvings, filigree work, and rich tapestries. Take a heritage tour through the sprawling estate and stay in one of the Royal Suites, complete with four-poster beds, Venetian mirrors, and mother-of-pearl mosaics. Unwind in the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or enjoy a drink in the Art Deco-style bar.
Rambagh Palace – Jaipur
Set amidst 47 acres of gardens and peacocks, Rambagh Palace is a former hunting lodge and royal abode. Dating back to 1835, this heritage hotel managed by the Taj Group offers a regal retreat. The 78 rooms and suites feature exquisite antique furnishings, silk drapes, domed wooden ceilings, and four-poster beds. Take a heritage walk, practice your golf swing on the putting green, or enjoy a traditional Indian healing service at the spa. Don’t miss the palace dining room, the Polo bar, and the opportunity to spot the likes of King Charles, Louis Mountbatten, and Jacqueline Kennedy.
The Belgadia Palace – Mayurbhanj
In the charming town of Baripada, The Belgadia Palace has been with the same royal family since it was built in 1804. It has now been converted into an 11-room hotel. Experience the authenticity of this historic palace as you explore its lofty ceilings, marble corridors, and artifacts. Indulge in Odisha-style meals at the lavish dining hall or relax on the elegant verandas. Take part in traditional Chhau dance performances, visit a handicraft village, or join other excursions organized by the palace.
Chittoor Kottaram – Kochi
For the height of exclusivity, retreat to Chittoor Kottaram. Once belonged to the king of Cochin, this three-room abode only hosts one group of no more than six people at a time. Nestled amid coconut groves by the edge of the lagoon backwaters of Kerala, it boasts beautiful Athangudi floor tiles and wooden ceilings. Admire precious artworks and enjoy traditional Keralan dishes prepared by a personal chef. Relax with Ayurvedic massages, private cultural shows, or a soothing private sunset cruise on the serene waterways.
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