India’s finest luxury hotels – where to indulge in elegance

From the historic charm of Old Delhi to the grandeur of Rajasthan and the serene Himalayas, India is a land of striking contrasts, diverse landscapes, and remote villages that are tough to access.

“The palace hotel experience in Rajasthan is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else,” says Jay Tindall, co-founder of the exclusive luxury travel service Remote Lands.

“It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects the heart of India. For luxury travelers, it’s usually the first stop, but we also encourage our guests to venture beyond the popular destinations and discover more of this vast country.”

Once you’ve chosen your destinations, the next step is selecting the perfect place to stay. From majestic palace hotels to lavish luxury tented camps, these are India’s most luxurious stays:

ROYAL PALACES

Taj Lake Palace

Nestled in the heart of Lake Pichola, in the historic Udaipur region of India, Taj Lake Palace is celebrated as one of the most enchanting romantic hotels globally.

It’s almost unbelievable. The stunning white marble palace seems to float above the water, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Aravalli mountains.

“If you’re seeking centuries-old history, you’ll find it at a Taj hotel,” says Tindall. “This is where Taj truly excels. The service is exceptional, and each property offers a deep connection to history, especially within the ancient palaces.”

The experience is nothing short of lavish, starting with a boat ride to the royal island, where guests are greeted with a shower of rose petals and a refreshing welcome drink.

From there, guests can unwind in 18th-century grandeur – originally constructed as a pleasure palace by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1746 – savor authentic Rajasthani cuisine, or indulge in a spa treatment aboard the renowned spa boat.

Taj Lake Palace, Post Box 5, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India; +91 0294 242 8800

Rambagh Palace

With its elegant white marble corridors and red brick accents, Rambagh Palace has served the Maharajas of Jaipur in various roles over the years – from a maid’s quarters to a hunting lodge, and eventually, a royal guesthouse.

Built in 1835, the palace is renowned not only for its stunning architecture but also for its sprawling 47 acres of royal gardens, where peacocks roam freely throughout the day.

The hotel offers numerous ways to relax, including two pools, an opulent spa, a Polo Bar, boutique shops, and a maze of romantic courtyards.

During the day, guests are invited to explore the grounds on a guided historical walk with a Palace Butler, while at night, the palace’s front lawns come alive with performances and music.

“The one thing India truly excels at is service – it’s all about the experience,” says Tindall. “From the moment you arrive, it’s regal, meticulous, and welcoming … you immediately feel the influence of old-world colonial India.”

Rambagh Palace, Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, +91 141 238 5700

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Still home to the Jodhpur royal family, this impeccably restored palace by Taj hotels leaves a lasting first impression.

The striking Art Deco facade, crafted from desert sandstone, rises majestically atop a hill, offering panoramic views from the highest point in Jodhpur, in northwest India.

Designed by English architect Henry Lanchester, this lavish residence delights with spacious suites, antique furnishings, personal butlers, an on-site museum, open-air restaurants, and 26 acres of lush gardens.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, +91 291 251 0101

Taj Falaknuma Palace

The crown jewel of Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace embodies a splendidly gilded history.

Once the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 19th century, the palace was meticulously restored with the help of Princess Esra, former wife of the current titular Nizam of Hyderabad, working closely with Taj Hotels during the process.

The restoration aimed to preserve the original splendor, keeping everything from leather upholstery to artwork and intricate stucco details.

Perched on 32 acres of lush gardens and courtyards, the hotel is a living museum filled with murals, Venetian chandeliers, antiques, and sculptures – not to mention 60 opulent guest rooms, croquet lawns, winding gardens, and stables.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; +91 040 6629 8585

SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace

Nestled in Jaipur, SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace is undoubtedly one of India’s most fashionable hotels.

Adorned in modern hues and striking wallpapers, this Relais & Châteaux property blends contemporary style with the palace’s ancient charm.

Remaining faithful to its royal roots – originally built by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur for his beloved queen – the 250-year-old Rajmahal Palace features manicured lawns, grand bay windows, marble staircases, and elegant interiors.

If you feel like a VIP here, you’re not mistaken – past guests have included Queen Elizabeth II and Jackie Onassis.

SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace, Sardar Patel Marg, Jaipur, India; +91 11 4617 270

Tented Camps / Safari-Style Lodgings

SUJÁN The Serai

Nestled in the heart of the golden Thar Desert, just outside Jaisalmer, SUJÁN The Serai is a 100-acre sanctuary surrounded by dunes and star-filled skies, offering unforgettable dining and musical campfire experiences.

The 21 tented suites, each featuring terrace lounges and handmade local textiles, are spread across the stunning landscape, all sharing a communal restaurant, spa, and reception tent.

The six Luxury Tented Suites come with exclusive amenities, including private stone plunge pools and secluded walled gardens.

The Royal Tented Suite is a luxurious retreat in itself, complete with a personal butler, an outdoor pool, and a private spa.

SUJÁN The Serai, Bherwa, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India; +91 11 4617 2700

SUJÁN Jawai

Situated in the heart of leopard territory, SUJÁN Jawai offers an unforgettable journey through rural Rajasthan.

'SUJÁN Jawai is a truly exceptional destination, one our guests always rave about,' says Tindall.

'The accommodations are wonderful, and the experience is outstanding... You get to see leopards in their natural habitat, it’s the closest thing to an African safari in Asia.'

The property features just nine suites and one royal suite, all set within the tranquil surroundings of the landscape.

The design blends muted tones of gray and black, creating a modern ambiance, while retro industrial elements and vibrant accents of scarlet red, inspired by the local Rabari tribe, inject a burst of energy.

Here, guests can spend their days on a thrilling safari, visit the nearby Bisalpur village, dine by the campfire under the stars, or indulge in a private bush picnic.

SUJÁN Jawai, Jawai Bandh, Bisalpur, Pali-Marwar, Rajasthan; +91 11 4617 2700

The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore

Nestled beside Ranthambore National Park in north-central India, The Oberoi Vanyavilas is the perfect gateway for exploring the territory of Bengal tigers.

As majestic creatures roam the reserve, guests can embark on an exciting safari or enjoy breathtaking vistas from the hotel’s elevated Observation Tower.

Afterward, guests can relax with a rejuvenating treatment at The Oberoi Spa or stroll through the hotel’s 20 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens.

Inspired by royal Raj caravans, the tents feature canopied four-poster beds, teak wood flooring, luxurious clawfoot tubs, and tiger-patterned accents.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore Road, Sawai Madhopur City, Ranthambore, Rajasthan, India; +91 7462 22 3999

Banjaar Tola

Comprising 18 elegant tents across two distinct campsites, Banjaar Tola attracts nature aficionados year-round.

Nestled within Kanha National Park, the camp celebrates the region’s flora and fauna, with tigers, leopards, and birdlife taking center stage during safari drives.

On-site, visitors will enjoy a spa, pool, dining options, personal butlers, and river views from nearly every tent.

You can arrive by car or take a turboprop flight – the airstrip is just a short distance from the campsite.

Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park, Mukki, Balaghat Madhya, India; +91 22 6601 1825

Chamba Camp, Thiksey

One of the exquisite nomadic camps operated by The Ultimate Travelling Camp, Chamba Camp Thiksey is situated in the remote northern reaches of India.

Spacious and refined, the tents offer sweeping views of Ladakh’s dramatic valleys and jagged mountains, including the famed Thiksey Monastery.

At the camp, guests can enjoy a wide array of activities, from polo and river rafting to village walks, archery, cycling, trekking, and relaxing picnics.

“I’m fascinated by what The Ultimate Travelling Camp is doing,” says Tindall. “They’ve truly brought a touch of luxury to the northern part of India, in Ladakh. They’ve made it possible for travelers to explore a region that was previously difficult for foreigners to access.”

“Most people avoid visiting India during the monsoon months, June to August, but this is actually the perfect time to visit these Ultimate Travelling Camps and explore the mountains. The season is completely different in that region.”

Chamba Camp, Thiksey, Ki Ki Naga, Leh Manali Road, Thiksey, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir; +91 1982 267 144

Aman-i-Khas

With only 10 tented suites, Aman-i-Khas offers one of the most exclusive tented camp experiences in India.

Nestled at the edge of Ranthambore National Park, this oasis is surrounded by lush flora and fauna. The camp features an outdoor fire pit, a spa, swimming pool, and a romantic dining tent.

Twice a day, guests can embark on open-top safaris through the park, where sightings of tigers and cubs, leopards, deer, birds, and crocodiles are common.

Aman-i-Khas, Sherpur-Khiljipur, Ranthambhore Road, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India; +91 7462 252 052

REMOTE RETREATS

Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas – An Oberoi Resort

A mountain retreat with sweeping views of the Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is truly in a class of its own.

Nestled in nature at 8,000 feet, the colonial-style hotel is situated on the grounds that once served as the summer residence of Lord Kitchener, former Commander in Chief of the Indian Army.

For an exceptional stay, we recommend indulging in the Lord Kitchener Suite – a 1,450 square foot space featuring handcrafted rugs, antique furnishings, marble bathrooms, and sweeping views of the Himalayas.

Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas – An Oberoi Resort, Chharabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India; +91 177 264 8585

Ananda in the Himalayas

A sanctuary of Ayurveda nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Ananda spans the 100-acre Maharaja Palace Estate.

Inspired by the colonial hill stations of yesteryear, the guest rooms and villas blend classic furniture with expansive windows that offer views of serene forests, the Ganges valley, and palace gardens.

The property also features a cliffside infinity pool and an array of wellness services, including physiotherapy, nutrition consultations, yoga, and meditation sessions.

Ananda in the Himalayas, The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar Tehri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India; +91 124 4516650

Amanbagh

Tucked away in the foothills of the Aravalli mountains, northwest of Jaipur, Amanbagh seamlessly blends into its pristine natural surroundings.

The 37 suites and pavilions are a tribute to Mughal architecture, featuring meticulous lattice stonework, pink marble bed platforms, grand vaulted entrances, and towering domed ceilings.

Beyond the hotel, there’s an abundance of activities, with the standout experience being a Bengal tiger safari through Sariska National Park to the northeast.

In the vicinity, you can explore the 17th-century Bhangarh ghost city, local villages, and the Neelkanth temple town, all accessible by jeep or camel ride.

It’s recommended to visit between October and March, as the resort is closed during the monsoon season in June and July.

Amanbagh, Village Alwar, Rajasthan, India; +91 14 6522 3333

Shakti Himalaya

Shakti Himalaya offers a distinctive scattered accommodation concept, with village-style stays spread across the Himalayas.

The company collaborates with local villagers to lease and renovate unused homes in some of India's most isolated regions, then creates 'village walks' connecting one village to the next.

Among the four main sites, the Shakti 360° Leti is the most striking and awe-inspiring.

Set high above the modern world, this mountaintop sanctuary features panoramic glass walls and dining experiences set on the cliff's edge.

Shakti Himalaya, +91 124 456 3899

Rawla Narlai

Perched over the small village of Narlai, situated between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Rawla Narlai was once the royal hunting lodge for the family of Jodhpur.

It still exudes its royal atmosphere, with expansive open courtyards, wide verandas, a tented pool villa, and intricate Rajput-style paintings decorating the walls.

The 32 rooms and suites are elegantly furnished with handwoven textiles, vintage furniture, intricate mirrors, and gleaming white marble accents.

During your stay, don't miss dining at the 16th-century Step Well, a charming stone courtyard where you can enjoy a meal beneath the night sky.

Rawla Narlai, Village Narlai, Rajasthan, India; +91 29 3426 0443

Suryagarh

Located in the remote northwest of India, Suryagarh lies on the edge of the vast Thar Desert, offering a unique experience for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

From a distance, the haveli-style accommodations resemble a majestic sandstone fortress. Inside, you'll discover winding passageways, open-air courtyards, lush gardens, intricate stonework, and charming old-world details.

Choose from a selection of Fort Rooms with a modern touch, or traditional haveli rooms and suites, all featuring contemporary amenities and expansive desert vistas.

Suryagarh, Kahala Phata, Sam Road, Jaisalmer, India; +91 29 9226 9269

FORT HOTELS

Alila Fort Bishangarh

Just unveiled earlier this year, the Alila Fort Bishangarh, nestled in the Aravalli mountains of northern India, was an enormous renovation challenge.

Overseeing the renovation, Jaipur’s renowned Sthapatya Architects led a 10-year process, largely driven by the fort’s irregular floor plan and its 10-foot-thick walls.

Step inside the 230-year-old fort and be transported to a world of winding staircases, open courtyards, towering columns, and intricately latticed windows.

Alila Fort Bishangarh, Located off NH-8 at Manoharpur, Bishangarh Village, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India; +91 1422 276 500

Tijara Fort-Palace

Located just a 2.5-hour drive southwest of New Delhi, Tijara Fort-Palace is an unmistakable sight, perched on a hill in the heart of a picturesque valley.

Originally commissioned by Prince Maharaja Balwant Singh, the fort-palace remained unfinished and abandoned after his untimely death in the mid-1800s.

In 2009, Neemrana Hotels took over the restoration of this 19th-century gem, breathing new life into its magnificent structure.

The result is truly breathtaking – imagine terraced gardens, towering turrets, spacious courtyards, open-air walkways, and magnificent Rajput-Afghan-inspired architecture featuring intricately carved arches, sturdy pillars, and grand domed ceilings.

Each of the 62 rooms and suites boasts its own unique heritage, with many offering stunning views over the fort's lush gardens and expansive lawns.

Tijara Fort-Palace, Alwar Hasanpur Mafi, Tijara, Alwar, Rajasthan, India; +91 9587 885 003

Ramathra Fort

Ramathra Fort is steeped in history, with its gleaming white marble, intricate stone latticework, majestic parapets, and vast ramparts.

This 17th-century fort was originally the property of Thakur Bhoj Pal, the son of the Maharaja of Karauli, and it remains in the family’s hands to this day.

The hotel offers rooms that either overlook the peaceful inner courtyards or the expansive green farmland below, with views of Kalisil Lake and Ramathra village.

Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including charming tented suites situated within the garden.

Ramathra Fort, PO Sapotra, Karauli, Rajasthan, India; +91 89 5561 6532

URBAN SANCTUARIES

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

With uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal just 600 meters away, The Oberoi Amarvilas is the ultimate place to stay in Agra.

Though not an ancient property, its Mughal-inspired architecture and gold-leaf detailing certainly evoke the grandeur of a royal palace.

Just five minutes from the pedestrianized street leading to the Taj, the hotel offers a convenient electric buggy service to transport guests to and from the monument (only electric vehicles are permitted within 500 meters of the Taj Mahal).

As expected, each room at Amarvilas boasts a direct view of the majestic Taj Mahal.

“It’s truly pristine and unparalleled,” Tindall remarks.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Taj East Gate Road, Agra, India; +91 562 223 1515

The Lodhi Hotel

Situated near the historic Lodi Gardens and Delhi Golf Club in the heart of South-Central New Delhi, The Lodhi Hotel epitomizes an urban sanctuary.

“I appreciate The Lodhi for its modern vibe,” says Tindall. “On a longer journey through India, you'll see plenty of palaces, tented camps, and traditional properties. That’s why I enjoy experiencing this contemporary hotel in Delhi.”

This sleek, tranquil hotel features 48 rooms and suites, with the Sultan Suite standing out as the largest option.

Spanning an impressive 4,500 square feet, this apartment-style suite includes a private plunge pool, a kitchenette, and multiple balconies for a spacious, luxurious stay.

Beyond the rooms, The Lodhi is renowned for its exceptional Indian-inspired cuisine, charming alfresco courtyards, a rejuvenating spa, a 50-meter pool, and tennis and squash courts.

The Lodhi Hotel, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, India; +91 124 4653 333

The Taj Mahal Palace

Few hotels across the globe capture the essence of old-world glamour as perfectly as the Taj Mahal Palace.

Opened in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace was founded by Jamsetji Tata, the visionary known as the 'father of Indian industry.' Over the years, it has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities.

Nestled in the heart of south Mumbai, this 285-room palace exemplifies luxury. It boasts ocean-view rooms with marble bathrooms, gold-draped interiors, grand chandeliers, fine dining (including Masala Kraft for contemporary Indian cuisine), a harborside bar, and soaring ceilings.

With a daily workforce of over 1,500 staff and more than 30 butlers, the Taj Mahal Palace runs with impeccable precision.

The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; +91 22 6665 3366

The Leela Palace New Delhi

From the only rooftop infinity pool in the city to its lavish reception area, The Leela Palace New Delhi is dedicated to indulging its guests.

“The Leela Palace is truly extravagant,” says Tindall. “It’s designed like a classic palace, but with a fresh, modern twist.”

Opened in 2011, the hotel is a tribute to regal residences with its grand columns, velvet drapes, marble bathrooms, handcrafted silverware, timeless furniture, and personalized butler service. Not to mention, there’s a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms and personal shoppers at your service.

If this captures your attention, the Leela brand offers several other luxury retreats across India, including in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai.

The Leela Palace New Delhi, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India; +91 11 3933 1234

The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

A renowned favorite among Bollywood celebrities and global leaders, The Oberoi Grand is a standout landmark.

Established in the 1880s, this colonial-style masterpiece dominates the city’s business district with its pristine white façade, sweeping balconies, and grand columns.

The hotel’s highlights include an antique piano and grand chandelier in the lobby, the acclaimed Baan Thai restaurant, a vintage-style bar, and generously sized suites.

The Presidential Suite spans an impressive 1,350 square feet, featuring luxurious four-poster beds, polished hardwood floors, handwoven rugs, flowing curtains, and exquisite antique furnishings.

The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, 15 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Kolkata, India; +91 33 2249 2323

Referred to as the “City of Joy,” Kolkata is one of the world’s most captivating destinations. A three-day tour, including a visit to Chowringhee, the city’s most iconic promenade, lets you experience its highlights.