Top five palace hotels in India

(picture credit: Conde Nast Traveller India)

For most people, luxury means royalty and vice versa and luxury tourism has come to gain equivalence with kings and palaces. Though the royalty has long been abolished in India, tourists can still get a kingly feel by opting to stay in one of the several palaces that have been converted into hotels

India’s history and lore are filled with stories of the opulent lives and extravagance of the Maharajas, but while the days of the royals might have long gone, vivid remnants of their lifestyle still remain in the form of several breathtaking palaces and heritage buildings that have been converted into luxury hotels and stay options. Here are the top 5 palaces that one can stay in and experience a regal lifestyle unlike any other.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan

(picture credit: Udaipur Tourism)

When it comes to exclusivity and opulence, it doesn’t get better than this. Built-in the 18th century as a winter palace by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Rajasthan’s Mewar Dynasty, this exquisite floating palace features white marble walls, pillared terraces, numerous gardens and even a lily pond. In 1971, the deteriorating palace was taken over by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Group and turned into a luxury palace hotel. Located in the middle of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, the only way to get to the property is through a short boat ride. The lake palace treats everyone who enters through their gates as royals. It is also extremely popular among celebrities around the globe as it is their first choice for planning a wedding.

Taj Faluknama Palace, Hyderabad

(picture credit: Booking.com)

Hyderabad’s Falaknuma Palace is often associated with the opulence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. However, what many do not know is that the 19th-century structure was originally owned by the Nizam’s Prime Minister before being taken over by the Nizam. The opulent structure houses everything that a person can imagine when thinking of luxury, from grand ornate study rooms to the exquisite marble structure, this palace has it all. On the premises, guests soak up the old-world charm by looking for marble staircases, countless fountains, Venetian chandeliers, and stained-glass windows alongside ancient manuscripts and artwork from the Nizam’s personal collection. The land of Kohinoor will not disappoint the person who sets out to find luxury and old-world opulence.

Umaid Bhavan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

(picture credit: MakeMyTrip)

The backdrop for actress Priyanka Chopra’s 2019 wedding, Umaid Bhavan is nothing short of a slice of a fairytale. Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace is the closest you can get to experience a British-era Indian palace while still retaining the advantages of staying in a modern hotel. The compound still houses the residence of the royal family of the Rathore dynasty and is counted among the largest private residences in the world. The entire structure is built with sandstone and marble and spreads over 26 acres, with more than half of it being manicured gardens. This Palace hotel and residence which was built in the 19th century is a perfectly preserved example of Rajasthani tradition and British colonial architecture.

Sujan Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

(picture credit: Agoda)

Considered as one of the most photogenic and romantic hotels in the world SujanRajmahal Palace is must-visit for lovebirds across the globe. Originally home to the Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh II, the exquisite escape pays tribute to its regal history in details and decor throughout the grounds. The verdant gardens with private nooks, ancient heirlooms, and graceful marble staircases, interiors with unique hand-crafted wallpaper, mirrored doors, and soaring ceilings will transport the visitors to the days of royals. Distinguished guests from all over the world have visited the 250-year-old palace, including Queen Elizabeth II and Jackie Kennedy, to name a few.

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

(picture credit: Oberoi Hotels)

This extraordinary palace rising like a golden mirage in front of Lake Pichola offers a sprawling bird-filled garden, marvellous pools and staff that treat its visitors like royalty. The decor showcases the craftsmanship of the region that looks magical and makes the structure even more romantic.  The decor is a sublime mix of Western and Indian cultures with luxurious leather armchairs, chenille sofas, crystal chandelier and alongside Indian art and sandstone work all around.