Top 10 Heritage Hotels in India

Raj Palace

Location : Chomu Haveli, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Special Features : 38 palatial rooms, dining hall, Rajputana paintings, courtyard and garden, sauna and steam bath, swimming pool
Nearby Area Attractions : Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar and City Palace

The Raj Palace is well known for for luxurious rooms and warm hospitality of the staff. This heritage hotel in Jaipur occupies the top spot for being the first mansion built in the Pink City of India. It was constructed in 1728 by Thakur Mohan Singhji of Chomu and then inaugurated as a hotel in 1997. Since then, this elaborate complex has been home to dignitaries, royal family visitors and several eminent personalities. There are 38 modern rooms here, 3 restaurants and the Shikarbadi Bar. It also serves the business travelers and have conference hall. Recreational amenities include swimming pool, sauna, steam bath room, cultural shows in the evening.

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace

Location : Jodhpur
Special Features : 64 rooms, Trophy Bar, swimming pool, gym, pool bar, billiard, table tennis golf, Risala restaurant
Nearby Area Attractions : Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada and Ghanta Ghar

Seta amidst a sprawling 26 acres of garden, Taj Umaid Bhawan is one of the prominent palaces in the country and is named after Jodhpur ruler, Umaid Singh. The yellow sand stone built palace features modern art deco and is presently operated by Taj Group of Hotels. The royal family descendants still reside in one part of this palace. The 347 room residence took 14 years for completion and 64 rooms now host guests. There are 39 elegantly designed suites. Dining is also a memorable experience here with Risala, Pillars and the Trophy Bar offering variety of choices to guests. For recreation, facilities include swimming pool, gym, pool bar, billiard, table tennis and golf.

Rambagh Palace Jaipur

Location : Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Special Features : 85 rooms, restaurant, bar, cultural shows, beauty salon, currency exchange facility, Ayurveda massage, squash, billiards and tennis room
Nearby Area Attractions : Amer Fort, Amber Palace, City Palace, Hawa Mahal

The Rambagh Palace is rightly dubbed as the Jewel of Jaipur and is one of the best heritage hotels in the country. Its grand edifice and architecture makes it one of the finest hotels to stay. Constructed in 1835, the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Sawai Man Singh II turned it into a heritage hotel in 1957 and Taj Group is the present owner. 85 rooms and suites here serve guests with modern facilities and ethnic charm. There is also a restaurant and pub. Hotel staffs arrange for sightseeing tours, desert safaris and there is also a beauty salon and swimming pool in its premises. The business center and banquet hall can accommodate up to 3000 guests.

Gajner Palace Bikaner

Location : Gajner Lake Bikaner
Special Features : 44 rooms, Manoranjan Amphitheatre, Mrigtrishna Bar, 44 rooms, conference room, nature walks and horse riding
Nearby Area Attractions : Bikaner Fort, Gajner Lake

A sprawling 66 acres of landscape will welcome you at the Gajner Palace of Bikaner. The red sandstone built palace will startle you with its architectural splendor. The plush interiors, rooms, suites and dining offer you a memorable stay. You wake up to the chatter of birds, enjoy a Rajputana style banquet and spend the evenings at the Mrigtrishna Bar. This palace hotel in Bikaner also faces the beautiful Gajner Lake. An evening terrace party can be a mesmerizing sight.

Taj Rawalkot Jaisalmer

Location : Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Road
Special Features : 31 grand rooms, Rajasthani cuisine, sightseeing tours, views of Golden Fort, camel safari, jeep safari, cultural shows in the evening
Nearby Area Attractions : Golden Fort of Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes

Jaisalmer became a heritage city of India in 1974. This heritage haveli cum luxury hotel in Jaisalmer offers 31 grand rooms for accommodation. It also provides clear views of the 12th century built fort of Jaisalmer, popular to global visitors as Golden Fort. Taj Rawalkot offer all facilities of a modern day luxury hotel besides retaining the charm of the bygone era. For dinner, you can order Rajasthani, Gujarati, Chinese and Continental cuisine. The hotel organizes for jeep and safari, cultural shows in the evening and banquets as well.

Lake Palace Hotel

Location : Lake Palace Udaipur
Special Features : 83 rooms, plush suites, Taj Jiva Spa, gymnasium, 3 restaurants, 1 bar
Nearby Area Attractions : Lake Pichola, City Palace Museum, Maharana Pratap Memorial, Fateh Sagar Lake

Located on the middle of an island bordering Lake Pichola of Udaipur, the hotel premises comprise 4 acres of beautiful greenery. The specialty of this hotel is that it overlooks the lake and offer stunning views. Maintained by the Taj Group of Hotels, the Lake Palace was originally built in 1746 by the rulers of Mewar. Opulent grandeur, regal décor and the old charm will win you over. Jharokha, Neel Kamal and Amrit Sagar offer all-day dining services. Heritage walks, Taj Jiva Spa, gymnasium and a book shop.

Samode Palace

Location : Samode village
Special Features : Samode village, Durbar Hall, Ayurveda massage, steam bath, sauna, fitness center, puppet shows
Nearby Area Attractions : Samode Bagh, Samode Haveli, village tour

Samode Palace is the main attraction of Samode village near Jaipur. It is at least 400 years old and presently operates as a heritage mansion reflecting the Mughal-Rajput style of architecture. There are 25 deluxe rooms, 3 royal suites and 15 deluxe category suites at this hotel. The roof top restaurant serves delicious Rajasthani dishes and the Durbar Hall here can accommodate up to 80 people during meeting and conferences. There is facility for outdoor spots such as tennis and golf. Recreational amenities include Ayurveda massage, sauna, fitness center, puppet shows on request and steam bath.

Jehan Numa Palace

Location : Shamala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Special Features : 100 rooms including suites and cottages, conference hall, garden, senate hall, central courtyard, swimming pool, horse riding, fitness center and spa
Nearby Area Attractions : Gauhar Mahal, Machhli Ghar, Van Vihar National Park,Mrignaynee Emporium

Jehan Numa Palace has won the Best Heritage Hotel award from the Government of India. Jehan Numa means the "View of the World" and is a 19th century built palace set amidst 5 acres of green lawns. Nestled by the Shamala Hills and features the British colonial and Renaissance style of architecture. It was built during the era of Begum Jehan Numa and converted into a world class heritage hotel in 1983. This grand heritage hotel has 100 rooms and 6 suites. There are also standard cottages with ethnic furnishing and classic art deco. There are 4 multi cuisine restaurants and 2 bars specializing in barbeque food and Italian dishes, delight for western guests.

Jagat Niwas Palace

Location : Lal Ghat, Udaipur
Special Features : situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, 29 furnished rooms and suites, lake side restaurant, Special folk dances, Ayurvedic massage centre, Horse riding and safari, Traditional wedding arrangements
Nearby Area Attractions : Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Lake Pichola

The Jagat Niwas Palace heritage hotel with all its charm and aesthetics is a 17th century built haveli. It is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola and is approached from the nearby Jagdish Temple. Boat rides in Lake Pichola, bird watching and picnic are the main activities that guests can indulge in. The hotel features Mewar architecture and provides clear views of Monsoon Palace and City Palace. There are 29 furnished rooms here including suites. The lake side restaurant is well known for its ambience and serves multi cuisine food.

Pataudi Palace

Location : Haryana
Special Features : residence of the Pataudi of Haryana, 20th century built palace, sprawling garden, 15 rooms and suites, billiards room, conferecnce hall, Ayurveda spa
Nearby Area Attractions: Surajkund, Badkhal Lake

The Pataudi Palace is the residence of the Nawab of Pataudi, Haryana. It was built by Ibrahim Ali Khan and is one of magnificent residences in the country. It is home to the family of former Indian cricket captain Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. His wife, son and daughters are the present heirs to the property that is partially occupied by the Neemrana Group of Hotels. It is around 60 km away from Delhi.