Palace hotels of India – insignia of royal luxury

India has a history of royalty, and there are numerous royal palaces and forts dotted across the country. Palace hotels are basically these age-old palaces converted into luxury hotels, which can give any other kind of luxury hotel experience a run for its money. After all, you get a chance to not only live in the lap of luxury, but also experience royal living. Many of these luxury palace hotels are located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, which was an erstwhile princely state of India. If you want to experience royal living in the most luxurious manner, here are the best palace hotel options for you.

This 553-year-old medieval palace with its astounding architecture is currently run as a hotel. If you live in Delhi or are in the city for a vacation, you can very easily opt for this place as a weekend getaway. Located on the Aravalli range of Rajasthan, the Neemrana Fort-Palace is a luxury hotel with much to offer. The palace is so large that it has been divided into nine wings, each with a distinct style and character, its rooms resonating a bygone era. Swimming, spa, and detectable dining complete the experience here.

It was once the abode of the Nizams of Hyderabad, the Taj Falaknuma Palace today can give you a lesson on royalty and splendour. It was originally owned by the Paigah family, and later owned by the Nizams. The rooms and suites are replete with stunning decor, and are abodes of royal living. At the palace hotel, you will find yourself stumbling upon relics from a lost time, especially in the form of an 1890’s horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy a meal of a lifetime at the Gol Bungalow, overlooking the city of Hyderabad. The palace also has a hookah lounge.

If you want to get lost in the wilderness of Rajasthan, the Ramathra Fort is the right choice. The fort was granted to Thakur Bhoj Pal by his father the King of Karauli in 1645 AD. It also has a connect with Ramayana as it is believed that Lord Ram camped here during his journey to Lanka. It is just an ideal getaway from all the humdrum of life, and here you can watch birds fly away to and from Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Besides the suites and rooms, you also have a chance to stay in luxury tents. Farm to table dining is one of its star attractions, while there are a host of different excursions and activities that can be experienced here.

The beautiful lake palace was built between 1743 and 1746, and was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. It was used as a summer palace and sits right in the middle of the lake. The palace was built on Lake Pichola, and has 65 rooms, and 18 grand suites. The hotel got world famous after the James Bond film Octopussy was filmed here in 1983. Dining here is as romantic as it can get with the lakeside diner Jharoka; and you can enjoy vintage wine at Amrit Sagar. Taj Lake Palace is definitely an experience of a lifetime.

A romantic hotel that will make your heart wet with glee, Sujan Rajmahal Palace is one of the oldest in the city, and is home to the Maharaja of Jaipur. A beautiful place full of flora, the Sujan Rajmahal Palace in Jaipur is a true symbol of royalty. The rooms are extraordinarily designed for guests who seek comfort in sophistication. The hotel is so intimate that you would feel like you are in your private holiday home, surrounded by world-class luxury. Dining here is a pleasure reserved for guests, and you can expect incredible hospitality.

The palace with its imposing presence is something right out of a fairytale. The palace is considered to be one of the biggest private residences in the world. The hotel bit is managed by Taj Hotels, and the rest is still the official residence of the Jodhpur Royal Family. The hotel has some splendid room options to choose from, and there are some exclusive dining options as the hotel brings you the best from around the world. The hotel also has a museum that would stoke your curiosity about history.

One of India’s finest hotels, the Oberoi Udaivilas is a royal stay that redefines luxury. The hotel has numerous attractions for guests, most notably the spa that is housed inside an 18th century mansion. The rooms and suites are synonymous to royal living, and guests will find themselves in the midst of absolute luxury. You can experience poolside dinner, and also take private cooking lessons to explore culinary joys. Enjoy breakfast at the Herb Garden, and choose from a wide range of wines at the Rajwada Library Bar.