Some of them
transformed their vast estates into heritage hotels, or leased them to renowned hotel chains who carefully restored them to their former glory. Several of them
transformed their vast estates into heritage hotels, or leased them to renowned hotel chains which carefully restored them to their former glory. From the eastern state of Odisha to Rajasthan in the north, here are eight regal retreats where travelers can live like kings and queens.
1. Jehan Numa Palace — Bhopal
Visitors can step back in time at Jehan Numa Palace in Bhopal, which has a
neoclassical style and a 19th-century exterior. Jehan Numa Palace.
Source: Jehan Numa Palace
This pristine white building was built by General Obaidullah Khan, son of the last ruling Begum of Bhopal, and transformed into a 100-room hotel by his grandsons in the 1980s. The hotel features original artifacts, Raj-era photographs and modern amenities such as a palm lined pool and Chakra Spa services. The hotel offers Italian, Mediterranean and Bhopali cuisine. Indophiles can enjoy the legendary Bhopali food prepared using secret palace recipes at the restaurant Under the Mango Tree. Haveli Dharampura — Delhi
Once a nobleman’s home,
the 19th-century Haveli Dharampura was meticulously restored over six years under the leadership of the prominent political figure Vijay Goel.
Haveli Dharampura.
Source: Heritage Dharampura It’s now a 14-room boutique hotel, which received an honorable mention in 2017’s UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Mughal era hotel features red sandstone arched colonnades with a marble courtyard and Arabesque tile work, as well as intricate stone and wooden details. Taj Lake Palace — Udaipur
Originally a summer palace for Mewar royalty in the 1740s, this stark white edifice in the middle of Lake Pichola was transformed into a heritage hotel in the 1960s and is now impeccably managed by the Taj Group. Taj Lake Palace — Udaipur
Accessible by boat, this stark white edifice in the heart of Lake Pichola (as seen in the 1983 James Bond flick “Octopussy”) was originally a summer pleasure palace for Mewar royalty in the 1740s.
It was transformed into a heritage hotel in the 1960s and is now impeccably managed by the Taj Group.
Taj Lake Palace
Source: Taj Lake Palace
Straight out of a fairy tale, the Taj Lake Palace boasts domed pavilions, ornamental turrets, crystal chandeliers, and 83 antique-filled rooms and suites, some which overlook a gleaming courtyard that hosts nightly folk dances.
It has four dining options serving globe-trotting menus, a spa boat and butler service.
4. Taj Falaknuma Palace — Hyderabad
Perched nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, this hilltop hotel has 60 rooms and suites, which increase in lavishness as you move up its room classes.
Taj Falaknuma Palace.
Source: Taj Falaknuma Palace
By the time you reach the Nizam Suite — graced with fine tapestry, a private pool and personal butler — it’s easy to envision the lifestyle of the Nizam of Hyderabad, who lived in the palace in the 19th century.
The rooms aren’t the only lure. The 130-year-old edifice is known for its state banquets of yore-style food, grand gardens, billiard room with monogrammed cues and ivory balls,
and
a library modeled on the one at Windsor Castle. The staterooms feature Venetian chandeliers as well as royal portraits and antiques from the Nizams era. Taj Usha Kiran Palace — Gwalior
This palace dating to the 1800s was, in its past life, a guesthouse and later royal residence of the ruling family of the state of Gwalior.
Taj Usha Kiran Palace.
Source: Taj Usha Kiran Palace Today, it’s a lavish Taj hotel that balances old-world vibes with contemporary style. Interiors feature ancient stone carvings and filigree. Rich tapestries are also featured. Travelers can stay in the Royal Suites which feature four-poster bed, Venetian Mirrors and Mother-of-Pearl Mosaics. 6. It is now a heritage hotel managed by the Taj Group.
Rambagh Palace.
Source: Rambagh Palace
Exquisite antique furnishings, silk drapes, domed wooden ceilings and four-poster beds give the 78 rooms and suites a regal feel.
Exquisite antique furnishings, silk drapes, domed wooden ceilings and four-poster beds give them a regal feeling.
Many other features make It is now a heritage hotel managed by the Taj Group.
Rambagh Palace.
Source: Rambagh Palace
Exquisite antique furnishings, silk drapes, domed wooden ceilings and four-poster beds give the 78 rooms and suites a regal feel. Many other features make Rambagh Palace an unforgettable retreat: heritage walks around the premises conducted by the palace butler, golf putting green, original palace dining room with chandeliers and gilded mirror, a Polo bar festooned with trophies and memorabilia of the Jaipur polo team, and a spa with Indian healing services.
The palace has hosted the likes of
King Charles,
Louis Mountbatten and Jacqueline Kennedy.
7. The Belgadia Palace — Mayurbhanj
Nestled in the charming town of Baripada, The Belgadia Palace has been with the descendants of the same royal family since it was built in 1804, giving it an authenticity that is hard to replicate. The Belgadia Palace. Source: The Belgadia Palace
A portion of this historic palace has been converted into an 11-room hotel by Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Deo, royal descendants of the family. It boasts lofty ceilings, marble corridors and artifacts.
There’s also a lavish dining hall that serves Odisha-style meals, and elegant verandas on which to drink tea. The palace organizes excursions and activities like handicraft village visits, traditional Chhau dancing on the lawns. Chittoor Kottaram — Kochi
The height of exclusivity, the Chittoor Kottaram — which once belonged to the king of Cochin — hosts only one group of no more than six people at any one time.
Chittoor Kottaram.
Source: Chittoor Kottaram
Nestled amid coconut groves by the edge of the lagoon backwaters of Kerala, the three-room abode boasts beautiful Athangudi floor tiles and wooden ceilings.
Precious artworks by Lady Hamlyn of The Helen Hamlyn Trust, the restorer of this 300-year-old palace, lend the property something of a museum feel. A personal chef prepares traditional Keralan dishes that can be eaten at a waterside gazebo or in the lush garden.
Ayurvedic massages and private cultural shows can be arranged, as can a private sunset cruise on the serene waterways.