Best hotels in India

Chamba Camp Thiksey is one of those rare offerings that is unique and utterly magical. Set high in the mountains of the Himalayas, it's one of the first mobile camps in India and the idea is to take you far off-the-beaten track yet still provide luxury of the highest standard. And that luxury comes in the form of sumptuous tents and four-poster beds, gourmet meals in alfresco settings, sun terraces, and impeccable service. Add to all that a selection of first-rate Himalayan adventures and this is a stay with all the trimmings (and a little different to a soggy tent in the Peak District!).

Looking out over Lake Vembanad at its widest point, Purity blends resort style with traditional charms, all enveloped in nature. Its hallways and lounges are filled with a medley of antique sculptures and furnishings, and modern art from across India. Surrounded by lush gardens, Purity is just the place for recharging your batteries and exploring the quiet world of Kerala's backwaters. Enjoy meals by the tranquil pond in the courtyard or curl up on a lounger with a book from the library. You'll feel completely undisturbed at this lakeside resort where you explore nearby waterways on the Malabar houseboat and watch as eagles hunt for prey in the early morning air.

Jagat Niwas Palace looks very grand with its high, white walls and the lapping waters of Lake Pichola shimmering alongside it. The 17th-century haveli has an elegant charm complete with bowls of magenta flowers and potted plants that fill the courtyard and wrap-around patios. Their are wrap-around views to match too, gaze out over the lake and some of Udaipur's finest - aka the City Palace and the hilltop Monsoon Palace. Fancy heading out for an excursion (or 10), the hotel has you covered with their private ferry boat and if you have a hankering for more time on the lake, a dreamy dinner on the Jagat Sagar is just the ticket.

The crowning glory of Jaisalmer is its fort and this just happens to be true for Killa Bhawan as well. Gazing like a sentintel over the city, three bastions of this historic building have been converted into a hotel, which is filled with colourful rooms and surrounded by a centuries-long military past. Thanks to its unique location, Killa Bhawan has a platoon of famous neighbours including the seven ornate Jain temples and some of the oldest libraries in India. The staff are welcoming and really go the extra mile - so if you're looking to go on a self-guided tour, ask away!

In a landscape of granite peaks, roaming leopards and the the quaint villages of Jawai, SUJÁN blends sophistication and eco-living with its 10 luxury tents. Breaking with tradition, the tents are industrial chic with their mix of burnished metal and canvas - all seasonally rebuilt on shipping containers to minimise their footprint. Black and white photos of leopards and pops of scarlet, paying homage to the signature turbans of the Rabari herdsmen hint at days spent in the wilderness. After a welcome of rose lemonade or champagne, SUJÁN is a fine-tuned camp with adventure in its roots.

One of 76 villages in colourful Chettinad, Kanadukathan feels like it was plucked from another time with its majestic villas and buzzing marketplaces. Once the gift from a patriarch in the Chettiar family to his eldest daughter, Visalam exudes the spirit of summer get-togethers. The grand manor house looks rather modern from the outside with a manicured pool area but the interiors stay true to its origin. Restored by local weavers, tile makers and carpenters, the hallways and spacious rooms have a traditional style. Guided tours through the village are lead by locals with home-grown insight like where to get the best masala chai.

Homely and comfortable, Shergarh is the perfect place for those who want to experience all Kanha has to offer and be truly immersed in the nature and wildlife - and what wildlife to be immersed in! We're talking tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar and antelope, some of which have even been known to wander into camp... There are just six tents at Shergarh, meaning all guests can expect excellent hospitality and direct access to onsite naturalists who have spent years honing their skills in the jungle, and welcome all and every question. If you're after a friendly, cosy place to stay with access to amazing wildlife and a wealth of knowledgeable guides, this is the place for you.

Sprinkled with a plentiful array of peaceful pools and enveloped by verdant green surrounds, the Alila Diwa resort couldn't be better suited for a spot of Goan-style R&R. And what's that, you cry? We're talking days lounging by the azure infinity pool, sending your shoulder south in the spa, or ditching your devices with a yoga class. Everything at the Alila is geared towards serenity and relaxation in the chicest of surroundings and if you don't want to lift a finger you certainly won't have to - there's even a shuttle service to whizz you the 500m to the beach when you like...

A Beach Symphony certainly lives up to its name, where you wake up to the sounds of ample birdlife and lapping waves just steps away from your cottage. The seaside resort makes its business in relaxation - curl up with a book in one of the hammocks strung between frangipani trees or watch fishermen arrive with their catch in little boats from your veranda. Each named after a musical instrument, Symphony's four cottages are surrounded by lofty palms, making for a real sense of privacy. Venture into the nearby villages for a tour of the markets and historic buildings or spend hours strolling along the powder-white sand of Marari Beach.

From the moment you travel to the doorway in horse-drawn carriage and find yourself showered with fragrant rose petals, you'll realise that the Taj Falaknuma Palace is anything but subtle. And how could it be? Previously belonging to Hyderabad’s Nizam (rumoured once to be the richest man in the world), this spectacular edifice drew its architectural inspiration from The White House and Buckingham Palace so really, it was never going to be anything less than grand! Set on a 32-acre hillside estate and perched a staggering 2000-feet above the city, it truly is a castle in the clouds.

In the days of the British Raj, anyone who was anyone would escape each summer away from the humid south to the cooler climate of Shimla. Once the sprawling estate of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, Wildflower Hall is perfect for anyone looking to capture a little of that particular time in India's past. Expect interiors reminiscent of a Scottish country retreat, cream teas on the lawns, games of golf and tennis, and fascinating heritage tours. As well as all the British trappings, you'll also enjoy the best of Sri Lanka with spectacular mountain views and beautiful hikes.

If you're visiting Varanasi for the River Ganges, then what could be better than staying right on the banks? We're talking about the Brijrama Palace, a beautiful hotel that exudes old world charm and has arguably the best location in town. Before you've even arrived, you'll have a taste of the river with a journey by Bajra (traditional wooden boat) along the water, taking in the sights and sounds of Varanasi as you go. Inside, the hotel is bedecked with heritage antiques and 18th century artwork and a stay will leave you feeling like you've travelled back in time to an India of old.

Like many of our favourite India stays, Mary Budden Estate has its own fascinating history. Sitting at a lofty 2500 metres, the estate was named for its last inhabitant, Mary Budden, who travelled to India with her parents as they started their charitable mission in the Kumaon Hills. In 1990, Ashwani and Serena Chopra bought the estate and began to transform it into a peaceful retreat. Today, it's a serene sort of place, perfect for a spot of contemplation away from modern-day India and an exploration of the surrounding Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

On the eastern banks of the River Cooum, Connemara is set in a fragrant garden. Once the go-to party spot for blue bloods, Connemara hasn't lost its tradition of entertaining. As Madras's first bar, The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge is still a nighttime hub in Chennai with its plum-coloured chairs and heritage-inspired cocktails like 'Since 1891'. The hotel also pays homage to the city's history with carvings in the grand staircase from ancient temples, the lobby's 1922 grand piano and sepia-toned photos lining the entrance hall. A heritage walk through the hotel tells an origin story 200 years old, which has been blended with a contemporary feel.

Often referred to as the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, the Oberoi Grand is an impressive fixture on the Kolkata scene. Opened in 1888, the palatial hotel brims with history, and transports everyone who walks through the impressive doors to a time when the city was the heart of the empire. Picture an enormous courtyard garden and glittering pool, a grand lobby complete with candle-lit chandeliers, opulent bars to sip your nightly G&T, and a whole team on hand to help with any questions you might have. It's also ideally placed in the centre of the Kolkata's shopping district, making that all-important souvenir shopping a little bit easier.

If you've ever heard the name 'Havelock' muttered among those in the know, then you may have heard of the Jalakara. A beachy boutique bolthole lauded by travel writers the world over, the idea is to get totally back to basics, but in serious castaway-chic style. The entire property is immaculately decorated and focused on helping you take a break from the bustle of daily life, whether that's admiring the phenomenal surroundings, feasting on locally sourced delicious-ness or being soothed and calmed in the traditional spa. Sublime, perfectly modern and full of imagination this is place that feels completely and utterly like home...

Named for the royal Mughal dynasty who ruled great swathes of Asia for almost two centuries (and famous built the nearby Taj Mahal), this hotel certainly lives up to its lineage. Dressed in opulence, The ITC Mughal is the only hotel in India to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its beautiful architecture and the rich, intricate interiors are no less noteworthy. Outdoors, Agra is loud and more than a tad chaotic, but into the ITC and you'll feel a world away from it all as you wander through the 23-acres of carefully manicured gardens, indulge in the fabulous hamam and spa, or relax by the outdoor pool..

Central Jaipur, with its pink facades and endless historic buildings, is at your fingertips. On the edge of the old walled city, 47 Jobner Bagh is set in a lush garden that was once owned by the Maharajah of Jobner. Now, it's a welcoming and well-tended boutique hotel with a lovely view of the Aravali Hills. Everything at 47 Jobner Bagh is a family affair - from the home-cooked Indian suppers whipped up by the owner's wife to the colourful textiles shop run by his daughter. On a rare quiet street, the three-storey terraced building feels distinctly homely after a day of exploring Jaipur's many forts and bazaars.

Nestled in the sunny-sounding, Friend's Colony West, The Manor is a modern and well-appointed property in a quiet garden. With a minimalist style, the hotel has 12 contemporary rooms and suites, and lounges decorated with hand-crafted furniture and vases of colourful flowers. Separate from the well-known bustle of Delhi, this urban oasis makes for a welcome home-away-from-home where staff greet you by name. The beating heart of New Delhi is still only a drive away, where centuries of history blends with cuisine from all over the globe, which you can enjoy on a stroll past grand forts and lush Mughal gardens.

Under the impressive gaze of the Mehrangarh Fort, RAAS has quite the location in Jodhpur's bright and bustling north-eastern quarter. Just next door, you'll find the fascinating Stepwell with its beautiful carvings from across history - plus daily competitions for who can jump from the highest step. Built around an original 18th-century haveli, the hotel is filled to the brim with classic Rajput style. You'll find everything from antique shrines to arches gleaned from original stables, all blended with rosy modern architecture - a colourful contrast with Jodhpur's well-known blue facades. Memorable views, attentive staff and fun extras like cooking classes with the head chef or culinary tours through Jodhpur's markets give RAAS its charm.

There’s a few properties around that claim a foundation on sustainable, ethical tourism and Khem Villas is one of those that just gets it right. From the 20-acre grounds, an ecological oasis that was mostly hand-planted and teems with wildlife and birds, to the all-local staff and the entirely vegetarian, home-grown food - it’s an eco-chic paradise. Accommodation is in a selection of pretty cottages, tents and rooms, all surrounded by that glorious vegetation, making you feel like a true explorer – and a stylish one at that. Located on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, and just far enough away from the main cluster of camps, it’s one of our favourite choices for a tiger spotting safari, hands down.

From the water of Vembanad Lake, Brunton Boatyard looks every inch the heritage hotel. It may not have been built a hundred years ago, but it was constructed in the image of 19th-century Malabar with lime-plastered walls and shining terracotta floors. Stood grandly at the harbour front (complete with swaying palms), watch bobbing boats and the occasional dolphin as you enjoy a private meal on the jetty. Set in Cochin, the blend of culture and cuisines makes for a fascinating place to explore. Meander past the aged buildings of Jew Town and colourful markets of Mattancherry, before returning for a G&T as the sun sets over the lake.

Mumbai’s most stunning landmark with a devoted legion of followers, the Taj Mahal Palace isn’t just a place to stay - it’s a fabulous, iconic, all-singing, all-dancing and utterly splendid palace. Built by Jamsetji Tata in 1903, the exquisite red domes and stained-glass windows have become synonymous with unadulterated luxury and the restaurants, courtyards and bars attract well-heeled locals, exotic travellers and even a fair share of royalty. Today, she towers over the Arabian Sea in south Mumbai’s Colaba district and is on the doorstep of many of the city’s trendiest restaurants and hippest boutiques. But in order to visit them you’ll have to drag yourself away from the sumptuous interiors – and the gin cart that makes the rounds at the swimming pool.

Built in the early 20th Century, Nimmu House is a testament to the Northern Indian and Ladakhi architecture of days gone by. Once left to fall into a state of disrepair, the boutique property was lovingly refurbished by a team of designers, historians and architects, all tasked with bringing it back to its former glory. And boy did they achieve their aim. Today, there are five charming rooms within the main building and seven cosy tents scattered through the fragrant orchards, adorned in local artworks and Kasmiri latticed wood, and a lesson in chic, subtle elegance.

Set amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and winding canals, Kumararkom is a polished resort with all the bells and whistles. Its collection of rooms, villas and suites is scattered across the lawns, each a careful reconstruction of traditional 16th-century homesteads. You could also enjoy a stay at the houseboat on the lake with a private dining area and elegant design. The lake beckons with water sports and boat rides, plus the constant flutter of birdlife. At sunset, toast the day with a drink at the jetty!

The city's tapestry of placid lakes and romantic architecture meet in style at the Taj Lake Palace - a vision in marble. The hotel was built as an island in the middle of Lake Pichola and has become a well-loved part of the landscape. As well as panoramic views of its watery garden, gaze out at the lofty Aravali hills and the famous City Palace - a view enjoyed from almost every room. Gliding across the lake towards the palace is a dreamy sight after a day of soaking the senses, perfectly topped off with a welcome of cascading rose petals.

Within a world of ancient trees and emerald-green fields of tea, Windermere is a polished yet traditional hilltop estate. Tucked away in the Western Ghats, time moves at a different pace, leaving days wide open for curling up in a hammock with a book or trekking through the never-ending plantations. Built into the natural contours of the mountains, the chalet-style rooms are unfussy yet comfortable, each named after the crops growing nearby. Wake up to the whistle of birdlife in the guava and peach trees, enjoy a cup of chai overlooking the valley and soak up the nature that surrounds you.

Cross a fabulous resort with all the trappings and a hint of Goan remoteness and you have The Leela. The luxury resort is set on 75 acres of juicy nature and surrounded by swaying palms, flower filled lagoons, and plenty of creamy beaches. As soon as you arrive and find a garland of flowers set around your neck and a cooling coconut drink pressed into your hand, you'll feel like you've landed in a tropical paradise. In fact, it's so delightful, you might not want to leave at all.

This palace of old, close to the River Ganges and set amongst fragrant fields of jasmine, marigolds and mango trees, is a testament to Indian hospitality and luxury. The heavenly idyll is Taj Nadesar Palace, once home to the Maharajah of Varanasi and host to glamorous guests including Queen Elizabeth II, the King of Persia and the Queen of Bhutan. Picture four poster beds draped in the finest silks, tranquil gardens to wander in, regal spa treatments to send you to heaven, and dishes brimming with delectable ingredients. And that's just the beginning...

The land The Kumaon sits on was originally set aside for a private home - and boy are we pleased that the plans fell through and it's now a hotel that we can visit ourselves! The property itself is exquisitely designed (by disciples of the iconic Geoffrey Bawa nonetheless) using natural materials from the local environment, and perfectly complements the surroundings with its neutral textiles and palette. There are only 10 suites and the place has a knack of making you feel as though it's just you and those eye-watering views... All in all, a devastatingly-stylish mountain bolthole, that has simplistic luxury down to a tee.