Best hotels in India

Set just an hour outside Agra, Chambal Safari Lodge is a peaceful woodland getaway, built and managed by passionate conservationist and naturalist, Ram Pratap Singh. A descendent of the Singh family, who own much of the surrounding farmland, Singh restored the neglected house in 1999 allowing visitors to explore his ancestral home, and it's a paradise for wildlife and bird lovers. There are 35 acres of land to explore and the guides are knowledgeable and incredibly warm and generous. A lovely change from the hotels in Agra, it's also close enough to combine a visit to Taj Mahal too.

With its towering palms and quintessential pink-faced buildings, Royal Heritage Haveli certainly puts a Rajasthani spin on the word, 'resort'. What was the former hunting lodge of His Highness, Madho Singh Ji, has been carefully restored into a family-run boutique hotel. Harking back to bygone royal get-togethers, the owners hope to capture this feeling as you enjoy the property's many features. Not to mention, day trips out to the vibrant streets of Jaipur discovering its diverse history. Dining is a tasty affair with traditional dishes and creative inventions, all made from local or home-grown ingredients. Dog lovers will also be happy to meet the family's joyful basset hounds who have become a mainstay!

In the bustling and skyscraper-filled hub of Gurgaon, The Oberoi is like its own mini city. Walls of glass and chrome reflect nine acres of manicured lawns, shimmering pools and its own maze garden - plus, an on-site Gucci store! Enjoy a stay at The Oberoi in some of the largest rooms in the city and all under the care of your personal butler. In case the hotel didn't feel elegant enough, the piano bar (set in the famous silver and glass box!) seals the deal. Outside its borders, enjoy an Old Delhi rickshaw tour past traditional markets and ancient forts, and visit the Culture Gully for a taste of the food scene.

Keeping a regal eye on the city from its perch on Chittar Hill, the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace is grand in every sense of the word. Preening peacocks add a splash of signature Jodhpur blue to the scene. It's set in 26 acres of manicured lawns complete with classic cars from the Maharaja's collection. You wouldn't expect anything less from the home of the former Jodhpur royal family. Part palace, part museum and part hotel, the Umaid Bhawan has a lot to offer before you jaunt down the hill to experience Jodhpur for yourself. P.S. At dusk, the yellow sandstone palace looks even more stunning by the glow of a hundred lights.

If your Indian adventures are inspired by the Jungle Book, Samode Safari Lodge certainly won't disappoint. Set in the gloriously-wild Bandhavgarh National Park, it's a great jumping off point for spotting all manner of wild and wonderful creatures, including that famous striped beast, the Bengal tiger. Back at the lodge, you'll find plenty to help you unwind in serious safari style after a long day in the jungle, including a cool-as-a-cucumer spa, outdoor pool and 12 light, bright and breezy villas.

The Oberoi's aptly named, 'home in the forest' is set in 20 acres of lush gardens and forest. 25 luxury tents are dotted across the sprawling property and proud peacocks call amongst the rolling sounds of the jungle. Nature is mirrored in the lodge's colourful murals of florals and wildlife, and the grounds make for a lovely prelude to your adventure into the jungle. Ranthambore is home to the Royal Bengal tiger alongside a menagerie of other wildlife - from the lolloping sloth bear to the 270-strong species of birds. Inspired by the royal caravans of old Rajasthan, The Oberoi Vanyavilas offers historic finery.

Down a tree-lined street, the lemon-yellow walls of Forte Kochi definitely draw the eye. Once a grand Jewish home, the hotel is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British styles. Bright hallways dotted with flower arrangements lead to 27 spacious rooms decked out in antique furnishings. Thanks to its location, Forte Kochi is close to just about everything. Stroll down the Beach Walkway or soak up the city's art scene before returning for a dip in the pool and a bite of seafood to the strum of local music.

A sprawling metropolis, Mumbai is a city of extremes from the classic, colourful bazaars to its reputation as the 'film city of India' (which you can get to know on a Bollywood tour). The Leela fits right in with 309 well-appointed rooms and a collection of dining venues, all set in 11 acres of garden complete with a waterfall. As Mumbai's answer to a resort hotel, The Leela combines traditional elements with a polished exterior. It feels like an escape from the busyness of the city, with days spent sipping crafted cocktails by the pool amongst endless swaying palms, before exploring the city.

Six guest houses spread through remote, alpine villages around Leh, Shakti Ladakh is a stay like no other. Lovingly-renovated and built from sun-baked mud bricks in the traditional Ladakhi style, each house provides access to a variety of off-the-beaten track cultural sights and incredible walking, allowing guests to really get under the skin of local life in the region. Each house is exclusively yours so days can be spent doing exactly as you please, whether that be hiking to sacred monasteries, exploring vertiginous villages or simply taking in the jaw-dropping surroundings.

In the 'Venice of the East', The Leela Palace shines brightly from its home on the edge of Lake Pichola. After arriving at the hotel's private dock, you'll be greeted with melodic live music and a sprinkle of roses. With views of the majestic Aravalli mountain range and just a boat-ride away from the city, the grand Leela Palace adds a royal touch to your Udaipur stay. From the moment you awake to a gentle flute in the morning to watching the vibrant Kalbelia dancing by night - every detail is finely tuned.