Best hotels in India

The definition of 'heritage', Rajakkad Hotel was brought to the Palani Hills in 26,000 pieces, and re-assembled amongst the jackfruit trees. Originally an 18th-century summer palace, Rajakkad has a light feel with ancient wooden walls and screens, which open onto 60 acres of farm and forests, criss-crossed with hiking trails. A stay at Rajakkad Estate is all about rest and quiet simplicity; miles away from any city, the clatter of busy streets is replaced by birdsong and mountain views. Morning yoga sessions on a secluded platform are followed by river walks or reading from the comfort of your hammock. Bliss!

From its home amongst 12 acres of coconut palms, banana trees and fragrant hibiscus, Neeleshwar Hermitage looks out over the Arabian Sea, a view you can enjoy from the coolness of the large pool. Named after the country homes of Malabar royalty, the resort taps into simple, seaside living without skimping on the comfort levels. Built in the style of traditional fishing huts, the cottages are decorated with the wooden carvings done by craftsmen who usually restore temples. After arriving to a signature coconut drink and floral garland, enjoy yoga in the garden, a dip in the sea or explore the lush plantations of nearby villages.

A delightful, contemporary hotel with just 13 rooms, the focus of Ekaa Villa is to curate an exciting and individual experience for everyone who stays. You might have come to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, but Ekaa will show you a different side of the town and encourage you to explore beyond the walls of the famous mausoleum. You'll come away with plenty of photos, memories of fabulous Indian street food and an armful of recipes to recreate it all at home...

Laid out over 32 acres of landscaped gardens, The Oberoi Rajvilas is its very own city of peach - like an oasis in the Rajasthan desert. There's plenty to keep you occupied, beginning with an Indian wine tasting where you'll enjoy a tour of India's vineyards via your tastebuds - and learn a little about how to match wines with your meals. Enjoy high tea at Naila Fort as the landscape is lit up by a technicolour sunset. Around 80 strutting peacocks and a plethora of other birds fill the air with song and add even more colour to this spectacular spot.

In a city of multiple faces, blending ancient monuments and buzzing modern streets, The Lodhi has earned its spot. With its grand exteriors, elegant suites and state-of-the-art facilities, the hotel take attention to detail to a new level. Enjoy dining in the technicolour Perbacco restaurant, a relaxing soak in the traditional Turkish bath and yoga in the verdant Lodhi Gardens. This city stay has a hearty selection of suites, each in varying degrees of luxury. If you can bring yourself to leave the hotel, the sites and flavours of Delhi await. Visit the tallest minaret in the world and pick up hand-crafted accessories at one of the city's many markets.

Stepping through the large wooden door into a quiet garden, the outside world is quickly forgotten. The rosy-hued Rohet House feels like home and that's exactly how the owners want it. Although the latest member of the House of Rohet opened its doors in late 2019, its history began in 1969, and it has been welcoming guests ever since. In true Rohet fashion, the design strikes a balance between subtle luxury and historic charm, while quickly becoming one of Jodhpur's most well-loved boutique hotels. The house exudes warmth and every nook is just right for socialising or enjoying home comforts before exploring the lively city.

A mere 20 minutes from the tiger haven of Bandhavgarh National Park, Mahua Kothi is a boutique, 12-suite lodge surrounded by 40 acres of lush forest. Whilst most visitors are here with one main, tiger-shaped objective in mind, the lodge ensures it's not entirely overshadowed with its beautiful swimming pool, interactive kitchen, delicious dishes and spectacular dining locations. The team at Mahua Kothi are experts in providing exceptional guest experiences and a stay here is always guaranteed to be special - we won't give too much away, but there's usually a little something extra hiding around the corner...

Once a royal hunting ground, Ranthambore National Park is now dedicated to protecting its streaked orange powerhouses. Aman-i-Kas' staff and guides are all well-versed in Rajasthani history and the myriad wildlife that roam through the park - every day brings fresh inspiration for stories around the fire-pit. Amongst the fruit trees of Rajasthan's real life jungle, Aman-i-Khas is an elegant tented camp that has all the trappings of a lodge. You'll enjoy the utmost comfort in one of the 10 luxury tents and even the afternoon G&Ts are served in style as you recline on cushioned stone bankettes.

On the Cochin peninsula, the Tea Bungalow fits perfectly with the city's medley of cultures. Up a street lined with palms, the mustard-coloured building once belonged to the spice trade before it was taken over by Brooke Bond Tea - an origin story told in the nautical decor and aged portraits on its walls. The Bungalow's 10 rooms are each named after a trading port in the Indian Ocean, from Zanzibar to Mombasa. Antique French doors open onto the garden where you can relax beside leafy jackfruit, cinnamon and breadfruit trees. Set course for the beachfront or Cochin's many museums, galleries and the ornate Mattancherry Palace.

Off a bustling street in Colaba, the historical heart of Mumbai, Abode Bombay is a guesthouse steeped in the style of the city. The colonial building has been restored to offer modern rooms with a distinctive, quirky twist. Think custom-built furniture made from market stands, art deco pieces, vintage fabrics and original chandeliers. Abode is within strolling distance to some top sights including the iconic Gateway of India and just down the road, you'll find the famous Bademiya seafood stall. Well-positioned to explore the laneways of Mumbai, Abode is a unique hotel where the service is personal and the chai is hot.

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!

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.