Best hotels in India

Cochin is a city with history on every corner and being 300 years old, Old Harbour Hotel is very much a part of that. The hotel has taken many forms over the years and with its Dutch-style architecture, it captures the bygone era of seafaring travellers. Nowadays, it's a boutique hotel set in a large, tropical garden and decked out with vintage furnishings. Most of the staff were born and raised in Cochin so don't be shy about asking questions, they certainly aren't shy about sharing their love for its storied past. Frequenting artsy cafes and strolls by the beachfront are all in a day's work at Old Harbour.

One of the only luxury hotels in the north Indian city of Leh, The Grand Dragon offers comfort and high-altitude style at a staggering 3500 metres above sea level! Adorned with beautiful antiques and furnished with luxurious textiles, teak floors and carved wooden balconies, the whole property is a testament to Ledakhi heritage and design. And then there's the views. The kind that have to be seen to be believed, every bedroom looks out over the snow-hatted mountainscapes the region is famed for, making waking up an epic experience. If you're looking for a warm, relaxing spot to recuperate after hiking those very surrounds, this is the place for you...

From the undulating water of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a fairytale in sandstone. The high domed turrets and rolling lawns set the scene, which happens to be the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Mirroring the lake, The Oberoi is surrounded by sky blue pools - and the luxury suites come with a pool of their own. Before you delve into the cultural gems of Udaipur, the hotel has its own authentic experiences for you to enjoy including a beautiful henna tattoo from skilled Mehendi artists. Bathed in light, the hotel is especially dreamy at dusk as you toast the day with a G&T.

Set amongst a tapestry of lakes, life is unhurried at Shahpura Bagh. Off an alleyway in the bustling village, the doorman opens a large gate leading you into a quiet refuge filled with neem, ashoka and mango trees. Managed by the current Raja and his family, Shahpura has the feel of a homestay where evenings are spent sharing stories in the drawing room or by the fire. There are a plethora of walking trails round the tranquil lakes, and plenty of hammocks and day beds are found in scenic spots. Head out on birding excursions and visits to ancient forts before returning to your spacious suite.

Amongst the sea of rose-coloured buildings that is Jaipur, the charming Samode Haveli is a beacon of history and design. Built 175 years ago as a residence for the royal family of Samode, the hotel treasures its history while adding a modern touch, beautifully blending old and new. Samode Haveli is an impressive hotel, and behind its high cream walls, there's a collection of unique rooms and amazing decor. After a day spent exploring the delights of Jaipur, Samode has the feel of a welcoming stately home dotted with bright flowers and plush chairs (and lit by flickering lamps by night). Don't skip an evening performance of traditional Rajasthani music and dance!

Hidden away amid the mansions and Mercedes of Delhi’s upmarket Defence Colony district, the Colonel’s Retreat is the kind of place that makes you feel as if you’ve just returned home. Run by, well, the Colonel (and his family), there are smiles a-plenty, warm banana bread on arrival and loads of Indian hospitality to go around. A converted house, each floor has a sitting area and several bedrooms giving it delightfully higgledy-piggeldy feel and the décor is traditional and lovely. Conveniently located near the Lajpat Nagar Market, plenty of restaurants and the Metro Line to Old Delhi, use the Retreat as a base for an exploration and you’ll feel like you’ve known the city for years.

Tucked away in the Aravali hills, Bujera Fort is flanked by views of some of Udaipur's gems - the renowned City Palace, Fateh Garh Castle and Lake Pichola. Although it was only built in 2016, Bujera feels like its been there forever and with salvaged windows and doors, the fort has a historic charm. Amidst the greenery of farmland, the fort feels hidden away enough for pure relaxation but close to enough to enjoy the city fun. Its peachy walls are surrounded by jasmine and champa trees, which fill the air with sweetness and in winter, G&Ts around the bonfire are a delight.

With lemon-yellow walls, Dev Shree is a bright, haveli-style hotel looking out over Ragho Sagar lake. Originally built as a family home, you'll feel just like a friend coming to stay; enjoying the leafy garden and plentiful countryside jaunts. Begin your morning with the house special, 'Mother's omelette', and watch as the birdlife swoops over the lake or painted storks raise their wings to the sun. Apart from Dev Shree's many relaxing alcoves, spend your days exploring on a leopard-spotting drive or train ride through the Aravali hills. It's name means, 'divine blessing', a promise Dev Shree shares with every guest.

The smallest of Delhi’s big-name hotels, The Claridges is a lovely entry-point to India. Located on the cusp of New and Old Delhi, it enjoys the best of both worlds and the fascinating sights of Jantar Manthar, the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb are just as easy to access as the trendy restaurants and smart shops in the more modern part of the city. Inside the hotel, the same blend of old and new resonates: the main areas are all old-world charm and dark panelling, whilst the rooms are light and lovely with lots of mod cons. Oh and did we mention the patisseries and tinkling pianist in the foyer? Bliss!

At first glance, Fort Rawla looks like someone dropped a manor house into the pastoral countryside of Rajasthan. High, white walls draped with bougainvillea and turret-esque rooftops give the fort a grand feel. When you take a closer look, Fort Rawla has all the trappings of a heritage hotel too - the jharokhas looking out over a grassy lawn, frescoed walls and sunny courtyards all restored with care. Blending these worlds well, Rawla offers well-tended facilities and rooms with a taste of an India of old. Venture out into the countryside for village tours and a trek to the top of Elephant Hill, just next door.