Best hotels in India

In this fast changing world of nouveau-chic boutique hotels, large-scale vertical hotel chains and world-wide luxury behemoths, there remains a rare breed: the colonial-era plantation resort. Closely woven into the historical fabric of India, colonial plantations were an integral spoke in the ever-turning wheel of the world economy. Colonial living had its own distinctive style - club life, high-teas and architecture that boasted wood-centric construction with intricately carved furniture to match. Tucked away peacefully, within a 126 year-old coffee & spices plantation, lies Tranquil Resort - and like the name, guests are promised sheer tranquility, peace, abundant nature and great coffee! Wake up refreshed to the lilting sounds of birdsong, and nature's calming melodies in one of the award-winning tree house accommodations. Re-discover a world of gentle luxury, cradled in the gracious lap of nature. Free your adventurous spirit and explore any of the 10 bio-diverse walking trails that take you through some of the pristinely maintained plantation of serene landscapes, discover wonderful bird life and breath-taking views that are sure to make you fall in love with nature.

Enter through timeless arches to immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled luxury. Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior, an erstwhile royal palace crafted by the illustrious HH Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia, has been transformed into a haven of contemporary elegance that still honours a storied past. This 144-year-old heritage hotel in Gwalior is ensconced within a sprawling nine-acre estate adorned with lush landscapes, yet its sun-drenched rooms and expansive event spaces make it feel even more opulent.

India, the land of opulence, kingdom of Maharajas, a glamorous landscape of amazing variety, if you're planning to visit India for a magnificent holiday, then there's no better place to stay than Maharaja Ganga Mahal – A Heritage Hotel. Previously the palace of the Maharajas of yesteryears, this grand residence has opened its doors to discerning travellers.

Nestled on the outskirts of Bhopal, just 9 km away, Jehan Numa Retreat offers a tranquil escape with stunning views of nature and expansive open spaces. This luxury resort spans 12.5 acres of lush greenery and borders the Van Vihar Urban National Park—a unique drive-through zoo. Remarkably, the property was constructed without cutting down any trees, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

The Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge draws you into the vibrant social tapestry of the local Kadu Kuruba tribe and provides you with a wildlife experience unlike any other. Inspired in design by the Hadis or tribal villages, this picturesque resort in Karnataka of sweeping panoramic vistas, is characterized by a happy marriage of traditional craft and modern luxury. Kabini is located on the south-western side of the Nagarhole National Park in Mysore district. It has a mix of dry and moist deciduous forests and includes the famed backwaters of the Kabini, a unique micro-habitat on its own. Kabini has a large number and variety of large herbivores, including the Asian Elephant, seven species of ungulates and two species of primates. The three major predators that call it home are the Tiger, Leopard and Wild Dog. Over three hundred species of birds, both resident and migratory, have been recorded here.

Sitting on the banks of the Gomti River, the elegant hotel in Lucknow features regal décor, beautiful domes, jaali work, expansive gardens, dignified columns and private balconies. Step inside and enjoy the warm hospitality, where your every need is met with utmost care. Fine art flourishes are seen everywhere including the stunning rooms and suites with wooden furniture, evergreen designs and plush furnishings.

Located on upscale Race Course Road, just 11 kms from the international airport, Vivanta Coimbatore is a contemporary 5 star hotel in Coimbatore with world-class amenities, the ideal base for business travellers in Tamil Nadu’s second largest city and entrepreneurial powerhouse. The hotel’s minimalist, new-wave design echoes Coimbatore’s majestic heritage, radiating with the warmth of the sun.

In the wild heart of Rajasthan, where the badlands whisper secrets of a bygone era, stands Brij Lakshman Sagar. This boutique hotel was a hunting lodge fit for nobility. Each detail, from the historic water catchment to the hand-carved pool perched atop a rock hill, whispers tales of tranquillity and grandeur. Here, the architecture is a nod to the local, the rustic, and the utterly authentic—a zero-kilometer design philosophy that uses only materials sourced from the very earth it stands on. Brij Lakshman Sagar isn’t just a hotel; it’s a spellbinding escape into the soul of Rajasthan.

Orchha is a town in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. The town was established by Rudra Pratap Singh some time after 1501, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of covering parts of central & north India, in the Bundelkhand region.Orchha is a town in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. The town was established by Rudra Pratap Singh some time after 1501, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of covering parts of central & north India, in the Bundelkhand region.

Narendra Bhawan Bikaner is composed of Narendra Singhji’s memories from his travels to destinations near and far. Unconventionally curated, the Bhawan organically grew into a snapshot of the life of its original resident who upon spreading his wings was subconsciously casting a new modern identity for himself much like that of his mother country.

With a pink sandstone facade, copper domes and ivy-covered walls, this palace hotel is perhaps the most recognisable of Bengaluru’s landmarks. The hotel’s exterior cues the fusion of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian architecture. Located on Old Airport Road, it’s a quick cab ride from Bengaluru’s biggest attractions - the Central Business District, Cubbon Park, and the swanky restaurants of Indiranagar.