Step inside India’s regal legacy with these exquisite heritage hotels and resorts where history, culture, and unmatched luxury come alive.

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Combining modern luxury with Indo-Saracenic design, The Taj Mahal Palace has been a historic emblem of Indian hospitality since 1903. Overlooking the Gateway of India, the hotel has hosted royals, stars, and statesmen from all around. With elegant suites drawn from imperial elegance, Michelin-star restaurants, and a stunning spa, it transforms every visit to Mumbai into a great royal spectacle. 

Exclusive Feature: Offers world-class dining with Gateway of India vistas and iconic royal-inspired suites. 

The Fernhills Palace, Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Originally constructed in 1844 as the Maharajah of Mysore's summer retreat, The Fernhills Palace has a charming mix of Swiss chalet and colonial design. Tea plantations, eucalyptus trees, and immaculate gardens surround it. Visitors come across ornamental cast iron pillars and sculpted wooden bargeboards inside. 

Exclusive Feature: This palace flaunts a rare church-like inside badminton court positioned among lovely Nilgiri Hills gardens. 

Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

It was designed and built in 1902 to host the Prince of Wales, this opulent palace combines storied past with exquisite luxury. It provides a glimpse into royal life of the period while also retaining genuine components like a rare rosewood elevator from the 1930s and ornate ceiling fans. Although lush grounds offer a peaceful setting, the interiors feature beautiful craftsmanship and antique furnishings. Visitors are cordially greeted and can experience traditional wellness practices grounded in ancient royal customs. 

Exclusive Feature: Guests can arrive in a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage and unwind with spa treatments inspired by 14th-century royal wellbeing. 

Raffles Jaipur, Rajasthan

With its stunning white marble construction, scalloped arches, and complex lattice work, Raffles Jaipur opened recently in 2024 fits Rajasthan's illustrious imperial past. Spacious suites with sophisticated décor mirroring regional craftsmanship abound in the 50-room building. Guests can savour elegant Rajasthani cuisine at the signature Arkaa eatery, pampered with individual butler service, all in a tranquil palace-like setting. 

Exclusive Feature: The hotel provides tailored butler service, and a superb gastronomic tour set in a real queen's palace scene.

Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Ananda is a haven combining modern luxury with Indian well-being practices set in a 100-acre property once the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal's majestic house. Located in the Himalayan foothills, it presents spectacular vistas of the Ganges River and surrounding peaks. Guests can take part in yoga, meditation, and holistic Ayurvedic treatments designed to meet their particular needs to rejuvenate mind and body, thereby turning it into a great royal retreat. 

Exclusive Feature: in the former Viceregal Palace, Ananda provides premium Ayurvedic spa services against Himalayan views. 

Hotel Windamere, Darjeeling 

Originally a lodging for British tea planters in 1841, Windamere Hotel has colonial charm with antique furnishings, vintage decor, and breath-taking panoramic vistas of Mount Kangchenjunga. Nestled among vast tea farms, the hotel offers guests a peaceful and environmentally responsible royal experience in the mountains by fusing history elegance with eco-friendly methods. 

Exclusive Feature: With magnificent Himalayan vistas and colonial-era appeal, it offers luxury in line with environmental consciousness. 

Kuchesar Fort, Uttar Pradesh

This 18th-century fort was the seat of the Jat kings and has been beautifully restored into a heritage hotel that exudes pastoral royalty. Encompassed by 100 acres of blossoming woods and natural routes, the fort offers a quiet getaway near to Delhi. Guests can stay in grand suites tastefully decorated with frescoes and antiques and savour genuine Mughlai food served in sophisticated dining halls, supported by cultural events featuring local traditions. 

Exclusive Feature: Surrounded by 100 acres of blossoming woodland, the fort mixes royal living with the peacefulness of nature. 

Devi Garh Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Perched in the Aravalli hills, Devi Garh Palace is a stunning example of heritage and contemporary design fusion. Hand-painted murals, detailed wooden sculptures, and opulent rooms with personal patios looking out at the calm countryside adorn this previous royal house. Offering award-winning spa treatments drawn from traditional healing, the palace is an ideal getaway for people looking for both cultural diversity and peace.  

Exclusive Feature: A quiet hilltop location with stunning frescoes and award-winning spa treatments. 

Fort Jadhavgarh, Pune, Maharashtra

General Pilaji Jadhavrao owned this erstwhile Maratha fort house, which spread over 25 acres and has been converted into a historic hotel that immerses visitors in Maratha history. With neem cottages, royal tents, and courtyards, the hotel highlights classic architecture. Guests can discover the on-site museum, savoury Maharashtrian cuisine, and take part in cultural activities like turban tying and folk music sessions. 

Exclusive Feature: Offers immersive cultural experiences alongside Maratha history museum and royal tents. 

Kesroli Hill Fort, Alwar, Rajasthan

With seven turrets, enormous ramparts, and arched verandahs, Hill Fort Kesroli is a 14th-century Rajput fort transformed into a heritage hotel that still has medieval charm. It provides genuine Rajasthani food and traditional royal welcome against the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountains. Bringing the Rajput era to life, guests can engage in camel rides, archery, and escorted heritage walks. 

Exclusive Feature: Located in a seven-turret medieval fort, the hotel provides genuine royal experiences and adventurous activities. 

These magnificent hotels and resorts are gateways into India's regal legacy, where every element begs you to live like royalty, not only somewhere to stay. Ready to begin your royal trip? We are here to assist! Reach us at 0124 416 3001 or email tours@brightsun.travel for customised travel solutions.