12 THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN INDIA: RAJASTHAN
1. TAJ LAKE PALACE
Located in ‘the Venice of the East,’ the Taj Lake Palace is steeped in the romantic history of princes and mistresses. Accessible via boat, the floating palace’s cinematic qualities are undeniable, so much so that it was used as Octopussy’s lair in the 1983 James Bond film.
2.RAAS DEVIGARH, UDAIPUR
Housed in an 18thcentury fort palace just overlooking the splendours of Udaipur, Raas Devigarh is as impressive from the inside as it is from the outside. The sleek, even minimalistic design of its guestrooms contrasts with the arcades and carvings of the exterior; guests can appreciate both during an evening spent on the terrace, or when dining in the property’s open-air alcoves.
3. UMAID BHAWAN PALACE JODHPUR
A hotel fit for kings, quite literally: the resplendent Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace was once the domain of the local Maharaja. One of the world’s largest private residences, the hotel has plenty to see and do on-site… as well as a collection of vintage cars available for chauffeured tours of Jodhpur.
4. THE SERAL, JAISALMER
Just outside of historic Jaisalmer, The Serai is an oasis amidst the golden sands of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Comprising luxurious tented suites, it’s open to nature but still offers plenty of comforts, including a temperature-controlled dip pool (ideal for night-time stargazing sessions).
5. MIHIR GARG, JODHPUR
Hotel or fortress of palatial scope? Mihir Garh was only built in 2009, but wouldn’t have looked out of place in Rajasthan hundreds of years ago. With only nine suites, the property, undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels India, guarantees guests sumptuous privacy.
6. OSIAN SAND DUNES RESORT AND CAMP, THAR DESERT
Located deep in the Thar Desert, at what was once a Silk Road stop dating to the 8thcentury, the Osian Sand Dunes retreat is inextricable from the history and beauty of its surroundings. Accessibly located from the region’s many temples, the hotel consists of a resort as well as a small number of private tents made for glampers.
7. SAMODE PALACE, SAMODE
Visitors to the Samode Palace in Rajasthan could find themselves rubbing shoulders with celebrities and royalty; such is the prestige of the place. Elephant polo takes place on the grounds, the swimming pool is made from gleaming marble, and the rooms are just as sumptuous as you’d expect.
8. RAJ MAHAL PALACE, JAIPUR
Guests after pomp won’t have to look much further than the utterly opulent Rajmahal Palace. The sumptuous property is a firm favourite amongst Rajasthani travellers after a royal touch, given its lovely gardens, marble staircase, and small clutch of luxurious suites.
9. SHERGARH TENTED CAMP, KANHA
On the edge of Central India’s Kanha Game Reserve, Shergarh Tented Camp consists of just six individual tents, ensuring a highly personalised experience of nature—and the big cat population—of the region. Each tent is spacious and furnished with plush beds, while the on-site chefs serve beautifully spiced local fare.
10. UDAI BILAS PALACE- DUNGARPUR
Sandwiched between the blue waters of the Gaibsagar Lake and a private forest reserve, the Udai Bilas Palace is as pretty as a film set. From within the palace, guests will find carved marble, pattern-rich rooms and other touches evocative of 19thcentury Rajasthan.
11. SURYAGARH, JAISALMER
Suryagarh’s golden fortress blends beautifully with the muted plains of the Thar Desert. Step inside, and it’s all about the colour: Opulently appointed interiors; vivid Rajasthani fabrics; Lapis lazuli-coloured swimming pools and a flock of resident peacocks; with Raag musicians providing the evening’s entertainment.
12. RAAS JODHPUR
Housed within a restored haveli that originally dates to the 1700s, Raas Jodhpurmixes historic aesthetics with swanky modernity. Inside, the look is hip, minimalistic, and thoroughly contemporary, while views from the outdoor restaurant and rooftop bar give onto Mehrangarh Fort, golden-hued come sunset.
13. RAMBHAG PALACE, JAIPUR
For a suitably indulgent getaway, guests can follow in the footsteps of the Maharaja at the Taj Rambagh Palace. Originally a royal residence built in the mid- 19thcentury, the palace today stands as a glorious testament to historic Indian hospitality.