The gorgeousness of Indian royal palaces and the stories associated with them have been a matter of envy for many of us. Being built over an extended period of time and commissioned by distinctive dynasties, these palaces bear impressive blend of classy architecture and the best of aesthetics. Though, a wide range of palaces in India are found ill-maintained, a few are exceptional and maintained by business groups, converting them to hotels. Elegant, jaw-dropping and massive royal hotels in India should your next must-head destination.
Lake Palace, Udaipur
Your dream of living like a royal, amidst unbound water and plenty of royal amenities is sure to be fulfilled in this opulent royal residence. Built in Lake Pichola, between 1743 and 1746, this mansion was mainly built as a winter palace by Maharana Jagat Singh II.
It is topped by exquisitely beautiful domes while the walls are ornamented with niches and adorned with arabesques of colored stones. Each one of the 66 rooms and 17 suites lets witness the stunning views and intricate décor to bewitch guests in royal mystique.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace was built in 1930s. Amongst the 347 rooms within its periphery, a portion is inhabited by the royal family. So, you will have a momentous opportunity to live with the kings. Topped by a 100ft-high dome, the palace is an exclusive specimen of neo-modern Jodhpur.
Today, half of this palace is converted into a hotel which is managed by the Taj Group. The hotel has suites embellished with delightful Art-Deco and a swish subterranean spa. The terraces of the Sunset Pavilion and the Pillars restaurants offer you the most fascinating vistas across to the blue-washed old city.
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
This magnificent royal building dates back to 1747 AD and thus appears as a repository of the memories of forgotten Jaipur. Spread across 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this palace is a masterpiece in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture. The hotel blends eye-catching opulence with lavish comforts that lets the guests dive into the majestic aura of royal Rajasthan. Its closeness to the main shopping center and historical monuments add to the excitement.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Built in outstanding classic style, the Falaknuma dates back to the 1890s and had been the main residence of the highly rich Nizams of Hyderabad. 60 impressively furnished and lovingly restored rooms of this palace take you to a journey into the clouds and into the glided ages, where grandeur and excess used to be a matter of celebration and savouring in equal measure. Distinct rooms are adorned with large Venetian chandeliers, antique furniture, gurgling fountains, priceless statues, unique sketches and murals in ornate frames, along with a world-class collection of crystal.
Rajakkad, Dindigul
Tucked away in the Western Ghats, Rajakkad is a classic Keralan palace which was once the residence of Maharajas of Travancore. The hotel is built amidst coffee estate what makes it distinct from the other royal mansions of India. Rajakkad is now run by Francis, a horticulturalist, who has a passion for locally sourced local food. It has eight naturally bright rooms which open on to dark green gardens and in February, the heady fragrance of coffee flowers fills in the rooms.
Author Bio
Jyoti is a travelogue by passion and interior designer by profession. She has been to a number of places till now, but as per Jyoti her classical tour to India was memorable. She loves Indian culture, religion, historic places and especially the people of India. Jyoti writes just to spread his thoughts with the world. When she is not travelling, she generally pens down her experience in the form of blogs/articles.