5 Heritage Hotels fit for a Regal Stay

If you’re craving a holiday with a difference – a holiday where you can soak in the royal history of India, complete with all the luxury and opulence that kings and queens were known to enjoy, then head to any of these five palaces and forts across India. These heritage hotels, each a gem in its own right, promise holiday experiences fit for royalty.

Taj Falaknuma Palace

The Nizam’s former residence, the Falaknuma Palace, spread over 32 acres, was built in 1894 and overlooks the city of Hyderabad, where the history and romance of the Nizam’s bygone era still enchants travellers. The Nizam was once believed to be the richest man in the world, and this jewel of a palace reflects the luxury and opulence of the Nizami lifestyle. The property is resplendent with huge Venetian chandeliers, royal furniture, a breathtaking collection of crystals, art in ornate frames, grand marble stairs and manicured gardens.

The 60 rooms and suites, each of which is just as grand and luxurious as the other, has been refurbished and restored by Her Highness Princess Esra, the Nizam’s Turkish wife. Falaknuma, which is 2000 feet above the city of Hyderabad and known as the palace in the clouds, promises guests a royal treatment, right from when they arrive at the hotel in a horse-drawn carriage.

No heritage holiday is complete without a gastronomical adventure. At Falaknuma, you can choose from a variety of restaurants that offer dining options that promise to tickle your taste buds. For delicious Indian cuisine head to Adda; multi-cuisine specialties are offered at Celeste; sumptuous breakfasts at Jade Terrace; and private dinners at Gol Bungalow, which also serves up breathtaking night-time views of Hyderabad.

Cost begins at: Rs 32,000 per night

Location: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053

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Fort Jadhavgarh Hotel and Resort

To step into the pages of Maratha history, visit Fort Jadhavgarh in the outskirts of Pune, for a grandiose experience. This fort, which once belonged to the Maratha General Pilaji Jadhavrao, is spread over 25 acres of landscaped gardens, and promises the visitor a glimpse into Maratha history and hospitality, right from when you step into the premises.

Jadhavgarh Fort has 57 rooms with 3 luxury suites, 38 rooms, 12 royal tents and 4 neem cottages. The décor, which retains a lot of elements from fort-style living, combines contemporary luxury with old world charm. For meals, you have a choice of three restaurants and cafes – Payatha, Chajja and Aangan, which rustle up treats to tingle the taste buds. For an extra serving of history, the museum within the fort gives guests a glimpse into the ancient Maratha lifestyle.

Cost starting at: Rs 6,500 per night

Location: Jadhavwadi, Hadapsar Saswad Road, Pune - 412301

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Woodville Palace, Shimla

For a peak into what life at Shimla was during the British Raj, visit Woodville Palace Hotel, where the cream of British societies mingled with Indian Aristocracy. The palace was the former summer residence of Raja Rana of Jubbal, and has been managed by the royal family, who wish to give travellers a peak into the history and heritage of Shimla. The 27 rooms in this palace hotel are decorated with a mix of Art deco style as well as with artefacts and photographs of the royal family. Situated 7,000 feet above sea level, the Woodville Palace Hotel offers stunning views of the hills around. While you’re here, you can not only enjoy a royal stay, but also tuck into lip-smacking continental or Himachali delicacies at the in-house restaurants and enjoy your sun-downer at the well-stocked bar. For those, who want to relish their food while enjoying the natural bounty around, try the Garden café and restaurant.

Cost starts at:Rs 4,000 per night

Location: Location: Raj Bhawan Road, Shimla-171002, H.P. India

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Rambagh Palace

A prominent heritage hotel in Jaipur, the Rambagh Palace is often known as the Jewel of Jaipur. Very accessible, the palace hotel is situated on the Bhawani Singh Road, and is a favourite with people from around the world who want to experience beautiful architecture, a slice of history and luxury in one place. The Rambagh Palace was built in 1835 AD for the queen’s favourite handmaiden, Kesar Badaran, but in 1925, it was transformed into a palace for the Maharaja of Jaipur.

The 79 rooms and suites within the palace are decorated in royal Rajasthani style, complete with silk drapes and rich fabrics that reflect the vibrant hues of the state. For dining options, guests can choose from a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars that offer everything from royal Indian feasts to Mediterranean fare. For those who want to drink in style, the Polo Bar with its memorabilia of the erstwhile Jaipur polo team, is a place one must spend some time in. For further relaxation and rejuvenation, head to the Jiva Grande Spa for wellness therapies as well as for some yoga and meditation.

Cost starting at: Rs 43,000 per night

Location: Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur - 302005, Rajasthan, India

Fort Palace, Neemrana Hotels

A 15^thcentury heritage hotel, with seven palace wings spread out over 14 tiers carved into the hill, the Fort Palace is a perfect weekend trip for those living in Delhi. Interspersed with hanging gardens, two swimming pools, an Ayurvedic spa and a zip-line – India’s first, the Fort Palace is a place where luxury tangos with history.

It had been built in 1464 by the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who had sought refuge in Delhi after having lost the battle to Muhammad Ghori.

The Fort Palace has a total of 50 rooms – 17 standard rooms, 7 luxury suites, 19 grand rooms and 7 normal suites, many of which have personal porches or terraces. Furnished with a mix of traditional Indian and colonial furniture, these rooms offer state-of-the-art facilities. The various restaurants on the premises of the fort, serve up a range of delectable meals and snacks, turning it into a gastronomical adventure that any traveller is sure to savor.

Cost starting at: Rs 4,500 per night

Location: 122nd Milestone, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Village Neemrana, District Alwar, Rajasthan 301705

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Armed with this list of heritage palace hotels, you can now plan your royal holiday, complete with a dollop of history and a double scoop of luxury!