Top 10 Luxury Hotels In India

Which is the one place where you simply forget your worries and live like royalty? A luxury hotel, of course! Be it luggage, itinerary, or food cravings – let the private butler take care of it all in one of these top 10 luxury hotels in India:

1. Leela Palace, Goa

A perfect blend of luxury and comfort, Leela Palace Goa reflects the Portuguese heritage in its stylish rooms and décor. Having a soft corner for the Leela chain of hotels, I was keen to visit one of the finest beach resorts in Goa. The hotel, like the ones in Delhi and NCR, definitely lives up to its reputation!

Within the resort, filled with beautiful man-made ponds and lush gardens, one can enjoy lip smacking beachside sea food or dine at the signature Indian restaurant Jamavar. An in-house shopping arcade, spice garden tour and dolphin cruise tour on request – what more can a guest ask for?

For those keen on sightseeing, there are several landmark churches, Mahavir and Bondla wildlife sanctuaries nearby.

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 20,000 onwards (February - March).

2. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Luxury takes on a new meaning as you enter the fort style hotel – The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur. Get ready to be treated like royalty here and avail facilities like the trademark Oberoi spa inside a Rajasthani haveli, limousine service and the best of fine dining. What’s more, the accommodation here includes villas with private pools and a royal tent.

A visit to the Pink City is incomplete without discovering its beauty. At Rajwada Library Bar, delve into Rajputana and Jaipur history with an acclaimed local historian while enjoying the finest of cocktails. Famous attractions Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and The City Palace are a short drive away.

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 39,000 onwards per night (March-April).

3. Orange County, Coorg

In a place like Coorg with serene environs and lesser ‘sightseeing’ options, the resort makes a world of a difference (speaking from experience). For those craving a relaxing holiday away from hectic work schedules, Orange County Coorg is THE resort to book.

A land of hidden treasures nestled in a 300 acre plantation paradise, the place exudes peace and tranquillity. It has everything from an infinity pool to a reading lounge and Ayurvedic spa for ultimate relaxation.

Unwind and live the local way by taking a guided walking tour of the coffee and spice plantations or a Coracle ride on River Cauvery. If you’re staying long enough here, a visit to the village is a must. And of course, who can forget a cuppa chai at the riverside tea shop!

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 24,000 onwards per night (March-April).

4. Wildflower Hall, Mashobra

What’s the one luxury resort in Shimla that everyone has been raving about?  It’s none other than Wildflower Hall, Mashobra. The Oberoi chain has outdone itself with this one (if that’s even possible) and made a colonial style resort amidst woods of pine trees and cedar. An ideal retreat in the Himalayas, it offers travellers options for relaxation and adventure.

Billiards, ice skating, mountain biking – there’s a lot to keep you busy here. If sports are not your cup of tea, relax in the hotel with a game of carom or spend quality time with loved ones.

Food lovers are in for a treat here – be it enjoying global cuisine on the open-air terrace or private dining at The Lutyens. You can also drive down to The Mall, Tattapani or Jakhoo Hill for day excursions.

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 20,000 onwards per night (April-August).

5. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

A hotel that epitomizes romance and royalty, the picturesque Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur almost seems to float on Lake Pichola. If the vision leaves you mesmerized from a distance, wait till you enter the palatial resort with intricate artwork.

Having been a venue for many high profile weddings, this hotel spoils guests for choices. Couples can sail in a 150-year old Gangaur or spend quality time in one of the royal swings.  If you have been planning a long overdue family vacation, Taj Lake Palace offers a cultural show, heritage walk and of course a game room to bond with your kids.

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 18,000 onwards per night (September-November).

6. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Drive along river Teesta to arrive at the charming Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling. Soak in vistas that are an inspiration for writers and photographers alike.

Although activities are plenty here, some of my friends who stayed here vouch for a hot cuppa tea and a book for ultimate relaxation. A must-try here is cookery classes – create a flavourful dish or give them your family recipes! It’s a chance to interact and make new friends as well.

Spacious and cozy, the bungalows have sprawling verandahs with picturesque views of the mountains. Old fashioned style bedrooms, antique furniture et al – it’s a world you would not want to leave.

7. Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom

Nestled along the bank of Vembanad Lake with over 30 acres of rice cultivation, Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom is heaven in the lap of nature. Be it a walk in the butterfly garden or practising the ancient art of Ayurveda, the hotel offer a holistic experience for all.

Choose this high-end resort if you wish to enjoy a holiday differently – coconut husking, lunch at picnic hut, canoeing on the canals and traditional art forms. The life of Kumarakom reflects in the villas too, which are adorned with traditional architecture. For a taste of local life, enjoy lip smacking Meen Moilee or Karimeen.

8. Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

A stay in one of the leading hotel chains in the land of biryani? Count me in! It’s not every day that you get to visit Taj Falaknuma Palace and feel like a royal in the former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Everyone wants a ‘unique’ vacation and this one can’t get any better. From dining experiences like Shikaar ka khaana to meals at a table that can seat a whopping 101 people, it’s a whirlwind journey.

If you’re an art lover, you would not want to leave the premises! Discover items from the Nizam’s personal collection and elegant objet d’art on a heritage walk in the palace. For an evening in, there’s snooker on a custom made table for the Nizam himself! Or close to 6,000 novels in the palace library. Now that’s indeed a royal treat.

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 25,000 onwards per night (September-November).

9. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

‘Grandeur’ and ‘luxury’ fail to describe the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. Made of yellow-golden sandstone (but of course, it’s the Golden City of Rajasthan), the palace offers vintage car rides, marbled squash courts and facilities that are beyond your imagination.

Enjoy the finest brandy while playing a game of billiards or take a leisurely walk across time and history in the Palace Museum. Whenever I do go there, I will definitely consult the court astrologer and see what the future has in store. A royal life, maybe?

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 22,000 onwards per night (September-November).

10. Vivanta by Taj, Kovalam

Whenever I think of South India, I imagine a quiet backwaters retreat. And one of the resorts that is in my bucket list is Vivanta by Taj Kovalam. A friend recently stayed here and couldn’t stop talking about it.

A therapeutic massage in the signature Jiva Spa, hillside cottage with stunning views of Balinese style gardens, and boating in the lagoon – it was one of the most memorable vacations for her.

That’s not all. Those keen on adventure can enjoy bar billiards, croquette, archery, and even cocktail classes! Create your own signature drink and try it out a get together back home. It will work wonders, I promise you that!

The room rates for this hotel start from Rs. 15,000 onwards per night (March-April).

Staying in one of these grand hotels is a holiday in itself. Book a vacation with MakeMyTrip and experience the epitome of luxury travel!