HOTEL IDEAS

4 Best Taj Palace Hotels Fit for Kings and Queens

Chandana Banerjee

Last updated: Aug 21, 2020

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Do

Udaipur: Visit City Palace and look out for the world’s largest private collection of crystals
Jodhpur: Zip-lining (one circuit takes 90 minutes to complete)

Eat

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s most famous dish is the Hyderabadi biryani. Served pretty much everyehwere, try some at any of the Paradise and Hyderabad House outlets across the city
Jodhpur: Try Mawa Kachori, a sweet puffed pastry, and the savoury Pyaaz ki Kachori, with a spicy onion filling, at Janta Sweet Home

Shop

Udaipur: Shop for jewellery, tie and dye, bandhini fabrics at Bada Bazaar
Jodhpur: Leheriya saris, fragrant spices and traditional jootis at Sadar Bazaar

Click

Hyderabad: Take a selfie at the Hussain Sagar Lake with the towering Buddha statue in the backdrop
Jaipur: Snap a bird’s eye view shot of Jaipur from one of Nahargarh Fort’s arched windows.

Filmy

Hyderabad: The song sequence Ooh La La from the Vidya Balan blockbuster Dirty Picture was shot at Ramoji Film Studio
Jaipur: Several scenes from the Hritik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Jodha Akbar were shot at Amber Fort.

Want To Go ? 
   

Ever wondered how kings and queens of the bygone era lived and what all staying in their luxurious palaces entailed? If yes, then head over to one or more of these 4 heritage hotels and you will find all your answers. Breathtakingly beautiful, each of these palace hotels promise to treat you like royalty and give you a glimpse into a world that you may have just read about.

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Taj-Umaid-Bhawan-Palace-Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace, the home of the royal family of Jodhpur, is one of the best heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Currently the sixth-largest private residence in the world, the palace is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, who built this between 1928 and 1943. Crafted with sandstone and palm court marble—the same kind used in constructing the Taj Mahal, Umaid Bhawan is a jewel of a palace perched on Chittar Hill with a commanding view of the Blue City and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.

Set amidst 26 acres of verdant gardens, this luxury hotel offers its guests 64 beautiful rooms and suites done up in Art Deco style with all the modern amenities. For traditional Rajasthani meals, head to Risala; sample a wide selection of Mediterranean and European delicacies at Pillars; and sip on sun-downers at the Trophy Bar, while biting on the royal ambience around. For more pampering, head to the Jiva Grande Spa for their signature treatments, yoga and meditation. And for a dollop of history, request for a heritage walk around the palace, where butlers will keep you enthralled with stories of the property and the kings who called it home.

Starts at: Rs 24,950 per night*

Location: Circuit House Rd, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006

Book Your Stay at Umaid Bhawan

Read More: 6 Places in Jodhpur That You Must Add to Your Bucket List

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj-Lake-Palace-Udaipur

Crafted out of sparkling white marble in the middle of a lake, Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, formerly known as Jag Niwas, was the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II, who built it in 1746. With stunning views of the Jag Mandir, Machla Magra Hills, the Aravalli and the City Palace, this luxury hotel is perfect for those who want to recreate the fairytale magic and the royal lifestyle for themselves.

The hotel offers 66 luxurious rooms and 17 grand suites with marvellous views of the lake around. Guests are welcomed royally with rose petals and refreshments as they get off the boat at Sadar Ghat, and then escorted to the plush palace hotel under a sequined umbrella. Apart from a stay fit for royals, the Taj Lake Palace also offers lip-smacking Rajasthani fare at their Neel Kamal restaurant, contemporary cuisine at the open-air Bhairo, and a grand selection of beverages at Amrit Sagar. Continue to get pampered at the Jiva Spa, a spa boat floating around the palace hotel.

Starts at: Rs 25,200 per night*

Location: Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Book Your Stay at Taj Lake Palace

Read More: Top 10 Things To Do In Udaipur​

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Taj-Rambagh-Palace-Jaipur

Known as the Jewel of Jaipur, the Rambagh Palace is a prominent heritage hotel that was built in 1835 A.D. for Kesar Badaran, the queen’s favourite handmaiden. However, in 1925, it was transformed into a palace for the then Maharaja of Jaipur, and eventually into a heritage hotel, managed by Taj Group. With 79 luxurious rooms and suites decorated in the rich and royal Rajasthani style, complete with plush fabrics and silken drapes, a stay at Rambagh Palace will have you living the high life at its best. The food here is delectable with a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. The Steam offers fresh, wood-fired pizzas and shawarmas; Suvarna serves up fine Indian cuisine; The Polo Bar is known for its signature cocktails and rare whiskies; the Rajput Room for its light bites; and, Verandah Café for its continental and European fare.

Starts at: Rs 26,450 per night*

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

Book Your Stay at Rambagh Palace

Read More: Jaipur: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Taj-Falaknuma-Palace-Hyderabad

A true pearl in the glittering crown of Hyderabad, the Taj Falaknuma Palace was built in 1894 as the Nizam’s residence, and eventually converted into an opulent heritage hotel. Offering a glimpse into the glorious lifestyle of the Nizam, once the richest man in the world, this hotel oozing historical charm is spread over 32 acres. It is resplendent with manicured gardens, grand marble staircases, royal furniture and huge Venetian chandeliers. A stay at one of the 60 rooms and suites here help the guests dive into the pages of Deccan history while enjoying all the modern facilities. Restored by Her Highness Princess Esra, the Nizam’s Turkish wife, Falaknuma is also known for its gastronomical adventures. Adda is all about delectable Indian cuisine; Celeste about taste-bud tickling multi-cuisine specialties; and, Gol Bungalow is perfect for enjoying private dinners while savouring the beautiful night-time views of Hyderabad. Known as the palace in the clouds, Falaknuma towers 2000 feet above the city and promises its guest a royal time, right from when they arrive in the hotel in a horse-drawn carriage.

Starts at: Rs 23,750 per night*

Location: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053

Book Your Stay at Taj Falaknuma

Read More: Top 5 Places to Visit in Hyderabad

*Prices may vary

Go on, book your stay at these heritage hotels, to get pampered like the royalty you are.