Taj Hotels

Would you believe that the best monsoon destination in India is actually in Rajasthan? Yes, it is Udaipur. Making its name among the most beautiful places in the world, Udaipur is an ethereal beauty. Known as the “City of Lakes” it is a frequently-visited tourist destination in the North Indian State of Rajasthan. Surrounded by the ancient Aravalli Mountains and beautiful lakes, also the reason for its nickname, the historic town was one of the last royal provinces of Rajasthan. Also called ‘The City of Dawn’, Udaipur seems to be among the most beautiful places on Earth, hence making its name among the top romantic places in the world. Udaipur tours present enchanting marble palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes, and shimmering lakes which make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage.

The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is among the must-visit places in India and not just Rajasthan. The royal kingdom reverberates with many legends of bravery in the most respectable of all Rajput princely states in Rajasthan. To date, tales are narrated of the Rulers of Mewar who displayed their bravery & courage while protecting their motherland from invaders. In addition of Udaipur's beauty, its even remarkable past spellbinds visitors.

The places to visit Udaipur include the royal palaces, temples, gardens, the bylanes, etc. The City Palace, the fascinating white-marble beauty is a must visit beauty. It houses 11 magnificent palaces from various periods. The museum has many antiques, paintings and memorabilia. The Jagdish Temple, Bagore ki Haveli, Saheliyon ki Bari, Royal Vintage Car Museum, etc. are unmissable tourist attractions in Udaipur. The Lake City Palace right in the middle of the Pichola Lake is a beauty unlike another which has immortalized by movies, paintings, books, etc. On a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola, come across the picture-perfect palace. Besides the popular sight, a tour of the bylanes of Udaipur must certainly be included in your itinerary. In these nooks and corners find shops that deal with handicrafts, locally-crafted. Make the evenings with fun performances of local dances as well as puppetry. The vibrant puppets brought to life is an amazing experience. Horse-rides and buggy rides to the local villages are equally splendid addition to your vacation.

The best thing about Udaipur is the spectacular stay at the hotels. 5-star luxury hotels, heritage properties and palaces open up for guests to enjoy a stay in the city. Some amazing names are Fateh Prakash Palace, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Amet Haveli A Heritage hotel, Jagat Niwas Palace, Trident Hotel Udaipur, Raas Devigarh, Taj Lake Palace and The Oberoi Udaivilas.

Boat rides at sunset add to the amazing experience of a holiday in Udaipur. The taste of the delights of Rajasthan, the gastronomy besides the attractions in Udaipur, beyond the city there is much to see and do. Ranakpur, Haldighati, Kumbalgarh, etc. are some places you must not miss out on.

Palaces in India are an indispensable part of Indian history, heritage, and culture. The Taj Group of Hotels has earned the reputation of transforming some of India’s royal palaces to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. Each of the palaces epitomizes royalty, luxury & elegance. A stay at the palace hotels in India is an experience of a lifetime. Revel in royal comforts, dine like kings, get pampered with some of the most revitalizing Ayurveda & Spa treatments and enjoy amazing experiences.

Take a look at the list of five most gorgeous Taj Palace Hotels across India.

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The very vision of bliss, the Taj Lake Palace is one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in the world. The white-marble 18th-century palace lies in the middle of Lake Pichola with the beautiful Aravali hills in the backdrop. The property features open-air courtyards, lotus ponds, tree-shaded pool and breath-taking views from every nook and corner.

Built as a royal summer retreat, this heritage hotel has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. The décor boast of traditional carved wooden furniture and royal interiors. The signature speciality restaurants at this palace serve a choice of cuisines. Pampering awaits at the Jiva Spa, with a spa boat experience like no other as well as specially-crafted Ayurveda treatments. The tradition of grand soirees and formal levees hosted by the royal family of Udaipur continue till today. The most romantic of hotels in the world, it is the ideal venue for fairy-tale weddings and magical honeymoons.

2. Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

A royal palace of the princely state of Jaipur, the Rambagh Palace is a jewel of Rajasthan. Built in the year 1835, the opulent palace has served as a residence to the queen’s favorite handmaiden and later to the King and Queen before it was passed to the Taj Group to be developed as their luxury heritage hotel. The stunning masterpiece of Indian architecture envelops traditional hospitality, pampering comforts and the experience of royalty.

Settled amidst the lush Mughal gardens, the palace hotel has 78 opulent rooms & suites steeped in royal splendor. Step into the world of royalty with exquisite antiques, rich tapestries and paintings. Exclusive butlers assist with introduction to the historic palace, arrange private dinners, shopping trips and excursions in Jaipur. The Jiva Grande Spa offers traditional Indian rejuvenation therapies and other pampering sessions. Making a stay at Rambagh all the more special are customized rides in old Pontiac (1939), Ford (1936), Plymoth (1937) and vintage horse-drawn carriage.

3. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

A testimony to the splendor of Nizams, Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad is luxurious property, one of the best hotels in the world. The grand palace features a royal 19th-century experience, enjoying the privilege of the famed Nizam’s hospitality. Known as the ‘palace in the clouds” Falaknuma towers over the city of Hyderabad.

The lavish palace hotel has 60 unique rooms & suites furnished in royal elegance. The heritage hotel boats of beautifully crafted objects from all over the world, lush gardens, interesting heritage walks, pleasures of rare manuscripts treasured in the magnificent oak-paneled palace library which is a replica of the library at Windsor Castle. Dinners at Taj Falaknuma is a treat for your taste buds with cuisines personally conceived by the Nizam. The palace promises a royal time, right from arrival in the hotel in a horse-drawn carriage to farewell from the lavish palace.

4. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

A stunning masterpiece of Indian architecture and a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the best palace hotels in India. Home to erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, the royal palace is perched high above the desert city of Jodhpur. The palace offers its guests a taste of royal living, once only available to kings and queens.

The contemporary palace hotel is an extravagant property of the Taj group. The hotel interiors are embellished in art deco style, equipped with modern conveniences. A special feature is their Champagne Museum Walk, where the guests can admire the finest collection of Victorian and Edwardian antiques with a glass of the most expensive champagnes. The hotel offers specialized dining experiences & romantic settings with spectacular views from balconies & terraces. Do not miss a ride in the vintage horse-driven carriage at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.

5. Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

6. Taj Fateh Prakash Udaipur

7. Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur