India

India has a vast history of royalty, their incredible lives and even more magnificent palaces. Rajasthan, the land of royals is the well-renowned seat of Rajputana, warrior dynasties that ruled over their kingdoms. Located in western India, the land is depicted by some of the most amazing architectures. While many have been kept open for visitors to explore many are transformed into heritage hotels in Rajasthan. These wonderful luxury properties to date continues to amaze with the sheer display of splendor and world-class facilities.

Heritage hotels are not just the pride of Rajasthan but also some of the best stays in India. They exhibit the immaculate craftsmanship of the bygone era and Rajputana’s penchant for fine architecture.

Next time you book a Rajasthan package, make sure you stay at one of these heritage hotels and experience the best of hospitality.

1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Savor the legendary Umaid Bhawan Palace at its glorious best. The exceptional hospitality and legendary ensembles put it at the top of best heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The record book says that it’s the world’s 6th largest private residence.

What’s special: Dinner at Risala serving Continental & Indian Fusion, heritage walks, city tour, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities

2. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The perfect location of the palace encircled by Lake Pichola along with City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir makes a spellbinding backdrop for those dining at the top of the hotel’s terrace.

Fairy-tale weddings, fascinating honeymoons, and rich traditions of the past make the Taj Lake Palace an enthralling grandeur.

What’s special: Royal welcome at the Badi Pal Jetty, Jiva boat spa in lake Pichola, and heritage walks

3. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

A glorious past, vibrant present, and a promising future make Rambagh Palace a proud heritage hotel in Jaipur, which has stood at par with the grace of Rajasthan.

Rambagh Palace has remained a testimony to numerous transitions over the ages. It was first the residence of queen’s handmaiden, then became a guesthouse and hunting lodge for the royalties. In the end, it belonged to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II.

What’s special: Heritage walks, grand welcome, and spa

4. Rohetgarh, Jodhpur

Set in the midst of rural surroundings, Rohet Garh is a heritage hotel in Rajasthan located on the banks of a lake. Migrating birds keep frequenting the oasis and turn it into an enlivening retreat. Get dazzled by the splendid hues and decor of the kingly rooms and suites.

What’s special: Village safaris, royal picnics, bird watching, and culinary workshops

5. Samode Palace, Jaipur

From being a humble host to celebrities, royalties, and artists to presenting an ideal retreat for avid travelers, Samode Palace has excelled in giving its stamp of authority with panache.

Speaking of design aesthetics, walls of the palace are adorned with ancient murals, which can be felt as you run your fingers across the contours on the wall. They are ably complemented by the antiques from days of golden past. Be it experiencing a soul-soothing massage or soaking the charm of Jaipur, Samode Palace makes for one of the most prominent choice on the list of most sought after heritage hotels in Rajasthan.

What’s special: Mughal garden at Samode Bagh, horse & camel safaris, special tours to sand dunes, and hot air balloon

6. The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur

Sitting atop a hill in the heart of Udaipur, the Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace is a notable heritage hotel in Rajasthan. It has 55 rooms and suites equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offering gorgeous city view.

The hotel banks on the traditional aesthetics of Rajasthan and also serves its patrons with horse ride, puppet show, and royal salute..

What’s special: Camel & horse rides, and puppet show

7. Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar

Located on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, Neemrana Fort Palace acts as an ideal weekend getaway from Delhi. It is also a good venue to organize, feasts, celebrations, and conferences. The 15th-century heritage hotel in Alwar boasts of hanging gardens, an Ayurvedic spa, shimmering outdoor pools, and zip-line for adventure lovers.

Defined by beauty and glorious history of Alwar, Neemrana is a royal retreat that must be experienced at least once. Plan a stay to experience the best of royal Rajasthan.

What’s special: Spa & pool, zipping, step well, vintage car ride, and camel ride

8. Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer

Fort Rajwada is the proud bearer of the baton of charm and glory that has been synonymous with Jaisalmer since time unknown. One of the most elegant heritage hotels in Rajasthan, it brings you the imperial opulence, tranquil solitude of the desert and the adventure of dunes.

A gorgeous mix of the modern and the classical, which is widely eminent in the neutral shades of sandstones that make the palace, poolside barbecue, and rooftop view of the sunset.

What’s special: Camel & jeep safari, city tours

9. Ras Devigarh, Delwara

One of the best luxury hotels in Rajasthan, India, RAAS Devigarh has established a name for itself. What once used to be the residence of the rules of Delwara in the 18th century is now a luxury resorts in India where people come to have a pampering holiday. Along with luxurious amenities, the hotel has crafted curated experiences for its guests to make their holiday as unique as possible.

What’s special: Spa, Pool Deck, Restaurants

10. Deogarh Mahal, Rajsamand

Once inhabited by the rulers of Deogarh Family, the affluent residence has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The opulent palace pampers its guests with luxury amenities. It is also a popular venue for weddings and events

What’s special: Restaurant, pools, jacuzzi, Ayurvedic massage

India is home to fabulous wildlife. From roaring Royal Bengal Tigers to Asiatic Lions, herds of mighty Asian Elephants to one-horned rhinoceros, deer, gaur, flocks of birds’ and even ones visiting from distant lands, India is blessed with wildlife. Besides coming close to the wilderness, wildlife safari tours in India include staying at jungle resorts in India, jeep safaris, elephant rides, nature walk with experts and other incredible experiences. India’s wildlife safari holiday season is traditionally between the months of October to June, with the exception of monsoon season when most of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks remain closed. Even in the wildlife safari season, there is a best time for the thrilling adventure.

When making plans for a luxury wildlife holiday in India, here is to understand the best time and suitable weather conditions.

Tiger watching between November and February, the mornings can be very cold, so bring hats and gloves. A hot water bottle even. Although be prepared to take off layers later in the day, when temperatures go up to the mid twenties.

The opposite is the case if you go in search of tigers between March and June, when the temperatures can hit mid 40s centigrade. You need to be veary well prepared, and know that you can stand such heat for long periods of the day.

Most national parks in India close in July, August, September, and through until about mid-October for monsoon season, so always check with your tour operator.

Periyar National Park, however, stays open all year round. The most popular time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from October to February. It is particularly vibrant just after monsoon, and there are fewer people. Periyar is always packed at weekends, however, so try and stick to weekdays.

The best time for viewing elephants in Kerala is during the hotter months of March and April when they spend the most time in the water.

The only time to see snow leopard in Ladakh is between November and March, when they come down from the snow-covered peaks in search of food. February and March are a bit more accessible for visitors though, so best to travel during those times.

Browse at Here: Periyar National Park

In Gujarat, Gir National Park is closed from mid-June to mid-October for monsoon season. November until March are more bearable climate-wise, but for top animal watching April and May are best – but boiling. However, witnessing the Rann of Kutch Desert fill up during monsoon season is a sight to behold too.

Browse at Here: Gir National Park

National parks can pack out during Indian public holidays and festivals, and there are many of them. So do check in advance if you are going to clash with one. Which would be fun, but it will be busy. The big ones include 26th January for Republic Day, and Diwali which falls October or November.

In many of the parks, the vegetation is high after the monsoon around mid-October, which means that wildlife can be harder to spot. However, the landscapes look stunning during this time.

For bird watching in Northern India, October to May is a good time for resident and migratory species, post and pre-monsoons. In Kerala, March to May is blazing hot.

Discover the Most Adventurous Wildlife Tour Packages in India

India is a welcoming country and has been for centuries. And, even in today’s era it is as hospitable as it was in the past. Travellers from all over the world are made to feel right at home in this incredible country. Making the country special is the fact that it has a wide range of options of stay. Be it the vibrant cities, tourist hotspots, scenic beaches, remote hill stations, offbeat places or any place you would like to explore in India, there are always options.

From 5-star hotels, heritage hotels, luxury properties and boutique hotels, guests have comfortable accommodations equipped with world-class amenities. And, even this wide variety the choices are very pocket-friendly. In fact seven of the world’s 10 cities with the least expensive five-star hotels are in India. This affordable luxury is one of the reasons India is a hot favorite among luxury-seeking travellers.

Here are the cities in India with the most affordable luxury stays.

Chennai

Chennai is the least expensive city for a five-star stay in the world, the results declared, with the starting price of an upscale hotel room at GBP34/ INR3,530 per night. The city has some terrific business hotels, with several top-voted hotel restaurants at the Top Restaurant Awards. There’s lots to sightsee, and if you have more time on your hands, Chennai also has many sweet deals from farmstays to quick getaways.

The Best Options for stay in Chennai: Radha Regent, Taj Coromandel, The Leela, The Park

Bengaluru

Bengaluru nabs the third spot. The baseline for a five-star stay is the same in both cities, and about Rs1,000 more than Chennai, at GBP41/ INR4,260. India’s IT hub has super business hotels of course, many top-voted restaurants. (Incidentally, ITC Windsor recently became the world’s first hotel to receive the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.) Plus for those getting out of the city, there are amazing homestays, wonderfully offbeat getaways nearby, and even more great stays to consider if other South Indian cities are on your itinerary.

The Best Options for stay in Bengaluru: Hotel Regaalis, Southern Star, Taj MG Road, The, Leela Palace, The Park, Villa Pottipatti

Agra

Agra comes in at number 4 on the list of the best budget luxury stays in India at GBP42/ INR4,360 per night. With the Taj Mahal in the neighbourhood, it’s a popular choice for a destination wedding of course though there’s plenty else to do too including restored Mughal gardens.

The Best Options for stay in Agra: The Park, Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Hotel Grand Imperial, Howard Plaza - The Fern, ITC Mughal, Jaypee Palace, Radissin Blu, Ramada, Royal Regent, Royal Residency, Taj Gateway. Tajview, Agra - IHCL SeleQtions, The Lalit, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Trident, Utkarsh Vilas

Kolkata

Kolkata makes its place on the list of luxury budget stays in India with an average tariff at GBP50/ INR5,200 per night. The City of Joy as it is called is east India's vibrant cultural hub. Home to exquiste architceture, arts, crafts, music 

The Best Options for stay in Kolkata: The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand, The Park, The Peerless Inn

Delhi

The colorful capital city of Delhi is the fahas stellar hotel deals not to mention star restaurants and ample getaways: here’s a big fat hotel guide to road trips from the capital.

Mumbai comes in at #7 at GBP52/ INR5,400 per night. Visitors to India’s cultural capital are spoiled for choice when it comes to city hotels, superb restaurants and beautiful weekend resorts.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the eighth least expensive city for a plush stay at GBP56/ INR 5,800. Two of the city’s newest hotels made it to the 2021 Hot List. Both have excellent dining options, alongside the city’s more established eateries, and they’re only the latest in a slew of great hotels in Jaipur and Rajasthan (which has many lesser-known gems).

Rich in culture, heritage, history, architecture, and a legacy of thousands of years, India is a treasure awaiting to be explored. India has 40 UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites, and that makes India with among the countries with the maximum number of World Heritage Sites in the world! There are 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed as recognised by UNESCO. Besides, that India is home to 13 traditional-cultural elements that have been inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Here is a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:

1. Taj Mahal, Agra

One of Seven Wonders of the World, a white marble Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor in memory of his beloved. It is located at the bank of river Yamuna in Agra. The 17th century masterpiece is considered as the best example of Mughal architecture worldwide.

2. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Known for erotic sculptures and nagara-style architectural symbolism, the temples of Khajuraho are a unique culture heritage. The group of Hindu and Jain Temples were built between 950 to 1050 CE under the reign of the Chandella dynasty. A total of 85 Temples, the site is host to the ethereal annual Dance festival.

3. Hampi, Karnataka

A collection of heritage sites, Hampi was once part of the prosperous kingdom of Vijayanagar. A testimony of excellent Dravidian style of art and architecture, the Group of Monuments comprise of many wonders.

4. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Dating back to around 2nd century BCE to 650 CE, Ajanta Caves are +beautiful masterpieces of 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings and sculpture. The style of Ajanta art and architecture are incredible remnants of Indian classical art and architecture.

5. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

A testimony to ancient Indian history, Ellora Caves are Indian-rock cut architecture. There are about 34 rock-cut temples and caves which can be dated to about 600 to 1000 AD. The excavated site consists of Charanandri Hills, Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples, Viharas and Maths of 5th and 10th century.

6. Bodh Gaya, Bihar

The holy place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, Bodh Gaya is a religious place. After severe penance under the holy Bodhi Tree, the prince Siddhartha gained Enlightenment and became Gautam Buddha. The famous Mahabodhi Temple was established in the reign of Ashoka the Great in about approximately 250 BCE.

7. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

Dated to 13th-century, the  Sun Temple on the beach of Konark built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in around AD 1250. Reflecting the grandeur of the traditional style of Kalinga Architecture, the temple in the shape of a gigantic chariot with carved stone wheel, pillars and walls and is led by six enormously carved horses.

8. Red Fort Complex, Delhi

A Mughal glory, the Red Fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi, or what was known as Shahjahanabad at that time. The red sandstone structure has a mix of Indo-Islamic, Timurid, Hindu and Persian forms of architecture, made up of red sandstone and houses several other smaller buildings such as the private pavilions, the Diwan-i-aam, the Diwan-i-Khas.

9. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

One of the oldest stone structures in India, the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi is commissioned by emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BCE. Apart from the Sanchi stupa, several other structures exist here, such as monolithic pillars, temples, palaces and monasteries. It remained an important pilgrimage site for the Buddhists till about 12th century AD, after which the religion declined in popularity.

10. The Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu

Built during the rule of Chola Empire, the temples in South India- Brihadisvara Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple are the most important of all of these temples. Testimony to the architectural splendour and beauty of Chola art, architecture and sculpture, these temples are living temples and the rituals and festivities which were observed by people thousands of years ago, are still held.

India performs its best in the past four decades in Olympics 2021. This year, India was proud with its win of 7 medals. After the delay of the Olympics due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Olympics 2020 was conducted this year in Tokyo. India made history and here are the ones who made it.

Javelin throw - Neeraj Chopra (Gold)

Hailing from Haryana, the gold medallist has made history. It is the first time an Indian track and field athlete won a gold medal at the Olympics. His fantastic javelin throw has made a golden mark in the pages of Olympics.

Wrestling (57 KG) - Ravi Kumar Dahiya (Silver)

Also, hailing from Delhi’s neighbouring state Haryana, the wrestler won a silver medal.

Weight Lifting (49 Kg Women) - Mirabai Chanu (Silver)

The lady from India’s beautiful North East, Mainpur won a silver medal in weight lifting.

Women’s Singles Badminton - PV Sindhu (Bronze)

A popular sportswoman, P V Sindhu from Hyderabad has won many awards and titles in International and National Championships. She won a bronze for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2021.

Women’s Welterweight Boxing - Lovlina Borgohain (Bronze)

A first time athlete in the Olympics, the women boxer made her name in the pages of history with a bronze medal in Olympics 2021.

Hockey Indian Hockey Team (Bronze)

Bringing glory to India after four decades, the Hockey Team won the bronze medal for the country.

Wrestling (65 Kg) - Bajarang Punia (Bronze)

Last but not the least, the Indian wrestler won a bronze medal for India.

While the Indian Women Hockey Team missed the bronze medal, they surely made history with a tough fight to its opponents.