Introduction
India’s heritage hotels offer a unique blend of history, luxury, and cultural richness. Many of these heritage properties are former royal palaces, grand havelis, and historic forts that have been carefully restored and adapted for modern hospitality. This adaptive reuse of ancient structures preserves their architectural beauty and historical significance while providing guests with an immersive experience in India’s regal past.
From the opulent palaces of Rajasthan to the colonial mansions of Bengal and the royal residences of Kerala, these hotels allow travelers to step back in time and live like royalty. Intricately carved courtyards, sprawling gardens, frescoed walls, and antique furnishings transport visitors to a bygone era, while world-class amenities ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Beyond their architectural grandeur, heritage hotels also serve as cultural repositories, offering traditional music and dance performances, authentic regional cuisine, and curated experiences that celebrate India’s diverse history. Whether nestled in bustling cities or perched atop remote hilltops, these timeless retreats provide an unforgettable journey into India’s royal legacy.
India’s rich architectural heritage is showcased through numerous palaces, havelis, and mansions that have been thoughtfully transformed into heritage hotels, offering guests an immersive experience into the country’s regal past.
Click on the hotels listed below to start planning your journey.
Rajasthan boasts a plethora of such conversions:
- Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur: This grand palace, a blend of eastern and western architectural influences, now functions as a luxury hotel, offering guests a taste of royal living.
- Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur: Situated on Lake Pichola, this white marble palace has been transformed into a luxury hotel, offering panoramic views of the surrounding city and lake.
- Samode Palace, Jaipur: A splendid example of Rajput-Mughal architecture, this palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, allowing guests to experience royal grandeur.
- Rambagh Palace, Jaipur: Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, this palace now serves as a luxury hotel, reflecting the opulence of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
- Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer: This palace has been transformed into a heritage hotel, offering guests a blend of traditional Rajasthani hospitality and modern amenities.
- Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur: Part of the City Palace complex, this crescent-shaped palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, offering guests a royal experience.
- Gajner Palace, Bikaner: Once a hunting resort for the Maharajas, this lakeside palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, offering a serene retreat for guests.
- Narain Niwas Palace, Jaipur: This grand palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, offering guests a glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
- Alsisar Mahal, Alsisar: A 17th-century palace transformed into a heritage hotel, offering guests a royal experience amidst the rustic dunes of Rajasthan.
- The Pushkar Bagh, Pushkar: A heritage hotel that draws inspiration from the local ‘dhani’ (village hut), offering guests a unique Rajasthani experience.
- Anuraga Palace, Ranthambore: A heritage hotel nestled in the jungles of Ranthambore, offering guests a blend of wilderness and luxury.
- Chandelao Garh, Jodhpur: A heritage hotel that was once the ancestral haveli of aristocrats, offering guests a royal experience.
- Fateh Safari Lodge, Kumbhalgarh: A heritage hotel offering stunning views and a royal experience.
- The Aodhi, Kumbhalgarh: A budget-friendly heritage hotel that offers a palatial experience amidst the wilderness.
- Neemrana Fort-Palace, Neemrana: A 15th-century heritage hotel offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities.
- Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli, Jodhpur: A heritage hotel offering a royal experience with modern comforts.
- Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner: A heritage hotel offering a regal experience amidst the grandeur of Rajasthan.
- Hotel Heritage House, Jaisalmer: A heritage hotel offering a blend of traditional Rajasthani hospitality and modern amenities.
- Hotel Royal Haveli, Jaisalmer: A heritage hotel offering a royal experience in the heart of the desert city.
- Kanota Bagh, Jaipur: A heritage hotel offering a serene retreat amidst lush gardens.
- The Fern Bambora Fort, Udaipur: A heritage hotel offering a unique blend of history and luxury.
- Hotel Brij Bhushanji Ki Haveli, Bundi: A 50-year-old haveli turned hotel, offering a picturesque view of the Bundi palace.
In Mysore, several royal residences have been repurposed into heritage hotels:
- Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel: Built in 1921 for the Viceroy of India, this palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, offering guests a royal experience.
- Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel: A heritage hotel that reflects the grandeur of Mysore’s royal past.
- The Green Hotel: Formerly the Chittaranjan Palace, built for Mysore princesses, this palace has been restored as a heritage hotel surrounded by extensive gardens and decorated with traditional Indian crafts.
Colonial Mansions of Bengal:
- The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata: Built during the 19th century, this property was initially a private residence before being converted into a hotel. It is now managed by the Oberoi Group and is renowned for its colonial architecture.
- The Elgin Fairlawn, Kolkata: Established in 1783 as a private home, it was transformed into a hotel in 1936. The property retains much of its colonial charm and has hosted numerous notable personalities over the decades.
- Calcutta Bungalow, Kolkata: A restored 1926 townhouse, this boutique hotel offers guests an authentic experience of Kolkata’s architectural heritage.
- Raajkutir, Kolkata: This heritage hotel reflects the grandeur of 19th-century Bengal, offering guests a luxurious stay reminiscent of the zamindar lifestyle.
- Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata: Located in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel combines colonial charm with modern amenities, offering panoramic views of Kolkata.
- The Rajbari Bawali, near Kolkata: A 300-year-old palace turned heritage hotel, it showcases the opulence of Bengal’s zamindari era.
- Jhargram Raj Palace, Jhargram: The current residence of the Malla Deb royal family, part of this opulent Italianate structure has been converted into a heritage hotel, allowing guests to experience royal living amidst carefully laid lawns and gardens.
- Morgan House, Kalimpong: A British colonial mansion built in the 1930s, now functioning as a boutique hotel managed by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, offering views of the Kangchenjunga mountain range.
Royal Residences of Kerala:
- Bolgatty Palace, Kochi: Constructed by Dutch traders in 1744, this palace later served as the British residency. It has since been transformed into a heritage hotel managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), featuring a swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, and daily Kathakali performances.
- Halcyon Castle, Kovalam: Built in 1932 by M.R.Ry Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran as a retreat for the Travancore royal family, it was sold to the Government of India in 1964 and has since been converted into a luxury hotel, now managed by The Raviz Hotels and Resorts.
- Old Harbour House, Kochi: Dating back to the Portuguese colonial period and later modified by the Dutch and British, this building has been restored and now operates as the Old Harbour Hotel, offering a boutique heritage experience.
- Aluva Palace, Aluva: Constructed around 1790 by Maharaja Karthika Thirunal Dharma Raja, this palace served as a royal residence and guest house. Positioned on the banks of the Periyar River, it now functions as a hospitality center under the care of the Kerala government.
- Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom: This heritage hotel re-creates a traditional Kerala village, with villas and cottages that are reassembled structures from traditional timber mansions (tharavadus), offering guests an authentic experience of Kerala’s architectural heritage.
These conversions not only preserve the architectural and historical essence of the structures but also provide guests with a unique opportunity to experience India’s diverse cultural legacy firsthand.