India is a vibrant nation with a rich cultural and traditional heritage. The hospitality industry in India is world-renowned, especially with the motto of ‘athithi devo bhava’ at its core. From the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the sunrise and sunsets of Kanyakumari, this country is so vast that it leaves us with one important question: where to begin?

We can think of Rajasthan as an exotic kick-off point, with its intimidating forts, beautiful palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries where majestic tigers roam free. When combined with a trip to India’s capital, Delhi, and Agra’s white-marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal, this whole belt becomes a magical place to vacation in. Other unmatched experiences are found in cosmopolitan Mumbai, gorgeous Sikkim, and the tropical beaches of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The accommodation options range from comfortable hostels for solo travellers, to heritage properties for art and culture enthusiasts; from cosy glamping tents and languorous houseboats, to luxurious resorts which offer the best food and service.

However, there are some places which stretch the definition of luxury to the fullest. Opulence is given a new meaning. Everything seems larger than life in these luxury hotels. Exquisite architecture, royal ambience, superb hospitality, and a vibe that sets them apart in a league of their own.

So, here, we’re going to provide you with a list of the best luxury accommodations in India, where you can enjoy the best self-indulgent and extravagant treatment.

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Used as Octopussy’s lair in the 1983 James Bond film.

2. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Country’s first harbour landmark and heritage 5-star property with luxury rooms and suites.

3. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

The world’s most exquisite testimony to undying love, it is easy to rekindle romance at this gorgeous hotel.

4. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

A hotel truly fit for kings.

5. Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa, Pune

This wellness hotel offers a luxurious menu of spa treatments and strategically placed yoga pavilion.

6. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Lose yourself in the breathtaking unmatched views of the Kanchenjunga.

7. Vivanta by Taj Dal View, Srinagar

Reputed by some to have been the original location of the Garden of Eden.

8. The Leela Palace, New Delhi

Capital’s only modern Palace hotel set in the precincts of Diplomatic Enclave.

9. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Sprawling bird-filled gardens, marvellous pools, and genuflecting staff that treat you like royalty.

10. The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore

Experience something unique in the tented luxury accommodation at Oberoi Vanyavilas inspired by the opulent caravans of royal families.

11. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Known colloquially as the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, The Oberoi Grand is a treasure trove of Indian heritage.

12. ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

Third largest hotel in all of India.

13. Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Former residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur. A majestic palace of opulence and luxury.

14. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Within magnificent environs, where wilderness is juxtaposed with art, The Oberoi Rajvilas glitters like a jewel in its setting. Its architectural style is cool and regal.

15. Trident, Gurgaon

This award-winning hotel has 7 acres of landscaped gardens, walkways, reflection pools and fountains.

16. Oberoi Wildflower Hall, Shimla

Best place to relax, switch off and unwind.

17. Evolve Back Orange County Resort, Kabini

A luxurious collection of lodges set in a nature reserve on the edge of the Nagarhole National Park.

18. The LaLit Resort & Spa, Bekal

Topline luxury beach resort located in God’s Own Country where you can revitalize and rediscover yourself.

19. Vivanta by Taj Madikeri, Karnataka

This upscale resort set in 73 hectares of rainforest lies 8 km from the 17^th century Madikeri Fort and 13 km from the scenic Abbey Falls.

20. Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore

Mughal-inspired tents equipped with the luxuries of a five-star hotel.

21. Jawai Leopard Camp, Pali

Set amongst spellbinding, billion-year-old granite rock formations, where leopards roam wild and free, this place is undoubtedly a hidden gem.

22. Sher Baug, Ranthambore

Rekindle your love with your partner in this romantic retreat in the wilderness.

23. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Constructed in the shape of a scorpion, the Taj Falaknuma Palace certainly isn’t subtle. Find here rarefied art pieces and a library built to replicate Windsor Castle’s.

24. Spice Village, Thekkady

A stunning mix of rusticity and luxury in traditional-style huts will make eyes go wide with wonder.

25. ITC Maurya, New Delhi

Having environment-friendly policies and one of the greenest hotels in the world.

26. Amanbagh, Ajabgarh

A royal refuge with Mughal design aesthetics, vaulted ceilings and secluded patios; treat your body to Ayurveda-based spa wraps, scrubs and yoga.

27. The Tamara, Coorg

A beautiful quiet retreat in the lap of nature.

28. Shakti Leti 360°, Bageshwar Uttarakhand

Feel like you’re on top of the world at this minimalist mountaintop lodge.

29. W Goa

Chic Ibizan vibes in north Goa. Don’t need to go to Europe when you can feel the same energy and beauty here.

30. Jalakara, Andaman

Gorgeous boutique hideaway in Andaman and Nicobar.

31. The Lodhi, New Delhi

A modernist stone-built sanctuary, set amidst seven acres of grounds.

32. ITC Grand Bharat, Gurgaon

India’s first all-suite hotel.

33. Evolve Back Orange County, Hampi

Pink façade and Indo-Islamic architecture combined with amazing scenery and comfortable lodgings make this place worth visiting.

34. Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Karnataka

Listen to the birdsong and the sound of the warm wind rustling through the coconut palms on this peaceful 24-acre site.

35. Lakshman Sagar, Rajasthan

On the fringe of India’s badlands, a retreat for nature lovers and stargazers, decorated in an engagingly whimsical style.

This, by no means, is an exhaustive list. But for a holiday spent in style, begin with these 35 best luxury hotels in India. Go and spoil yourself… you deserve it.

 

Image Credits: Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Aman Resorts, Orange County Resorts and Hotels Ltd, Google