In a world where advancing into the modern way of travel has become a norm, going back to our roots seems like a rare scenario.
However, India still offers places that will not only take you to the mystical age of heroes but will also give you a lavish experience.
Heritage hotels are one of the most sorted-out itineraries for tourists visiting India. And why not?
These come with plenty to offer. Talk about a hill-top fish-eye view of the entire state, a grandeur-filled welcome at a fort, a treatment akin to the royal family of a successful kingdom, or an imperial food feast offering with food prepared just for you.
You can easily get these experiences and so much more by visiting heritage hotels in India. But the problem is not related to finding one, but choosing one.
Let us help you out as we explore with you, some of the best heritage hotels, having their own story to tell.
Taj Palace Mumbai
The word ‘Taj’ is enough to strike a visual of opulence and grandeur in our minds. And the TajMahal Palace in Mumbai does fine justice to its name.
Being in operation for more than a century not, the hotel offers a carefully oriented hospitality catering to various types of Global tourists and NRIs.
When you are booking a cheap flight from the USA to India or Canada to India, you can easily reach the hotel from the main airport of Mumbai City. And that’s when your ultimate travel diaries will begin.
The hotel offers beautiful views of landmarks like the Gateway of India on one side and the never-ending scenes of the Arabian Sea on the other.
You will be welcomed with traditional Indian rituals, including those Poojas and Tilak ceremonies.
The interior of the place resonates with the Goan and Christian décor while the built structure will take you to the ancient Indian era of Maharajas.
The Taj is on the list not just because of its offerings and historical importance. The place witnessed the first independent Indian speech in the year 1947.
Also, it was during that time that thatJamsetji Tata’s reign of making tourism better in India started.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Think about classic comfort and you will think about Jaipur. The city has been the center of attraction for tourists for years.
And it doesn’t disappoint in terms of accommodation. The Ram Bagh place is synonymous with heritage turned into extravagance with preservations of Indian culture.
The palace was originally built by the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II in 1835. It was one of the best carefree time spending spots for the king during that time.
It was impeccably adorned with sandstone, tons of spacious chambers, hand-carved marble net windows, artistic cenotaphs and giant Mughal gardens.
You will fall in love with the palace on the first look as its beauty has been preserved to date and enhanced to the next level.
The giant fort is built to lure you in with restored lawns, artistic domes, and beautiful entrances. Covering as much as 48 acres of area, it is one colossal accommodation in the Jaipur.
Restored by the Taj Group of hotels, the hotel’s interiors have been uplifted to a level beyond perfection. You will be welcomed by enthralling architecture, ancient masterpieces, giant chandeliers, and a dining experience you haven’t seen before.
While these elements are enough to realize why it’s called the ‘jewel of Jaipur,’ you will discover more in rooms. The elegant beds, the gold plated wall colors, sandstone balustrades, and a couple of ancient articrafts make up the room interiors far more engaging than you imagine.
And it does not let you down in terms of modern hospitality. Each of the 78 rooms offers amenities such as minibars, DVD players, giant mirrors, free wi-fi, and much more.
And don’t forget to check out other world-class offerings such as rose Jiva Spa, an 18th-century ballroom, manicured gardens, and a royal buffet.
Imperial, New Delhi
Many people consider Delhi to be a perfect gateway for travelers on a budget. But such is not the case. Take the instance of Imperial and the outlook of the city will change forever.
The place is a combination of old-style grandeur coupled with modern hospitality features. It offers a rich experience with flares of the ancient history of India and some of the most luxurious amenities you can find in the heart of the country.
The Imperial does justice to its name through its offerings of 80-year-old painted photos of Maharajas, the old-age creative engravings, ancient prints, lithographs, mezzotints, and much more. You can easily witness a perfect blend of informal, colonial, and Victorian-style décor here.
The history of the hotel is associated with the Jawaharlal Nehru as this was his favorite place to stay when far from home. The British inaugurated the palace in 1911.
Lady Willingdonopened the hotel by planning the royal palms on the main porch which was the start of the creation of the entire new age Delhi.
Some of the key features not to miss here include a bronze lion’s statue at the entrance, a high-dome atrium, London cutlery and tableware, iron balconies with 20th-century art, well-laid 900 pieces of marble, and a 24-carat leaf on the lobby pavilion.
The Lalit, Kolkatta
Being Asia’s maiden luxury hotel, you cannot expect anything less from the Lalit Great Eastern. The hotel is not just famous for offering luxurious hospitality but also for its record-holding running operation of more than 160 years.
It is often called the ‘jewel of the east. The hotel is the first in its line in India and operates currently with a beautiful offering of cultural accommodation. It also has its own bakery that provides some of the best delicacies that take you to the past.
In 1961, the chairman of Great Eastern Hotel and wife of A.L. Bilimora received a trophy from Queen Elizabeth. The same trophy is replicated in the form of an 8-foot cup that is the center attraction of the Lalit Balcony.
The hotel has recently witnessed a huge 7-year restoration and its main operations started form 2013 as a mainstream heritage hotel.
You can see preserved old-age architecture along with new additions across a well-laid spacious floor plan.
The best part is, the hotel is divided into sections and each holds architecture from a different area. You can explore three wings with the first having Victorian significance, the second with Edwardian heritage, and the third one offering modern-day assets.
To add a cherry to the cake, the three wings are interconnected with corridors that offer the transitions from old to recent forms of art and culture.
ITC Maratha, Mumbai
Offering tribute to the befitting gallantry of the Marathas, the ITC hotel showcases its responsibility towards Indian heritage in a royal style.
As one can expect, everything represents Maratha culture here from design, architecture, cuisine, and rituals to service, food, amenities, and hospitality.
ITC is a one-of-a-kind hotel that derives all of its energy from wind energy. Yes, it’s a LEED Platinum building, offering back to the environment through its well-laid-out planning and construction.
The interiors represent the rich heritage of the Maratha dynasty while the exteriors reciprocate the forts our ancestors dwelled in. You can immerse into the age-old era through the tribal arts of Paithani and Warli.
You will also see ancient coins and jewelry showcased in the hotels. Don’t forget to satisfy your taste buds with the cuisine at the Peshwa Pavilion. Try out the intricacies such as the Food Sherpa, inspired by the exotic dishes from the local history and culture.
The reason why it’s one of the most popular heritage destinations is because of its exterior. It reflects the Indo-Saracenic style that you can see in Ballard Estate, Gateway of India, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Station. The main dome is a centerpiece with styles inspired by Victoria Terminus and Bombay University.
On a concluding note
We realize you might have already gone back to the ancient age of heroes and royalty while reading about the hotels. If we say that these hotels will offer you the same stateliness and luxury, it won’t be entirely wrong.
And that is the main essence of heritage hotels-to preserve what is being lost and turn it into something modern and comfortable so that everyone can enjoy it.
So which hotel are you planning to book on your next trip to India?
