India is a fascinating destination with a rich culture, incredible landmarks and natural treasures. The hotels in India are amongst the most lavish in the world and are at the ready to accommodate the most demanding Maharaja or jets setter. India has classified its most precious hotels over 100 years old in a revered category referred to as their  Historic Hotels.   They are national treasures to be  exalted, promoted and admired. The following hotels are all lavish with exceptional rich and ornate interiors, historical gravitas and unlike any other. Take a look at Beau Monde Traveler’s list of recommended resorts to experience on your next trip to India.

1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Being one of the largest private residences in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a sight to behold and in fact is still owned by the former Jodhpur royal family who still live in part of the palace. The palace has a remarkable feature of a 105 feet high dome is based on Renaissance styled architecture and its towers are inspired from Rajput tradition. The palace has 347 and is managed by Taj Hotels which ensures the highest level of service, attention to details and fine amenities. Accommodations of beyond luxurious suites and rooms with an impressive array of furnishing amenities and views. Guests will enjoy sunset cocktails from Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, and the exquisite city views bellow.

2. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Taj Lake Palace is a strikingly picturesque hotel built atop a rock formation in the center of a lake. What is now one of India’s most admired hotels, was built in 1746 as the summer palace of the prince of Udaipur. It has been painstakingly restored and is now also run by Taj Hotels Today guests arrive by private motor for a holiday in one of their 65 opulent guestrooms or 18 fabulous suites. Its moniker as one of the most romantic resorts in India is well deserved.

3. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace is one of the most legendary and acclaimed hotels in India and has hosted royalty, celebrities and business tycoon for over a century. The was built at the start of the 20th century and its grandeur and gravitas is evident from its elaborate European and Islamic style architecture design, refined service as well as the amenities. The property is well located in Mumbai with scenic views of the bay. the iconic Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. The hotel offers 285 rooms and suites as well as nine highly regarded restaurants and bars that play host to the cities elite as well as hotel guests.

4. Samode Palace, Jaipur

The Samode Palace is located in Jaipur on a high rocky hilltop surround breathtaking views of the rustic terrains.. The intricate details of the Indo-Saracenic architecture were created 475 years ago. Today the resort welcomes the well-to-do to be treated like royalty in one of their opulent accommodations with four poster beds, sumptuous Indian fabrics, and elaborately carved furnishings and an awaiting rose petal filled bath.

5. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Situated in the heart of the city, the Oberoi Grand is also referred as the ‘Grand Dame of Chowringhee’. The resort exudes an aura of extravagance in the place known as the “City of Joy”. This elevated neo-classical and majestic resort was constructed 125 years ago as the personal residence of British Colonel. Today it is a five star opulent hotel in the central commercial district ideal for business trips as well as urban exploring.

6. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

The Taj Falaknuma Palace is an exact example of utter lavishness known to leave first time visitors speechless. The resort’s interiors were redesigned by The Taj group of hotels to showcase the opulent lifestyle of Nizam hospitality. The décor is influenced by Tudor and Italian design as seen in the walkways and rooms as well as with the extravagant furnishings, elaborate handcrafted tapestries and embroideries from France. The interior are adorned with Venetian chandeliers , a treasure of masterpiece works, and complex frescoes and has an spectacular outdoor deck.

7. The Lalit Great Eastern, Kolkata

The Lalit Great Eastern, Kolkata is a heritage beacon. It is a 5-star hotel which is cited as the ‘Jewel of the East’ and the ‘Best Hotel of Suez’. This hotel is a concoction of three different times; those are Victorian, Edwardian and Contemporary. The hotel provides 195 elegantly designed suites and rooms and five  restaurants.

India’s heritage hotels are one of a kind experiences unlike any other in the world. They are as spectacular, if not more so, than any of the grand castles of Europe or the the finest palaces in the orient. With India’s exceptional sights to behold and culinary experiences, these exceptional resorts assure a fabulous and exotic vacation to be cherished for years to come.