With so many world-class luxury resorts dotting the landscape of the country, offering a level of hospitality and personalized service par excellence, India would be the perfect place for a luxury holiday.
This country has everything you need for a memorable holiday experience—the idyllic mountains of the Himalayas, the gorgeous beaches of Goa, the serene backwaters of Kerala, the grand monuments of North India, cultural heritage in Varanasi, the colossal temples in the south, and the exotic wildlife in it’s national parks. There is always something for everyone in India.
Here is a list of the best luxury resorts and hotels in the country.
Contents
- 1. Ananda In The Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- 2. Amanbagh, Ajabgarh, Rajasthan
- 3. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
- 4. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
- 5. Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
- 6. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
- 7. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
- 8. Brunton Boatyard – CGH Earth, Kochi
- 9. Pilibhit House, Haridwar
- 10. Sujan, The Serai Jaisalmer
- 11. The Lodhi, New Delhi
- 12. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
- 13. Taj Fisherman Cove, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- 14. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Telangana
- 15. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
- 16. Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
- 17. Marari Beach Resort, a CGH Earth Experience, Marari, Kerala
- 18. Wildflower Hall, Shimla
- 19. Raj Mahal RAAS, Jaipur
- 20. Blanket Resort, Munnar, Kerala
1. Ananda In The Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
The goal of this splendid destination spa and resort is quite obvious from its name in Hindi. Ananda in the Himalayas means peace/tranquility in the Himalayas.
Located in the shadow of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the Ananda in the Himalayas has won the Conde Nast Traveler 2019 Reader’s Choice Award for “Top Destination Spa in the world.” Housed in the former palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, it is a splendid heritage resort and spa set on 100 acres of lush green lawns and virgin forests.
The Ananda is widely known for its splendid health and wellbeing programs, offering a range of Ayurveda and modern treatments and therapies. Its Bihar School Yoga program is considered one of the best in India with experienced gurus offering you holistic meditational guidance and exercises.
This fine establishment features 70 rooms (with valley, palace, or garden-facing views), 4 suites, and 3 luxury villas (with private pools). Its expanse spa boasts 24 treatment rooms, an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, an art gymnasium, and a hydrotherapy facility.
Healing Therapies Offered: Ayurveda, International, Reiki Healing, Vedanta Talks and Physiotherapy.
Amenities/Activities: Aqua Fitness, cooking classes, gym, golf, meditation, rafting, swimming, squash, yoga, spa, trekking
Cost: Rooms and suites start at $980 per night per unit.
2. Amanbagh, Ajabgarh, Rajasthan
The word “Bagh” in Hindi means a garden. Aman means peace. The “Garden of Peace” Amanbagh is located in the rugged hills of the Aravalli Hills in Ajabgarh, in a terrain rich with flora and fauna. Ajabgarh was the historical hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It lies 2 hours away from the state capital.
The 17th-century Bhangarh Fort) of Ajabgarh (located close to this hotel is an important historical sight that played a key role in defending the kingdom.
The Amanbagh Resort is an oasis in the wilderness of Ajabgarh. The serene Somsagar Lake is located close by, as is the Sariska Tiger Reserve, to which, the resort offers daily jeep safaris.
Amanbagh’s design with its rose-hued cupolas, vaulted entrances, arched hallway, reflecting fountains, and sprawling garden, is a fine mix of Mughal and Rajasthani traditions.
Attractions in the region: the temple town of Neelkanth (known for its ornate ancient temples), the fort of Bhangarh, and wildlife safaris in the Sariska Tiger Reserve. You can also unwind on the banks of the Somsagar Lake, and watch a relaxing sunset.
Amenities: Wellness Spa, guided tours to Neelkanth, Tiger Safaris in Sariska Tiger Reserve, jeep-safaris, nature walks.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 950 per night per room.
3. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Taj Lake Palace is inspired by the Taj Mahal of Agra. It was built in the 1740s AD by the Maharana of Udaipur on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola and was meant to serve as a royal summer retreat for the royal family. Its sparkling white design and Indo-Saracenic form are modeled after the Taj Mahal and it uses the same shimmering white marble that was used in Agra.
Now operated by the splendid Taj Group of Hotels since 1963, the Taj Lake Palace is one of India’s greatest and most popular palace hotels and resorts. You get personalized royal-level care and hospitality from staff that has served Maharana and Maharani.
With its ideal location in the middle of the lake, you get splendid views of the magnificent landscape of the city, as well as the delightful Aravalli Hills that surround the city. One of the highlights of a stay in the Taj Lake Palace is its private boat rides, where you can visit a magical sunset over the valley.
Attractions in the region: City Palace of Udaipur (residence of the Maharana), the 18th-century Jagdish Temple, the Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Queen’s Handmaiden/and a small museum), the stunning Bagore ki Haveli, and Jagmandir.
Amenities: Romantic private boat rides in Lake Pichola, multiple specialty restaurants, swimming pool, spa, gym.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 750 per night per room.
4. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The best thing about the Oberoi Amarvilas is that it is located only 600 meters from the Taj Mahal with uninterrupted views of the most magnificent site in the country.
Housed in a modern building that replicated elements of Mughal architecture with its terraced lawns, reflecting pools, large pavilions, and fountains, the Oberoi Amarvilas is an excellent 5-star hotel offering well-appointed rooms and suites (with windows and terraced that overlook the Taj Mahal).
It offers guided tours to the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort of Agra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fatehpuri Sikri, and other important historical landmarks located in the city.
Amenities: Guided tours of Agra, multiple restaurants, swimming pool, spa, gym.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 750 per night per room.
5. Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Rajasthan, the “Land of Rajas” is home to 22 former princely states, which in turn are collectively home to hundreds of palaces and Havelis. However, one could claim that there is no palace as grand and as magnificent as the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the Taj Rambagh Palace—voted on TripAdvisor as the “Best Luxury Hotel in the World.”
The Taj Rambagh Palace was built in 1835 AD as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. Later on, it was upgraded to a residence under Maharaja Sawai Man Singh in the early 20th century. It then served as the primary residence of the Maharaja until the end of the Princely era in 1947. Following the independence of India, the Royal family, in collaboration with the Taj Group, converted it into a luxury hotel and resort.
Offering 78 luxurious suites and rooms, the stupendous Taj Rambagh Palace —with its royal hospitality and butlers, splendid spa, horse carriage rides, vintage cars, fine-dining outlets, and a superb J Wellness Spa— stands in a league of the best luxury hotels in the world.
Amenities: Exclusive royal butlers, spa, concierge services, polo bar, fine-dining restaurants, J Wellness Circle, Horse carriage rides, vintage car rides.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 770 per night per room.
6. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the former residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s popular “Blue City”—known for its legendary Mehrangarh Fort, palaces, forts, and old “Blue” town.
Construction of Umaid Bhawan which took almost two decades was completed in 1943 and is a fine amalgam of so many traditions. Unlike other palaces in the region which are a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal traditions, the Umaid Bhawan Palace uses British colonial (Lutyons), Tudor, and Italian elements as well—making it a very unique architectural spectacle.
It is located on the top of the Chittar Hall from where you get unhindered views of not just the Blue City and the Mehrangarh Fort, but also of the magnificent Great Indian Desert that surrounds Jodhpur.
Amenities abound at the Umaid Bhawan with 70 deluxe rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor swimming, multiple dining options, and a bar.
Amenities: J Wellness Circle Spa offers a range of massages, Yoga, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, a yoga facility, billiards and pool tables, squash courts, and golf.
Cost: Rooms and suites start at $840 per night.
7. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
Located off the coast of the Indian mainland, in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are India’s white-sand tropical paradise. The Taj Exotica Resort is a 5-star resort retreat located on the Radhanagar Beach Number 7 that sprawls in 46 acres of coconut palms and greenery.
Fringed on one side by the picture-perfect beach, and a strip of mangroves on the other side, the Taj Exotic is dotted with 72 luxury villas on stilts that are nestled under the shade of palm and Palmyra trees. The architectural tradition of the indigenous tribes of Andamans inspires the design of these villas.
Top attractions and activities: Yacht cruises in the Andaman Sea, scuba diving, night kayaking in the mangroves, snorkeling, tropical forest treks, sport fishing, and spas.
Amenities/Activities: Spa, gym, swimming pool, kayaking in the mangroves, water sports in the Andaman Sea, guided nature walks in the tropical forest.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 525 per night per room.
8. Brunton Boatyard – CGH Earth, Kochi
The Brunton Boatyard, a proud offering of the CGH Earth Group, is a heritage property housed in the old port of Kochi (Cochin), which was in the heyday of the spice trade an important stopover in the maritime trade and commerce of the colonial empire.
A fine heritage establishment is a great place to stay in Kochi to immerse yourself in the vibe of the medieval times. It offers comforting amenities like luxurious rooms and suites equipped with colonial-themed furniture, an Ayurveda Spa, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Amenities: Sea-side swimming pool, Ayurveda spa, gym, multi-cuisine restaurant.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 300 per night per room.
9. Pilibhit House, Haridwar
Haridwar in the mountains of Uttarakhand is one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, and also one of the finest hill stations in the Indian north. Located on the banks of the holy Ganges River, the Pilibhit House is a 5-star heritage resort housed in a 100-year-old aristocratic mansion that has been painstakingly restored to its original condition.
The property also houses a private Ghat (embankment) where you can take a ceremonial holy dip in the river. The hotel has a terraced structure that faces the towering Shivalik Mountains of the Himalayas. Its all-natural Jiva spa offers age-old Indian wellness therapies including a unique Gangetic mud bath.
Amenities: Jiva Spa, Private Ganga Ghat, infinity pool, fitness center.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 500 per night per room.
10. Sujan, The Serai Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer “the Golden City” is the pride of the Thar Desert Region. Snuggled as an oasis, this ancient city is a popular tourist stop in Rajasthan that is famous for its ancient “living fort” (the Jaisalmer Fort), the unique Jaisalmer Camel Festival, ancient havelis and temples, and the camel safaris in the Sam Sand Dunes of Thar.
The Sujan Serai is a luxury tented resort located in a private 100-acre desert oasis, which combines modern fine living with the ancient ambiance of the desert. This fine establishment is inspired by the royal caravans of a time gone by.
Amenities: 100-acre private property, 21 luxury tents, heated dip pools with Jacuzzi jets, walled-in gardens, spa, outdoor pool, lounge tents, and jeep safaris.
Cost: Luxury tents start at $ 830 per night per room.
11. The Lodhi, New Delhi
The Lodhi has a name that’s inspired by one of the earliest dynasties of the region—the Lodhis (also the name of the historical 15th-century garden it is located close to). However, it is a fine blend of the old-world charm of old Delhi with Lutyens Delhi (the British architect who designed the new capital).
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World Group, the Lodhi is a chic modern building that features luxurious suites and rooms and a world-class Eastern Hammam-themed Spa. The property also offers signature Les Chefs D’Or Concierge Service for bespoke excursions and private tours.
The Lodhi also boasts an outdoor 50-meter lap pool, three tennis courts, two squash courts, a stylist-curated salon, a 24-hour desk, a concierge serve, a steam and sauna room, and a spa. The lovely Delhi Golf Course is located just across the road.
Amenities: Spa, swimming pool, concierge, steam, sauna, golf.
Cost: Luxury tents start at $ 300 per night per room.
12. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
In operation since 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace located in the Apollo Bunder of Mumbai, prides itself as “India’s First Luxury Hotel.” Overlooking the majestic Gateway of India, this historical 5-star heritage hotel and resort is also an important cultural landmark of the Maximum City.
Over the years, it has hosted kings, queens, statesmen, celebrities, and viceroys. Boasting 285 rooms and suites, the Taj Mahal is walking distance from Colaba Causeway, a popular tourist district known for its tiny shops. Taj Mahal Palace has 9 iconic bars and restaurants, notable among which are Shamiana (24-hour International Alacrate restaurant), a sea-facing Sea Lounge, Wasabi (Japanese), and Golden Dragon (Chinese).
Amenities: 9 restaurants and bars, J Wellness Spa, Swimming Pool, 24-hour room service
Cost: Rooms and suites start at $ 450 per night per room.
13. Taj Fisherman Cove, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The Taj Fisherman Cove is housed in an erstwhile 18th-century Dutch fort and offers scenic views of the Arabian Sea. Located on Cavelong Beach in Kanchipuram, Chennai, this excellent 5-star resort and spa operated by Taj Group is your luxury gateway to the Bay of Bengal.
It offers sea-facing villas, rooms, and cottages that are located in a vast green space that merges into the beach. Key amenities at the Taj Fisherman Cove include 24-hour dining, a spa, a salon, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants.
Amenities: Swimming pool, fitness center, spa, kids’ play area, J Wellness Circle.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 235 per night per room.
14. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Telangana
Built in 1894, the Taj Falaknuma Palace is located 609 meters above sea level in Hyderabad. The former residence of the Nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad, the Falaknuma or “Mirror of the Sky” is a pearl in the clouds that oozes an old-world grandeur, and overlooks the City of Pearls Hyderabad.
Spread over 32 acres, the Taj Falaknuma takes you to a gilded age with its 60 luxurious suites and rooms, and a palatial courtyard. Its fine dining restaurant Adaa offers mouthwatering Hyderabadi delicacies. Celeste offers multiple cuisines.
Notable amenities at the Falaknuma include a J Wellness Cicle (offering spa therapies), concierge, 24/7 room service, a 24-hour business center, a travel desk, a fitness center, a large outdoor pool, a kids’ play area, and multiple dining options.
Amenities: Swimming pool, fitness center, spa, kids’ play area, J Wellness Circle.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 780 per night per room.
15. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Rated as the No. 1 Resort in India by Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022, the Oberoi Udaivilas boasts tastefully decorated luxury rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art spa, a large outdoor swimming pool, and many other 5-star amenities.
A beautiful example of Rajasthani architecture, it is housed in a contemporary property that is located on the banks of Lake Pichola, in the “Venice of the East” Udaipur.
The Oberoi sprawls over 1, 21, 406 square meters of manicured gardens. Its charming layout of interconnecting domes and corridors is a fine homage to the architectural legacy of the Kingdom of Mewar. The property has an excellent yoga and wellness spa offering curated spa therapies, and multiple specialty restaurants offering Rajasthani, Indian, and Continental cuisines.
Amenities: gym, swimming pool, yoga center, wellness Oberoi Spa, multiple dining options.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 600 per night per room.
16. Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
If it is not obvious from the name, this excellent resort is located in a coconut lagoon in the mesmerizing backwaters of Kumarakom. The region is famous for its backwaters experience of houseboats, sleepy fishing villages, swaying palm trees, never-ending networks of water canals and channels, and lush green scenery.
Operated by the CGH Earth Group of Resorts and Hotels, the Coconut Lagoon is nestled deep in the backwaters, and the only way to get to it is by boat. The property has its own traditional houseboats that you can use to explore the backwaters.
Other notable amenities at the Coconut Lagoon include a world-class gym, an excellent Ayurveda Spa, a swimming pool, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
Amenities: Swimming pool, gym, spa, open-air dining, multi-cuisine restaurant.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 325 per night per room.
17. Marari Beach Resort, a CGH Earth Experience, Marari, Kerala
Marari is one of the finest beaches in “God’s Own Country” Kerala. The Marari Beach Resort is set in a seaside fishing village away from the buzz of its popular beaches. Nestled in a 30-acre property comprising lily ponds, orchards, coconut groves, manicured lawns, and an organic farm, this is a very eco-conscious resort.
The best part of the Marari Beach Resort is that not only is it a splendid 5-star resort offering high-level hospitality, but the property is also home to over 350 species of endemic plants, 80 species of birds, almost 100 species of butterflies, and 10 species of frogs. If you love nature and wildlife, the Marai Beach Resort is the ultimate nature-friendly destination for you.
It has all the facilities needed for a tranquil and relaxing time: the splendid Marari beach, an outdoor swimming pool, an Ayurveda Spa, a yoga center, and an on-site restaurant. Taking some time to visit the local fishing village is another interesting cultural immersion.
Amenities: Outdoor infinity pool, Ayurveda Spa, Souvenir shop, yoga sessions.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 220 per night per room.
18. Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Shimla is the regal capital of the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh known for its scenic beauty, excellent weather, and colonial heritage. When the British Empire, declared Shimla (then an obscure hamlet) its summer capital, the Wildflower Hall was constructed as the residence for the Commander in Chief of the British Indian Army.
Now a heritage hotel, the former house of Lord Kitchener, offers 5-star hospitality in the lap of idyllic Himalayas in Shimla. The property prides itself on many of its vintage possessions from the colonial era, like its colonial furniture, snooker and billiards table, and a well-stocked library with many vintage books.
Amenities at the Wildflower include tastefully furnished air-conditioned rooms, cottages, and suites, a fine restaurant, a spa, open-air Gazebo dining with a view of the Himalayas, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. You can also go golfing in the nearby 9-hole golf course Naldehra.
Amenities: Swimming pool, gym, spa, open-air dining, multi-cuisine restaurant.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 460 per night per room.
19. Raj Mahal RAAS, Jaipur
The Raj Mahal was commissioned the same year the capital of Jaipur was moved from the hill city of Amber to current-day Jaipur. Completed in the 1730s, the Raj Mahal is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic style used in other historical palaces of the kingdom. It served as the first residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh, founder of the city until the Jaipur City Palace replaced it.
Housing 13 art-deco-themed rooms that come with vintage furniture from the royal collection, the Rajmahal Palace is second in stature and historical significance only to the Rambagh Palace. It is operated by the RAAS Group, a well-known name in the high-end hospitality industry. Amenities at the Raj Mahal include two specialty restaurants, a splendid spa, a bar, a swimming pool, and 24/7 room service.
Amenities: Bar, Spa, Swimming pool, two restaurants, vintage car rides.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 355 per night per room.
20. Blanket Resort, Munnar, Kerala
Munnar, a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is often described as the “Kashmir of South India” due to its lush green mountains, delightful waterfalls, pleasant weather, rolling tea hills, and scenic spice/tea plantations. It is one of Indian South’s favorite summer getaways.
The Blanket Resort is an excellent resort in Munnar, where nature blends in perfect harmony with modern luxury. Perched on the mist-covered Attukad mountain, the 5-star Blanket Resort is located in the tea plantation area of Munnar in a strategic location where the mountains, waterfalls, and tea plantation all merge together, making for a paradise-like view.
Amenities/Activities: Trekking with an in-house naturalist, yoga, and meditation, Village walks to the Attukad hamlet, cooking classes, cycling, chocolate making, and birdwatching.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 240 per night per room.
