In India, cultural heritage whispers through palace corridors and contemporary flair pulses in vibrant hues. It’s here that an array of hospitality destinations combine the past and the present for an unforgettable experience, heightened with unparalleled service. From the frescoed walls of regal Rajasthan retreats to minimalist digs perched high in the Himalayas, India’s top hotels are known to blend world-class comfort with unmistakable character. Each space is filled to the brim with hand-painted craftsmanship, bespoke design, and a sense of place that feels unique and rooted in history—from Delhi and Jaipur to Agra and Mumbai.
As travelers seek deeper cultural connections to the places they visit, Whitewall shares a guide to some of the region’s top hotels—from the Taj Lake Palace and The Imperial Hotel to the brand-new Raffles Jaipur.
Taj Lake Palace
Udaipur
Courtesy of Taj Lake Palace.
Taj Lake Palace offers 65 rooms and 18 suites with panoramic views, three restaurants, an outdoor pool, a spa, and more, located on the Jag Niwas Island within Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Villa Palladio
Jaipur
Courtesy of Villa Palladio.
Nestled in the Aravali Hills on the banks of Lake Kanota in Jaipur, Villa Palladio beams with great enchantments, blending Rococo exuberance with the decadence of the maharajas in a uniquely joyful style.
Raffles Jaipur
Jaipur
Courtesy of Raffles Jaipur.
Raffles Jaipur opened in July 2024, offering guests a 50-room property designed by architect Clive Gray that showcases regal Rajasthani craftsmanship through traditional aesthetics and contemporary luxury.
The Imperial Hotel
New Delhi
Courtesy of The Imperial New Delhi.
The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi reveals a new must-visit shop with The Imperial Boutique, filled with handcrafted heirlooms and exclusive vintage treasures that tell a story of India’s rich craftsmanship.
The Ahilya Fort Hotel
Maheshwar
Courtesy of The Ahilya Fort Devi Maheshwar.
The Ahilya Fort Hotel—set within the site where Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar ruled from 1765 to 1796—features 19 rooms, a pool, several courtyards and gardens, fitness and cultural programming, and more, and is in the central town of Maheshwar along the Narmada River.
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Rajasthan
Courtesy of Six Senses Fort Barwara.
Six Senses Fort Barwara is a luxury resort set within 14th-century fort in Rajasthan that includes two palaces, two temples, 48 suites, three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, an Earth Lab, the impressive Six Senses Spa, and more.
