Top 10 Luxury Stay in India

The charming Raj Palace Hotel was built in 1727 and is Jaipur's oldest mansion. Its breathtaking Durbar Mahal Suite, acknowledged as "Asia's Leading Suite" in the 2008 World Travel Awards, was used by the Maharaja himself. The hotel is centrally located in a quiet area to the north of the Old City, heading towards Amber Fort.

The property: A sumptuous architectural hodgepodge that includes a centuries-old mansion, a recreated Rajasthani-style fortress (containing 54 guest rooms), and a collection of luxury tents and villas.

The location: A 32-acre oasis of sweeping green lawns, landscaped gardens, and lotus-covered ponds five miles outside the city of Jaipur.

Rooms to Book: The 14 Luxury Tents—actually more like opulent pavilions—have polished teak floors, claw-foot tubs, private slate patios, and even air conditioning.

The blue city of Jodhpur doesn't have as many palace hotels as other cities in Rajasthan, but it does have the extraordinary Umaid Bhawan.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
A stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel is not likely to be forgotten in a hurry! This very grand and imposing Taj Group hotel, made out of yellow sandstone and located on a hill above the city, was completed in 1944 after 15 years in the making. It was one of the last great palaces to be built in India, and the royal family of Jodhpur still occupies a section of it.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, the last of the grand palaces of India and the largest Royal Residence anywhere in the world, is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji, the grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh - II, the 38th Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan built in golden yellow Chittar sandstone, the Palace took 15 years to complete. Construction started in November 1929. The Palace was completed in 1943 and has served as the principal residence of Jodhpur's Royal Family since. Designed by the renowned Edwardian architect Henry Vaughn Lanchester, the Palace is a blend of Eastern and Western architectural influences. Its 105 high central cupola is influenced by the Renaissance age, whilst the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. Complete with exotic murals by the Polish artist Stefan Norblin, the Palace is an immaculate residence, one of the finest the world has ever witnessed. Besides, the historical and architectural lineage, the Palace has a museum which has an impressive collection on the story of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Art Deco style of architecture and the Royalty of jodhpur - their lifestyle and family treasures. PACK11 - Taj Holidays Offer - Dinner Wine Bottle Sunset At Sand Dunes. Airport / Railway station transfers in a vintage car. Traditional Rajashani welcome at the property. One dinner at an exclusive location with a bottle of house wine with private serenaders / entertainment. Heritage tour of the palace followed by a glass of champagne and snacks by the chef at the bar. One half day escorted sightseeing along with a complimentary picnic hamper. Palace - Sundowners at sunset at the sand dunes. Complimentary use of Spa wet areas. 10 percent off on F and B, Telecom, Laundry, Car rentals and Spa treatments. Current taxes. Extra person rate is inclusive of bed and taxes. Continental Breakfast at the restaurant, upgrade subject to arrival, early Check in, subject to availability, late Check out subject to availability, complimentary parking for duration of stay, once durning stay.

The Lake Palace, part of the Taj Group of hotels, is often referred to as one of the world's most romantic hotels. It's a magical 250 year old white marble and mosaic summer palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola.

This palace, on an island in the middle of the lake surrounded by hills, was the summer residence of the rulers of Mewar. Today, this pleasure palace is a luxury hotel like no other in the world. Staying here is the ultimate priviledge, affording the pleasures of a long gone age of princes. Arrive by boat and spend a lovely holiday amidst slender carved columns, fligreed screens, swimming pool and fountains, all of which were created in the most beautiful marble. Be honoured and indulged as befits royalty.gp0306 Arising out of the turquoise water of the Pichola Lake, like an elegant fantasy in white marble. The palace was built in the 17 th century on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock. It is surrounded by beautiful trees and gardens.

The property: A turreted, white-marble 18th-century palace—housing 83 guest rooms and suites—that seems to float atop the waters of Lake Pichola.

The location: A private island in the middle of the lake; guests arrive by taking the hotel's polished-wood, canopied boat from shore.

Rooms to Book: Luxury Lake Rooms don't just have stunning water views; they also have expansive marble terraces (with sofas and Oriental rugs) for enjoying them. Splurging?Go for the Sajjan Suite—with intricately painted walls and a marble bath that's bigger than most hotel rooms—or the Khusmahal Suite, where the bedroom walls are inset with breathtaking stained glass.

Wildflower Hall, now a luxury award winning Oberoi hotel, was once the home of Lord Kitchener during the rule of the British Raj in India. It has an enviable fairytale setting high in the Himalayas, amidst 23 acres of dense pine and cedar woods. The hotel provides a tranquil sanctuary with panoramic views of snow covered peaks. You can do as little or as much as you want there -- relax at the spa, take walks in the wilderness, or enjoy the thrill of adventure activities such as white river rafting.

What could be more romantic than having a close up and uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal from your hotel window? This is exactly what the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel offers. Located only 600 meters (0.4 miles) from the Taj Mahal, every room boasts a view of the Taj. In addition, the Amarvilas has one of India's best luxury spas. The spa also offers a view of the Taj, and claims to make its guests feel like royalty. Rooms at the Amarvilas cost from around $700 per night. However, they're worth the money. One of the most splendid sights you can possibly have is your own private view of the Taj Mahal, as it takes on different colored hues in the changing light of the day.

The property: An over-the-top fantasia inspired by Moorish and Moghul palaces, this hotel has 102 rooms and suites scattered among terraced gardens, spouting fountains, reflecting pools, and cushion-strewn lounging pavilions.

The location: A mere 600 meters from the singularly spectacular Taj Mahal.

Rooms to Book: Premier rooms with balconies allow for hours of gazing over the famous Taj.

Mumbai, being India's most cosmopolitan city, has some excellent luxury accommodations where you can lavishly indulge yourself in total comfort.

You'll find the majority of Mumbai's luxury hotels clustered around the airport, the south Mumbai areas of Colaba, Nariman Point, and Marine Drive, as well as the lively and upmarket western beach suburbs of Juhu and Bandra.

On average, you can expect to pay around $300 upwards for double room, per night. These rates reflects Mumbai's status as the most expensive city in India. There's a 10% luxury tax on room rates, which is a little less than the 12.5% in Delhi. All hotels have smoking and non-smoking rooms, so do be sure to request a room that's suitable for your needs.

Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is the best Mumbai luxury hotels with convenient locations, excellent facilities, and outstanding levels of customer service.

The opulent and iconic Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is one of Mumbai's best luxury hotels. It was built in 1903 to accommodate a range of royal guests and other important persons, including maharajas and princes, various kings, and presidents. The hotel's impressive architecture comprises many archways, domes, turrets, and chandeliers. Inside there's an interesting collection of paintings, artifacts, and works of art of the era.

The property: Built alongside Mumbai's harbor, this imposing 1903 landmark is a mix of Moorish, Asian, and Florentine architecture—capped by a graceful, diadem-crowned tower that was added in 1973.

The property: Its waterfront location means that many of the hotel's 565 rooms and suites have stellar views of the Arabian Sea and the arched basalt Gateway of India.

Rooms to Book: Luxury Grande rooms in the Palace (otherwise known as the old wing) combine old-school ambience (French doors, silk curtains, ceiling fans) with modern conveniences (42-inch plasma TVs and rainfall showerheads).

Splendid isolation affords Aman-i-Khás a beguiling air of being lost in time. Everything, from the earthy scent of the breeze and the spectacular views, to the camp’s delectable cuisine – with most ingredients coming from the camp’s organic gardens, combines to provide an atmosphere of relaxation and well-being beyond compare. Nature is all around, but every modern comfort is on hand.

The 10 air-conditioned tents have soaring 6m canopies and delicately draped screens of fine cotton, which separate the tents into different areas for sleeping, dressing, bathing and living. The tents are decorated in a Moghul-inspired style, and the subtle hues of creamy canvas, swathes of airy-white cotton and khaki cushions on toffee-coloured hide provide the perfect foil to the vivid colours of Rajasthan. At Aman-i-Khás, pale lemon-pink dawns dissolve into endless blue skies, which finally fade into sun-drenched dusty amber dusks, and always, villagers stand out in mesmerizing contrast wearing the rainbow of colours for which this photogenic land of contrasts is famed. At night, the stars blaze in a profusion of constellations – so close, one could almost pluck them from the sky.

Also close at hand – but not too close – are India’s beautiful cats and other exotic beasts. Exciting customized trips in open-top safari vehicles are organized by Aman-i-Khás at dawn and dusk. Trained guides take guests into Ranthambore National Park to spot tigers, leopards, chital deer, marsh crocodiles and a host of other creatures, all living in this natural paradise as they have done since time began.

The Oberoi Group expands their line of luxury resorts in India by creating new properties in Udaipur and Ranthambore. Opened in November 2001, Vanyavilas features 25 luxury tented-style accommodations adjacent to the famed Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Designed as a luxury jungle camp, this is the first true resort in any of India's game or wildlife reserves. Each air-conditioned tent measures nearly 800 square feet and is elegantly designed with teak flooring, canvas tented roof, and a private outdoor lounge surrounded by walled gardens to ensure total privacy. It is from here that one may steal a glimpse of an elusive Bengal tiger, with assistance from an expert guide in one of Vanyavilas custom-built safari vehicles.

A celebration of the elegance and grace of the Colonial era in the Queen of Hill Stations. Located in the majestic Himalayan ranges, The Oberoi Cecil is very much a part of Shimla’s colonial history. The hotel has been restored to its original grandeur with wood floors, period furniture, crackling fires and an inviting ambience. Built around a beautiful atrium,  the rooms offer splendid views of the mountains and valleys. A heated swimming pool, billiards rooms and children’s activity centre and many opportunities for nature walks, make this luxury resort an all season destination.

Another impressive Taj Group hotel, the Rambagh Palace is often referred to as the "Jewel of Jaipur". It's Jaipur's most magnificant palace hotel, and was home to the royal family for over 30 years. The hotel is set amongst 47 acres of gardens to the south of the Old City. It's been voted Best Hotel in Asia & Indian Subcontinent.

The property: Known locally as "The Jewel of Jaipur," this elegant, 1835 Moghul palace was home to royals (including the Maharajah or Jaipur) for more than a century before its 85 rooms and suites were opened to visitors.

The location: A 47-acre estate—complete with preening peacocks, marble porticos, shimmering pools, and ornamental gardens—right inside the city.

Rooms to Book: The themed Historical Suites, with their inlaid marble tile, carved wood daybeds, etched glass mirrors, and slowly revolving ceiling fans.

The property: A truly palatial hotel, whose 87 rooms and suites occupy a 30-acre compound of soaring sandstone turrets and domes, marble arches, vast tiled pools, and painstakingly manicured gardens.

The location: Set right on the banks of sparkling Lake Pichola, the hotel overlooks both the Aravalli Mountains and the latticed towers of Udaipur's most beautiful historic landmark, the 16th-century City Palace.

Rooms to Book: Premier Lake View rooms have private patios, which lead to semiprivate swimming pools surrounded by cascading bougainvillea.