India was home to 584 princely states prior to independence in 1947. Whether they were Nawabs, Maharajas, Rajputs or Sultans, they enjoyed an opulent lifestyle at their exquisitely built palaces and summer homes for decades. Thankfully, many of these historic structures have been preserved till the modern day, with some of them being converted into heritage hotels or museums.
If you have fantasies of living like a royal, check out these stunning properties for a getaway like none other.
Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, Bhopal
The Jehan Numa Palace is a 19th-century residence perched on the slopes of the Shamla Hills in Bhopal. The five-star property is a stunning blend of British colonial, Italian Renaissance and classical Greek architecture. When you arrive, expect to see vibrant splashes of bougainvillea, champa flowers, palm trees and flowering creepers all around the property, making you feel like you have entered a lush and colourful landscape.
A walk inside will introduce you to arched walkways, colonnaded verandahs and verdant lawns in cosy courtyards, as well as equally charming rooms. The Regal Room is an ideal retreat for those seeking moments of self-reflection, but if you prefer the heights of luxury, the Palace Suite with its spacious interiors would be right up your alley. The Jehan Numa Palace also has three top restaurants (serving Indian and international cuisine), a café and pâtisserie, a pan-Asian bar, and a lounge—perks that will truly make you feel you are in the land of the Nawabs.
Address: 157, Shyamla Hills Road, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002
Tariff: A two-night stay starts from INR 7,000 in May 2025
Gogunda Palace, Udaipur
The 16th-century Gogunda Palace is situated among 15 km of an impregnable forest in the Aravalli hills. It was the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar that was ruled by one of the greatest Rajput kings, Maharana Pratap. In 2001, restoration work commenced to turn the structure into a luxury hotel, which boasts four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, suites with private terraces and elevator access, and colourful Shekhavati hand-painted murals, among many other notable features.
Within the hotel, guests can enjoy a sundowner or high-tea experience at the Aravalli Chhatri, a heritage walk around the property, a private cooking masterclass to learn Marwadi recipes, and a vintage car ride around Gogunda. The staff also organises village visits, Jeep safaris, trips to the historic Myrah Caves where Maharana Pratap planned war strategies against the Mughals and an interactive pottery making experience, among others.
Address: Rajputon Ka Mohalla, Gogunda, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313705
Tariff: A two-night stay starts from INR 6,500 in May 2025
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
At an elevation of 609 m above sea level, Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad was once the regal abode of the Nizams. Today, it is one of the flagship properties of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Under the stewardship of Her Highness Princess Esra, the last Nizam’s Turkish wife, each of the 60 rooms and suites within this luxury haven have been fastidiously revitalised. From canopied beds to hand-painted wall motifs and gleaming polished floors, each element is designed to epitomise regal elegance and grandeur.
This attention-to-quality extends to the dining experience, too. The multi-cuisine restaurants retain all the extravagances and intricacies of Nizami feasts: for instance, try Celeste for Italian and international flavours in a theatrical setting with gilded mirrors and exquisite tableware, or Adaa for an authentic meal straight away from the cookbooks of the Nizams. Top it off with an evening at the Hookah Bar where you can sip on cocktails, fine malts and premium wines while sitting under antique chandeliers.
Address: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053
Tariff: A two-night stay starts from INR 30,000 in May 2025
Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemrana
The fortunes of the Neemrana Fort Palace read much like the ups and downs of a human life. Built in 1464, it was abandoned in 1947 before being acquired 40 years later, after which it was turned into an exquisite resort near Delhi in 1991. Today, it has 82 rooms and suites that attract visitors looking for a weekend getaway or to celebrate special occasions. What strikes you when you first arrive is that the nine palace wings have been built over 14 tiers into the contours of a hill. The fusion of built and natural heritage is wonder for the eyes, especially when the lights come on at night.
The dining experience is not just a feast for the stomach as you will find out. The stunning colours of the Holi Kund, Jalgiri Mahal, Raj Mahal Bar and Jag Mag restaurants will hold your gaze no matter where you look. When you can avert your gaze long enough to order your meal, you can choose from a veritable smörgåsbord of North India, South Indian, French, Italian, Chinese and Thai dishes. In addition to this, the Neemrana Fort Palace has a pool and health spa, an amphitheatre, and hanging gardens.
Address: Delhi-Jaipur Highway 122nd Milestone, Neemrana, Rajasthan 301705
Tariff: A two-night stay starts from INR 5,600 in May 2025
