7 royal palaces in India that are now luxury hotels

What happened to India's royal palaces? Well, some became the country's most luxurious hotels.While India's era of royalty might seem to be long past, there are still many majestic palaces in the country which offer visitors an opportunity to experience royal comfort and luxury. As a result of high maintenance costs following India's independence, a number of royal families converted their royal palaces into luxury hotels. The palaces offer visitors today accommodation that used to be home to Indian maharajas, royal halls where they had their feasts, and overall a sense of heritage unmatched by any other luxury hotel.

From palaces made of marble that float in Rajasthan to royal retreats offering amazing views of historical cities, the palaces have truly become India's finest luxury accommodations.

There is no better example of a palace in India that symbolizes regal luxury than Rambagh Palace. Constructed in the year 1835, the palace was initially used as a garden palace for the royal family, and then later on turned into their main residence where Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his wife Maharani Gayatri Devi would stay. The palace continues to be an opulent hotel in the present times, maintaining some of its regal splendour. Guests can stroll through the same gardens once frequented by royalty or enjoy dining experiences inspired by royal traditions.

There are very few hotels worldwide that have such instant recognition, as the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Emerging out of Lake Pichola, the white marble structure seems to be floating over the lake waters, making it one of the most famous travel sights of India. Originally constructed as a summer residence in the year 1746 for the Mewar kings by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the hotel is known as Jag Niwas. It remained the royal residence for ages until finally turning into a hotel establishment. Guests arrive by boat and are welcomed into a world of marble courtyards, fountains, terraces, and uninterrupted lake views.

Built in 1943, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the last grand royal palaces constructed in India and considered one of the largest privately-owned structures in the world. The palace was built on the order of Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in a time when his kingdom experienced famine and drought. The building itself provided jobs for many locals for several years, hence it being one of the most socially important royal projects undertaken in India. Constructed from golden sandstone and designed in an amalgamation of Art Deco, Classical, and Indian architecture, the Umaid Bhawan Palace stands out against the skyline of Jodhpur.

Located at an elevation of about 2,000 feet above Hyderabad, Falaknuma Palace is among the most visually stunning palaces in India when it comes to views. The palace was constructed in the latter half of the 19th century by Nawab Sir Viqar-ul-Umra and subsequently purchased by the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was one of the richest royals ever. The literal meaning of its name is "Mirror of the Sky" since it literally seems like a palace overlooking the whole city. Following extensive restoration, the palace reopened as a luxury hotel while preserving its remarkable interiors.

Jai Mahal Palace is set on an expansive 18 acres of landscaped gardens in the very heart of Jaipur, offering a blend of the royal past along with one of the best situated sites in Jaipur. Being an Indo-Saracenic structure built way back in the 18th century, Jai Mahal has been known for its connection with the royal past of Jaipur for many years now. Contrary to the location of some palace hotels that may be far away from the city center, Jai Mahal offers all the amenities of royal palaces along with being conveniently located near Jaipur's best tourist spots.

Among the most luxurious heritage sites in Jaipur is Rajmahal Palace, a site that boasts of having a history linked very closely to that of the royal family of the city. This building was originally constructed during the 18th century and eventually came to be occupied by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi. This palace has been linked with royalty, aristocracy, and foreign dignitaries over the past years. In addition, many celebrities have visited this site in the past, making this palace one of the most glamorous in India. Today, Rajmahal Palace operates as a luxury boutique hotel where each suite reflects a distinct design style inspired by the palace's rich history.