India’s Top 10 Finest Heritage Resorts for a Regal Stay

Walk through halls once graced by kings, saints, and freedom fighters. These heritage hotels are steeped in Indian history and timeless design.

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Sinchan Jha
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From Rajasthan’s sandstone strongholds to temple-town retreats in Tamil Nadu and Indo-colonial marvels in the heart of Delhi, each property on this list invites you to inhabit the past, if only for a night. Whether you're drawn to royal architecture, riverside quiet, or stories whispered through vintage hallways, here are 10 places which go beyond "after the rains resort" and are the best results for your next "resorts near me" search.

Samode Palace

Initially constructed in the early 1800s by Rawal Sheo Singh as a noble residence, Samode Palace was transformed into a royal estate and later converted into a heritage hotel, having traces from both ancient Indian history as well as Modern Indian history. With intricately painted walls, mirrored chambers, and Mughal-Rajput architecture, the palace preserves centuries-old luxury through responsible restoration by the ruling family’s descendants.

Where: Samode village, near Chomu, Rajasthan (approx. 42 km from Jaipur)

Price: Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 30,000 per night

RAAS Devigarh

This 18th-century fortress was once the stronghold of the rulers of Delwara and later underwent careful preservation to become a heritage hotel. Reopened as RAAS Devigarh, it blends local stone craftsmanship with minimalist luxury. It’s now a popular example of heritage conservation done with sensitivity to the original design.

Where: Delwara, near Udaipur, Rajasthan

Price: Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 35,000 per night

BrijRama Palace

One of Varanasi’s oldest structures on the Ganges, this 18th-century palace was originally built by the royal house of Nagpur. After meticulous restoration, it now serves as a heritage hotel with views of the river and access to the city’s ancient rituals, offering a spiritual and cultural stay in the heart of Kashi.

Where: Munshi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Price: Rs. 26,000 per night

Bundelkhand Riverside

Established in 1895 as a royal retreat for Orchha’s ruling family, this lodge-style property was used during hunting expeditions. Its colonial design and proximity to the Betwa River have been retained in its transition into a heritage hotel. The grounds include forested land, vintage rooms, and riverside balconies.

Where: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Price: Rs. 2,741 per night

Raj Mahal Orchha

A more recent property drawing architectural inspiration from Orchha’s royal past, Raj Mahal is styled to reflect Bundelkhandi culture. Though not an original palace, the hotel features elements like domes, arches, and courtyards that nod to historical aesthetics while offering modern facilities.

Where: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Price: Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 12,000 per night (estimated)

Janki Vilas

Founded and designed by the Rathore family, Janki Vilas combines homely aesthetics with regional artistry. The two distinct villas, Mahesh Niwas and Usha Niwas, house six thoughtfully decorated rooms. The property offers a peaceful and locally rooted experience along the Betwa River.

Where: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Price: Rs. 4,099 per night (Rs. 4,600 with taxes)

Svatma – Thanjavur

Svatma is a boutique heritage hotel rooted in South Indian culture, developed from a traditional Tamil mansion in the temple town of Thanjavur. It combines classical music, art, and regional cuisine with antique architecture and wellness-based hospitality in a quiet urban setting.

Where: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Price: Rs. 8,000 – Rs. 15,000 per night (estimated)

Six Senses Fort Barwara

A 700-year-old fort originally belonging to Rajasthani royalty, Fort Barwara was converted into a high-end wellness resort by Six Senses. It took a decade to restore, incorporating temples and historic bastions while adding state-of-the-art wellness infrastructure in line with global luxury standards.

Where: Chauth Ka Barwara, near Ranthambore, Rajasthan

Price: Rs. 45,000 – Rs. 47,000 per night

Ahilya by the Sea

Once a Goan-Portuguese mansion belonging to the Trinidade family, this property was repurposed by Prince Richard Holkar into a charming boutique hotel. Located by the sea in North Goa, it maintains a personal, villa-like feel with lush gardens, antique furniture, and quiet sea-facing rooms.

Where: Nerul, North Goa

Price: Rs. 19,000 per night

The Imperial, New Delhi

Built in 1936 as one of New Delhi’s earliest luxury hotels, The Imperial carries the layered history of colonial-era design and political negotiation. Commissioned during the British Raj, it hosted landmark discussions between Gandhi, Nehru, and Mountbatten, making it more than just a hotel; it’s a witness to India's modern political birth. With grand art deco halls, vintage art collections, and sprawling lawns, it offers a stay rooted in both elegance and legacy.

Where: Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Price: Rs. 21,723 – Rs. 28,000 per night (depending on room and package)

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