India Heritage Hotels: Experience the legacy of Indian Maharajas and British Viceroys

Do you know which state houses princely and colonial heritage hotels in India in large numbers?  The medieval era of India witnessed the rule of several raja-maharajas who used to reside in massive palatial complex. Post independence in 1947, the Indian government banished the concept of princely states and the princely states also peacefully acceded to their call. As the matter of fact, it became difficult for the royal families to bear the high maintenance cost of their royal abodes. As a result, they entered into a treaty with corporate hotel chains which led to the conversion of their ancestral property into heritage hotels.

These palaces turned hotels feature world class facilities and offer royal services to its guests. Stay in a room fitted with antique furniture and modern fixtures, enjoying folk dance and music, dine in a magnificent hall and living king size life is what a heritage hotel offers.

A large chunk of Indian heritage hotels previously dwelled by maharajas and British viceroys are found in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. In this blog, I will give information about heritage hotels in three different Indian States- Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Here I will randomly pick three hotels and give out their details. Read on…

Gajner Palace, Bikaner

Gajner Palace, Bikaner

Built under the patronage of Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner, on the rim of a lake, Gajner Palace is a palatial complex converted into a heritage hotel in 1976. Stretched over 6000 acres, the hotel was previously a hunting resort and has played host to several dignitaries such as Princes of Wales, British Viceroys such as Lord Mountbatten, Lord Erwin and Lord Elgin. It is divided into four different wings- Mandir Chowk, Gulab Niwas, Dungar Niwas and Champa Niwas. 45 in number, the guest rooms and suites in this hotel are classified into two categories- 32 Deluxe Suites and 13 Suites. In this hotel, you can savor a wide range of Indian and Continental along with the traditional Rajasthani fare. 

Vijay Vilas Palace, Bhavnagar

Vijay Vilas Palace, Bhavnagar

Built in 1929, under the aegis of Rao Vijayrajji, Vijay Vilas Palace was once the summer palace of Rajas of Kutch, on the beach front of Mandvi. Built entirely of red sandstone, it has imbibed all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws inspiration from the palaces of Orccha and Datia. Stretched over 6 acres of landscapes, the palace is home to 7 cottages and 12 rooms. Each room is equipped with attached bathroom with running hot & cold water facility.

Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Just a stone throw away from the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace & Resorts is a landmark hotel in Mumbai. 560 in number, the guest rooms in this hotel include 44 suites and has played host to dignitaries, and eminent personalities from all around the world. Along with its classic grandeur and elegance, the hotel offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India. The hotel reflects a seamless blend of Moorish, Florentine and Oriental style of architecture.