Indian Heritage Hotels: Properties of East, West and Central

The concept of India heritage hotels evolved after the independence of India in 1947. Several princely states of India entered into a treaty with the Government of India and their royal privileges were ceased. However, in order, to maintain their standard of living, many of them turned into hoteliers, businessman and  politicians. Many royal families converted their abodes  into the heritage hotels to provide the experience of royal living to the foreign tourists. Scroll down and read the brief description of four heritage hotels given below. Read on…

Sheesh Mahal, Madhya Pradesh

Sheesh Mahal, Madhya Pradesh

Refurbished and designed to meet the needs of travelers running on a shoestring budget, the hotel Sheesh Mahal is a popular address for enjoying traditional hospitality clubbed with modern amenities. The hotel is owned and managed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Development Corporation (MPTDC). It was once the residence of Raja Udait Singh and has the touch of medieval Indian architecture. The hotel features a total of 8 guest rooms segregated into 4 categories- 3 Twin Rooms, 2 Double Rooms, 1 Single Room and 2 Suites. The common in-room amenities include air conditioning, tea & coffee maker and attached bathroom with running hot & cold water.

Wankaner Palace, Gujarat

Located around 53 kilometers away from Rajkot, Wankaner Palace, formerly known as Ranjit Vilas Palace, is one of the finest heritage hotels in Gujarat. It is perched atop  of the Gadhio Hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding environs. It was designed by Maharaja Raj Shri Amarsinghji, in the early 20^th century. 

Wankaner Palace, Gujarat

The palace extends up to 225 acres of landscaped greens. In proximity to the Wankaner Palace, Chandra Bhawan, the state guesthouse, is also located. The 12 well appointed guest rooms and  suites of this heritage hotel are tastefully furnished in period style and named after erstwhile dignitaries. Each room is spacious and come equipped with a range of modern amenities such as satellite television, direct dial telephone and attached bathroom with running hot & cold water facility. When at Wankaner Palace, don’t miss to appease your palate with  a variety of scrumptious Gujarati cuisines.

Nilambagh Palace, Bhavnagar

Nilambagh Palace, Bhavnagar

Originally built as a private residence of Sir Takhat Singh, Nilambagh Palace was designed by the German architect Mr. Simson in1859. The hotel offers an enchanting mix of royal charm and state of the art amenities. 28 in number, the guest rooms in this Gujarat heritage hotel are classified as 26 Double Bedrooms and 2 Executive Suites furnished with  period furniture and equipped with state of the art amenities such as cable television, channel music, direct dial telephone, tea & coffee maker and attached bathroom with running hot & cold water. There is a dining room in this palace hotel which serves a choicest range of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. Besides, there is a Garden Restaurant which offers a perfect setting for romantic evenings.

Hotel Nor Khill, Sikkim

Hotel Nor Khill, Sikkim

One of the best heritage properties in Gangtok, the hotel Nor Khill was built by the King of Sikkim in 1932 and served as the royal guest house for state heads and dignitaries. It has been renamed as the luxury Elgin heritage hotel ans situated in the heart of Gangtok town. 25 in number, the Deluxe Rooms and Suites have played host to his holiness Dalai Lama and Hollywood celebrities such as Shirley McLean and Michael Douglas. The hotel offers a fine assortment of restaurants and dining rooms serving an array of cuisines to appease the guest’s palate. Besides, there is Elgin Spa which offers a range of therapeutic treatments and Ayurvedic massages to provide rejuvenation of mind, body and soul.