Not everyone is born with a golden spoon, but that doesn’t mean you cannot experience the golden era of palaces, chariots, life-size pools and interiors that were created exclusively for the kings and queens.
Walk into these palace resorts and feel the auto-focus hit, the walls will seem brighter, the chandeliers shinier, the paintings glossier.
Experience living for a few days like pure royalty without burning a hole in your pocket at these luxury resorts and havelis in Rajasthan.
1. The Pushkar Bagh
Established by a direct descendant of the Thakurs of Rajliya, The Pushkar Bagh is a luxurious authentic base to explore the Rajasthani desert life, culture, and landscape of breath-taking beauty.
Located in the outskirts of the ancient city of Pushkar between Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner, the resort is a hidden gem – quaint and pleasant, a green oasis in the desert – designed and built in the style of a heritage 'mahal' against the backdrop of a desert landscape
Rooms: Accommodation is in en-suite rooms, with doors that open onto their own little patios, set amidst the greenery of trees and soothing flora.
The thatched roofs draw inspiration from the local ‘dhani’(the village hut). The interiors have smooth stucco plaster, patterned mosaic floors, customized furniture, and rugs, traditional ‘Khats’ (charpoys) have been converted into sofas, curtains and bed covers have been custom made - all of them being very specific to this desert region of Marwar.
Tariff: Deluxe Double Cottage – 4000 INR.
Where: Motisar Link Road, Behind Pushkar Railway Station, Village Ghanehera, Rajasthan India.
You can book here.
2. Umaid Lake Palace – An Organic Retreat
Spread across 20 acres of lush green land, Umaid Lake Palace is landscaped to capture the beauty of the Mughal palace gardens of yore.
Rooms: Their imperial rooms have walls that portray Rajasthani flavours and hard work of the local artisans.
The windows open out to majestic courtyards and the lake, ensuring total privacy. And the arresting view that meets the eye from the room is either the Mughal gardens or the undulating land of the countryside in the distance.
Each room has a private sit out where you can indulge in star-gazing at nights.
Tariff: 4500 INR.
Where: Kalakho, Post Office Kalakho Dist. Dausa, Jaipur Agra National Highway, Village Kalakho (Area Kandoli), Rajasthan 303304.
You can book here.
3. Anuraga Palace, A Treehouse Palace Hotel.
Nestled in the jungles where the distant roar of the tiger echoes through the majestic foothills of the Aravallis.
Treehouse Anuraga Resort reinvents one of oldest hotels in Ranthambore, and transforms it into a extravagant resort while preserving its ancient heritage at the same time. Decorated in the pristine white architectural style of a traditional Rajasthani haveli, this sprawling Ranthambore hotel is the perfect blend of wilderness and luxury.
Rooms: Each room has floral patterns, rich tapestries, and decor, using floral motifs on the ceilings, and the gota-patti to embellish the ceilings, walls, and furnishings. Every element of the room is handmade.
Tariff: Premier Double Room for two is 2,700 INR.
Where: Ranthambore Fort Road, Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001
You can book here.
4. Fateh Safari Lodge
Passed down as legacy, this boutique hotel is built 1,100m above sea level. It's unique positioning provides uninterrupted stunning views of the Aravalli ranges and the desert village of Narlai.
Set near the Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary and atop a hill, this palatial structure with gigantic infinity pools looks enchanting at night.
Rooms: The rooms are over-sized and airy, and set up keeping in mind the opulence and traditions of the area. The best part about these vistas are the life-size windows and the beautiful balconies, that offer unparalleled and stunning views of the surrounding topography.
Tariff: INR 3,354 for the deluxe room (including breakfast)
Where: NH 162 Ext, Qila Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 313325.
5. The Aodhi
This is a budget property and a sanctuary resort that offers majestic views and a palatial swimming pool that would’ve been reserved only for the monarchs in the olden days.
Rooms: With windows opening out to the raw jungle, each of the rooms possesses an old-world charm every element reflects the jungle lore.
Tariff: Deluxe Double Room is for 4,700 INR.
Where: Kelwara, District Rajsamand, Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 313325
You can book here.
6. Chandelao Garh
Set on the edge of town, this traditional guesthouse with stone archways is the ancestral home of the landowners of the area and has been tastefully converted to a modern hotel.
But do not expect telephones and televisions - the Garh will provide you with an authentic experience of traditional Rajasthani hospitality in a tranquil village setting.
Rooms: Since this was the ancestral Haveli of the aristocrats, each room here has a tale behind it. Room no 9 was the old 'toshakhana' where all the treasure and valuables were hidden. There exists a secret hidden place in the room which people are unable to find till this day.
Tariff: 3,300 INR
Where: Village & Post Office Chandelao, SH 58, Chandelao, Rajasthan 342027.
You can book here.
7. Alsisar Mahal- Heritage Hotel
You’ll be encompassed with a multitude of hues and vibrant colors burst through the desert haze, Alsisar Mahal takes you through the enchanting world of Rajasthan’s regalia and rustic dunes.
Rooms: The 17th-century palace of the Thakurs of Alsisar unfolds treasures of history in each of its tastefully redecorated ethnic rooms and suites.
Tariff: INR 4500
Where: Jhunjhunu, Village, Alsisar, Rajasthan 331025.
8. Tanisha Heritage Haweli Bed and Breakfast
A family-run guest house that is actually an ancestral Haveli, accompanied with Bikaneri warmth and hospitality. They provide delicious authentic homemade dinner and breakfast for everyone at the property and all the guests sit together on a massive dining table to break bread together.
Rooms: Their maharaja room is huge, with a tall ceiling and a noble Rajsthani décor. Situated on the rooftop terrace, one can witness a beautiful view from here.
Tariff: Maharaja Room is for 2,000 INR.
Where: C/o Aaskaranji Maloo, Aasaniyon Ka Chowk, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334005.
You can book here.
9. Hotel Harasar Haveli
You will find the folk-culture and folklore enshrouding the haveli all over. The founder of Harasar Haveli, Thakur Jeoraj Singh of Sarothia was the noble man in the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji, whose history still dominates the Bikaner culture.
Rooms: Harasar Haveli is like many other Haveli turned hotels in Rajasthan. The moment you enter the rooms you get a Rajputi vibe with the colours, the motifs, the prints, the paintings, and the furniture.
Tariff: The suite is for 2,400 INR.
Where: Harasar House, Near, Karni Singh Stadium Rd, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001.
*These prices are the ones that were shown on the websites for the current dates. The tariff may fluctuate based on their peak seasons and the off-seasons.