Rajasthan's Finest in India: Our Top 5 Hotel Picks

Discover the essence of royal luxury in Rajasthan, a realm where tradition and opulence converge.

Our guide presents a curated selection of Rajasthan's most luxurious hotels, each offering a unique glimpse into the grandeur of India's regal past.

From the serene banks of Udaipur's Lake Pichola to the rugged wilderness of Ranthambore, these hotels embody the splendor of erstwhile Maharajas, blending historical elegance with modern indulgence, with the best VIP perks from FORA Travel:

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Ambiance and Design: Nestled on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a stunning example of royal architecture, featuring domes and intricate pavilions spread across a vast estate. The hotel is designed in the style of a traditional Rajasthani palace, with sprawling courtyards, reflective pools and serene gardens.

Accommodations and Amenities: Guests can choose from a range of luxurious rooms and suites, many of which offer direct access to semi-private swimming pools. Each room is elegantly decorated with traditional Indian fabrics and artifacts. The hotel also boasts fine dining restaurants, a world-class spa offering Ayurvedic treatments, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Unique Experiences: The Oberoi Udaivilas organizes personalized experiences such as private yoga sessions, romantic boat rides on Lake Pichola and intimate dinners in secluded locations around the property. The hotel's wildlife sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers, with frequent sightings of peacocks and other exotic birds, creating a unique juxtaposition of luxury amidst a natural setting.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur:

Historical Significance: Rambagh Palace has a storied past, originally built in 1835 and later transformed into the residence of Jaipur's Maharaja. The palace's history is reflected in its grand architecture and luxurious interiors, which feature intricate carvings, hand-painted motifs and rich fabrics.

Royal Accommodations: The palace's transformation into a hotel has preserved its royal essence, with rooms and suites that exude elegance and offer modern amenities. The historical suites are particularly noteworthy, each telling a story of the palace's illustrious past.

Dining and Recreation: The palace houses several dining venues, including a fine-dining restaurant offering Rajasthani delicacies. Guests can also enjoy unique experiences such as themed dinners, cooking classes with the chef and traditional Rajasthani entertainment.

Fun Fact: The Maharani Suite, dedicated to Maharani Gayatri Devi, is a testament to her timeless style and grace, often featuring in lists of the world's most elegantly designed hotel rooms.

The Leela Palace, Udaipur

Location and Design: The Leela Palace Udaipur is a testament to royal grandeur, offering a panoramic view of Lake Pichola and the surrounding Aravalli mountains. The hotel's architecture and interior design are inspired by the royal palaces of Rajasthan, featuring intricate artwork and traditional craftsmanship.

Luxurious Offerings: The rooms and suites are the epitome of luxury, with many offering breathtaking views of the lake. The hotel's rooftop restaurant provides a romantic setting for dining under the stars, while its spa offers an array of rejuvenating treatments.

Exclusive Services: The hotel arranges private boat excursions on Lake Pichola, offering guests a unique perspective of Udaipur's historic sites. Additionally, guests can partake in cultural experiences such as Rajasthani folk dances and music performances.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Regal Heritage: Umaid Bhawan Palace, built in the 20th century, is a magnificent example of Art Deco architecture blended with traditional Rajasthani elements. The palace is a symbol of Jodhpur's royal heritage, built with golden-hued sandstone.

Palatial Experience: The hotel occupies a portion of the palace, offering guests a chance to live like royalty. The rooms and suites are adorned with Art Deco interiors and equipped with modern amenities. The palace also features a family museum, showcasing the royal family's history.

Leisure Activities: Apart from luxurious spa treatments and fine dining, the hotel offers experiences like royal butler-serviced picnics in its lush gardens, creating an ambiance of bygone regal leisure. The vintage car collection of the royal family, which guests can view, includes some of the rarest and most historically significant cars, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of India’s royal families.

Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambore

Wilderness Retreat: Situated on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khás is a luxury tented camp that offers an unparalleled experience of living in the wilderness with all the comforts of a luxury resort. The camp is designed to evoke the opulent mobile camps of the Mughal emperors.

Tent Accommodations: Each of the 10 spacious tents is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring a soaring canopy, elegant furnishings, a large bathtub and a private butler service. The tents blend the adventurous spirit of a safari with the opulence of a royal retreat.

Safari and Wellness: Guests can embark on safari tours to see tigers and other wildlife, participate in guided nature walks and relax with spa treatments inspired by Ayurvedic traditions.

Aman-i-Khás is not just a resort; it's an active participant in wildlife and habitat conservation in Ranthambore, contributing to the preservation of the region's natural and cultural heritage.

• The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Udaimahal Restaurant

This is the place for traditional Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. Dine under a starlit dome as you enjoy the flavors of royal kitchens.

Suryamahal Restaurant

For a daytime dining experience, Suryamahal offers a range of international dishes. The courtyard here is perfect for enjoying an alfresco meal.

Chandni Dining Courtyard

This outdoor dining space provides a romantic setting with views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola, ideal for enjoying light meals and live traditional music and dance performances in the evening.

• Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Suvarna Mahal

This grand dining hall offers an opulent setting for tasting the royal cuisines of Rajasthan, Awadh, Punjab, and Hyderabad.

Steam Lounge Bar

Set in a restored steam engine, this unique lounge bar offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delicacies.

The Rajput Room

A multi-cuisine restaurant, perfect for a relaxed dining experience overlooking the lush gardens.

• The Leela Palace, Udaipur

Sheesh Mahal

An open-air fine-dining restaurant, perfect for a romantic dinner with its intimate setting and views of Lake Pichola.

The Dining Room

This restaurant offers a lavish buffet spread and an à la carte menu featuring both Indian and international cuisine.

• Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Risala

Offers a fusion of Continental and Indian dishes, with views of the garden and Mehrangarh Fort.

Pillars

An alfresco cafe where you can enjoy light Indian and Continental fare, with a stunning view of the Baradari Lawns and the city.

• Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambore

The Dining Tent

Serving Indian cuisine and a range of Western dishes, the meals are prepared using locally sourced, organic ingredients.

The Fireplace

An outdoor spot perfect for evening relaxation, where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks around a roaring fire, often accompanied by tales of the jungle.