The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic structures in the world but it’s only one of the nearly 100 great palaces in India. Each mahal has its own rich history that’s only rivaled by each of its unique architectural designs, lavish interior furnishings, and impossible preserved foundations that have outlasted invasions and seizures throughout a millennium. To visit an Indian palace is to get a glimpse into not only the royal lifestyle of India’s richest rulers, but to better understand how and why this country has endured centuries worth of turmoil. 

Join Luxury Gold’s Imperial Rajasthan tour and marvel at some of the most beautiful palaces in India. This extensive 13-day tour doesn’t shy away from palace peeking: New Delhi’s Presidential Palace, Muthamman Burj Palace, Palace of the Winds, Udaipur’s Leela Palace and City Palace complex are all yours to explore.

From the unconquerable bastions of Indian royalty to some of the oldest surviving forts in the country, these are some of the best palaces to visit in India. 

For travel inspiration: India destination guide

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

When it comes to luxury palaces in India that you’re welcome to stay in, Taj Lake Palace is unlike any other palace hotel you’ve ever visited. Floating on Lake Pichola, it was constructed in the 1740s by the 62nd custodian of the House of Mewar. Jag Niwas, as it was known, didn’t become a heritage hotel until the 1960s, but its grand marble suites are still as regal as centuries before. Private butler service, relaxing boat rides, and fine dining only feet from your room make this palace an unforgettable stay in the Venice of the East. And for any cinephiles visiting, be sure to order a martini, shaken not stirred, at the 24-hour Amrit Sagar bar: you’re standing in a shooting location for the James Bond film Octopussy.

Discover Udaipur on: Imperial Rajasthan 

2. Lal Bagh Palace, Indore

The Red Palace may have only been completed a century ago, but this grand palace in Indore is both a symbol of India’s turn of the century aesthetic and turn of the millennium struggles. Lal Bagh Palace took inspiration from Europe’s design trends inside and out. Its exterior finished in an Italian Renaissance Revival style, combined with Paladin, Mughal and Rajput elements. Euro-inspired interiors are found within this neoclassical building, but sadly, what once held one of the best garden palaces in the region suffered from neglect between the 1980s and the 2020s. It’s undergone restorations since 2021 and is open to the public as a museum.

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3. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

One of the more contemporary Indian palaces, Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between the first and second World Wars for the Jodhpur royal family. Though still technically a private residence, you’ll be treated as close to royalty as possible now that the palace is also a 5-star heritage hotel. Views of the Blue City and Mehrangarh Fort await you in one of the last-constructed grand palaces of India. It’s only a 20 minute drive from Jodhpur Airport, so even if you aren’t staying the night, you should still make the short trip so you can tour the on-property museum dedicated to the family’s history and marvel at the same palm court marble that was used to build the Taj Mahal  

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4. Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur

Some of the most famous palaces in India were built by Maharaja Surajmal throughout the 1700s, including Lohagarh Fort. It took 60 years to build, and for good reason: this fort on an artificial island remained unconquered by invading British soldiers. Not to be confused with Lohagarh Fort Resort in Jaipur, the Iron Fort is surrounded by a moat which you’ll see, along with panoramic views of Bharatpur, from a protected archaeological section. It’s well worth a stroll and a visit to the on-site museum will show you the weaponry, armor, and other defense artifacts that successfully thwarted insurgence after insurgence.

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5. Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, Gujarat

When it comes to India sightseeing, one of the most beautiful palaces you cannot miss is Laxmi Vilas Palace — the largest private residence on the planet. It’s quadruple the size of Buckingham Palace in the UK and just as ornately adorned inside and out. Laxmi Vilas Palace was constructed across 500 acres at the end of the 19th century and holds nearly 200 rooms, many of which feature artwork specially commissioned from Raja Ravi Verma. Thanks to Vadodara’s proximity to bus and train stations, a day trip to Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the most convenient — and regal — things to do in India. 

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6. Malcha Mahal, New Delhi

For those looking to add an element of the recent paranormal past to their historical tour, Malcha Mahal deserves a glance. Despite its ‘mahal’ name, Malcha isn’t a royal palace in the traditional sense. It’s actually a 14th century hunting lodge built for the Sultan of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Almost hidden within the Central Ridge Forest, Malcha Mahal fell into the hands of the kingdom of Oudh before being annexed by the British. Its history takes a supernatural turn after the property was returned to the Shah’s descendants in the 1980s — at least two of whom met their deaths inside the lodge. Today, Malcha Mahal is far from a proper tourist attraction; one of the few ways to visit this abandoned, decaying structure is to trek into the forest on a ghost tour.  

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7. Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad

Photo credit: @tajfalaknumaon Instagram

Perched 2,000 feet above the city, the opulent Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad offers breathtaking views and a regal experience. In fact it is home to the longest dining table in the world. Built in 1894 by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad, the palace was later owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The architecture is a blend of Italian and Tudor styles, with grand marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers and intricate frescoes. A stay here is like a step back in time. Guests are greeted with traditional Indian hospitality, and the palace’s 60 rooms and suites are adorned with antique furniture and rich fabrics. The palace also houses a fascinating library with rare manuscripts and a collection of jade.

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8. Qila Mubarak, Patiala, Punjab

Palaces in India like Lohagarh Fort are impressive, but even such a large fortress is dwarfed by Qila Mubarak. Also called Bathinda Fort, Qila Mubarak dates back to the 1st century, making it India’s oldest surviving fort. Its formal written history tells tales of invasions and sieges from the 1000s through 1200s, when Razia Sultana, the first female commander of the fort, was killed. Qila Mubarak became desolate for centuries to come until the area was inhabited again in the 1700s. The gurdwara, created in the 1800s to commemorate Guru Gobind Singh’s visit to the site in the 1700s, will be a highlight of your visit inside.   

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9. Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur City Palace is a splendid complex in the heart of Rajasthan, India, showcasing a seamless blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it served as the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace stands as a symbol of rich cultural heritage and regal opulence, with intricately designed courtyards, gardens, and buildings adorned with vibrant colors and ornate decorations. Its breathtaking beauty, historical significance, and well-preserved artifacts make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists seeking a glimpse into India’s royal past.

Guests of Luxury Gold’s Imperial Rajhastan tour enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah’s personal living room, normally off limits to visitors. Follwng this, you will savor an Indian inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique.

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10. Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur

Photo credit:
@therajmahalpalace on Instagram

Rajmahal Palace, a jewel nestled in Jaipur’s architectural crown, beckons visitors with its exquisite fusion of Rajput elegance and contemporary luxury. This palace hotel was originally constructed in the 18th century, this opulent residence has witnessed generations of royal history, hosting esteemed guests from across the globe. The architecture marvels in its intricate detailing, from ornately carved pillars to delicate frescoes that narrate tales of bygone eras. What sets Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur  apart is not just its architectural grandeur but also the immersive experience it offers. Stepping into its hallowed corridors is like stepping back in time, enveloped in regal splendor and old-world charm. Guests are not just spectators but participants in a living legacy, where every nook echoes with whispers of a glorious past, making a visit to Rajmahal Palace an unforgettable journey through time.

The Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds is also an icon of architecture. This five-storey building in Jaipur, is the tallest building in the world that has been built without a foundation. Also worth a mention in the vicinity of Jaipur is the Samode Palace hotel which appears more or less unchanged over the course of its four-hundred-year life. A classic Indian royal fantasy, even the modern luxury hotel amenities of this former royal palace stick to the extravagant style of the original.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit many of the iconic Indian palaces when you join Luxury Gold’s Essence of India tour. This 8-day tour handpicks a number of remarkable palaces and things to do in India to ensure you get a comprehensive view of the country’s history and landscape. Your itinerary includes a stay at the Leela Palace, viewing the Presidential Palace, and stopping at Muthamman Burj Palace, Amber Palace, and Jai Mahal Palace. 

In a time where travel is often characterized by speed and efficiency, there remains a coveted niche with more travelers seeking out hotels and experiences that hark back to a bygone era of glamor and leisure. Hotels and experiences that echo old-world charm offer more than just luxury. They embody a timeless elegance and storied past, often with a rich historical significance. From grand hotels that have welcomed royalty to regal train journeys that evoke the golden age, here are our top hotels and experiences for old-world glamor.

1. Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

If you want to experience the old-world glamor of the roaring 20s, you’ve got to go to Paris. It’s the epicenter of The Lost Generation, a legendary group of artists, writers and creators who flocked to the French capital after WWI. The likes of Hemingway, Stein, Picasso, Fitzgerald, Joyce, Pound and Eliot would spend their time swapping ideas and creating art, poems and novels and socializing in bohemian cafés and jazz bars. 

To get a taste of this history, stay at the Hôtel du Louvre, a Parisian icon since the 19th century. Facing the magnificent Louvre Museum, the hotel’s Haussmannian façade and stunning views have inspired countless artists who’ve stayed here including opera singer Enrico Caruso and writer Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s the perfect place to start tracing the steps of Lost Generation, with sumptuous suites, sweeping marble staircases, and traditional French cuisine served at the hotel’s brasserie. 

You might like to begin your exploration of Parisian institutions at Harry’s New York Bar. Founded in 1911, it was a beloved watering hole of the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Porter. The bar continues to exude the glitz of the early 19th century, serving classic cocktails and smooth jazz. 

Stay at the Hôtel du Louvre on: Ultimate Southern France With Paris Extension

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2. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

Set in the heart of Croatia’s vibrant capital, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a dazzling taste of the roaring 20s. With a legacy dating back to 1925, the hotel was originally built to provide luxurious accommodations for passengers of the famed Orient Express. As you enter the grand lobby, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication, with its Art Deco details echoing the golden age of travel. 

Each room and suite is decked out in rich fabrics, elegant decor, and modern amenities, while the hotel’s signature restaurant, Zinfandel’s, dishes up an artful menu of traditional Croatian cuisine. You can also enjoy Parisian-inspired ambiance and classic Croatian dishes at Le Bistro, or enjoy afternoon tea or cocktail at the Oleander Terrace overlooking the city. 

Having hosted an array of stars, dignitaries and cultural icons over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, Josephine Baker, and Charles Lindbergh, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a true cultural landmark. 

Stay at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more about the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: A Taste of the Roaring Twenties: Inside Zagreb’s Stunning Hotel Esplanade

3. Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

Set on the edge of the lagoon, a stone’s throw away from St. Mark’s Square, the Hotel Metropole in Venice has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Once an orphanage and church, where Antonio Vivaldi taught music to orphans in the 1700s, the hotel now features a Michelin-starred restaurant, MET, and an acclaimed art collection.

You’ll be swept away in time, with elaborate tapestries, frescoes, and Murano glass chandeliers. Music is still at the heart of the Hotel Metropole, with icons like Lou Reed, Patty Smith, Lenny Kravitz, and Grace Jones all staying here over the years. There’s also a luxurious spa and a private water taxi service to explore the canals of Venice. 

If you want to continue your immersion into old-world glamor, visit “the other” legendary Harry’s Bar. Founded in 1931, it’s the birthplace of the Bellini and was once a favored watering hole of Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Orson Welle. Today, Harry’s Bar remains a symbol of 20th-century literature, art and Venetian culinary traditions.

Stay at the Hotel Metropole on: Ultimate Italy

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4. The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

Follow the rhythms of jazz to The Ritz Carlton in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Housed in the historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building on Canal Street, this hotel blends the old-world glamor of New Orleans with the impeccable service of the Ritz.

The hotel’s ornate architecture, grand lobby, and stylish suites transport you to an era of opulence, but the Ritz Carlton New Orleans is much more than a place to stay; it’s a celebration of the Big Easy’s unique charm and southern hospitality. Guests can indulge in the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans at the M Bistro and enjoy live jazz music while sipping on cocktails at the Davenport Lounge. There’s also a rejuvenating spa with treatments that blend local ingredients and healing practice, or you can get out and explore the French Quarter’s famed music venues, galleries and restaurants.

Stay at The Ritz Carlton New Orleans on: Southern Grace 

Read more about The Ritz Carlton New Orleans: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

5. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

Perched atop Cape Diamond overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is an icon of Quebec City. With châteauesque architecture, opulent ballrooms and a storied past dating back to the late 19th century, this hotel drips in the grandeur of a bygone era. 

The rooms and suites are a blend of old-world glamor and modern elegance, with stunning views of the old city or flowing river below. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant features exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients. The 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar offers a cozy ambiance for guests to sample the finest Quebecois cheeses paired with world-class wines. 

The Château Frontenac has also played host to world leaders, royalty and celebrities, and its halls echo with the whispers of historical events that shaped the world. Queen Elizabeth II, Charles de Gaulle, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, and Celine Dion have all stayed here, while Alfred Hitchcock chose the Château Frontenac as a location for his 1953 film “I Confess”. Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and William Lyon Mackenzie King also famously met at this hotel during WWII to discuss strategies. 

Stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

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6. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

Overlooking the grand Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is a spectacular stay. The hotel offers unparalleled views of the world’s largest waterfall system, but it also exudes an air of old-world glamor. The regal suites are filled with plush furnishing, artisanal fabrics, locally-commissioned artworks, and Portuguese-colonial architecture. 

Surrounded by the sounds of the lush jungle, the pastel-pink retreat has welcomed a host of luminaries, including Princess Diana, Prince Albert of Monaco, David Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Jackie Chan, and Paul Simon. You’ll walk in their footsteps as you wander through the orchid gardens, sip caipirinhas by the tranquil pool, and enjoy spa treatments with local, responsibly harvested ingredients.

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7. Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

The Isle of Capri is synonymous with glitz and luxury, and the Grand Hotel Quisisana lives up to this reputation. Nestled in the heart of Capri, the hotel has been a hub of elegance and exclusivity since its inception in 1845. Originally conceived as a sanatorium (Quisisana means ‘here one heals’) by a doctor, the hotel transformed into a luxurious cultural and social hub. It still hosts glamorous events like fashion shows and art exhibitions today.

The Quisisana’s guest list reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries. Artists, writers, stars, and dignitaries all found solace and inspiration within its walls, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Audrey Hepburn, and Jean Paul Sartre. 

You’ll find your own slice of restoration here, with the hotel’s soothing QuisiBeauty spa and gorgeous pool. There’s also several impressive restaurants overlooking the ​​glittering Gulf of Naples, with views of the Faraglioni rocks. It’s all backed by marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and curated art collections. There’s even a Liberty-style theatre designed by the famous architect Giò Ponti in 1929. 

Stay at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on: Ultimate Italy

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8. Rovos Rail, South Africa

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

Rovos Rail is a journey into the heart of South Africa, wrapped in the luxury and nostalgia of the golden age of travel. Step aboard the Rovos Rail and settle into Edwardian elegance, with remarkably plush interiors. The regal wood paneling and thick carpeting give way to modern amenities including air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. As you marvel at the passing landscapes from the lush Cape Winelands to the dramatic Great Karoo and the vast African bushveld, you’ll appreciate the art of slow rail travel.

Dining is also a highlight, with gourmet meals prepared by chefs using local ingredients, served in the sophisticated dining cars. Whether you sip cocktails in the moody bars or relax in the observation car, Rovos Rail is true old-world glamor.

Experience the Rovos Rail journey on: Spectacular South Africa with Rovos Rail

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9. Nile River cruise, Egypt

Embark on a timeless journey along the world’s longest river onboard an exclusive, five-star cruise. As you glide along the Nile, you’ll come face-to-face with ancient temples, tombs and treasures that have stood for millennia. Sail from Luxor to Aswan to discover the Valley of the Kings. Explore Karnak Temple and Kom Obo accompanied by an expert Egyptologist. Back on board the ship, enjoy the sun deck, pool and gourmet dining showcasing the best of Egyptian cuisine. You’ll retreat to stylish suites with stunning river views, providing a truly intimate exploration of the Nile’s grandeur. 

Embark on a Nile River cruise on: Elegance of the Nile

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Banner photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram