Travel

Top 15 Iconic/Legendary Hotels In India.

India has a vast choice of luxurious hotels, including palace hotels, tented camps, and boat hotels, all with exquisite architecture, royal ambiance, grand living style, and world-class chefs preparing international cuisine. Local and foreign travellers alike are looking for a royal experience to share with their loved ones. We’ve compiled a list of the top 15 iconic hotels in India that you should visit.

Top 15 Iconic/Legendary Hotels In India.

These are some of the legendary hotels in India.

1)The Leela Palace

The Leela Palace has been ranked one of the world’s best hotels in Udaipur. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, Leela Palace has 80 luxury rooms and offers panoramic views of the mountains and beautiful lakes. The Music theatre, folk performance, and beautiful décor in the hotel reflect the cultural history of Rajasthan.

Price: Rs 26,550 per night. Location: Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan

2) Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace was built by H.H.Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji from 1928 to 1943 in the desert capital of Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan invites visitors to witness the beauty and antique collections of the golden era. The palace has 347 rooms and the hotel wing of the palace is managed by the Taj group of hotels, and is also called Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur.

Price: Rs 33,866 per night. Location: Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

3) JW Marriott Jaipur Resort and Spa

JW Marriott Jaipur Resort and Spa is one of India’s most iconic hotels and a great escape from the city’s bustle. The resort has impeccable services like luxury rooms, suites, and exquisite villas. Tourists will be spellbound by the traditional architecture. The charming hotel is known for its peace and serenity.

Price: Rs 21,240 per night. Location: Jaipur-Delhi National Highway, Kukas, Rajasthan.

4) Taj Mahal Palace

The legendary Taj Mahal Palace located in Mumbai is one of the best luxurious hotels in India. The architectural wonder offers a spectacular view of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. The rooms have artistic interiors with wonderful facilities. Nine iconic dining restaurants offer an exceptional dining experience, with varieties like Indian, European, and Oriental Cuisine. The Taj Mahal Palace offers some great services like Jiva Spa and Taj Salon for the guests.

Price: Rs 27,730 per night. Location: Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

5) Aman-I-Khas

Aman-I-Khas offers a different experience for the guests. It is the ideal location for people looking to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Hotel is located amidst the serene landscape and has 10 luxurious tents that are crafted wonderfully. The culinary masterpieces offer fresh, organic, garden ingredients which are served in tents. The resort’s feature is a spa tent with an intimate pool that will help you relax.

Price: Rs 99,531/- Location: Sherpur Khiljipur, near Ranthambore National park, Rajasthan.

6) The Imperial

The Imperial is an award-winning iconic star hotel with 9 categories of luxury rooms and suites which offer stunning looks of lush green gardens. This place is a paradise for art lovers because there are a variety of artworks that can be spotted throughout the hotel and the art galleries are spread across 3 floors which showcase priceless works of great artists. If you want to witness the heritage and legacy of the country, the Imperial is a must-visit hotel for you.

Price: Rs 18,585/- Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi.

7) Evolve Back

Evolve Back is a luxurious iconic hotel, just a few kilometers from the historical heritage sites of Hampi. This place is rich in history, with wonderfully built chambers and stone-paved pathways. The designer suite comes with a private jacuzzi and provides excellent comfort to visitors. From here, scheduled tours to Hampi can be taken to learn more about Karnataka’s golden era.

Price: Rs 28,000/- Location: Kamalapura, Hosapete, Karnataka.

8) Taj Falaknuma Palace

Taj Falaknuma Palace is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in India. It is the gem of the Hyderabad city representing the royalty and luxury of the golden era of Nizam. The magnificent palace of the richest Nizam has 60 luxurious rooms that are architectural marvels and offer breathtaking views of the city. The guests are greeted royally when they arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, complete with a flower petal shower.

Price: Rs 41,300/- Location: Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana.

9) The Tamara

The picture-perfect Tamara is located in the mountains of Coorg. It provides world-class facilities and unparalleled hospitality making it the perfect choice for tourists. The hotel has 30 luxurious rooms which are designed with modern amenities. You can also get easy access from the hotel to visit the tourist attractions of the city.

Price: Rs 19,859/- Location: Kabbikanakad Estate, Coorg, Karnataka.

10) Taj Rambagh Palace

Taj Rambagh Palace is one of the highly recommended hotels in India. The hotel is an architectural masterpiece comprised of two meeting rooms and five halls for business meetings. There are 79 rooms and suites which offer a wide range of facilities to its visitors to experience royal living. The hotel has some wonderful facilities like Spa, Mini golf course, swimming pool, and fitness center.

Price: Rs 33,276/- Location: Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan

11) Trident

Spread across 7 acres of beautiful walkways, Trident is located on the outskirts of the Gurgaon. Trident rooms include natural tones and wooden floors, as well as a view of the pool from the window. Each room has various amenities and the visitors here can indulge in various facilities like Ayurvedic Spa, beauty treatments, and Yoga.

Price: Rs 11,210/- Location: Gurugram, Haryana

12)Sujan Sher Bagh

Sujan Sher Begh is a beautiful hotel that will take you a step closer to nature and wildlife. Located amid Ranthambore National Park where you can spot tigers in India. It has luxurious tents, and two suites with extraordinary experiences like Jungle cooking classes, special spa treatments and a breathtaking view of the wild nature. The tents are hand-stitched and adorned with luxurious furniture.

Price: Rs 61,360/- Location: Khiljipur, Rajasthan

13) Leela palace

Leela Palace is the perfect hotel with a wonderful ambiance and interiors. Leela Palace is the only sea-facing palace hotel with state-of-the-art amenities. The palace is inspired by the royal Chettinad palaces and it has been designed with amazing architecture. The guests can choose a room with a city view or sea view.

Price: Rs 10,532/- Location: Leela palace Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

14) Vivanta by Taj Mahal

Vivanta by Taj Mahal is one of the finest hotels in India where you will have an unforgettable experience. You can choose from various rooms like deluxe rooms, luxury villas, and superior rooms, premier indulgence rooms. You can also dig into a variety of culinary items and visit the main attractions of Karnataka which are very close to the hotel.

Price: Rs 33,512/- Location: Madikeri, Karnataka.

15) The Lalit Resort and Spa

The Lalit Resort and Spa is one of the most popular hotels in Kerala. The hotel attracts tourists from across the globe with restaurants, health Spa, meetings rooms, and luxury rooms. During your stay at the hotel, you will be treated to the state’s grandeur, warmth, and art amenities.

Price: Rs 16,421/- Location: Udma, Kerala.

Conclusion

These are some of the iconic hotels in India providing a mix of adventure, culture, and elegance. We hope you have enjoyed our hotel selection; now it’s up to you to pick the best hotel for your budget and spend quality time with your family and friends.

May 13, 2022

Bookstore Tourism: India’s Most Beautiful Literary Escapes

Travel usually means ticking off monuments or finding the perfect beach, but there is a quieter, more rewarding way to see India, through its bookshelves. Bookstore Tourism is the art of slowing down, trading the chaos of the streets for the scent of old paper and the creak of wooden floorboards. In a world of digital scrolls, these physical spaces offer a sanctuary. They aren’t just shops; they are cultural anchors housed in heritage bungalows, 150-year-old mansions, and even on islands. Dhanush Kumar writes about the popular Indian bookstores that invite you to get lost in a labyrinth of stories. Kitab Khana, Mumbai Nestled in a 150-year-old building in the historic Fort area, Kitab Khana feels like a time capsule. With its soaring ceilings, Corinthian Columns, and floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves, it offers a majestic escape from Mumbai’s humidity. Find a corner by the tall windows and watch the world go by. The bookstore has a Subko coffee outlet inside, blending Mumbai’s best third-wave coffee with its most beautiful reading room. They have one of the best collections of Marathi and Gujarati books in the city. Literati Bookshop and Café, Goa Forget the beach parties for attention. Located in a lush, red-tiled Indo-Portuguese villa in Calangute, Literati is where the Slow Goa movement truly lives. Browse through sun-drenched rooms filled with second-hand treasures, then take your find out to the garden. It feels more like visiting a well-read friend’s home than a retail store. Keep an eye out for first-edition Goan history books or rare out-of-print paperbacks often tucked in the second-hand corners. Rachna Books, Gangtok Perched in the heart of the Himalayas, Rachna Books is a pilgrimage site for bibliophiles. It’s a family-run space that has won “Bookstore of the Year” awards for its curated collection and cultural impact. This

Travel

Budget Spiritual Travel: How to go Deep, Not Cheap in India

In 2026, spiritual tourism in India has become a massive industry. From high-end meditation boutiques in the Himalayas to luxury detox villas in Kerala, it is easier than ever to spend a fortune on enlightenment. But here is the truth that every true seeker eventually realises: spirituality is one of the few things in life that actually becomes less authentic the more you pay for it. Going deep isn’t about the thread count of your yoga mat; it’s about the intensity of your immersion. Dhanush Kumar writes about how to experience the spiritual soul of India without falling into the trap. The Power of Seva: Amritsar The Golden Temple is the ultimate classroom for humility. While thousands of tourists visit to take photos, the deep experience lies in the Langar, which is the community kitchen. Instead of just walking through, volunteer for two hours in the kitchen. Peeling garlic or washing giant vats alongside people from every walk of life is a more profound meditation than any paid workshop. Arrive at 4 AM for the Paki Sahib procession. You will hear the low, rhythmic chanting of Gurbani hymns that seem to vibrate through the very marble floor. The air is cool, and the reflection of the illuminated temple in the Amrit Sarvoar creates a sense of being in a world between worlds. The Path of Self Inquiry: Tiruvannamalai While many spiritual hubs feel like a circus, the town of Tiruvannamalai, home to the sacred Arunachala Hill, remains a sanctuary for serious meditators. Stay at the Sri Ramanasramam or a nearby simple guesthouse. Avoid the spiritual cafes and instead participate in the Girivalam, a 14 km walk around the mountain at 4 AM with thousands of others, but the experience is intensely deep. The scent of camphor from small roadside shrines

Travel

Family Road Trips in India: 6 Routes with Kid-Friendly Stops and Food

The engine is humming, the bags are packed, and the open road awaits. But as every parent knows, a successful family road trip in India is a fine art. It requires more than just a GPS; it requires a strategy for clean restrooms, engaging pit stops, and food that won’t result in a backseat tantrum. When the logistics are handled, a road trip becomes more than just travel; it becomes a core childhood memory. From the misty mountains of the North to the coastal breezes of the South, Dhanush Kumar brings you six iconic Indian routes designed to keep the kids happy and the parents’ stress levels low. 1. Delhi to Jaipur: The Golden Path The transition from the skyscrapers of Gurgaon to the pink walls of Jaipur is a visual treat. The expansion of the NH48 makes this a smooth drive for families. You can break the journey at Neemrana Fort Palace, the sprawling gardens are perfect for kids to burn off energy, and the vintage car museum is a guaranteed hit. On the way, you can stop at a dhaba and order Paneer Parathas and fresh curd. 2. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar This route offers a dramatic climb through the Western Ghats. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway provides world-class tarmac, while the climb to the hill station offers cooler air and scenic views. You can stop at Mapro Garden, also known as Panchgani. This isn’t just a stop, it’s a destination. With dedicated play zones and a chocolate factory tour, it’s the ultimate reward for a long drive. 3. Bangalore to Coorg The drive through the lush landscapes of Karnataka is refreshing, but the winding roads near the end require planned breaks to keep motion sickness at bay. A slight detour near Dubare Elephant Camp allows children to interact with elephants

Travel

What Lies Ahead in 2026

What Lies Ahead in 2026As we step into the year ahead, astrologer and psychologist Kirron Shahppuri gives us a playful, insightful peek at what the stars have planned from surprises and shifts to fresh beginnings worth getting excited about. ♈ ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Theme 2026: Leadership with emotional maturity Prediction: In 2026, Aries is pushed into positions of responsibility. Career growth is certain, but results come only through patience and strategic action. Financial stability improves gradually. Relationships become smoother once impulsive reactions are controlled. Health requires proper rest and stress management. Avoid: Anger-driven decisions, confrontations, and impulsive spending.Lucky Dates: 9, 18, 27Lucky Colours: Red, CoralRemedy: Offer water to the Sun daily and chant Om Suryaya Namah every Sunday. ♉ TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Theme 2026: Stability through adaptability Prediction: This year strengthens Taurus financially, but only through long-term planning. Property, savings, and business foundations grow steadily. Emotionally, relationships demand flexibility and openness. Those who resist change may feel stuck. Avoid: Stubbornness, emotional possessiveness, risky investments.Lucky Dates: 6, 15, and 24Lucky Colours: Pastel Pink, Earthy GreenRemedy: Donate milk or rice on Fridays and chant Om Shukraya Namah. ♊ GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) Theme 2026: Mental clarity and communication power Prediction: Gemini experiences professional growth through communication, networking, teaching, and media-related work. New contacts open doors. Mental discipline is essential to avoid anxiety. Personal bonds improve with honest conversations. Avoid: Gossip, multitasking overload, mental exhaustion.Lucky Dates: 5, 14, and 23Lucky Colours: Light Green, YellowRemedy: Chant Om Budhaya Namah on Wednesdays and keep a green plant nearby. ♋ CANCER (June 21 – July 22) Theme 2026: Emotional healing and inner security Prediction: A deeply introspective year where home, family, and emotional balance take priority. Property-related matters may arise. Career growth remains steady if emotional boundaries are