Hotels Overview

The most opulent hotels in India -- and perhaps in the world -- are in Rajasthan. You can literally live like a king in one of several converted palaces: stay in a pillared room surrounded by glittering mirrored walls, tiger skins, and stained-glass windows, dine in a vaulted, chandeliered ballroom, and still enjoy the best of the modern conveniences. The best-known of these lush lodgings are Udaipur's Lake Palace, Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Jaipur's Taj Rambagh Palace. Unique to Rajasthan, too, are the Heritage Hotels, a group of castles, forts, and havelis that have been converted to charming accommodations. Samode Haveli (Jaipur), Castle Mandawa (Shekhavati), Rohet Garh (near Jodhpur), and Fateh Prakash Palace (Udaipur) are among the finest. All hotels are air-conditioned unless we note otherwise.