25 luxury hotels of India

Luxury, whether one can afford it or not, is sure to fan one's curiosity and any information on the subject always makes interesting read.

Hospitality sector in India has seen the birth of many luxury hotels and resorts in recent past.

We present here some of the most luxurious hotels in India.

The list has been drawn up by fivestaralliance.com.

We have attempted to provide a detailed information about the enlisted hotels.

Please note that the tariffs are for single adult's accommodation for one night unless mentioned otherwise.

Please note: The slide show is NOT in any ranking order.

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1. Sher Bagh
Rajasthan

Special features: Sher Bagh is surrounded by forests.

The rooms are built in the shape of tents, each with their own little verandah.

Each one is arranged in a semi-circle around a garden and tented pavilion, in keeping with their surroundings.

The spacious main lodge has a sitting area and a library-bar on the upper level.

Tariffs: Rs 28,750 onwards for both single and double occupancy for luxury tents.

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2. The LaLiT Temple View
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Special features: The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho offers garden or temple view.
The hotel offers a view of the Western Group of Temples.
The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho has a 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant -- Panna.

Here, guests also can watch chef prepare the food of their preference through the live kitchen.
Guests can also enjoy their favourite drink at Mahua -- the bar.

Two banquet halls, beautifully landscaped gardens and spa, Rejuve, with steam, sauna and chilled showers, are the hotel's other significant features.

The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho Hotel is within close proximity of Raneh Waterfall, Pandav Waterfall, Panna National Park, forts & palaces in Orchha.

Tariff: Rs 8,900 onwards.

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3. Intercontinental The Lalit Mumbai
Mumbai

Special features: The hotel is located in close proximity to the international and domestic airports and commercial business district of North Mumbai.

The hotel features 369 guest rooms, including 106 Club InterContinental rooms, 31 suites.

The dining and entertainment avenues extend to six food and beverage outlets -- 24/7- the 24 hour cafe, Baluchi, the Indian restaurant, WOKS, pan-Asian cuisine, Trendz, contemporary world cuisine, Beluga, the bar and cigar lounge and Sutra, the nightclub. Recently opened Grand Delicatessen is a one stop shop for pastries, breads, cold cuts, condiments, cheese, pastas and organic food.

Over 12,000 square feet banquet hall, The Majestic, is one of the largest in North Mumbai.

Box Office, the auditorium, with 44 recliner chairs, is used for previews and presentations.

For those interested in the wellness of mind and body, there is Rejuve- Spa Fitness Centre.

Other guest facilities include swimming pool, business centre, a business club and SNIP- the salon.

Tariffs: Rs 8,000 to Rs 18,000

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4. The Imperial
New Delhi

Special features: The Imperial is located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway.

The hotel is a restored 1930's Victorian style building.

A unique four-story, low rise, The Imperial is steps away from the Connaught Place. Museums, theatres, monuments, parks and cultural centres are within close proximity of the hotel.

The President's Palace, Parliament House and the North and South block -- nerve centre of the offices of Government of India are also located close to the hotel.

The hotel has a total of 233 guest rooms, including 43 suites.

Each room overlooks the lush, verdant gardens.

Some of the suites have an area of 850 square foot, making them one of the largest in India.

Tariffs: Rs 9,500 to Rs 25,000.

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5. The Oberoi Grand
Kolkata

Special features: The Oberoi Grand is fondly referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Chowringhee' offers the ultimate classical residence in the City of Joy.

This heritage hotel stands out for its neo-classical facade and grand pillared entrance.

The architecture is 125 years old.

The hotel is located in the main business and shopping district of Kolkata (Park Street, BBD Bag, and Chowringhee).

It is conveniently located close to major convention centers, legislative offices, banks, Consulates, Deputy High Commissions, Chambers of Commerce and clubs.

Recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a full service Oberoi Spa.

The city centre location makes the hotel an ideal conference and meetings venue.

A 24-hour business centre fully equipped with modern facilities includes a meeting room along with secretarial services.

Tariffs: Rs 19,000 to Rs 65,000 for single occupancy.

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6. Taj Krishna
Hyderabad

Special features: The hotel offers 260 rooms, including 13 suites.

The rooms are categorised as superior rooms, deluxe rooms, Taj Club rooms and suites.

Taj Krishna has three restaurants: Encounters, Firdaus and Golden Dragon.

Services include room service, Cable TV, EPABX enabled telephone facility, Internet facility, bar, business centre, banquet facility, conference hall, beauty parlour, shopping hall, fax on demand, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, money changer, laundry service, doctor on demand, safe deposit box, travel desk facility, secure parking.

 The hotel is located at the Banjara Hills and it takes minutes to reach the Hussain Sagar Lake.

Other attractions of Hyderabad -- Golconda Fort and Salarjung Museum – are located nearby.

Tariffs: Rs 9,200 to Rs 12,000 approximately

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7. Taj Coromandel
Chennai

Special features:The hotel is located in the heart of Chennai near the main business,cultural and shopping areas on MG Road.

This five-star, deluxe hotel features Taj Club floors, restaurants, banquets, a well- equipped business centre, state-of-the-art fitness centre with an outdoor pool.

The hotels restaurants offer a range of cuisines.

Prego offers Italian food, Southern Spice offers ethnic Indian cuisine from the four southern Indian states.

For a multi-cuisine experience, Anise is the 24-hour eatery serving Indian, Continental, Italian, Thai and more.

At the Chipstead Bar, one can get cocktails, liqueurs, finger foods and international snacks.

Tariffs: Rs 10,600 to 28,000 approximately.

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8. Taj Lake Palace
Udaipur

Special features: This palatial hotel has the Aravalli Mountains and city palaces as the backdrop.

Each one of the rooms holds a story.

Most compelling is The Chandra Prakash Suite, meaning Lustre of the Moon.

The hotel interior is marked with decorative gilt mouldings, sculpted marble columns and fine fretwork screens.

The Maharaja held court in this room in the 1930s.

The guests here can indulge in royal Mewar fare at the Lily Pond, where courtesans once welcomed royalty into the folds of the palace.

They can sail into a purple sunset on a 150-year old ceremonial barge complete with candlelight and resplendently dressed oarsmen.

A heritage walk with a royal escort armed with caviar, pate and a bottle of bubbly is another attraction.

Tariffs: Rs 29,000 onwards.

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9. ITC The Grand Central
Mumbai

Special features: ITC Grand Central is a five-star hotel located only 4.1km (2.5mi) from the centre of Mumbai.

The hotel has 242 guest rooms, including 19 suites, non-smoking floors and for single lady travellers Eva floors with sophisticated security and building management system.

Local tourist attractions such as Jijamata Udyaan, Mahalaxmi Racecourse and Crossroads Mall are not far from the hotel.

Also within easy reach are Mahalaxmi Temple and Haji Ali Dargah.

The hotel is known for its sky-high split level lounge -- Point of View -- and its luxury spa services at Kaya Kalp -- The Spa.

Tariffs: Rs 12,788 onwards

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10. Devi Ratn
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Special features: Devi Ratn borrows its name from 'Nav Ratn'; nine pure gemstones that are said to focus the cosmic energy of an associated celestial body, ruled by a deity.

The lustrous gem-craft of Jaipur is reflected in the materials used and the intricate quality of detail in public and private spaces.

The sculptural astronomical devices of Jantar Mantar, made in the early eighteenth century, were the starting point for the architects for an interpretation of modern Rajasthan.

Domes and arches rise out on the horizon, towering structures in red sandstone filter the light of the sun creating patterns on the ground as you approach this inspired destination.

Tariffs: Rs 18,600 to Rs 27,000.

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11. ITC Royal Gardenia
Bengaluru

Special features: ITC Royal Gardenia, Bengaluru has 292 fully equipped, air-conditioned bedrooms.

Food options at ITC Royal Gardenia, Bengaluru include a restaurant and a cafeteria.

There is patio, hair salon, gift shop/newsstand and garden at the hotel. An outdoor swimming pool is open for guests of the hotel.

There is a full-service health spa, spa tub. Beauty services as well as body and facial treatments are offered on request.

Other available services: wedding services, tours/ticket assistance, safe-deposit box - front desk, porter/bellhop, elevator/lift, dry cleaning/laundry service, coffee shop/cafe and babysitting or child care.

The hotel provides handicapped parking.

Limo/Town car services can be arranged.

Tariffs: Rs 11,475 to Rs 13,500

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12. Aman-i-Khas
Ranthambhore, Rajasthan

A wilderness camp of 10 tents set on the edge of Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khas combines aman, the Sanskrit word for 'peace', with khas, meaning 'special' in Hindi and Urdu.

Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, the camp provides access to the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park which measures a total of 1,334 square kilometres.

Guests of Aman-i-Khas can also explore the region's ancient forts and colourful rural villages nearby.

Aman-i-Khas is set up for only seven months of the year and is packed away in the hot summer.

When set up, the camp blends in unobtrusively with the native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees.

Visitors are encouraged to join a guided nature walk through the low hills.

Guided nature walks from the camp led by a naturalist are also available, as is an excursion with a naturalist by SUV to the Banas Riverbed to spot water fowl and wading birds.

The camp's step-well, or bawadi, is a series of squared, concentric steps that converge deeper into the pool.

Lined with natural sandstone, the facility blends in with the camp and the surrounding topography, and provides refreshing post-safari dips.

In the evenings, one can sit on the deck of one's tent or join other camp visitors around the communal fireplace.

Tariffs: Rs 48,000 onwards.

13. The LaLiT Grand Palace
Srinagar

Special features: This luxury hotel in Kashmir is ringed by the Himalayan ranges and overlooks the picturesque Dal Lake.

Formerly the palace residence of the Maharajas, The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar is a twin storey heritage property with its sprawling lawns overlooks the picturesque Dal Lake and is located on the foothills of Zabarwan mountain range.

Adjoining the palace are two international standard golf courses including the 18-hole Royal Springs Golf course designed by the world-renowned Golf course architect Robert Jones Jr.

The hotel is spread over an area of 28 acres of land, with a total of 112 guest rooms.

Guests have an option to choose from palace deluxe room, palace suites, maharani suites or the presidential suites.

The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar offers guest a host of dining options with its multi-cuisine restaurant The Chinar and the specialty dining restaurant The Chinar Gardens serving continental food.

Guests can also enjoy a drink or a cocktail at The Dal Bar.

Tariffs: Rs 11,521 onwards

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14. InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai
Mumbai

Special features: The hotel is strategically located in the heart of India's commercial capital and in close proximity to Nariman Point, the central business district.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea this boutique style hotel has 59 oversized rooms and suites. The hotel offers 24-hour butler service, concierge and business services.

A roof top swimming pool and exercise studio are the other features.

Tariffs: Rs 12,369 onwards

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15. ITC Mughal
Agra

Special features: Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens, and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal now has a brand new accommodation wing -- the Khwab Mahal -- Palace of Dreams.

This five star hotel in Agra comprises 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating the magic of the Mughal Dynasty.

The hotel has cycling and jogging tracks, a mini-golfing green, stunning swimming pool and the country's largest, most luxurious award winning spa spread across 99,000 square foot, Kaya Kalp -- The Royal Spa, along with a range of gourmet fine dining options which rate among the best in the city, ITC Mughal offers the finest leisure destination in the historic city of Agra, for an unsurpassable experience of royal Indian hospitality.

Tariffs: Rs 5,700 onwards

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16. The LaLiT
New Delhi

Located in New Delhi's Connaught Place, The LaLiT New Delhi welcomes guests with its full spa and outdoor pool.

It offers an extensive range of seven dining options, including some 24-hour ones.

The LaLit is a 10-minute drive from New Delhi Railway Station, while Indira Gandhi International Airport is 24 km away.

Guests here can experience Ayurvedic and natural therapies at Rejuve spa, or opt for a work out in the fitness centre.

Other facilities include a business centre, free private parking and The LaLit Galleria, which features a variety of shops.

Dining options include Baluchi Indian restaurant and Woks Chinese restaurant.

24/7 Restaurant and Bar and a 24-hour pastry shop are its other attractions.

Tariffs: Rs 9,500 onwards

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17. Taj Palace Hotel
New Delhi

Special features: Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi has played host to the heads of state, celebrities and high profile businessmen from across the world.

Located in the heart of New Delhi, the hotel is only a few minutes drive from the airport and the city centre and is near to most of the embassies in New Delhi.

Taj Palace Hotel features 402 rooms, including suites.

Tariffs: Rs 12,000 onwards

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18. ITC Sonar
Kolkata

ITC Sonar is spread over acres of lush green gardens and water bodies.

The hotel has over 4 acres of water bodies, consisting of water lilies and reflection pools.

It is en route from the airport and a 10 minute drive from Sector V, Salt Lake-silicon hub of Kolkata as well as the city's shopping, entertainment, cultural and business districts. ITC Sonar embodies is the first hotel in the world to be registered by UNFCCC for Carbon Emission Reductions.

An array of award-winning culinary experiences range from the northwest frontier to traditional Indian delicacies, continental grills.

An Irish pub adds to the hotel's special features.

Tariffs: Rs 10,536 onwards

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19. Ista Hotel
Bengaluru

Special features: The modern Ista Bengaluru is located in the heart of the city.

Overlooking Ulsoor Lake and the cityscape, it has a rooftop lounge, a heated outdoor pool and pampering spa services.

Ista Bangalore is just next to Lido Shopping Mall, a convenient 2 km from Brigade Road. It is 9 km from Bengaluru City Railway Station and 30 km from Bangalore International Airport.

Free parking is available here.

The lunge bar, Liquid, provides al fresco dining, a live band and creative cocktails.

The Pink Poppadom serves modern Indian cuisine, while Lido offers all-day dining in a casual setting.

Ista Bengaluru Spa provides Swedish massage, body scrubs and aromatheraphy treatments.

Guests can also exercise at the gym, or catch up on news at the business centre.

Tariffs: Rs 8,041 onwards

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20. Le Meridien
Pune

Special Features: Le Meridien Pune is a blend of architecture of an Indian palace and the subtleties of contemporary building.

The hotel has 177 rooms.

The Lohegaon Airport is approximately 10 to 15 minutes away.

The hotel houses six restaurants and bars.

Tariffs: Rs 7,294 onwards

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21. Rambagh Palace
Jaipur

Special features: Rambagh Palace began its life as a guest house for Rajasthan's royals. Rather than design-hotel surprises, the Rambagh Palace aims for an old-world aristocratic fantasy.

Rambagh was initially, a modest four-room pavilion built for Kesar Badaran, chief lady-in-waiting to Maharani Chandrawatji, in 1835.

Later, in 1887, a need for a guest-house cum hunting lodge arose. And Kesar Badaran ka Bagh naturally lent itself to such a transition.

Rambagh Palace however, only achieved the status of a palace when Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II returned to his childhood home in 1925.

Rambagh Palace, a 47-acres beauty, was finally converted into a hotel in 1957.

The management was then entrusted to The Taj Group in 1972.

Many of the basic rooms have been renovated.

Suites are adorned with antique style to match the palace's public spaces.

Luxurious view of the gardens adds to the hotel's beauty.

Tariffs: Rs 41,750 (double occupancy) to Rs 660,000 for the presidential suite.

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22. The Oberoi
Gurgaon

Special features: The hotel is located in the prime business and shopping district of Gurgaon in the New Delhi National Capital Region and is a 15 minute drive from Delhi International Airport.

The hotel has 202 guest rooms and suites are planned with a host of innovative features. The rooms feature landscape windows offering a view of the pools and landscaped gardens.

The Oberoi, Gurgaon offers a range of gourmet experiences -- an all day dining restaurant featuring five interactive show kitchens.

A delicatessen, bar and cigar lounge complete the culinary experience.

Recreational opportunities at the hotel include larger than an Olympic size outdoor pool, heated in winter and a 24-hour spa.

Tariffs: Rs 18,423

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23. Vivanta by Taj -- Blue Diamond
Pune

Special features: The hotel is located just 5 km from the airport and 2 km from the nearest railway station.

The hotel's soaring glass, fan shaped entry canopy cantilevered 25 feet above a sparkling new water feature deserve mention.

A new lobby bar and a lounge with French doors framing views to a new elevated poolside al fresco terrace add to the hotel's beauty.

A sweeping grand staircase and the two storey glass curtain wall offers views to the pool. Restaurants open to the lobby and the pool and offer cuisine from across the world.

Tariffs: Rs 6,632

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24. Devi Garh
Udaipur

Devi Garh or Devi resorts as it is also called, is surrounded by lush green fields and mountains on three sides, overlooks the village of Delwara, and is close to the temples of Eklingji and Nagda.

The fort palace offers a variety of suits.

The well spread out palace has been resurrected and now the garden, palace, terrace and the pool add to the resort's beauty.

The palace hotel only has suites with the Devigarh Suite having a private Jacuzzi and a semi private swimming pool.

All the palace suites have either balconies or bay windows, which overlook the lush green fields and the mountains which surround Devi Garh.

Each suite is accessible through a traditional angan (courtyard) with contemporary design.

Each suite is decorated with semi-precious stones.

Tariffs: Rs 18,000 onwards

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25. ITC Windsor
Bengaluru

Special features: The hotel offers 240 guestrooms.

Dining facilities at ITC Windsor Bengaluru include a restaurant.

Room service is also available.

The hotel boasts a 24-hour front desk service.

Other hotel amenities include gift shop/newsstand and hair salon.

There is an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel offers babysitting or child care, concierge, dry cleaning/laundry service, front desk and tour assistance.

For guest convenience, parking is offered at no extra cost.

Valet parking is also available.

Tariffs: Rs 11,387