If you want to dig into the colonial history of India, then you can’t do better than these Raj-era hotels. Though these hotels have been wonderfully renovated, they still retain colonial charm with their lavish furnishings, hardwood floor, English style high tea and antiques.
1.The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi
Image courtesy: www.youtube.com
Built in 1931, this luxurious hotel was designed by architect D.J Blomfield. This hotel is linked with last chapters of the independence of India. This is the place where prominent figures such a Gandhi, Pt. Nehru, Lord Mountbatten, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah met to discuss the partition of India.
2. The Great Eastern Hotel, Kolkata
Image Courtesy:
Also known as “The Jewel of the East” this hotel has hosted the likes of Elizabeth II, and Mark Twain. The design of this colonial era hotel combines the styles of Edwardian, Victorian and contemporary architecture. It houses 195 rooms that are aesthetically designed to take you back to the Raj era.
3.Hotel Bissau Palace, Jaipur
Image courtesy: bissaupalace.com
This hotel will give you a taste of the Royal life of the Rajputana. Built in 1919, this palace was a residence of the Bissau family and was frequented by Lord Mountbatten. With an elaborate display of Royal portraits, mementos and personal belongings of the Bissau family, this hotel emanates an ethereal aura of the bygone era.
4. Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Image courtesy:
This 120 room hotel will gently court you to the colonial era preserved in the delicate architecture of this place. The labyrinths and walls tell stories of the Maharajas and their queens who once walked this place.
5. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling
Image Courtesy:
Once a boarding house for the English, Ada Villa (now famous as Windamere Hotel) was turned into a hotel in 1939. Situated in the observatory hill, this remnant of the Raj era stands untarnished by modernisation. Do you want to experience a slice of the Colonial era? If yes, then when you come to Darjeeling, book hotel in Windamere, Darjeeling. The cosy ambiance of this Colonial hotel and personalised service makes it one of the best hotels in Darjeeling.
6.Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
This is one of the largest private residences in the world. One part of this palace is turned into a Hotel by the Taj group. With a majestic 105 feet high dome, the design is influenced by Eastern and Western architectural style.
7. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Image courtesy:
Located in the middle of the beautiful Pichola Lake, this Palace was a residence of Maharana Jagat Singh II. Taj Lake palace served as a summer resort for many generations of Jagat Singh before it was transformed into a beautiful hotel in 1963.
8. Nadesar Palace, Varanasi
This is one of the most prominent hotels in the holy city of Varanasi. This palace was built by the East India Company in the late 18thcentury. You can still hear the wall echoing the stories from the Raj era. Its rich architectural style will give you a glimpse of the rich heritage of the city.
9. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Popularly known as the Jewel of Jaipur, this palace was a residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. After India’s independence, this palace was taken over by the Government. In 1957, it was turned into a hotel.
10.The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
Image courtesy:
This luxury hotel was built in 1903, before the Gateway of India. This hotel features 560 rooms and 44 suites. During the World War I, this hotel was turned into a temporary hospital. This place has served many prominent dignitaries such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sarojini Naidu to name a few.
No comments:
Post a Comment