Across India, historic estates are transforming into thoughtfully curated spaces where guests can experience a slice of living heritage with all imaginable creature comforts amidst royal charm.
As experiential travel gains popularity, heritage hotels in India are experiencing a renewed interest from travellers eager for more meaningful stays. Unlike cookie-cutter accommodations, historic properties offer a deeper connection to local culture, history, and traditions, immersing guests in a rich narrative. Once synonymous with Rajasthan’s royal palaces, heritage hotels reflect a broader cultural renaissance, from colonial tea estates to Portuguese mansions, where guests can experience India’s diverse history through architecture, cuisine, and customs.
In Kolkata, the stately Baris Mansions have found new life as boutique properties, where expansive marble corridors and antique furnishings evoke the elegant nostalgia of an era immortalised in stories like Devdas. Meanwhile, in the tea estates of Darjeeling and the coffee plantations of Karnataka, colonial bungalows provide serene escapes, complete with sun-dappled verandas, misty landscapes, and the legends of colonial times. Goa’s vibrant Portuguese mansions are reborn as exclusive retreats, where guests can sample fresh Poi bread under the shade of palms on the beachfront. Down south in Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad region, the grandeur of Chettiar mansions, with decorative tile work, intricate wood carvings, and elegant chandeliers, celebrates bygone opulence.
Whether it is a palace or a century-old estate, these properties take pride in lovingly preserving the region’s living heritage. Guests are invited to be a part of a story that unfolds with memorabilia displayed in corners, regional meals prepared with heirloom recipes, and personal interactions with host families. These are not places to rest one’s head but rare opportunities to make memories woven from rich history and rare hospitality.
Heritage Hotels in India: A Historical Significance
The shift from royal residences to hospitality icons began in the late 20th century, accelerating efforts to preserve India’s architectural and cultural heritage. Today’s heritage hotels blend traditional design elements, such as frescoes, intricate carvings, and sprawling courtyards, with modern comforts and immersive experiences. The evolution has preserved historical treasures and played a significant role in revitalising local economies. A shining example of this transformation is Karan Mahal in Srinagar, Kashmir. Built in the 1920s as part of Maharaja Hari Singh’s royal estate, Karan Mahal opened its doors after a decade-long restoration. Here, guests are welcomed with genuine Kashmiri hospitality, enveloped by the Dal Lake’s picturesque views and the royal family’s warmth. Haveli Dharampura, in the heart of Delhi’s walled city, is another admirable story of revival. This 19th Century architectural gem in Mughal-ruled Shahjahanabad had fallen into disrepair. Five years of meticulous restoration revived the haveli and sparked a wave of renewal in its surroundings, rejuvenating the area’s historic charm.
Sawantwadi Palace, an 18th-century palace of the Sawant Bhonsle dynasty in Maharashtra’s Konkan region, is a recent entrant into the space. The state’s only palace hotel has blossomed under the care of the current chef-owner duo Yuvraj Lakham Sawant Bhonsle and Yuvrani Shradda Lakham Sawant Bhonsle. “A palace is meant to be lived in by many. Since we opened our doors, we feel a beautiful, positive shift in energy,” Lakham shares.
Over time, many heritage hotels have created a nice with their unique character. Rajasthan’s House of Rohet’s 15-generation legacy has been rooted in military service, governance, and social responsibility since 1622. Founded by Thakur Dalpat Singh I, the family transitioned from landlords to hospitality pioneers when Thakur Manvendra Singh opened the gates of his ancestral home, Rohet Garh, to guests in 1990. Now part of a celebrated portfolio of luxurious, experiential stays, the property exemplifies excellence in service and preservation.
Staying at a regal palace, a century-old home, or a colonial mansion means peeping deeper into actual stories and local traditions. By offering a window into India’s rich and varied past, heritage hotels have become a cornerstone of experiential travel, bridging the past and present for today’s discerning traveller.
Heritage Hotels Amenities & Facilities: A World Apart
Heritage hotels provide a unique experience, setting themselves apart from standard luxury accommodations. Guests can savour local cuisines crafted from generations-old recipes, enjoy intimate dining experiences, and participate in traditional activities such as heritage walks, folk performances, and hands-on craft workshops. These curated experiences appeal especially to cultural explorers and culinary enthusiasts, offering a distinct alternative to conventional hotel stays.
Art and craftsmanship have become the cornerstone of many heritage properties. At Rohet Garh, for example, frescoes by local artists and in-house furniture designs pay homage to traditional aesthetics. Since 1990, it has been nurtured and developed with great love and care by the family into one of the finest heritage hotels in the country. No new buildings has been added during the renovation process; old edifices have been skilfully redesigned to create a heritage property with few parallels. Sawantwadi Palace Hotel celebrates the 16th-century art form called Ganjifa and lacquerware featuring house-made antique furnishings. For guests, these details provide a personal connection to the space and its history. Karan Mahal features bespoke woollen carpets and intricate Khatamband ceilings restored by Yuvrani Chitranagada Raje herself, bringing her ancestral touch to each room. Capturing the ethos of these heritage stays, Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh, owner of Karan Mahal, shares, “Our commitment to personalised hospitality ensures that every guest feels like royalty.”
Top Heritage Hotels in India: Redefining Hospitality
The rules of the hospitality game are changing, with heritage hotels in India paving the way for authentic cultural experiences that offer guests a strong sense of place. “We have seen that the guests who prefer properties like ours seek a more authentic and grounded experience where they can genuinely connect with the destination instead of being in a bubble of hospitality where there is very little contact with the outside world,” explains Avijit Singh, owner, House of Rohet.
Their famous Village Safari introduces guests to the Bishnoi community, known for its ecological conservation efforts. Other signature experiences include riding Marwari horses, royal picnics, and Shikaar dinners. During sundowners and high tea, guests at Haveli Dharampura participate in kite flying lessons and compete in patangbazi, a spirited kite flying competition. In the evenings, guests enjoy a captivating Kathak dance performance by artists whose families have been dedicated to this art form for generations, enriching their dining experience with cultural depth. Lunch features classical music performances, showcasing instruments like the tabla, sarangi, flute, and sitar, to further enhance its atmosphere. Tailored heritage walks cater to each guest’s personal interests, guiding them to historical sites, religious monuments, hidden havelis, and unique street food stalls, all while providing shopping experiences that reflect the vibrant character of Old Delhi.
At Karan Mahal, guests understand the connection of cuisine with culture as they sample dishes from Dogra, Kashmiri, and Nepalese traditions, curated by Yuvrani Chitranagada Raje. When guests choose to stay at The Sawantwadi Palace, their royal hosts personally conduct a tour and introduce them to the culture via food, local temples, and sightings. The property’s five-course tasting menu showcases the flavours of the Konkani region with locally sourced produce.
Future of Heritage & Leisure Hotels in India
In the post-pandemic era, as more Indians explore the rich heritage within their own borders, heritage hotels are gaining momentum as a choice for travellers seeking immersive and culturally rooted experiences. These historic properties offer stays steeped in tradition and bring personal touches that set them apart from conventional hotels. “Small heritage hotels offer an edge with personalised service, unique home-style cuisines, and an authentic sense of history and culture,” notes Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh. “Heritage hotels preserve a part of our country that might otherwise fade into obscurity. They provide employment for local communities and draw global travellers to explore lesser-known parts of India,” Avijit Singh tells BurdaLuxury.
The journey of heritage hoteliers, however, has its own challenges, as conserving and preserving historic properties can be lengthy and costly. Vidyun Goel, Director of Haveli Dharampura, points out that support from government authorities is essential for promoting heritage hotels and ensuring the adaptive reuse of these structures. Such collaboration would sustain cultural heritage, contribute to local economies, and boost tourism. The future is bright, and the focus demands consistency. “As long as we can reflect the core of our property’s heritage values and continue to evolve in a rapidly changing global tourism market, we will do well,” says Vikramaditya Singh.
BurdaLuxury’s Lens
In the age of experiential travel, heritage hotels in India are poised to become central to India’s luxury tourism landscape. As discerning travellers continue to seek personalised, culturally rich experiences beyond traditional five-star amenities, they will gravitate toward stays that offer depth and connection. The future of heritage hotels in India is promising, driven by a global shift towards place-centred travel, allowing guests to live – and not just visit – stories from the past.
