14 Fairytale-Like Castles & Palaces Around India That’ll Make You Go Gasp In Awe

‘Once upon a time…’, weren’t these the best 4 words of our childhood that always led to an amazing fairytale with a happily-ever-after? Who doesn’t want to live in a big, white castle where everyone is at your beck & call and all you gotta do is just live like the friggin’ royalty!? Yup, we’re sure that’s still a fantasy of many but what if we told you that thai fantasy can actually come true? We have done our homework and phew it was painstaking, but we have picked out 14 best palaces in India that you need to check out right now and make bookings for ASAP!

1. Taj Lake Palace 

Ever dreamed of living like royalty in India? Step into this pristine white palace where history meets luxury! It’s a place where you can soak in Raj-era charm while lounging by a palm-lined pool or indulging in Chakra spa treatments. Picture this: racehorses galloping around the track that circles the hotel, adding to its fairy-tale allure. Hungry? Choose between delectable Italian and Mediterranean dishes or dive into the legendary Bhopali cuisine, crafted from secret palace recipes, all served under the leafy shade of the Mango Tree. It’s not just a stay; it’s your very own fairy-tale fantasy in India!

Where | Taj Lake Palace, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 
Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-lake-palace-udaipur 

Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tajlakepalace/ 

2. Haveli Dharampura 

Ever wondered what it’s like to step into a fairy tale in India? Discover Haveli Dharampura, a 19th-century gem lovingly restored over six years by Vijay Goel, turning it into a 14-room boutique hotel. Honored in UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Awards, this Mughal-era marvel boasts red sandstone arches, marble courtyards, and intricate Arabesque tile-work, echoing a bygone era of opulence. If you’re hungry, try out their in-house Lakhori restaurant serving historic Mughal recipes perfect for a sit-down and relaxing meal. Go beyond dining by immersing yourself in activities like guided heritage walks, kite-flying, and rooftop high tea. You can also witness Kathak performances on weekends, where Indian classical dancers swirl under starlit skies. Haveli Dharampura isn’t just a stay—it’s your fairy-tale escape in the heart of Delhi!

Where | Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 
Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://www.havelidharampura.com/ 

Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/havelidharampura/?hl=en 

3. Samode Palace 

Ever dreamed of stepping into a fairytale in India? Enter Samode Palace, just a short drive from Jaipur, where ancient Indian royalty once roamed alongside celebrities and artists. This 475-year-old marvel showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Indian and Mughal styles seamlessly. Picture yourself wandering through ancient murals, courtyards and grand walkways steeped in romance, nestled in the serene Rajasthani countryside. Indulge in culinary delights at two restaurants offering Indian and International cuisine. You can relax in any of the two swimming pools, rejuvenate at the spa, or unwind in the plush lounges scattered throughout the palace. Samode Palace isn’t just a stay, it’s your enchanting escape into a world of regal splendor!

Where | Tehsil, Village Samode, Chomu, Rajasthan 
Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://samode.com/ 

Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/samode_hotels/ 

4. Taj Usha Kiran Palace 

Ever wondered what it's like to live in an Indian fairytale? Step into this 1800s palace, once a royal guesthouse and residence in Gwalior, now transformed into a lavish Taj hotel blending old-world charm with modern flair. Feel like royalty in the Royal Suites adorned with four-poster beds, Venetian mirrors, and shimmering mother-of-pearl mosaics. Take a heritage tour through the sprawling estate for a glimpse into its regal past. Need to unwind? Whether you indulge in the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or sip cocktails in the Art Deco-style bar, it’ll be nothing short of grand. 

Where | Jayendraganj, Lashkar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 
Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-usha-kiran-palace-gwalior 

Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tajushakiranpalacegwalior/?hl=en 

5. Oberoi Udaivilas

We HAD to kickstart our list with this one! Located on the bank of the beautiful Lake Pichola, Oberoi Udaivilas has been giving us some major holiday goals ever since we saw it in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Spread over 50 acres, this 200-year-old palace even has a wildlife sanctuary inside it and trust us guys; it’s all things amazing! So if you wanna live the king's life, head to this luxurious hotel in Udaipur, RN. 

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-udaipur-udaivilas-resort/ 
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theoberoiudaivilas

6. Rambagh Palace

Picture Credits: lucianaterroni

You know, those huge palaces with picturesque fountains and lawns that we read about and see in movies? Well, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur is all that and more! You can enjoy spa sessions, lounge at the big pool and even play golf at this palace. They also offer rides in vintage cars and even horse carriages around the property, and we’re legit in love with this place! 

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Here | https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-rambagh-palace-jaipur/ 
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rambaghpalace 

7. Umaid Bhawan Palace

Picture Credits: i

For all them royal and fairytale feels, you’ve gotta book a stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace. This palace is located on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur and gives a magnificent view of the city! This palace was the residence of Maharaja Gaj Singh II and you can actually feel all the royal Rajasthani vibes at this place. Plan your next vacation here and live your royal dream!

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Here | https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/umaid-bhawan-palace-jodhpur/ 
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/umaidbhawanpalace 

8. The Oberoi Amarvilas

If the Taj Mahal wasn’t enough to get you to Agra, then we’d give you another beautiful reason - The Oberoi Amarvilas! This opulent hotel will transport you to another world with its kickass pool, enchanting suites and splendid restaurants. Book their Kohinoor Suite and you can enjoy the uninterrupted view of the glorious Taj Mahal - do you really need any more reason to visit this place?!

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Here | https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-agra-amarvilas-resort/ 
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/oberoiamarvilas

9. Taj Falaknuma Palace 

The Falaknuma Palace is straight out of your childhood fairytale kinda palace that’ll actually make you weak in the knees! This 19th-century architectural marvel was the former residence of the Nizam and gives a stupendous view of the city at its situated 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad. You can take heritage walks, dive into the large outdoor pool or enjoy the famous Hyderabadi cuisine here (read biryani). So go, experience the Nizami grandness at this palace! 

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Here | https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-falaknuma-palace-hyderabad/ 
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tajfalaknuma/ 

10. WelcomHotel The Savoy

If you’re more of a mountain person, WelcomHotel The Savoy is where you need to be for the perfect combination of hill station tranquillity and grand palace-like feels! This hotel is more than 100 years old and has some spooky tales weaved around it, but the beauty and grandeur of this place surely make up for it. 

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhotelthesavoy-mussoorie
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/welcomhotel/

11. Jai Mahal Palace

This opulent palace-turned-hotel is more than 270 years old and is an Indo-Saracenic architectural gem! You can indulge in yoga classes or play outdoor chess with their life-size chessmen. Basically, this place is a perfect mix of heritage, luxury and elegance, so book a stay here right away and be prepared to be treated like the royals!  

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/ 
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jaimahalpalace  

12. Shiv Niwas Palace

Picture Credits: onceinalifetimejourneys

Built in the early 20th century, the crescent-shaped Shiv Niwas Palace is a beautiful hotel that has the grandness of a Mewari palace with all the modern amenities you can think of! This place has 17 suites with furniture and portraits that have been in the Maharana Fateh Singh’s family for generations. You’d get a whiff of history and luxury in abundance here! So book a stay at this palace and have a royal stay.

Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | http://hrhhotels.com/hotels/shiv_niwas_palace/ 
Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/shivniwaspalace 

13. Nahargarh Palace, Ranthambore

A luxe fairytale-like experience is guaranteed to each and every guest at Nahargarh Palace which is set amidst the lush greenery, dense forests and wildlife. Indulge in this royal retreat located just a hop, skip and jump away from Ranthambore National Park. This ivory-white establishment will surely make you feel like a true Rajasthani royal. 

Where | Nahargarh Palace - Ranthambhore Rd, Khilchipur, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Check Out Their Insta Feed | https://instagram.com/thealsisarnahargarh
Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Online Here | https://www.nahargarh.com/

14. Neemrana Fort-Palace, Rajasthan

Picture Credit : Dhriti Gupta

Nestled near the Delhi-Jaipur highway, this luxurious stay is a perfect getaway for all Delhiites and Rajasthanis looking for a bespoke experience. What sets this place apart from the rest is its rich history! The 500+-year-old fort-palace is built on the iconic 2 billion-year-old Aravalli hills that connect the two states and exudes historical richness. So, plan your next trip with bae to this magical place! 

Where | Neemrana Fort-Palace - Delhi-Jaipur Highway 122nd Milestone, Delhi - Jaipur Expy, Neemrana, Rajasthan
Check Tariff and Book Your Stay Here | https://www.neemranahotels.com/fort-palace-neemrana/

Skim Through Their Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/neemrana.hotels/

Enchanted? ‘Cause we surely are! So head to these beautiful places right now and pamper yourself by living like royalty for a few days.