Heritage Properties in India gives a luxurious moment whenever one visit.While the word heritage almost always urges up images of ornate palaces that have converted into luxurious resorts, there are many antique homes, properties and even forts with a restored dignity that stand a class apart. Consider staying at one of these seven heritage properties on your next vacation.
Naini Retreat
Naini Retreat was the home of the Maharaja of Pilibhit now converted into a hotel; This is the best heritage property located in Nainital near the Naini lake also referred as Mango Lake. The hotel is settled on the charming Ayarpatta Slopes, providing a magnificent view of the Naini Lake at the height of 6500 feet.This luxury hotel, a strikingly elegant regal architecture, embodies an old-world charm along with visible impressions of contemporary luxury. They offer royally furnished bedrooms, probably the best luxury rooms and suites in Nainital, that exude new age beauty and hospitality. Their staffs are friendly and assist their guest throughout the day.
The Brunton Boatyard- Cochin
The Brunton Boatyard has ancient roots dating back to 1895 when Cochin was a Dutch settlement. Geo Brunton, after whom the heritage hotel named, was a shipbuilder back in the day and on his Victorian shipyard is where The Brunton Boatyard stands today. With its Dutch-Portuguese style design, some elements like wooden beams and terracotta tiles were also recovered from Brunton’s business and used in the construction of this luxurious venue. Influences of its rich heritage are visible throughout The Brunton Boatyard, including sea-facing bedrooms and suites complete with colonial-style interiors like four-poster beds. With recreational amenities like an outdoor pool and spa, the cuisine served at this heritage hotel is a variety of local as well as Portuguese, Dutch and English influences. The Brunton Boatyard, also offers complimentary sunset cruises on the Cochin Harbour, complimentary bicycle rentals, yoga sessions and cooking demonstrations.
Jagmandir Island Palace
A Grand Heritage Palace of the Historic Resort Group of Hotels, Jagmandir Island Palace is a historic 17th-century mansion rebuilt as a full-time destination: with its all-day café, stylish-dining eatery, bar and spa designed to uplift moods and spirits.The charming Jagmandir Island Palace today plays host to 21st-century visitors.Corporate and leisure travellers, celebrities from all over the world for whom ceremonial parties and mega-events seamlessly organised. Year after year, Jagmandir Island Palace continues to make news in the global glamour world for the exclusive ‘regal experiences’ it offers.Ferry Services are available for Guests to Jagmandir Island Palace, the palace similar to a defining episode of history when the Mughal Prince Khurram sought refuge here in 1623. The collonaded Darikhana Restaurant, Picholi Bar and all-day café, you can gradually spend hours staring across Lake Pichola and the City Palace. For history-lovers, there is Jagriti, a heritage gallery onsite to give a fill on how Jagmandir Island Palace was constructed and developed over the centuries.
Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
The Golden City of Jaisalmer enclosed by the Thar Desert is one of Rajasthan’s glorious treasures. With a strong heritage and culture like the rest of the sovereign state, Jaisalmer boasts of architectural phenomena like the towering Jaisalmer Fort and ages-old havelis. A gem amongst them is Suryagarh, a grand fort palace that’s now a luxury heritage property. Combining elements of the antique and modern, the rooms, suites and havelis are poetic treasures that are befitting of the standards of royalty. Hotel amenities include a sports centre, swimming pool and a spa. Food is a serious business at Suryagarh, and the authentic Rajasthani cuisine is its pride and joy. With fabulous recipes and the use of charcoal grills, the chefs here serve up the distinct flavours of the Rajputana area that are an absolute pleasure. The gracious and warm hospitality at Suryagarh will make you feel no less than a royal!
Hill Fort Kesroli
The 14th century Hill Fort-Kesroli is one of the greatest and oldest heritage places in India where one can stay. Sited atop the rare, dark Hornstone Breccia rocks, it commands excellent agrarian views from its walls. Kesroli makes a perfect base to visit the nearby mansions, galleries, natural sites & sanctuaries of Alwar and Sariska.
The origins of the seven-turreted Hill Fort-Kesroli discovered back to over seven centuries. It is considered to have built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, who claim origin from Lord Krishna but converted to Islam in the mid-14th century to be called Khanzadas. It subsequently changed hands, being captured first by the Mughals and then the Jats, before returning to the Rajputs in 1775 when the royal state of Alwar founded. It saw its golden period under the Ranawat Thakur Bhawani Singh (1882-1934) who was notable for his horse rider profession.The reconstruction process started in 1995, and the Hill Fort opened to visitors in 1998. Its interior gardens- both in the Mardana and the Zenana regions are delightful and intimate, framing the tent of the sky above.Between the exteriors and interiors, a host of patinas, furnishes and backdrops can be found, besides a variety of furniture both indigenous and colonial with authentic period props.
Deobagh, Gwalior
While most heritage resorts in India are born with the beauty and treasures of history, some of the excellent hotels in India have the luxury of housing architectural treasures within the property with two 17th-18th century Maratha temples, two splendid cenotaphs and one pavilion with 36 arched doorways, within the area makes Deo Bagh one of the different heritage hotels in India! The 15 rooms separated across five sides, facing a Nau Bagh, a garden chequered into nine parts are a haven of calm from the daily hustle and bustle of the Indian street.
Ramgarh Bungalows
Ramgarh Bungalows located in the fruit basket of the Kumaon region. These heritage cottages once housed to the British.
A perfect atmosphere of the 19th C. cottages amidst the flora and fauna and the valleys that surround the bungalows. A relaxing resort, away from the usual chaotic life.
The restoration team put a lot of effort to give a fresh life to an old structure while balancing old-world charm with modern day amenities.
