New Delhi: India's unique heritage can be experienced by staying in the magnificent palace hotels.
Most of the palaces converted into luxurious hotels and resorts date back to the era of British Raj and even before that time.
These palaces were converted into hotels as a way of sustaining their existence.
Rajasthan is the hub of these palaces.
Most grandeur and rich palaces turned hotels can be seen in Rajasthan.
The British also live in lavish residences.
After independence, these residences were purchased by the royal families.
Then in 1971, the Constitution of India abolished the status of royalty in the India and all royal privileges were withdrawn.
1. Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
The beautiful structure dates back to 1747 AD.
Operated by the Taj group of hotels, the palace was the residence of Prime Minister of Jaipur.
Each details of the palace have been restored to preserve the buildings rich past.
It is built amid the lush green Moghul gardens.
The hotel has 100 rooms, stunning suites and fresh and contemporary ambience.
2. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
The hotel was built on Jawaharlal Nehru road, earlier known as Chowringhee Road.
It was the private residence of a Colonel Grand in the early nineteenth century.
It was then converted into a boarding house by Mrs Annie Monk.
The hotel is built in a neoclassical style and Victorian manner that attracted the English population in the pre-independence era.
It was known, in particular, for its annual New Year party that, along with iced champagne and expensive gifts, involved the release of twelve piglets in the ballroom. Anyone who caught a piglet could keep it.
Mohan Singh Oberoi bought the property in 1943 and made it into the Hotel Oberoi Grand.
3. Raj Palace, Jaipur
The charming Raj Palace Hotel was built in 1727 and is Jaipur's oldest mansion.
Its breathtaking Durbar Mahal Suite, acknowledged as "Asia's Leading Suite" in the 2008 World Travel Awards, was used by the Maharaja himself.
The hotel is centrally located in a quiet area to the north of the Old City, heading towards Amber Fort.
