Vacay Like A King

The ultimate vacay would be, according to us, a spot where you feel no less than a king. Well manicured lawns, beautiful ornate rooms, a personal butler or two and impeccable service. A place where every whim and fancy of yours is catered to. Read on to discover some gems where you can vacay like royalty - for real.

1. Nahargarh Ranthambhore, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Nahargarh palace is absolutely ethereal with its white exterior, adding the Aravalli Hills and Ranthambore National Park, in close proximity, give it a stunning backdrop. The palace has been crafted in an Indo-Islamic style with expansive lawns and copious courtyards, where you can swank around and feel the imperial air. Each room has beguiling views of either the national park or the verdant forest. There is an inviting lounge-cum-library that beckons you to grab a cup of coffee and slip into the mood of spending hours flipping through books of all kinds. As for a spot of adventure, Ranthambore National Park is a great place for spotting tigers, leopards, blackbucks and many other animals

2. Kasmanda Palace, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Located in the foothills of the Himalayan Ranges, Kasmanda Palace is one of the oldest buildings of Mussoorie and in 1915, it became the summer retreat of the royal family of Kasmanda. This retreat has a flawless way of slipping into the past and every step takes you that much closer, to a bygone era. It boasts of a resplendent, opulent and royal interior which has been preserved in its original form, unfolding the saga of 150 years of its existence.

3. Ranbanka Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Ranbanka Palace is named after the war cry - Ranbanka Rathore, meaning the invincible. It was built at the turn of the last century for Maharajadhiraj Sir Ajit Singh, this magnificent palace captures the prevalent colonial influences of its time and is immersed in the echoes of another bygone era. Fire places, mantelpieces, arm chairs and hunting trophies seamlessly blend with divans, jharokas and intricate marble inlays. This palatial getaway showcases Jodhpur's authentic flavors, history, luxury and cultural heritage amidst contemporary comforts.

4. Royal Tripura Heritage Castle, Shillong, Meghalaya

Built in the early 1920s, Tripura Castle was the summer home for the Royal Family of the Manikya dynasty. It is an extension of the Royal Residence and is overseen by the current head of the dynasty. Nestled atop a hill and spread over 9 acres of greenery, it reflects the ambience of a heritage home through the warm wood interiors, brass fireplaces and art deco furniture. It may not resemble a ‘castle’ in the European sense of the term but it does reflect the regality of a royal home – from its marvelous collection of historical memorabilia, manicured gardens, an underground bomb shelter to the old world charm the place exudes.

5. The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Encircled by the Himalayan ranges and overlooking the Dal Lake, The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar is the former palace residence of the Maharajas that has been carefully and meticulously restored. Designed and built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1910, it has stood witness to key events in India’s history. The Palace courtyard’s Chinar Tree was once the site of a meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and the Maharaja Hari Singh.

So where are you planning your royal getaway to?