India

Travelling through India is one of life's richest experiences. From the snow-capped Himalayas to pristine beaches on the coast to the cacophonous cities, India's layers of culture are everywhere. Colourful traditions abound, enriching every experience, whether you're standing in front of one of India's great architectural wonders, a cultural wonder or a natural wonder.The choice of the best places to stay in India is as diverse as the culture or the landscape. As you would expect our Gurus are here to help you find somewhere perfect.

Top Spots

Delhi is the kind of city you just need to dive into. It can be a confronting cacophony to the senses, but if you go for it you'll find there's even more to this city than the sprawling, chaotic, incoherent, colourful and historic wonder you've been promised. Built and destroyed seven times, Delhi has hundreds of monuments to show for its extraordinary past. In addition to this living museum there are also the streets, the markets, the festivals and all sorts of unexpected appeals.

Mumbai's streets can pose a similar challenge to Delhi's. As well as the ancient quarters with the temples and markets and the colonial districts with their beautiful architecture, Mumbai has the wealthy financial district and the fashionable parts of town where Bollywood divas enjoy the same sorts of fun you'd find in L.A.

Jaipur, the beautiful 'pink city' and capital of Rajasthan is a stop on many journeys through India. The old walled city is the historic gateway to this most flamboyant state. The same sea of motorbikes and rickshaws surrounds Jaipur's main sights, but these majestic relics retain a certain peace and you might even manage a moment of old India. As well as the city's buildings, the magical Amber Fort in the hills above is certainly worth a visit.

Famous for sunshine and blue houses, Jodhpur is an age-old market city on the edge of the desert and is another highlight on the grand tour of India. Once a key stop on the silk route, Jodhpur is still the region's central market for camels, cotton and cattle. Trade is in this town's blood. It feels like you can buy anything and everything in the mass of shops and stalls which spread out from the Clock Tower in the centre of town. The Mehrangarh Fort, with its epic stone walls and many palaces inside and the 20th Century sandstone palace of Umaid Bhawan are Jodhpur's two other main landmarks.

Udaipur, sitting beside the still beauty of Lake Pichola and surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, is another wonderfully atmospheric place to try and visit. As is Srinagar, with its historic gardens and wooden Kashmiri mosques, textiles capital Kutch and seaside Diu in Gujarat.

If you know which part of India you'll be exploring then skip through to our Indian Destination Guides:

• The Best Places to Stay in Delhi
• The Best Places to Stay in Mumbai
• The Best Places to Stay in Jaipur
• The Best Places to Stay in Rajasthan
• The Best Places to Stay in Jodhpur
• The best places to stay in India's Golden Triangle
• India's best palace hotels
• India's best yoga resorts
• India's best summer hill station esacpes

What Not To Miss

• The iconic Taj Mahal is probably India's best-known landmark. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, this 17th century mausoleum is a truly wondrous sight featuring breathtaking architecture and magnificent gardens.
• The stunning Mehrangarh Fort is an absolute must-see if you're in Jodhpur! Brimming with architectural splendour and opulently decorated interiors, wander around with an audio guide to make the most out of your visit.
• The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 rock-cut caves dating all the way back to the 2nd century. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in this list, it's bound to impress with its diverse array of sculptures and artwork.
• If you're interested in India's rich religious life then take in the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi or the Swaminarayan Akshardham (also in New Delhi). As well as holding immense religious significance, these are stunning buildings to visit if you're into architecture.

As always, be sure to book ahead if you want to guarantee yourself a room in one of the best places to stay in India.

For the Trip of a Lifetime

• Built in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace has hosted Maharajas, Viceroys, Heads of State and stars of music and screen. Looking out onto Mumbai's Gateway to India, it is home to significant art and has one of the loveliest gardens and pools in the world.
• Delhi's Imperial dates from the days of Gandhi and Mountbattan but has been modernised in a way which complements the colonial and Art Deco foundations. Floors are marble, furniture is teak, whilst there's also a fantastic restaurant and spa. There is a collection of over four thousand artworks and artefacts.
• The Leela Palace is a grand hotel in Delhi's Diplomatic Enclave with all the accoutrements of luxury you'd expect from a palace: marble floors and columns, elegant rooms, enormous public spaces and a world class spa.
• Jaipur's Raj Palace was formerly the Maharajah's palace and is now a fabulous luxury hotel. It has been exquisitely restored with immense attention to detail using the finest materials. Rooms and suites are bedecked with original furniture. The excellent restaurant houses a unique collection of china and the Swarkovski chandelier is the largest in India.
• Another of Jaipur's former royal abodes is the Rambagh Palace. This was once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur. You really feel like royalty here amongst the marble floors, beautiful colonnades and acres of lush grounds - garlands on arrival are standard.
• As well as being on the highlights of any visit to Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is also one of the best places to stay. Built by the grandfather of the present Maharaja this wonderful building with vast proportions is famous all over India. Set in 26 acres of lush gardens, everything here is elegant and luxurious, from the squash courts to the billiards room and yoga studio.

For a City Break like No Other

• Set in three acres in the city's diplomatic zone, The Claridges is a New Delhi classic. This traditional lap of luxury is great if you're looking for somewhere to relax - as well as all the greenery and generous Indian hospitality, this hotel has a beautifully designed spa.
• Samode Haveli in Jaipur is a quaint spot in the middle of a lively city. Built around a central courtyard pool - which somehow manages to feel quiet and secluded - this is a romantic place to stay.
• Ajit Bhawan Palace, set in a former Maharaja's royal residence, is a tranquil oasis from which to see Jodhpur. With accommodation ranging from tents, to cottages, to lavish suites, there's something here for everybody. Come back to unwind in the spa or go for a dip in the pool.
• Hotel de L'Orient is a quaint colonial-style 18th century property, offering rooms featuring antiques, four posters and printed fabrics. Tuck into lovely Creole and Continental dishes before heading off exploring Pondicherry.

For Explorers

• The Manor is a 1950s style bungalow in a lovely residential part of Delhi. The restaurant does fusion food, served on a relaxed roof terrace.
• Samode Palace is a traditional Rajput palace in the hills above Jaipur. The views are incredible, but so is the hotel itself, with individually decorated rooms and terraces.
• Samode Bagh is a luxury tented village just outside Jaipur. These aren't just any tents though, their impressive canopies are filled with antique furniture, four poster beds, and they even have marble bathrooms. The food is wonderful, and local, whilst the grounds are a real pleasure.
• Built as a hunting lodge in the Art Deco style of the 30s, the Sardar Samand Lake Palace is still a favoured summer retreat of the Royal Family. Built beside a lake which keeps it cool means this is a fantastic place for birdwatchers.

For Families

• Maidens is Delhi's oldest heritage hotel, a tranquil haven amongst shady trees within walking distance of Mughal monuments and the shopping of Chandi Chowk.
• Lutyens Bungalow is built in Lutyens' New Delhi, in his old Colonial style, with a large garden, a vegetable patch and a swimming pool. Plus, the crazy noise of the city is drowned out by the birds that flock to the magnificent shady trees in the old gardens. Rooms are simple and comfortable. Kids under 4 stay free.
• The InterContinental with 58 rooms is smaller and cosier than Mumbai's other big name hotels, but just as luxurious. The famous Dome Bar on the roof has incredible views over Marine Drive.
• Jaipur's Narain Niwas Palace is an affordable palace hotel surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens. The building is comfortable as well as palatial and you're very well positioned for exploring the city.
• Corbett - Treetop Riverview enjoys a glorious setting amidst luscious wilderness and with splendid jungle views. Boasting smart and tasteful accommodation, including family suites, there is an outdoor pool, a restaurant and the oppourtinty to head off around the area on safari!

For Great Value

• Bed & Breakfast G-49 and G-54 are just up the road from each other, both very close to Humayun's tomb (in Delhi) and both reasonably priced, and colourfully and stylishly decorated. G-49 has one large family room which sleeps five.
• The Ahuja Residency in Sunder Nager, Delhi, is a legendary guesthouse well known for its simple, yet contemporary style and really friendly service. It's also in a great location for the main sights. The 15 rooms start from £69 per night.
• Clean, comfortable and quiet, The Regent Hotel is a great choice for budget travellers and groups. Breakfast is catered and you're right in Colaba, Mumbai's tourist centre, so there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
• Good value in India doesn't always mean basic, and the Alsisar Hotel in Jaipur is a great example. The hotel is beautifully decorated with traditional treasures and antiques, there's a shady courtyard and a lovely swimming pool. Rooms start from £47.
• The General’s Retreat, also in Jaipur, is a homely and comfortable guesthouse in a smart suburb with ten rooms starting from just £25 per night.
• Jodhpur's The Blue House is an utterly charming spot, set in a 500 year old haveli run by the same family the whole time! With atmospheric and incredibly characterful rooms brimming with antiques, you'll be amazed that they start at just £14 a night.

For An Apartment Or Villa

• If you've decided that you'd rather the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• There's no 'best time' to visit India per se as each region is affected by different weather patterns. If you're heading to the Himalayas then February to May is your best bet, Kolkata is nicest from October to January, whilst Agra, Delhi, Rajasthan and central India are best from October to March. Visit Mumbai and Goa from October to May and Kerala from September to March.
• India has four main airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. These are all well served by public transport links to their respective cities and the surrounding areas.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in India.
• Narrow it down to look more specifically through our recommendations of the best places to stay in Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat or Goa.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.