The Postcard Mandalay Hall

Serenely sat in the middle of Lake Pichola, the gorgeous Taj Lake Palace is among the most iconic and romantic hotels in India.

Built as a pleasure palace by a young prince in 1746, it has since been tactfully restored to its former glory, its fine white marble walls glowing orange at sunrise and purple at dusk

66 rooms and 17 suites are designed to capture a different mood and period from the palace’s long history, each with stunning views across the lake to the surrounding hills and Udaipur or into the lush courtyard gardens.

This spectacular setting is best enjoyed in its panoramic glory from the rooftop Bhairo restaurant. Neel Kamal is the place for authentic Indian specialities, or Jarokha if you’re after a more informal spot to eat throughout the day. Unforgettable private dining experiences – such as out on the lake aboard a 150-year-old boat – can also be arranged.

During the day, find secluded spots around the palace to relax, bathe in the swimming pool, treat yourself on the Jiva Spa Boat or spend some time at handsome Amrit Sagar bar. Across the lake’s waters, explore Udaipur on city tours, heritage walks and even hire a vintage car for the day.

Sher Bagh is a luxurious camp that blends pioneering sustainability with an opulent style redolent of grand British Raj-era safaris.

Set on the banks of the holy River Ganges on one of Varanasi’s 87 ghats is Brijrama Palace, an opulent hotel that is perfect for those that want to be close to the heart and soul of this deeply spiritual city.

Built in the 18th century by the Royal House of Nagpur, the palace has been lovingly restored. Murals, hand-painted ceilings and beautiful carvings revealed during the restoration have brought it back to life, ensuring the building is in keeping with this most atmospheric of cities.

The hotel is approached by boat, immediately giving you the sense you are entering somewhere special. The central courtyard is filled with plants and sculptures and surrounded by a series of ornate pillars and arches cut from sandstone. Barnasi silk and gold leaf is used throughout the hotel and rooms are furnished with wooden four poster beds and beautiful Indian fabrics.

You’re ideally situated to explore the city, a stone’s throw from Dasashwamedh Ghat where the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place. As people flock with their offerings, the river becomes a blanket of twinkling lights with oil lamps and flowers carried along the water.

The restaurant serves delicious vegetarian cuisine while tea, freshly ground coffee and traditional thandai can be enjoyed outdoors. In the evening there is live classical music in the lounge.

There are few places on earth quite like Varanasi, so make sure you set aside some time to head to the rooftop and soak up its incredible and unique atmosphere.

A modern and opulent hotel in the heart of Delhi’s diplomatic enclave, The Leela Palace New Delhi is sumptuous option that fuses traditional and modern Indian styles with European touches for an eclectic spectacle.

There are 254 rooms and suites, all large and handsomely furnished with Regency-style furniture and Indian miniatures adorning the walls. Bathrooms too are spacious with stand-alone baths and walk in showers.

The rest of the hotel is decorated with a curated collection of modern art, bouquets of fresh flowers – 14,000 blooms are delivered daily. Service is attentive, all rooms have access to a butler service and the lobby concierge desk can organise hotel cars (Rolls Royce Phantom and BMW 7 series), taxis and guides including personal shoppers.

Up on the roof is a spectacular temperature-controlled pool and there is also a spacious ESPA spa. Dining is varied, from sushi at Megu to Italian fine dining at Le Cirque, north Indian specialities at Jamavar, global cuisine at Qube and cocktails with finger food in the Library Bar’s sunked walled garden.