The Best of India's Soulful Stays
A whole range of boutique hotels are presenting a rooted side of India with unmatched charm and flair.
By Suman Tarafdar
An erstwhile hunting lodge. A run-down mansion. A once grand palace. A warrior fort. Abandoned havelis. A planter’s residence. Tents, treehouses, plantations… In a landscape dominated by cookie-cutter hotels, a distinctive breed of hospitality has quietly taken root—painstaking restorations, lovingly preserved traditions, with sustainability and local communities at the core. This new wave of boutique hotels in India offers something different—rooted, authentic, and so utterly charming, it’s often heart-wrenching to leave.
While boutique hotels have existed for a while, they were few and far between. Of late, however, driven by rising traveller demand and passionate owners eager to celebrate their legacies, new outposts—some urban, most remote—are emerging. A growing preference for personalised, meaningful travel and deeper cultural immersion is fueling this trend. More travellers today actively seek stays that reflect local heritage and authenticity.
These hotels aren’t easy to run—often isolated from supply chains, lacking trained staff, facing infrastructure hurdles, and carrying higher operational costs. Yet nearly every visitor is smitten—by the charm, the service, the thoughtfulness of every detail. Despite their typically high price tags, this segment is poised for steady growth, with a projected CAGR of 8.4% in India, according to Future Market Insights.
Defined by meticulous curation, these boutique properties—often with just a few keys—offer personalised service, cultural immersion, and rich experiences. From heritage and cuisine to wildlife and wellness, their styles may vary, but they all share a commitment to intimacy and excellence. SOH presents some of India's finest offerings. Let’s see how many you can resist returning to—again and again.
Alila Fort Bishangarh Bishangarh, Rajasthan
Once a warrior fort, this more than two centuries old edifice east of Jaipur is a different experience from the usual sprawling forts most tourists are used to. Surrounded by Aravalli Hills, its rustic setting nevertheless abounds in historical sights, local culture, and lush nature, with a quiet sense of tranquillity reverberating down every winding corridor. Magnificently restored, its interiors amply reflect the grandeur of Rajasthani culture. The suites portray a different interpretation of the local aesthetic with defining characteristics and charm to authentically convey a sense of place and time. With breathtaking views of Bishangarh and the surrounding villages, this warrior fort is now a beacon for uninterrupted peace.
USP: An ode to the richness of Bishangarh’s culture
www.alilahotels.com/fortbishangarh
Aman-i-Khás Near Ranthambore National Park, Khilchipur, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park, arguably India’s best-known wildlife resort, forms the perfect backdrop to Aman-i-Khás, a luxury tented getaway unlike any other. Situated on the threshold of the reserve, this intimate luxury camp offers incomparable privacy and daily safaris seeking out the reserve’s wildlife. The luxurious resort is set across 10 acres—the area’s green and gold landscape transforming over seasons. The camp, as part of the brand standards, also offers the best of luxury amenities, ensuring a Mughal-era type feel and comfort to its guests. For in between safaris, there are spa therapies, swimming and dining, all at a superlative level. Incidentally, food is prepared with the produce grown in the resort’s personal gardens.
USP: A majestic self-contained oasis surrounded by pristine wilderness in the home of the tiger.
www.aman.com/resorts/aman-i-khas
Bari Kothi Jainpatty, Jiaganj Azimganj, Azimganj, West Bengal
Bengal’s pre-British past left many legacies, not the least of which are grand palaces. Bari Kothi, located on the banks of the Ganga, has been restored over five years, into the first Grand Heritage Hotel of East India. It offers 15 suites, beautifully adorned with traditional interiors and furnished with antique décor. Located close to the former capital, Murshidabad, it showcases the best of the traditions of the region, especially known for its textile and culinary heritage, offering three dining experiences and more than 50 curated experiences. Note the Sheherwali cuisine, especially for the sweet-toothed.
USP: Relive the grandeur and lifestyle of the former nawabs
of Bengal.
www.barikothi.com
Ananda in the Himalayas The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Sakalana, Uttarakhand
World-renowned holistic wellness retreat, Ananda is a tranquil haven at the foothills of the awe-inspiring Himalayas, residing in the former palace estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. World-class wellness facilities and the best of modern luxury hospitality combine with almost unreal solitude that only nature can provide in this 100-acre retreat. Its spiritual location, the birthplace of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation, has attracted wellness seekers from around the world. It integrates traditional Ayurveda and holistic wellbeing with yoga and meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonise energy.
USP: Wellness in the lap of the majestic Himalayas.
www.anandaspa.com
The Belgadia Palace Meher Colony, Baripada, Odisha
Built by the erstwhile royal family for guests, including visiting foreign dignitaries, Belgadia Palace was born circa 1800 in the Victorian architectural style with elements of Georgian décor. Located in the quaint town of Baripada, the Palace redefines the idea of a hotel with its modern amenities and spectacular rooms that are all unique. The Belgadia Palace brings alive its history of being an artists’ haven whilst being surrounded by the wild natural beauty of the Odia countryside. The diversity of local experiences range from nearby wildlife sanctuaries to local crafts such as dokra or folk performances such as Chhau.
USP: A mesmerising glimpse into Odisha’s storied past.
www.thebelgadiapalace.com
Brijrama Palace Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwamedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
An enduring marvel of Varanasi, this iconic palace stands as a proud testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry. Built in 1812, this is a regal escape for those yearning for a holiday steeped in comfort and modern hospitality. Perched above the sacred Ganga, BrijRama Palace is an oasis of serenity, just moments away from Varanasi's most cherished landmarks. As the second oldest palace in Varanasi, it is more than just a place to rest your head; it’s a voyage through time. With rooms that take you back in time, this riverside hotel reflects the ageless charm of Varanasi.
USP: Where history seamlessly melds with luxury, with a generous side of spirituality.
www.brijhotels.com/hotels/siddhi/brijrama-palace
Brunton Boatyard 1/498, Calvetty Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
A former shipyard in British times, this historical plot of land that once housed a famous boatyard now has another landmark, the Brunton Boatyard. It is built to reflect the symbols and signs of a historical period known for its stately grandeur and good taste as expressed through its ambience, amenities, service, and food. Brunton Boatyard is inspired by colonial history and reflects the rich trading past of Fort Kochi, a fixture on global shipping routes to this day. Its interiors reflect an eclectic but tasteful blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influences—witness the high ceilings, hanging fans and a plethora of artefacts and curios from a great mercantile age known for its pomp and glamour.
USP: Experience the architectural splendour of Fort Kochi's colonial past.
www.cghearth.com/brunton-boatyard
Glasshouse on the Ganges Village Kalthar, Badrinath Road, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Yes, as the name suggests, for some of the most stunning, unimpeded views of the Himalayas and the Ganga, look no further. In a new jungle location of Glasshouse on the Ganges, still tucked privately in what was once Neemrana’s Himalayan Hideaway. Unfathom the secrets of the forests as the music of the Ganga plays below, uninterrupted. Uniquely, the hotel offers 10 treetop rooms spread across multiple levels, set in natural stone, surrounded by, and nestled within a forest with cobbled pathways. Neemrana's Glasshouse on the Ganges houses a modern restaurant that serves a wide variety of delicacies. Enjoy Trans-Himalayan cuisine with rustic hunter-style curries. Open-air pit roasting gives you a unique dining experience!
USP: Live with your head amongst the clouds – and trees.
www.glasshouseontheganges.neemranahotels.com
Coconut Lagoon Kottayam, Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala
An absolute gem of a resort, seemingly afloat on the natural wonder of Lake Vembanad, the largest backwater stretch in the state. The cottages of this tropical paradise bring the waters of the lake right inside by laying out a pattern of cottages, canals, bridges, lanes, gardens and trees. The resort respects the rich but delicate ecosphere and the vibrant culture of the Kuttanad region. Get even closer to the lake by sailing on a grand kettuvallam to best take in the wonders of tropical forests. Experience the magic of old agragrian homes that follow the gentle pulse of the backwaters.
USP: A perfect blend of coconut groves and backwater canals, with old wooden Keralan homes transplanted, preserved and cherished.
www.cghearth.com/coconut-lagoon
Glenburn Tea Estate Kambal Tea Garden, Near Singritan, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Tea estates are the prettiest, right? And what can match the towering peaks guarding over the Darjeeling hills? Started by a Scottish tea company in 1859, Glenburn is a heavenly little plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range. It is spread across 1,600 acres, 600 of which are for tea cultivation, while the rest is still forested, with two rivers running through the property. It features two comfortable, private and beautifully furnished 4-bedroom bungalows. Visitors can tour the working tea estate, enjoy mountain activities, and feast on delightful Indian, Oriental and Western cuisine.
USP: Enchanting tea gardens in the company of Himalayan peaks – for the perfect cuppa.
www.glenburnteaestate.com
THE House of MG Bhadra Road, Old City, Gheekanta, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad
Offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, The House of MG is unlike any other hotel in Ahmedabad. Located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, it represents the architectural colonial heritage of the early 20th century. A family mansion dating to the early 20th century, it was designed and built by craftsmen, and its restoration over the last two decades has been carried out by traditional means. Every item of furniture and textile is handmade, primarily from repurposed material. The hotel is also known for its slow-cooked food. Its 38 beautifully appointed rooms offer a grand yet comforting ambience.
USP: A unique heart into heritage via the region’s architecture and culture.
www.houseofmg.com
Jungle Mountain Retreat Village Numbrehli, Kufri-Chail Road and Tehsil Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the scenic hills of Kufri, Shimla, the Jungle Mountain Retreat is surrounded by pine and deodar forests. From summer to winter, this view transforms drastically, and Kufri is one of the best destinations to witness this. The resort features well-appointed rooms, cosy wooden suites, multi-cuisine dining, a rejuvenating jacuzzi spa and modern amenities. Each room offers heated interiors, hot running water, and private balconies with forest or valley views, perfect for enjoying Kufri’s cool, refreshing climate year-round. Opulent rooms, multiple dining spots, bonfire nights and bespoke experiences await you for a delightful stay at this luxurious property. The resort offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and premium hospitality.
USP: Breathtaking views of the pine-laden Himalayas.
www.thejunglemountainretreat.com
The Khyber HIMALAYAN RESORT & SPA Hotel Khyber Road, Forest Block, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Gulmarg, India’s ski capital, has long been a much sought-after destination. The opening of The Khyber, India's only boutique luxury ski resort, catapulted its desirability. The Khyber is designed to be a microcosm of all things Kashmir, and features Khatambandi ceilings, remarkable expressions in wood and stonework, and landscaping reminiscent of the state’s fabled gardens. The seasonal experiences are unrivalled. While summers are awash in lush green meadows and the brightest blooms, and autumn’s hues are enchanting, winters are the pinnacle of the destination’s popularity.
USP: Blending snow and ski, The Khyber showcases the best of Kashmir’s hospitality.
www.khyberhotels.com
Raas Tunwarji ka Jhalra, Gulab Sagar Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Located in Jodhpur’s walled city’s vibrant north-eastern quarter, RAAS Jodhpur is based around an original 18th-century haveli. Echoes of Rajput architecture can be found throughout, from intricately carved stone panels to antique shrines to the surviving arches from the stables. Indeed, even entire original buildings are interspersed with rose-red modern architecture. With commanding views of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, RAAS combines a signature look born from a fusion of modern and ancient styles. With a stunning entrance, flanked by a magnificent pool, the hotel comprises four original buildings with three additional contemporary structures. Inspired by the walled city, the new buildings feature a modern approach to the use of space and light, yet each is grounded in tradition.
USP: Modern Marwar, at the footsteps of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.
www.raashotels.com/jodhpur
Suján Jawai Jawai Dam, District Pali, Rajasthan
The Aravallis are amongst the oldest parts of the planet, and everything here is in continuity, a timelessness unmatched. Suján Jawai is set in the plain adjacent to the gentle billion-year-old hills where leopards—notoriously shy of humans—roam about wild and free. The 10 luxury tents here are a byword for both luxury and sustainability, located in an area renowned for leopards and an impressive and varied landscape of hills, grasslands and winding sand riverbeds. With spectacular views of a dramatic wilderness, life celebrates the great outdoors, combining conservation and comfort. The interiors of the tents are inspired by 1930s industrial tubular brushed steel furniture in largely muted tones, with a dash of red, inspired by the turbans of the local Rabari tribe.
USP: For the best leopard sightings, look no further.
www.thesujanlife.com/jawai
Woods at Sasan Gir Forest, Sasan-Talala Highway, Gujarat
The Gir forest of Gujarat is undoubtedly the best place in India to see lions in all their wild majesty. With the opening of the Woods at Sasan, you can now do so while staying in the midst of luxury. Nestled in an eight-acre mango orchard, the Woods at Sasan resort offers a luxurious holiday in the wild. Especially noteworthy are independent living spaces, each with its private garden, open skies and surrounded by acres of gently waving grass and thickets of trees. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors provide an unmatched view of the surrounding gardens or forest. Four restaurants offer a selection of seasonally varying dishes inspired by the rich variety of local produce.
USP: Unparalleled access to the Sasan Gir forest. Yes, meet the lions, up close, repeatedly.
www.woodsatsasan.com
