Indian hospitality is celebrated across the world—and royal hospitality takes it a step further. These royal homestays offer not just a peek into bygone eras but serve as living testaments to India’s architectural heritage, culture, and regal traditions. Here is a curated list of royal homestays that beautifully capture what life once looked like behind palace walls.

# Jambughoda Palace, Gujarat

Nestled at the foothills of the Vindhyas and just two hours from Baroda, Jambughoda Palace is surrounded by lush greenery and offers an intimate retreat into history. This century-old palace is home to HH Maharana Vikramsinhji and his family, descendants of the Parmar Dynasty who once ruled the princely state of Jambughoda.

Now operating as a boutique hotel, the property embraces nature—most rooms overlook verdant lawns and mango orchards. Period furniture, high wooden ceilings, lime-plastered walls, and red-tiled roofs preserve the palace’s authentic charm and the legacy of the Parmars.

# Stok Palace, Ladakh

Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop of the Stok Range, this palace of the Namgyal Dynasty stands guard over the Leh valley. It is the residence of HRH Gyalpo Jigmed Wangchuck Namgyal, Gyalmo Spalzes Angmo, and their son Prince Stanzin Jigmed Namgyal.

A part of the palace has been restored and converted into a hotel, featuring six rooms in the main building and Zimshag—a newly renovated suite wing. The main rooms blend heirloom furniture with traditional Ladakhi décor, including exquisite Buddhist frescoes painted in 1820 that remain remarkably vibrant. Zimshag, once the royal meditation house, now offers sweeping panoramic views and stands amidst ancient religious structures that house relics of revered monks.

# Chanoud Garh, Rajasthan

Built in 1745 by Thakur Vishen Singh, Chanoud Garh is home to the Mertiya Rajput descendants—valiant warriors and visionary rulers responsible for creating the neighbouring Chanoud lake, a vital resource for the region. Situated between the Aravalli foothills and the Thar Desert, the palace beautifully blends Marwar, Mewar, and colonial influences.

Thakur Ajay Singh and his family returned from the city to carefully restore their 300-year-old home. Their meticulous work preserves the palace’s grandeur, with even the “newest” additions being over a century old. Sprawled across 150,000 square feet, the palace boasts classic arches, stained-glass windows, lush courtyards, and grand colonnades that together celebrate the richness of Rajasthani architecture.

# Belgadia Palace, Odisha

Once the seat of the Mayurbhanj princely state, Baripada is today the cultural heart of northern Odisha. Belgadia Palace, maintained by the Bhanja dynasty, has been lovingly restored into a boutique hotel by Mrinalika and Akshita M Bhanj Deo—the youngest daughters of the royal family.

The palace features a fusion of Victorian design and vibrant Indian hues, with rooms painted in rich tones like deep red, royal blue, blush pink, and turquoise. Each space is adorned with heirloom furniture, artefacts, and luxurious drapery, offering guests a colourful, immersive glimpse into the region’s regal past.

# Karan Mahal, Kashmir

Built in the 1920s by Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of Kashmir, Karan Mahal was designed like a European villa. It later became the residence of his son, Dr. Karan Singh, during its golden era—a time marked by grand events and distinguished visitors.
Vikramaditya Singh and Chitrangada Raje later made it their home, but political unrest led to its abandonment for years. The villa still echoes its layered history through Soviet-era tea sets, Dr. Singh’s wedding memorabilia, paintings by Kashmiri artist Masood Hussain, and Nepalese artefacts belonging to Yashorajya Lakshmi.

Several pieces of furniture and the intricate khatamband ceilings were restored with the help of experts, including local craftsmen skilled in this fading art form.
Reopened in April 2021, Karan Mahal now features five tastefully designed premium rooms and three luxurious suites, each with private balconies or garden access. Guests are treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of Kashmir’s natural splendour.