Top 10 Luxurious 7 Star Hotels in India – Facts & Travel Guide

Forget standard luxury. If you want to experience the absolute pinnacle of luxurious travel, India’s grand palace hotels and ultra-luxury retreats deliver a kind of royal magic you simply won’t find anywhere else on earth.

India believes in the mantra “Atithi Devo Bhava“, “Guests are akin to God”. The country treats its guests like a god, and its luxury hospitality goes far beyond standard service.

You can feel it in the palace hotels of Rajasthan, the hill resorts of Shimla, the backwater retreats of Kerala, and the regal city palaces of Hyderabad and Delhi.

In this complete guide, Flying Squirrel Holidays will enlighten you with all you want to know about the list of 10 best 7 star hotels in India, and also with the best season, signature experiences and shared expert travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable royal getaway.

What are the 7-star hotels in India?

Officially, the Ministry of Tourism’s Hotel Restaurant Approval & Classification Committee (HRACC) in India only classifies properties up to a maximum tier of 5-Star Deluxe. There is no official 7-star rating in any country. This term is widely used for ultra-luxury properties that offer much more than a typical 5-star experience. In India, only a few palace hotels and royal retreats have earned this honour for their beauty and grandeur.

What is the Difference Between a 5 Star and a 7 Star Hotel in India?

Before planning your luxury stay, it becomes really important to understand what makes these places 7-star compared to other 5-star resorts. A few things will be helpful to understand the difference. Here is the complete comparison:

	5-Star Hotel	7-Star Hotel
Experience	Luxurious	Royal
Service	Room service	Dedicated personal butler
Pricing	Moderate to premium	Ultra-premium
Accessibility	Open to all	Exclusive by nature

Quick look: What Are the Facilities in a 7 Star Hotel in India?

Checking into a 7-star hotel in India means traditional hospitality and an exclusive environment defined by regal elegance and unparalleled service. You get the absolute jaw-dropping palace architecture, dedicated 24/7 butlers, award-winning dining, and world-class Ayurvedic spas. From waking up in a plush suite with unreal views to riding in a Rolls-Royce transfer, every detail goes way beyond standard luxury.

Here is the list of the top 10 seven star luxury hotels in India:

1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur:

Built atop Chittar Hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace is an astonishing golden sandstone Art Deco marvel built between 1929 and 1943. Still serving as a residence for the Jodhpur royal family, staying here makes you feel like an intimate family guest rather than a tourist, making it a definitive icon among luxury palace hotels in India.

Highlights:

• Around 70 Art Deco rooms and suites, plus the landscaped Baradari Lawns
• A subterranean Zodiac Pool, an outdoor pool and the Jiva Grande Spa
• Sunset Pavilion for rooftop dining and Risala for royal fine dining
• Trophy Bar, a bowling alley and tennis courts
• Palace Heritage Walks and Champagne Museum tours

What People Love: Peacocks roaming free in the gardens, folk performances over dinner, and a Champagne Museum Walk through Victorian antiques – Umaid Bhawan is an experience unlike any other luxury palace hotel in India.

Must Try: Authentic Rajasthani royal fine dining at Risala, or rooftop drinks at Sunset Pavilion.

Best Season: October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 43,000 per night.

How to Reach: Just 15 minutes by car from Jodhpur International Airport. International travellers can connect via Delhi or Mumbai.

2. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Widely known as the Jewel of Jaipur, Rambagh Palace was built in 1835 and later became the home of the city’s Maharaja. Walking through its halls puts you face-to-face with hand-carved marble latticework, pristine sandstone balustrades, and the finest examples of historic palace architecture.

Highlights:

• Elaborate Mughal Gardens and heritage palace walk
• Suvarna Mahal -royal Indian dining in an 18th-century palace ballroom
• Steam Lounge Bar -cocktails aboard a beautifully restored vintage train car
• J Wellness Circle Spa with heated indoor and outdoor pools
• Spectacular wedding and event venues across the palace grounds

What People Love

The true magic lies in the unexpected contrasts. Guests are constantly charmed by the Steam Lounge Bar, a one-of-a-kind experience where sipping cocktails inside a lovingly restored train car feels incredibly intimate. Combine that with a candlelit dinner at Suvarna Mahal beneath crystal chandeliers and a heritage walk through 200 years of royal history and you have an evening unlike anything else in India.

Must Try: Royal Indian cuisine at Suvarna Mahal, the former palace ballroom.

Best Season: October to March -perfect weather for exploring Jaipur’s royal heritage.

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 43,000 per night. Sundays generally see the highest demand for rooms.

How to Reach: Approximately 30 minutes from Jaipur International Airport and roughly a 4- to 5-hour drive from Delhi.

3. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

For a truly romantic royal stay, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur is hard to beat. Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer getaway for the Mewar dynasty, this white marble palace looks like it is floating directly on the still waters of Lake Pichola.

Set against an unmatched backdrop of rolling hills and the splendid city of Udaipur, filled with rich silks, velvet, and priceless royal antiques, these deeply personal spaces remain a well-kept secret, accessible only to resident guests.

Highlights:

• 65 rooms and 18 grand suites
• Neel Kamal for Rajasthani royal cuisine
• Bhairo for European fine dining, open-air in season
• Jharokha for world cuisine and Amrit Sagar for cocktails over the lake
• Romantic historic boat dinners
• A setting that suits weddings and signature events

What People Love: Waking up in a royal chamber with nothing but shimmering lake water stretching to the horizon; there is simply nothing else like it in India. Every glance unveils breathtaking panoramas of the serene water expanse and the Aravalli hills.

Must Try – Authentic Rajasthani royal cuisine at Neel Kamal.

Best Season – September to March.

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 47,200 per night.

How to Reach: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur. International travellers can connect via Delhi or Mumbai.

4. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla

High in the Himalayas, Wildflower Hall feels less like a hotel and more like a private, historic mountain retreat. Once the residence of Lord Kitchener, this grand colonial estate is all about breathing in the crisp mountain air during the day and winding down by a roaring fire at night, backed by world-class Oberoi hospitality.

Highlights:

• Firelit lounge, snooker room and a beautifully stocked library
• Al fresco dining with stunning open mountain views
• Oberoi Spa with outdoor whirlpool and forest spa suites
• Trekking, mountain biking, heritage walks, and winter skiing
• Surrounded by ancient cedar and rhododendron forests of Shimla

What People Love: Guests love the warm, nostalgic charm of a grand colonial estate -crackling fireplaces, heritage furnishings, and mountain views that stretch endlessly. The outdoor whirlpool surrounded by forest is an experience unlike any other luxury resort in Shimla.

Must Try -Authentic North Indian cuisine with al fresco mountain dining

Best Season -March to June and October to November

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 42,000 per night.

How to Reach: Shimla is accessible by road from Delhi or Chandigarh. The nearest airport is Shimla Airport – approximately 30 minutes away.

5. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of the most extraordinary 7 star hotels in India, situated 2,000 feet above Hyderabad. From your arrival by horse-drawn carriage to waking up in one of the 60 exquisitely restored suites overlooking Hyderabad, this is a stay where you are treated entirely like royalty.

Highlights:

• Adaa -celebrated fine dining showcasing Hyderabadi royal cuisine
• Gol Bungalow -refined all-day dining in a heritage setting
• Celeste -Afternoon High Tea and Italian cuisine with city views
• Southeast Garden -exclusive private dinners under the stars

What People Love: The horse-drawn carriage arrival up to the palace gates is an experience guests never forget. Ascending the same grand staircase once trodden by Nizams and heads of state, with a butler attending to your every need, is what defines luxury travel in India.

Must Try -Authentic Hyderabadi royal cuisine at Adaa

Best Season -October to February

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 29,000 per night.

How to Reach: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. Hotel cars and town cars can be arranged.

6. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg

For a different take on ultra-luxury hotels, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg swaps out historic marble arches for a contemporary, eco-conscious sanctuary hidden inside a 180-acre rainforest canopy in Karnataka. Wake up to soaring falcons, warm up by your private fireplace, and let the beautiful Kodagu-inspired design connect you completely with the rainforest.

Highlights:

• Ferntree, Nellaki, Dew, Grills and Hive Bar -five distinct dining experiences
• Coffee tastings, nature walks, treks, and cookery lessons
• Wildlife corridor with rare birds, streams, and forest trails

What People Love: Guests love the rare combination of raw, untouched nature and refined luxury; sipping inventive cocktails at Hive Bar while falcons soar overhead is an experience unique to this 7 star resort in Coorg.

Must Try: South Indian and Coorg regional cuisine at Nellaki

Best Season: October to March

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 36,000 per night.

How to Reach: Mangalore is the nearest airport. Bangalore Airport is also accessible by road. Local transport can be arranged through the concierge.

7. Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

Dreaming of a genuine escape in comfort, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa is easily considered to be one of the most luxurious resorts in India. Tucked away among the palm trees right on Kappil Beach, it feels less like a standard luxury hotel and more like a quiet retreat. The architecture is completely inspired by traditional Kerala houseboats.

Highlights:

• Backwaters flowing alongside the resort with Kappil Beach access
• By The Bay coastal Kerala cuisine in a breathtaking setting
• Backwater Café all-day dining overlooking the serene lagoon
• Ivory Bar offers inventive cocktails in an elegant elephant-themed bar
• Bicycles, yoga, and a host of outdoor activities

What People Love: Waking up to backwaters just outside your window, with nothing but swinging palms and birdsong around you, guests consistently describe Taj Bekal as the most relaxing luxury hotel experience in India. The Ayurvedic wellness programmes here are among the finest in Kerala.

Must Try: Authentic Kerala coastal cuisine at By The Bay

Best Season: October to March

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 30,000 per night.

How to Reach: Transfers from Mangaluru Airport by hotel car take approximately 2 hours. The concierge can assist with all local transport arrangements.

Want to explore the wider region of Kerala and find the slower pace of your travel, you can also consider our bespoke Kerala: A Living Canvas of Nature Itinerary. You can also customise your Kerala tour packages according to your requirements.

8. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Set along the tranquil banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is one of the most breathtaking 7 star hotels in India. Spanning 30 acres of Rajasthani-inspired landscaped gardens, interconnecting domes, and walkways, every room and suite comes with ultra-luxury at its prime.

Highlights:

• 30 acres of beautifully landscaped Rajasthani-inspired gardens
• Private pool suites with Lake Pichola and City Palace views
• Fine dining with signature Oberoi warmth and attention to detail
• Private lake cruises and curated Udaipur heritage experiences

What People Love: Watching the sun set over Lake Pichola from a private pool terrace, with the City Palace glowing gold in the distance, is a wonderful experience that stays with you forever.

Must Try: Traditional Mewari cuisine with panoramic lake views

Best Season: October to March

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 52,000 per night.

How to Reach: Approximately 45 minutes by car from Maharana Pratap Airport. International travellers can connect via Delhi or Mumbai.

9. The Leela Palace, New Delhi

Perfectly placed in the leafy, quiet heart of the Diplomatic Enclave, The Leela Palace Delhi brings an undeniable royal elegance to the capital. It’s less a standard hotel and more a living masterpiece that beautifully captures the historic grandeur of Lutyens’ Delhi. Marvelous! That is truly the only word to describe the feeling of stepping into this property. This is luxurious travel in India at its most sophisticated.

Highlights:

• The Qube’s lavish all-day dining experience
• The Library Bar crafted cocktails in an intimate, elegant setting
• Rooftop pool, award-winning spa, and wellness centre
• Courtyard shrine capturing the timeless cultural essence of India

What People Love: Royal palace aesthetics, Michelin-inspired dining, and quiet Diplomatic Enclave exclusivity all within minutes of India Gate and Connaught Place.

Must Try: Fine Indian cuisine at Jamavar and Japanese flavours at Megu

Best Season: October to March

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 30,200 per night.

How to Reach: Approximately 25 minutes from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.

10. The Leela Palace, Udaipur: Live the Legacy of Royalty

Right on the peaceful waters of Lake Pichola, The Leela Palace Udaipur is the perfect finale to any list of 7 star hotels in India. Your lavish experience begins with a scenic boat ride, stepping through a shower of rose petals into a breathtaking palace where every single detail breathes pure elegance.

Highlights:

• Guava Garden: marble pathways winding through fragrant orchards
• Lantern-lit terrace dining with Lake Pichola shimmering at twilight
• Private temperature-controlled pools and jacuzzis in select villas
• Arrival by private boat to a stunning lakeside palace façade

What People Love: Starlit dinners by the lake, rose petal arrivals, and the quiet magic of watching the Aravallis glow at sunset. The Leela Palace Udaipur is simply the most romantic luxury palace hotel in Rajasthan.

Must Try: Authentic Rajasthani cuisine at The Dining Room

Best Season: October to March

Pricing: Stays begin at INR 39,000 per night.

How to Reach: Approximately 45 minutes from Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur.

Smart Booking Tips for a Bespoke Luxury Journey

• Target Mid-Week Check-Ins: Scheduling arrivals on Mondays or Tuesdays can drop base room tariffs by up to 15% compared to weekends.
• Track Mandatory Gala Fees: Watch out for strict, compulsory dinner fees on December 24/25 and December 31 that instantly add thousands per adult to your final bill.
• Differentiate Seasonal Spikes: Anticipate massive room rate jumps during major festivals like Diwali, even when mandatory dinner supplements do not apply.
• Prioritise Private Access: Choose true 5-Star Deluxe heritage properties that completely restrict residential grounds and pools to staying guests only.
• Consolidate via Specialists: Book through an established luxury tour operator to lock in seamless transfers, verified guides, and clear, transparent billing.

Still looking for the best tour operators in India who genuinely understand your choices and preferences? Flying Squirrel Holidays is here to help you select your perfect royal stay down to the last custom detail.

If you are looking to define your own version of luxury across India and beyond, explore our completely tailored luxury holidays in India. With us, you are never locked into a rigid plan. You can add, remove, or create your own unique travel idea from scratch.

Why book with Flying Squirrel Holidays

Planning a stay at one of India’s finest 7-star hotels deserves expertise, exclusivity, and flawless execution, and that’s where Flying Squirrel Holidays comes in. With in-depth destination knowledge and strong partnerships with India’s most luxurious palace hotels, Flying Squirrel Holidays secures the best available rates, exclusive privileges, and personalised experiences that go far beyond standard bookings.

From private palace tours and heritage walks to luxury train journeys, wildlife safaris, and immersive cultural experiences, their team curates truly bespoke itineraries across India, tailored entirely to your preferences. Whether it is a royal honeymoon, a luxury family holiday, or a milestone celebration, Flying Squirrel Holidays ensures every detail is seamlessly planned.

FAQs

Royalty is Waiting for You

Somewhere in India, a palace is ready for you. A carriage is waiting. A butler stands at the door. All that remains is the decision to step in and let yourself feel what it truly means to live like a Maharaja.

India’s greatest palaces carry centuries of culture, heritage, and luxury within their walls. Flying Squirrel Holidays will handle every arrangement. You just focus on the feeling.

Let’s plan your royal stay today. Connect with us at +91 33 40525777 / +91 833 697 8737 or email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com