Top 10 Best Royal Heritage Palace Hotels In South India

South India is a region rich in history and culture and home to stunning palaces that once served as royal residences. Amidst stunning vistas, some palatial structures have been converted into luxurious hotels, maintaining their old charm while adopting modern amenities. Palace hotels in South India can be considered a memory of a bygone era. Catch a glimpse of the Top 10 Best Royal Heritage Palace Hotels in South India, curated by Top 10s Only, where the past and the present collide to create an experience that will take you back to a time of royal splendour.

Experience Royalty At The Top 10 Royal Heritage Palace Hotels Of South India

India is a vast country with many beautiful natural places to explore, but the magnificent palaces stand out. Some of these beautiful buildings, formerly royal residences, are now designed to provide luxury to any visitor, with excellent hospitality and highly trained staff at your service. Are North India’s renowned royal palace hotels capturing your attention? Then you must also refresh yourself by spending a night at one of the top 10 best royal heritage palace hotels in South India.

1. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Telangana

From the very first moment of arrival at Telangana’s Taj Falaknuma Palace, guests will experience a Nizam-like feeling and get royal treatment. It is one of the most expensive palace hotels in South India. The Paigah family used to own the Falaknuma Palace, which was built in 1894. The Hyderabad Nizam later took over the palace. In 2010, the Taj Group of Hotels refurbished the property and transformed it into Taj Falaknuma Palace, a 5-star luxury hotel. The entire hotel is filled with exquisite intricacies and amazing beauty. The rooms are of the highest quality, featuring luxurious bedding and breathtaking views. Falaknuma Palace served as the backdrop for scenes in films like Radhe Shyam and K.G.F.: Chapter 2. It is among the top 10 best luxury hotels and resorts in the world.

Website

https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-falaknuma-palace-hyderabad/

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/tajhotels/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/TajHotels/

Contact

+91 040-66298585

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 12 p.m.

Early check-in and late check-out are available on request.

Food And Dining

The restaurant serves traditional Indian Hyderabadi cuisine in addition to Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Food enthusiasts will have a personalised experience. 

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Wi-Fi
• Fitness Centre
• Library 
• Heritage Walks

Guest Reviews 

Guests were delighted with the welcome they received upon their arrival. They had a great stay and felt like they were in a world of luxury and sophistication.

Popular Attractions Nearby Taj Falaknuma Palace, Telangana 

• Falaknuma Palace
• Charminar
• Chowmahalla Palace
• Mecca Masjid
• Golconda Fort
• Ramoji Film City 

Travel Hubs Near Taj Falaknuma Palace

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
• Falaknuma Railway Station

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi

Location

2. Chittoor Kottaram, Kerala

Do you want to make the most of your time in ‘God’s Own Country’ and feel like royalty? Then, proceed to one of the best Indian palace hotels in South India, CGH-Earth’s Chittoor Kottaram, for a regal experience throughout your stay. This hotel, located in Kochi, provides its guests with a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool and a private boat excursion in the tranquil waters. This property, which is over 200 years old, used to be the residence of the Raja of Cochin. From the moment you land here on the boat, it’s like stepping back in time to a bygone era. Couples seeking an intimate retreat can find great solace in the secluded and picturesque surroundings of Chittoor Kottaram.

Website

https://www.cghearth.com/chittoor-kottaram

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/cghearth/

https://www.facebook.com/cghearth/

Contact

+91 484 2431380, +91 484 4261730,  +91 484 3011711

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 11 a.m.

Food And Dining

The food menu can be tailored to your needs. Every dish is perfectly cooked and presented to you with care, creating a beautiful dining experience. You can enjoy your meal anywhere you want: by the lake with stunning views, at the picnic tables, on the deck, in the garden, or the garden surrounded by nature.

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Wi-Fi
• Power Backup
• Housekeeping 
• Private Boat Ride

Guest Reviews

People liked the quiet vibe and the beautiful views of the backwaters. The staff was really helpful and took care of everything for everyone. 

Popular Attractions Nearby Chittoor Kottaram, Kerala

• Fort Kochi
• Mattancherry Palace
• Marine Drive
• Lulu Mall
• Kochi Marina
• Rainbow Bridge

Travel Hubs Near Chittoor Kottaram

• Cochin International Airport
• Ernakulam Town Railway Station

Languages Spoken

• English
• Malayalam

Location 

3. Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Karnataka

The Lalitha Mahal Palace is one of South India’s top 10 best hotels that are royal palaces. The Maharajah of Mysore constructed it in 1931 to host his distinguished guests. After the magnificent Mysore Palace, it is the second-largest Palace in Mysore in Karnataka. In 1974, it was turned into a heritage hotel, now known as The Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. The palace is completely white. Currently, the Karnataka Government’s Jungle Lodges & Resorts maintains this majestic hotel. It has a selection of 54 luxurious suites and rooms. There are a few areas of the palace that can be rented out for the filming of movies and commercials. A fine-dining restaurant now occupies the ballroom. It is one of the best hotel palaces for weddings in India.

Website

https://www.lalithamahalpalace.co.in/

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/jlrlmph/

https://www.facebook.com/JLRlmph

Contact

+91-80-40554055, +91-0821-2526100, +91-0821-2470444

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 12 p.m.

Food And Dining

The Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel offers a variety of culinary options, including Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine, in its elegant fine-dining restaurant. To elevate your dining experience, you can enjoy live performances featuring flute and tabla during both lunch and dinner. Additionally, for a truly special evening, you have the opportunity to indulge in an exclusive candlelit dinner on the Royal terrace of the palace.

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis Court
• Buggy
• Helipad
• Wi-Fi

Guest Reviews 

Visitors experienced a fantastic stay and think it is unmatched. They felt like royalty thanks to the exquisite amenities that were provided.

Popular Attractions Nearby Lalitha Mahal Palace, Karnataka

• Mysore Palace
• Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Brindavan Garden
• Dodda Gadiyara

Travel Hubs Near Lalitha Mahal Palace

• Mysore Airport
• Mysore Junction Railway Station

 Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi
• Kannada

Location

4. WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace, Tamil Nadu

Located in the picturesque town of Ooty in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace is one of the top ten best heritage hotels in India. This palace was built in 1844 and served as the royal residence of the King of Mysore. It is beautifully decorated with teak wood. The ballroom has a high ornamental ceiling. This former palace has been meticulously restored to its original glory, incorporating modern amenities. This luxurious hotel provides various kinds of lavishly furnished rooms in different ranges. Many Kollywood films, including the Vijay-starrer Nanban and the Vishal-starrer Ambala, were shot at Fernhills Palace Heritage Hotel, which is one of South India’s best palace hotels.

Website

https://www.welcomheritagehotels.in/hotel-details/fernhills-palace-ooty

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/welcomheritagehotels/

https://www.facebook.com/welcomheritagehotels/

Contact

+91 8045771900,+91 90806 81756

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 12 p.m.

Food And Dining

The multi-cuisine restaurant serves some of the best culinary fusions of British and Indian food. The high standard of the food offered at the establishment has received praise from guests.

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Wedding Hall
• Board Room
• Library
• Laundry Service

Guest Reviews 

The location and aesthetic of the property have been highly praised by visitors. They are captivated by the serenity they have experienced.

Popular Attractions Nearby WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace, Tamil Nadu

• Ooty Lake
• Doddabetta Peak
• Botanical Gardens
• Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve
• Pykara waterfalls

Travel Hubs Near WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace

• Coimbatore International Airport
• Metupalayam Railway Station
• Coimbatore Railway Station

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi
• Tamil

Location 

5. The Green Hotel, Karnataka

The Green Hotel is one of the top 10 spectacular palace hotels in India. It is a meticulously rebuilt version of the Chittaranjan Palace, which was constructed as a residence for the princesses of Mysore. The hotel is nestled in sprawling gardens with manicured lawns and tall trees. The hotel has been given a makeover with 40 rooms that have been spruced up to give you a cosy and laid-back vibe. It is a fantastic option for those looking for affordable heritage hotels. The Green Hotel gives back to the community by donating its profits to charities all over India. They make sure you get the best of what Mysore has to offer, so you can relax and enjoy your stay. 

Website

http://www.greenhotelindia.com/ 

Online Presence

https://www.facebook.com/greenhotelmysore/

Contact

+91 821 425 5000

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 12 p.m.

Check-out Time: 12 p.m.

Food And Dining

The hotel’s restaurant provides a wide selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as catering for special dietary requirements.

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Wi-fi 
• Power Backup
• CCTV surveillance
• Housekeeping

Guest Reviews 

The Green Hotel has received praise from visitors for its quiet setting, outstanding food, welcoming staff, amazing location, and enjoyable stay.

Popular Attractions Nearby The Green Hotel, Karnataka

• Mysore Palace
• Chamundi Hills
• Mysore Zoo
• Chamundi Hills
• Srirangapatna 

Travel Hubs Near The Green Hotel

• Mysore Airport
• Mysore Junction Railway Station

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi
• Kannada

Location

6. KTDC Lake Palace, Kerala

Lake Palace is among the popular royal palaces turned hotels and resorts in South India, located in the vicinity of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and administered by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The palace was once the summer residence of the rulers of Travancore. It was their preferred resting place during their hunting trips in the Periyar Valley. The style of the architecture is a blend of traditional Indian and Western influences. The six rooms of the resort have an old-fashioned feel and stunning views of the lake. It takes about 20 minutes by boat from the mainland to the hotel. Experience the beauty of nature close to you at this lakeside jungle resort.

Website

https://www.ktdc.com/lake-palace

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/ktdchotels/

https://www.facebook.com/ktdchotels

Contact

+91-4869-223887, +91-4869-223888, +91-94000 08589

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 1 p.m.

Check-out Time: 11 a.m.

Guests should arrive at the resort before 3 p.m. to take the ferry to the Lake Palace across the lake.

Food And Dining

KTDC Lake Palace has a restaurant that serves delicious food. It offers authentic Kerala cuisine as well as Indian and Continental dishes.

Hotel Amenities

• Ayurveda therapies
• Restaurant
• Jungle Safari
• Laundry
• Currency exchange
• 24-hour front desk
• Housekeeping

Guest Reviews 

This hotel, situated in a secluded and tranquil location overlooking a lakeside plain frequented by deer, was highly praised by guests, who also took advantage of the complimentary boat excursions available.

Popular Attractions Nearby KTDC Lake Palace, Kerala

• Tribal Museum
• Periyar Tiger Interpretation Centre
• Periyar National Park
• Abu Falls
• Watch Tower
• Thekkady Park

Travel Hubs Near KTDC Lake Palace

• Madurai Airport
• Kottayam Railway Station

Languages Spoken

• English
• Malayalam

Location 

7. WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace Hotel, Karnataka

Shivavilas Palace Hotel, one of the top five-star palace hotels in South India, is situated near Hampi’s historical splendour. It was constructed in 1940, during the rule of Shrimant Sarkar Maharaj Yeshwanthrao Hindurao Ghorpade. Since 2012, the property has been operated as a heritage hotel under the ownership and management of Welcom Heritage Hotel. Shivavilas Palace Hotel rooms and suites are elegantly crafted with plush fabrics, antique furnishings, and modern amenities to ensure a luxurious experience. Explore the local attractions and landmarks, or just chill out in the gorgeous gardens of the hotel.

Website

https://www.shivavilaspalacehotel.com/

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/shivavilaspalace/

https://www.facebook.com/ShivavilasPalaceSandur/

Contact

+91 8395 260309, +91 8395 260310

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 11 a.m.

Food And Dining

The dining hall serves North Indian, South Indian, and Continental cuisines. Unique local cuisine and set menu meals based on your personal choice are also available.

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Vintage Car Museum
• Billiards Room
• Library
• Darbar Hall Museum
• Heritage Walk

Guest Reviews

Guests said they felt like they were staying in a well-kept royal home. The atmosphere was peaceful, the food was delicious, and the hospitality was top-notch. They said they didn’t want to leave the hotel and had an amazing time. 

Popular Attractions Nearby WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace Hotel, Karnataka

• Hampi
• Queen’s Bath
• Lotus Mahal
• Manganese and Iron Ores Mines
• Sloth Bear Sanctuary
• Tungabhadra Dam
• Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra, Handicraft Centre
• Narihalla Gorge

Travel Hubs Near WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace Hotel

• Jindal Vijaynagar Airport
• Toranagallu Railway Station
• Hospet  Railway Station

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi
• Kannada

Location 

8. Kovalam Palace Suite at The Leela Kovalam, Kerala

Kovalam Palace, formerly referred to as the Halcyon Castle, is one of the best royal palaces in South India that has been turned into hotels. It was constructed in 1932 to serve as a summer residence for the Royal Family of the erstwhile state of Travancore. The style of the architecture is a fusion of the traditional Kerala style and the colonial style. The property of the Kovalam Palace is presently owned and managed by The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel. It is the largest resort in Kerala, boasting nearly 190 individual rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of high-end restaurants and comfortable lounges, as well as Ayurvedic treatments, and is one of the most famous luxury palace hotels in South India. Enter this paradise and get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Website

https://www.theleela.com/the-leela-kovalam-a-raviz-hotel

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/theleela/

https://www.facebook.com/theleela

Contact

 +91 471 305 1234, 1-800-1031-444

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 12 p.m.

Food And Dining

Experience the delicious flavours of traditional Kerala food and enjoy a variety of top-notch dishes all in one place at their in-house restaurant.

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Spa and Fitness
• Library
• Conference and Banquet Hall
• Tennis
• Billiards

Guest Reviews 

Visitors have expressed their satisfaction with the hotel’s staff, noting that they are well-trained and professional, as well as appreciating the atmosphere and facilities.

Popular Attractions Nearby The Leela Kovalam, Kerala

• Kovalam Beach
• Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
• Padmanabhapuram Palace
• Kuthiramalika Palace
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse
• Elephant Camp
• Kerala Science and Technology Museum
• Neyyar Dam

Travel Hubs Near The Leela Kovalam

• Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
• Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station 

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi
• Malayalam
• Tamil

Location 

9. Chidambara Vilas, Tamil Nadu

Chidambara Vilas is among the top ten heritage palace hotels in South India. This Chettinad heritage house, which was constructed by the Chettiar Dynasty, has been restored and maintained by the Sangam Group. This heritage resort has a lot of old-school style accessories, like the famous tiles from Athangudi, Belgian Mirrors, chandeliers from Daman and Diu, French clocks, Italian tiles, and more. The luxurious rooms of this hotel meet all modern requirements, combined with the old-world charm of the rooms. The Chidambara Vilas is one of the best heritage Chettinad luxury hotels in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu

Website

https://www.chidambaravilas.com/

Online Presence

https://www.instagram.com/chidambaravilas/

https://www.facebook.com/ChidambaraVilas/

Contact

+91 4333 267070/71, +91 9585556431

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 12 p.m.

Food And Dining

Experience the full range of cuisine, from authentic Chettinad dishes, served on fresh banana leaves to traditional cutlery, in the formal dining rooms where the British were entertained by the influential Chettiar society. You can also meet the local chefs, who prepare dishes using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.

Hotel Amenities

• Swimming Pool
• Banquet and Conference Hall
• Restaurant
• Airport Shuttle
• Wi-Fi
• Room Service
• Guided Tour of the Palace and Chettinad History
• Heritage Village Walk

Guest Reviews

According to the guests, this high-end hotel matches the image of a historic mansion very well. The staff and customer service were excellent. They paid close attention to what the guests wanted to eat.

 Popular Attractions Nearby Chidambara Vilas, Tamil Nadu

• Thirumayam Fort
• Karaikudi
• Kanadukathan Palace
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
• Thanjavur Nayak Palace

Travel Hubs Near Chidambara Vilas

• Tiruchirappalli International Airport
• Tirumayam Railway Station
• Chettinad Railway Station

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi
• Tamil

Location 

10. Jayamahal Palace Hotel, Karnataka

Jayamahal Palace Hotel, situated in Bangalore, India, is a unit of the HGH Hotels group, which is owned and operated by the Maharajah of Gondal. It was constructed in 1903 and was previously the Mysore Maharajah’s official palace. In 2005, the palace was renovated into a hotel. With modern facilities like a swimming pool, gym, convention centre, Wi-Fi areas, and restaurants, the hotel’s colonial architecture and surrounding greenery have become a hallmark of Bangalore. Jayamahal Palace Hotel is among the best hotel palaces in India for destination weddings. Celebrate D-Day in style at the stunning Jayamahaal Palace, whether you choose to spend it by the pool or in the expansive gardens.

Website

http://www.jayamahalpalace.in/ 

Contact

+91-80-4058 0444, +91-80-2333 1321, +91-80- 4153 5715

Check-in / Check-out Time 

Check-in Time: 2 p.m.

Check-out Time: 11 a.m.

Food And Dining

Guests can enjoy a selection of Indian, Italian, Continental, and Pan-Asian cuisine. Additionally, a bakery and a minibar are available on-site to provide snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Hotel Amenities

• Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Lounge
• Wi-Fi
• Fitness Centre
• Banquet Hall

Guest Reviews 

Despite being situated in the heart of Bangalore, guests experience a sense of serenity as soon as they enter the premises of the Jayamahaal Palace.

Popular Attractions Nearby Jayamahal Palace, Karnataka

• Palace Grounds
• Bangalore Palace
• Cubbon Park
• Lalbagh Botanical Garden
• Commercial Street
• Fun World Amusement Park
• Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Travel Hubs Near Jayamahal Palace

• Bangalore Cantt. Railway Station
• Kempegowda International Airport 

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hindi
• Kannada
• Tamil

Location 

History Meets Luxury: South India’s Palace Hotels

South India is home to some of the nation’s most gorgeous and stylish hotel palaces. These hotel palaces offer a unique combination of grandeur and charm, redefining the definition of luxury and providing a memorable experience. From the Taj Palace in Hyderabad to the Lake Palace at Thekkady in Kerala, these places will surely make your stay unforgettable. Every palace gives you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in royal splendour and tells a tale of the illustrious past. A stay at any of the top 10 best royal heritage palace hotels in South India is an experience like no other.

Loved this article? Then, checkout these magnificent palaces in South India that have retained their ethereal charm and historical significance, and have moved on to become some of the most-visited destinations!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Royal Heritage Palace Hotels Of South India

1. Which South Indian palaces are now heritage hotels?

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Chittoor Kottaram, Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Fernhills Royal Palace, The Green Hotel, and Jayamahal Palace Hotel are some of the South Indian palaces that are now heritage hotels.

2. Who built Fernhills Royal Palace?

Capt. F. Cotton built Fernhills Royal Palace in 1844. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Ooty.

3. Who owns the Halcyon Castle?

The Leela Group used to own and operate the palace. Recently, the Ravi Pillai Group took over Halcyon Castle from the Leela Group.

4. Which movie is shot at Lalitha Mahal Palace?

A few Kollywood movies, such as Madraspattinam, starring Arya and Lingaa, and Muthu, starring legendary actor Rajinikanth, were filmed inside the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel premises.

5. Are there any affordable heritage palace hotels in South India?

Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Fernhills Royal Palace, The Green Hotel, and Jayamahal Palace Hotel are some of the affordable heritage palace hotels in South India.