India is a country that possesses a rich history and diverse culture. The journey of India’s past through the lens of a traveler is a rather interesting pursuit as different phases have impacted the lives of people in completely distinct ways. For instance, a dive into the era of colonial India evokes the memories of architectural marvels and luxurious hotels. In order to experience the charm and beauty of the bygone days, one must stay in at least one of these six most luxurious hotels built in the colonial times.
Our Pick #1 Colonial Hotels in India
Taj Connemara Hotel, Chennai
Often considered as one of the oldest colonial hotels in India, Taj Connemara is a famous heritage hotel situated in the splendid city of Chennai. The hotel was well-known for its lavish parties and extravagant balls during the time when Spencer and Co owned it in the 1930s. The grand hotel then came under the ambit of the Taj management in 1984 where it got restored to its premier status.
The interior and overall atmosphere of Taj Connemara draws influence from the past times as well as the present and has retained a great deal of its spirit and essence. The redesigned model of the hotel has many stories to tell and pays tribute to the culture and rich design of Chennai. It has a distinctively classic colonial design that reflects the blend between Indian history and its present.
Visit Hotel Website: Taj Connemara, Chennai
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Our Pick #2 Colonial Hotels in India
The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi
The Imperial is an iconic luxury hotel which was built in 1936. It was conceptualised by F.B. Blomfield, an associate of Sir Edwin Lutyens and was further inaugurated by the then Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Lord Willingdon. Situated right in the heart of Delhi, this luxurious hotel is well-known for its legacy and heritage.
The hotel is a delight for art-lovers and designers as it contains Burma teak furniture, exquisite Italian marble floors, tableware that has been brought straight from London and a silver tea service that will transport you back in time to the glory days of the Raj. Hotel Imperial has the widest collection of colonial and post-colonial artifacts anywhere in Delhi. It is a fine illustration of the colonial hotels in India.
Visit Hotel Website: The Imperial, New Delhi
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Our Pick #3 Colonial Hotels in India
The Oberoi Grand Hotel, Kolkata
The Oberoi Grand is an elegant hotel owned by the Oberoi chain of hotels. Situated in the heart of Kolkata and often referred to as the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, the hotel is a relic of the British era. It holds immense significance in the landscape of Kolkata as it has been an icon for over a century.
The white frosted building of The Oberoi Grand sports a neoclassical style of architecture. It is a part of Kolkata’s soul as the marble corridors, fine dining spaces and colonnaded verandahs evokes the memory of the luxurious days of decadence at the hotel. The hotel is famous for its heartfelt hospitality and is one of the best luxury hotels in India.
Visit Hotel Website: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
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Our Pick #4 Colonial Hotels in India
The Oberoi Cecil Hotel, Shimla
Shimla is a famous hill station situated in the northern part of India. It proudly boasts off its colonial architecture and stunning views of mountainous landscape. The Oberoi Cecil is one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in Shimla. The hotel sits elegantly at the foothills of the Himalayas and offers a marvelous glimpse of the lush green valleys.
The hotel was established by the colonial forces in 1884 but later changed hands when the founder of the Oberoi Hotels Group, Mohan Singh Oberoi acquired the property. The marvelous wooden floors, gleaming fireplaces and a breathtaking picture of the lofty mountains have given this hotel a life and popularity of its own.
Visit Hotel Website: The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
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Our Pick #5 Colonial Hotels in India
Maidens Hotel, New Delhi
The Maidens hotel is an Oberoi Group hotel that offers a journey back in time with its heritage and history. The hotel was established in 1903 by two Englishmen brothers as one of the first luxury hotels in Delhi. It is a well known and distinguished property as it was used to host the dignitaries of the Coronation Durbar of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India.
With a history tracing back to over a century, the hotel illustrates an old-world European charm with its stunning architecture, delicately beautified gardens and endearing hospitality. The Maidens Hotel is a remarkable heritage hotel that will surely charm and senses and enamours your soul with its colonial impressions.
Visit Hotel Website: The Maidens Hotel, Delhi
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Our Pick #6 Colonial Hotels in India
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
The Glenburn Tea Estate is a heavenly little plantation that sits high in the Himalayas and provides a quintessential experience of colonial plantation life. Instituted by a Scottish tea company in 1859, the 1000-acre property now resides with one of India’s pioneering tea planting families, The Prakashes. The famous tea family from Calcutta has worked earnestly to turn Glenburn into one of the finest luxury hotels of India.
The hotel provides an atmosphere of breathtaking peace and serenity as visitors are surrounded by the beautiful tea gardens of Darjeeling. The delicate interiors, handcrafted services, lush green gardens and the pure environment makes Glenburn an ideal getaway destination for people.
Visit Hotel Website: Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
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