INDIA'S FINEST STAYS

These 10 hotels in India are trusted and loved by the country's leading trailblazers—the RR Circle.

- Ria Gupta

Depending on where in India you find yourself, hospitality takes on a different character. From safari lodges for wild immersion to colonial era hotels with sophisticated artistry, these are some of the finest hotels in India, as picked by the RR Circle.

Suján Sher Bagh, Ranthambore

Perched on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, Suján Sher Bagh, a member of Relais & Châteaux, evokes the romance of 1920s safari life for the modern-day traveller. Hotelier and heritage conservationist Yeshwant Holkar enjoys how tiny details keep the sense of the wild alive. Tarang Arora, CEO of Amrapali Jewels, says, "Limited tents, private dining under starlit skies, and a personalised butler service in the heart of the jungle—every detail makes you feel pampered and connected to nature."

The 12 tented suites offer privacy, with verandas, ensuite bathrooms, and campaign furniture punctuated with brass pug-marks. A massive tent houses the bar, dining area, and the library. Both Holkar and Arora, however, concur on the unmissable charm of the bush dinner that features menus devised with homegrown ingredients and served under lantern light.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has served various functions—including a royal guesthouse to the maharaja's residence—before becoming Taj Hotels' flagship palace hotel. And that's what stands out for interior designer Vinita Chaitanya: "I love that Rambagh Palace is authentic. It has a beautiful history, has retained its cultural heritage and even celebrates it."

Perhaps the most evident spectacle of this royal hospitality is the hotel's dining experience. "The Rajasthani thaalis starring