LUXURY, THE INDIAN WAY

HELLO! brings you 10 of the most extravagant brands from India that offer opulence on a plate to woo the uber-rich

- VISHWAVEER SINGH

Live like a royal

TAJ PALACE HOTELS

Spread across India, Taj Hotels' palace properties have become a honeytrap for tourists from across the world. Elevating luxury to a whole new level, the group painstakingly renovated, refurbished and, in some cases, resurrected centuries-old palaces and forts to create a luxe experience that can truly be called royal. From Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, once the home of Jaipur's maharanis, to the famed Lake Palace in Udaipur, acclaimed for being the backdrop of Bond flick Octopussy, as well as Umaid Bhavan in Jodhpur, where events like Liz Hurley and Piryanka Chopra's weddings and Nita Ambani's birthday have been held, these palaces have withstood the test of time and evolved into their new avatars as temporary abodes to those who can afford their equally stellar room rates. The Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad deserves a special mention, possibly the brightest star in the Taj portfolio, once home to the Nizam himself!

Wheels on point

RAJPUTÁNA CUSTOMS

When it comes to luxury bikes, one thinks of names such as Ducati, Benelli and BMW. But for Rajputana Customs, breaking that mindset for an Indian and international audience became an obsession. Based in Jaipur and founded by Vijay Singh Ajairajpura, Rajputana Customs creates bespoke motorcycles for select clients looking to drive a machine that's truly different from the other bikes roaming the roads. Their feminine lines are inspired by Rajasthani aesthetics and everything else their founder fancies, resulting in machines that are often described as the Indian Harley. Several Indian celebrities own these specially made motorcycles, though the brand prefers to keep a low profile, letting their art speak for itself rather than their famous clientele.