Summary
The best resorts in India, according to GoTravelDaily readers, highlight regional culture and majestic surroundings.
Whether you’ve visited once or dozens of times, there’s always something new to uncover on a visit to India. It’s hard not to appreciate the classics — the cultural landmarks, dynamic cities, majestic landscapes, and, of course, the iconic hotels. The best resorts in India are storied properties that deliver over-the-top luxury around every corner.
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) are rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are classified as city hotels, resorts, or safari lodges based on their locations and amenities.
The Best Resorts in India
Certain experiences are on every traveler’s must-do list for India, and choosing the right hotel home base can make or break the itinerary. For example, searching for wild tigers and leopards on a wildlife drive in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park is unforgettable. The 25-tent Oberoi Vanyavilas, ranked No. 2, sits right at the park’s edge, making it “the perfect location,” according to multiple readers. Quality service is also frequently praised: “On a four-night trip, we were here for two nights and in a different hotel for two nights, and everything was 200 percent better here,” wrote one voter. With service described as “above and beyond,” this resort is indeed a standout.
Another trip of a lifetime includes seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra. For that experience, there’s no better place to stay than the No. 3 Oberoi Amarvilas, which offers a view of the iconic monument “that cannot be beat” from its grounds. It is complemented by “fine service and good restaurants with a wide selection of cuisines,” noted another reader.
However, only Udaipur, on the serene shores of Lake Pichola, lays claim to two of the best resorts in India. The Taj Lake Palace (tied for No. 4 with sibling Taj Falaknuma Palace) earned accolades for its excellent food and hospitality, but the lakeside setting truly wowed guests. “The sunset over the mountains and the lights on the Monsoon Palace on the hill are mesmerizing,” remarked one fan.
The Oberoi Udaivilas is this year’s No. 1 among the best resorts in India. Find out what made it exceptional below.
1. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola, this regal haven has earned the No. 1 spot from readers for a second consecutive year. A maximalist fantasy, this 87-room property evokes the feeling of being at the home of Rajasthani royalty, featuring “beautiful gardens, shady courtyards, decorative fountains, and reflecting pools,” as noted by one satisfied guest. Moreover, the service has earned high praise: “I spent five days immediately after the wedding here. They made it so, so special. When we were walking in, they poured flowers on us.”
Score: 98.58
2. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore
Score: 97.41
3. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
A WBA Hall of Fame honoree, the Oberoi Amarvilas scores 97.37.
4. (tie) Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Score: 96.92
4. (tie) Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Score: 96.92
