Must-see hotels in South India

  • The Machan

    Maharashtra

    This astonishing choice hidden away in forested mountains 16km south of Lonavla buries the competition for the state's best hotel. The 28 pine and red…

  • Panjim Inn

    Panaji

    One of the original heritage hotels in Fontainhas, the Panjim Inn has been a long-standing favourite for its character and charm. Run by the lovely…

  • ITC Maratha

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    This five-star, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified hotel channels the most luxurious local character. The details are…

  • Neeleshwar Hermitage

    Northern Kerala

    This fabulous, plastic-free beachfront ecoresort consists of 18 sleekly designed thatch-roof cottages inspired by Kerala fishers' huts, with voguish…

  • Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    The grande dame of Mumbai is one of the world’s most iconic hotels and has hosted a roster of presidents and royalty. Sweeping arches, staircases and…

  • Jalakara

    Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    Easily the chicest place to stay in the Andamans, this ecoconscious British-owned luxe-boutique hideaway is built into a banana-and-betel-nut plantation,…

  • Saratha Vilas

    Tamil Nadu

    A different Chettiar charm inhabits this gorgeously renovated, French-run mansion from 1910, 6km east of Kanadukathan. Rooms combine the traditional and…

  • Panjim Peoples

    Panaji

    The Panjim Peoples is an atmospheric and beautifully restored heritage hotel with just four enormous upstairs rooms in what was formerly the Peoples High…

  • Tiger Trails Jungle Lodge

    Maharashtra

    Passionate enthusiasts run this two-decade-old, conservation-minded lodge, which is deeply entrenched in studying Tadoba tigers. It's located in the…

  • Dune Barr House

    Maharashtra

    This deliciously preserved 150-year-old bungalow exudes undiluted nostalgia, with quaintly luxurious rooms. Reminisce about bygone times in the company of…

  • Taj Falaknuma Palace

    Hyderabad

    The former residence of the sixth nizam, this 1884 neoclassical palace now run by the Taj group oozes class and grandeur with its embossed-leather…

  • Rosegardens

    Munnar

    An award-winning, totally charming family homestay, peacefully located 12km southwest of Munnar, overlooking owner Tomy’s exquisite nursery and organic…

  • Taj Santacruz

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Forget the 3500 hand-blown chandelier bulbs or the 75-species aquarium in the lobby of this newer hotel connected to the domestic airport terminal. At the…

  • Ciarans

    Palolem

    Ciarans has some of the most impressive huts on the beachfront. Affable owner John has worked hard over two decades to maintain a high standard and his…

  • Wanderers Hostel

    North Goa

    About five minutes’ walk back from Morjim Beach, Wanderers is a real find for budget travellers. The main building, decorated with original travellers'…

  • Residency Hotel

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    The Residency is the kind of dependable place where you can breathe a sigh of relief after a long journey and be certain you’ll be looked after well. It’s…

  • Villa Shanti

    Puducherry (Pondicherry)

    Occupying a 100-year-old building revamped by two French architects, Villa Shanti puts an exquisitely contemporary twist on the French Quarter heritage…

  • Bangala

    Tamil Nadu

    Chettinadu's original heritage hotel, this lovingly revamped, efficiently managed whitewashed ‘bungalow’ isn't a typical mansion but has all the requisite…

  • Sunderban Resort & Spa

    Pune

    Set around a manicured lawn right next to the Osho resort, this renovated Art Deco bungalow effortlessly combines colonial-era class with boutique appeal…

  • Siolim House

    North Goa

    Comprising the seven-suite Siolim House hotel and the three-bedroom Little Siolim, Siolim House is one of North Goa’s boutique treats. Situated in an old…

  • Vivenda Dos Palhacos

    South Goa

    This lovely boutique hotel, run by a well-travelled Indian-born British brother-and-sister team, is a gem of the South Goan coast and strictly for…

  • ITC Grand Chola

    Chennai (Madras)

    Chennai's most talked-about hotel is this ultraluxurious, 600-room, temple-inspired beauty in the city's southwest. A maze of sumptuous iPad-operated…

  • Old Harbour Hotel

    Kochi (Cochin)

    Overlooking a lush garden with lily ponds and a pool, the stylish Old Harbour is housed in a 300-year-old Dutch/Portuguese heritage building. The elegant…

  • Varnam Homestay

    Northern Kerala

    Surrounded by jungle and spice plantations, lovely Varnam is an oasis of calm 3km south of Katikulam in northern Wayanad. Varghese and Beena will look…

  • Beyond by Sula

    Nashik

    Sula Vineyard's seven-room flagship resort sits a few kilometres from the winery (hence the name: Beyond) near the edges of the beautiful Gangapur Dam…

  • Vallonné Vineyards

    Nashik

    First and foremost a boutique winery known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Vin de Passerillage dessert wine (tastings ₹400; 11am to 4.30pm), not to mention…

  • Bungalow on the Beach

    Tamil Nadu

    Most Tranquebar accommodation is run by the sea-front Bungalow on the Beach, in the exquisitely restored 17th-century former residence of the British…

  • Reds Residency

    Kochi (Cochin)

    Hotel-quality rooms come with solar-powered showers and a true family welcome from knowledgable hosts Philip and Maryann at this delightful homestay. The…

  • Electric Cats B&B

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    Well-organised, sociable Electric Cats, close to the buzzing Indiranagar area, has good dorms (including one female-only dorm) with a shared bathroom. All…

  • Marbella Guest House

    North Goa

    This beautiful Portuguese villa, filled with antiques and enveloped in a peaceful courtyard garden, is a romantic and sophisticated old-world remnant…

  • Mantra Koodam

    Tamil Nadu

    Lost in the riverside jungle, 10km northeast of Kumbakonam, this is a wonderful retreat from temple-town chaos. Comfy modern-rustic, Chettiar-style…

  • Hotel Marasa Sarovar Premiere Tirupati

    Telangana & Andhra Pradesh

    Really raising the bar in terms of quality in Tirupati, this sleek contemporary hotel is the best in town by some distance and represents fine value. It's…

  • La Villa

    Puducherry (Pondicherry)

    Queen of local boutique hotels is this intimate, six-room 19th-century beauty, sleekly updated by one of Pondy's top French-architect teams. From curved…

  • Abode Bombay

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    A terrific 20-room boutique hotel, stylishly designed with colonial-style and art deco furniture, reclaimed teak flooring and original artwork; the luxury…

  • Heritage Resort

    Karnataka

    Set back from the highway, the wonderfully peaceful Heritage Resort has 14 tasteful, airy and spacious rooms and cottages with all mod cons (kettle,…

  • Visalam

    Tamil Nadu

    Stunningly restored and professionally run by a Malayali hotel chain, Visalam is a relatively young Chettiar mansion, done in a fashionable 1930s art deco…

  • Juhu Residency

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    The aroma of sweet lemongrass greets you in the lobby at this excellent 18-room boutique hotel with an inviting atmosphere – and a fine location, five…

  • Dhole’s Den

    Karnataka

    Dhole’s Den offers contemporary design in lovely pastoral surrounds. Stylish rooms and bungalows are decked out with art and colourful fabrics, plus…

  • Jungle Hostel

    North Goa

    One of the original backpacker hostels in North Goa, Jungle brought the dorm experience and an international vibe to Vagator and has expanded to three…

  • Les Hibiscus

    Puducherry (Pondicherry)

    Mango-yellow Les Hibiscus has just a handful of fabulous high-ceilinged rooms with antique beds, coffee makers and a mix of quaint Indian art and old…

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