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Imperial Delhi

A hotel that needs no introduction. This iconic Delhi establishment has hosted movie stars, literary greats and even statesmen such as Mahatma Gandhi. Its elegance remains undiminished, thanks to its graceful marble hallways, Art Deco ballroom, pillared verandahs and a curated collection of more than 5,000 pieces of artwork from the 17th and 18th centuries. Do not miss the high tea in the light-filled Atrium café; it’s a quintessential Delhi experience. Doubles from £181 per night. theimperialindia.com

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Once the residence of Jaipur’s last maharajas, today this Taj hotel welcomes all to its 19 hectares of grounds. Just a glimpse of the Mughal gardens and lobby – adorned with the scalloped arches characteristic of the Rajput architectural style – hints as to its past. Elsewhere, the Suvarna Mahal dining room is decorated in an 18th-century French style with grand chandeliers and frescoes. Rooms carry off a similarly vintage vibe, complete with tile-and-mirror mosaics, fabrics and silk drapes inspired by Rajasthan’s art and landscapes, as well as domed wooden ceilings. And if you want to learn more about the city’s heritage, the hotel is less than a 15-minute drive from the architectural marvels of Old Jaipur, such as the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Doubles from £384 per night. tajhotels.com

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

With a location that overlooks the Taj Mahal – just 650m away – and a grandeur reminiscent of the Mughal era, guests will find the view here just as pleasing when they turn away from the windows. Rooms feature inlaid-wood furnishings, hand-woven rugs, teak floors and ornate lattice screens, all complemented by original artwork and headboards adorned with Mughal motifs. If you get peckish, the choice is between an Italian-concept all-day restaurant or a dinneronly venue offering Mughal fare. Doubles from £308 per night. oberoihotels.com

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore

Fancy seeing tigers, leopards and deer in their natural habitat? The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, located on the border of Ranthambore National Park, turns these wildlife fantasies into reality, albeit with a dash of luxury. A private jungle safari in a 4WD vehicle is just one facet of the hotel’s allure; guests can also partake in guided nature walks, birdwatching or block-printing sessions guided by local artisans. And if all these activities have left you feeling drained, there are cures back at the hotel. Choose from yoga sessions, Ayurvedic massages in the haveli-style spa or a dip in the pool. As for accommodation, there are tented camps featuring clawfoot bathtubs, garden views, four-posters and teak-wood floors. Tents from £509 per night. oberoihotels.com