Olivia Greenway

In a country so huge—just one of its 29 states, Karnataka, is bigger than England – it’s extremely hard to whittle down a list of India’s best hotels to just a dozen, and in the end it’s a judgment call. Although we have included hotels in major cities, there are standouts – both large and small, in rural locations – and we have tried to get a geographical spread too. The most highly-regarded Indian hotels are dominated by the large domestic luxury chains – Taj, Oberoi and Leela – where standards of housekeeping and food service are among the finest in the world. But beyond these are a growing number of independents which, while no longer bargain basement territory, nevertheless still offers value for money and probably an experience you will treasure forever. Be prepared to be blown away. Nameste.