India Travel Articles

Top 10 19th Century Hotel Buildings in India

The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata: The Oberoi Grand built in the late 19th century and often affectionately called as the "Grande Dame of Chowringhee" is one of the vintage buildings in the City of Joy.The hotel was originally known as Mrs Monte’s Boarding House with the address 13, Chowringhee Street. No two rooms are identical in the hotel in terms of dimensions. In 1939 at the start of WW II the British Army was lodged here.

The Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi

The Taj Nadesar Palace located in Varanasi, was originally a palace built in 1835. Built by the British East India Company and subsequently acquired by ruler of the princely State of Benares, HH Maharaja Prabhu Narain Singh. The palace derives its name from Nadesari Devi whose shrine stands till today inside the palace.

Ayisha Manzil, Tellicherry

Ayisha Manzil a guest house belonging to the colonial era was built in 1862 by an official of the East India Company named Murdoch Brown. Ayisha Manzil was once known as the "Judges Bungalow". In 1900 at the start of 20th century it was taken over by a local trading family of Tellicherry. The Moosa family as they are known runs this property.

Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, Bhopal

Jehan Numa Palace located very close to Bhopal`s city center was built in the year 1890. It was during Nawab Sultan Jehan Begum`s reign when her second son General Obaidullah Khan, Commander-in-Chief of the Bhopal state Force built this magnificent palace. Nestled on the slopes of the Shama hills the palace hotel stands on five acres of lush green land.

Hotel Jhalamand Garh, Jodhpur

Hotel Jhalamand Garh just 7 km from Jodhpur in the village Jhalamand was once a castle belonging to the erstwhile royal family of Jhalamand. Built in the 18th century it is now a heritage hotel. Retaining the archirtectural integrity of the bygone era the palace hotel also features "Darikhana" or "Diwan-E-Aam" taking the boarders to the bygone royal era.

The Riverside Palace, Gondal

The magnificent structure of the Riverside Palace was built in 1875 by Bhojrasinghji belonging to the erstwhile royal family of Gondal. The palace may not very opulent still one gets a good taste of the royal splendor. The huge iron gates, verdant gardens, antique furniture all points to the era that was.

Nilambagh Palace, Bhavnagar

It was in Year 1875 that Nilambagh, originally known as Huzoor Mahal got constructed outside the confines of Bhavnagar city for the young prince Raja Takhtasinh Gohel. Nilambagh meaning Turquoise garden was thrown open to the public as a hotel as late as 1986.

Mandav Gadh, Visavdar, Junagadh

The Mandav Gadh Fort palace now a luxurious hotel is located at Visavdar in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. Construted in 1842 by the Nawab of Junagadh, subsequently it came into the hands of the Kathi warrior chieftain, Bapu Hasur Wala.The fort has 3 imposing arch gates.

Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur

Udai Bilas Palace located amid the Gaibsagar lake on one side and a forest on the other has a history dating back to the mid-19th century. Maharawal Udai Singhji-II, is credited for building this magnificent palace. Udai Bilas Palace has its wing made of bluish grey stone "Pareva" while the Ek Thambia Mahal is known for its exquisite Rajput architecture.

Sariska Palace, Sariska

The Sariska Palace now a heritage Hotel was built by Maharajah Jai Singh of Alwar. The palace standing at the entrance of the Sariska National Park was constructed sometime during the late 19th century as a royal hunting lodge.