Nadesar Varanasi, India
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
TajNeoclassical maharaja palace
Mango orchards and jasmine gardens surround a white neoclassical palace, where peacocks roam the lawns and horse-drawn carriages greet arriving guests.
“When Julian discovered a small, wooden flute waiting for him in our room at Taj Nadesar Palace, he marched joyously around the suite, blowing as hard as he could.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated palace butlers attending ten suites with horse-drawn carriage arrivals and claw-foot tubs.
Remarkable
An East India Company mansion turned royal residence of the Maharaja of Benares.
Notable
Traditional earthen-pot chai tastings and royal Benarasi cuisine beside Goddess Nadesari's shrine.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
This was, after all, the Maharaja’s residence, and it’s hard to imagine that the experience could have been much more regal…
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set in tranquil Nadesar, the estate offers quiet contrast to Varanasi's ancient labyrinth of shrines, bustling bazaars, and sacred riverside ghats.
The rooms
Ten expansive suites feature four-poster beds, original artwork from the royal collection, and deep claw-foot bathtubs set in marble bathrooms.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Sandstone tiles edge the dark stone pool, set among manicured lawns and fountains behind the palace.
The spa
Ayurvedic bodywork and purification rituals using Ganges water take place in treatment rooms with jali screens.
The baths
Sunken marble soaking tubs are dressed with pink rose petals beside brass bowls and soft candlelight.
Restaurant
The Dining Area
Beneath crystal chandeliers and draped arches, checkered marble floors host traditional Benarasi recipes and royal specialties.
The handsome architecture overcomes all with the assistance of impeccable service; terrace dining by the pool, where you are serenaded by Indian classical musicians in the evening; and the 43 acres of grounds.
At the table
Tables are dressed along the sun terrace and poolside pavilion for open-air breakfasts and garden barbecues.
How it began
Named for the Goddess Nadesari, the 18th-century residence was later acquired by the Maharaja of Benares to host visiting monarchs.
Good to know
Stay here
Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Varanasi
More like this
BrijRama Palace
“Ganges sandstone citadel”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.