Indo-Gothic royal estate
Guests arrive by ceremonial horse-drawn carriage to the sound of tutari bugles, surrounded by sandstone filigree and sprawling manicured lawns.
Where it shines
Remarkable
An 1880 royal guesthouse with ornate sandstone screens and a vintage London-engineered elevator.
Notable
Staff anticipate requests with traditional palace warmth and a ceremonial carriage arrival.
Notable
Signature Mangal Snan bath therapies accompanied by live classical musicians behind filigree screens.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
The building, needless to say, is an architectural treasure, and the nine acres of gardens certainly don’t hurt the mood.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Adjacent to Jai Vilas Palace in historic Lashkar, the estate provides leafy seclusion just minutes from central Gwalior.
The rooms
Rooms feature antique furnishings and canopied four-poster beds, while private villas open onto personal plunge pools and sunny garden decks.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Nine interconnected water bodies form the Navtaal pool complex, spanned by arched Venetian bridges and edged by green lawns.
The spa and gym
Candlelit petal baths and Ayurvedic therapies take place in the spa, and the fitness centre holds weight machines.
Restaurant
Silver Saloon
Heritage Maratha recipes and Nepalese dishes are served beneath mirrored wall panels, accompanied by live Indian classical music.
At the table
Bada Bar pours drinks beside a vintage billiards table, and The Courts serves alfresco meals under carved sandstone arches.
How it began
Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia built the palace in 1880 as a royal guesthouse before it became a private Scindia family residence.
Good to know
Stay here
Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior
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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.