Unlike other areas of India, the hotels in Varanasi have never been anything to brag about. I often tell our travelers, “Varanasi is about the experience of the destination, not the accommodation.” That recently changed with the opening of the Taj’s newest luxury heritage property, Nadesar Palace.

During my last trip to Varanasi, I was fortunate to witness the earliest stages of refurbishment of this palace hotel’s building. The Nadesar Palace is located between marigold and jasmine fields and overlooks a tributary of the holy Ganges River. It was once the guest house of the Maharaja of Benares who bought the building in the late 19th century from the British East India Company, who in turn built it to accommodate its company’s visiting officials. The Maharaja used the palace to host many important visitors to the holy city, including kings, emperors and heads of state.

As I was walked through the property that day, it was like taking a step back in time. The building had been in a state of disrepair and abandonment for decades. Even so, it was amazing to see dusty, antique furniture in every room, faded and cracked murals along the hallways, and even original paintings and photographs still hanging, albeit crookedly, on the walls.

The building is now fully refurbished. Taj Hotels stayed true to the heritage and history of the building in its décor and refinement while also providing modern amenities for the luxury traveler. Guests of the Nadesar Palace have access to the facilities at the main hotel and as well as the palace’s own private dining area, spa and lap pool.

We’re now using this hotel in all of our luxury India tours that visit the holy city of Varanasi, which is one of my favorite cultural destinations in India.
-S.S.