Brijrama Palace, Varanasi 

A spectacular palace overlooking the sacred River Ganges

In India’s holiest city where ghats (staircases) trace the famous River Ganges, a walled palace offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the life of an Indian royal family. One of the oldest buildings in the area, the palace showcases a blend of Greek and Indian architecture where mysterious doors lead off corridors and lead into beautifully authentic rooms of embroidered bed runners and glowing amber lights. The palace has just 32 rooms where the most spectacular view comes with the Varuna Burj (The Bastion) room, which features protruded viewing turrets taking you closer to the river, and the River facing Maharaja Suites with sweeping views of the Ganges.

The heart of the palace lies in the capitvating Bada Aangan, the main atrium. Each evening, its three floors are flooded with live music, creating a magical space for guests to enjoy and socialise. The hotel's restaurant Darbhanga serves traditional vegetarian delicacies in fine dining style. Head to the Udayan rooftop terrace for wonderful views of the river and where you can take part in yoga and meditation sessions at sunrise. While staying in this holy city you can see the enchanting mass of tealights lit at the Ganges aarti ceremony, held a short walk away at Dashashwamedh ghat. Or have a candelit dinner on the River Ganges – dine on a boat as you float down this sacred waterway.