The Best Hotels in India 2008

Even for those who weren’t reared on Rudyard Kipling stories, the phrase "living like a maharajah" tends to conjure certain images: ornate marble palaces edged by splashing fountains and strutting peacocks; sumptuous silks, plush rugs, and piles of cushions meant for lounging; and squadrons of attendants ready to cater to the most impulsive whim. And there’s truth behind these extravagant visions: Very few have embraced opulence over the centuries as India's royals have.

These days, especially in the province of Rajasthan (whose name means "land of princes"), it’s more possible than ever for visitors to India to taste that storied luxury for themselves. During the past few decades, many of the country’s most splendid palaces have been converted to hotels (under the auspices of groups like Oberoi and Taj); now, the lavish quarters and exquisite service once enjoyed by Indian kings are being savored by visitors.

See our slideshow of India’s top hotels.

Travel + Leisure set out to find which of these magnificent manors could truly be called the best hotels in India. The search was part of the sixth annual T+L 500 survey, which asks the magazine’s readers for their opinions on hotels around the globe. 2007's survey results marked—for the first time—an enormous surge in the popularity of Indian properties.