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Stay in a former palace which has been refurbished into a luxury boutique hotel …
The Taj Nadesar Palace is a boutique hotel set in a former royal palace. Built between 1782 and 1790, the property was named after the goddess Nadesari and was originally home to an East India Company commissioner before coming into the hands of the Maharaja of Kashi in 1889. It’s been owned by the royal family ever since and our team at Taj Hotels have had the pleasure of managing it since 2009. We carefully renovated the palace using authentic floor plans and paintings, so you’ll still find Victorian furniture, grand arches and marble.
Over the years, the property has hosted international dignitaries like the king of Saudi Arabia, to more recent state heads like Angela Merkel and Hollywood celebrities. We’ve even named our 14 rooms and suites after some of our famous guests; we have a Queen Elizabeth Suite and a Persian room where the last Shah of Iran stayed. No two rooms are alike in layout or décor. We’re set in 30 acres of peaceful grounds filled with mango and guava orchards, peacocks and a pond; visitors enjoy spending time by the pool and playing on our mini golf course.
One of our unique experiences that guests love is taking a ride in a royal carriage. Our coach driver is a fourth-generation member of the royal family and will tell you stories of his ancestors’ 200-year-old history as he drives you around the grounds. I’d also recommend trying our Abhisheka treatment at Jiva Spa, which is based on purifying Indian rituals. Of course, we’re just a few kilometres away from Varanasi’s key landmarks and the shopping district too, so the hotel is ideal for sightseeing.
You can enjoy a range of dining experiences at Taj Nadesar Palace, from poolside BBQs to traditional Indian dining followed by fine whiskies that aren’t typically available in northern India. We also offer exclusive private dining in a marble edifice where the Maharaja used to sit and meet people from the city, accompanied by classical Indian singers. Guests tell us that staying here is tranquillity defined. We believe in providing a personal experience – most of our staff are from the city and have been working with us for up to 10 years.
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656