Lesser Known Palace Hotels In India That Don't Cost The Bomb!

With every second person getting married in Rajasthan AND in a palace hotel, it’s natural to start your venue hunting with that in mind. But it may eat up a chunk of your budget so why not opt for the off beaten track. Here are a few palace properties in India that don’t cost a bomb!

Image via WeddingNama★ 5

Ratan Vilas, Jodhpur

Amidst the blue city of Rajasthan, Ratan Vilas is a shining heritage mansion in Jodhpur. Built in 1920 by Maharaj Ratan Singhji of Raoti, some part of this property is still taken up by his descendants. Facilities include a swimming pool and garden restaurant where you can dine under the stars. There are 20 rooms so it’s perfect for an intimate destination wedding or as a complimentary hotel.

Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur

This restored 17th century mansion is a gorgeous palace hotel facing Lake Pichola. So if you are looking for something near the gorgeous Lake, this is an budget hotel and has typical regal Mewar-style architecture. The hotel's 29 rooms are situated around a large central courtyard and the rooftop restaurant has a panoramic view across the lake to the luxury Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Colourful murals, mirror work, and antique furniture complete the picture.

Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur

This one is another hidden gem in the northern outskirts of Jodhpur. The summer palace overlooks a man-made lake but it’s still as beautiful as you can imagine. Don’t expect super luxurious rooms as they are basic but cheerful. The pool, set between palace and stables, is sublime and we can already picture a small function here!

The Old Courtyard, Fort Kochi, Kerala

Heritage hotels are not limited to just Rajasthan. Fort Kochi has some evocative heritage hotels and The Old Courtyard is a budget friendly one. What's more, it has a fantastic location in the heart of the action on Princess Street, close to the Chinese fishing nets and promenade.It’s a small hotel for a wedding but you can book a complimentary hotel near it for your guests staying if you are planning a big destination wedding.

Shivavilas Palace Hotel, Sandur, Karnataka

Looking for a unique location for your destination wedding? Sandur is a perfect pick which is merely 40 kms from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampi. It’s a newly palace-that-got-converted-to –hotel so you can enjoy the luxury of large rooms and royal furniture at nominal rates.

Kasmanda Palace Hotel, Mussoorie, Uttaranchal

Drooling after the 5 star properties in Mussoorie but think it’s too much to spend? You can still have sunset pheras with the backdrop of Mussoorie. Originally a part of the Christ Church complex built in 1836, the Anglo-French building was built for the British Armed Forces before becoming the Summer retreat of the Kasmanda Royal Family. The soothing pine forests surrounding the estate and the breathtaking view of the Doon valley make it one of the most picturesque places to tie the knot at. This hotel offers you the chance to soak in colonial elegance while enjoying all modern amenities.

Fernhills Palace, Ooty

Fondly known as the Queen of the Hill Stations, Ooty is a scenic location to say ‘I do’! Built in 1844 as a summer palace for the royals of Mysore, it's the only pseudo-Swiss & Tudor classic palace resort. So if you are looking for European palace grandeur for your wedding, this is perfect. The hotel retains much of its colonial charm, and each room has a delightful open fireplace for guests to warm themselves by a log fire during winter. Winter weddings anyone?

Divan's Bungalow, Ahmedabad

From the Neemrana group, this 19^th century haveli-resort is a gorgeous property for your destination wedding. It comes complete with sightings of purple sunbirds, red-vented bulbuls, and house sparrow birds in a tranquil courtyard so that your guests have the most amazing time. It's also one of the finest examples of colonial architecture so if you were worried about décor, you can be rest assured that photos will look stunning.