The recent opening of Taj Nadesar Palace in Varanasi, India, is a welcome luxury addition to the city’s hotels. Built in the 18th century and set in 40 acres of fragrant gardens, this heritage palace hotel is an intimate retreat near the Ganges River.

During our last trip to Varanasi in northern India, we viewed the earliest stages of this palace hotel’s refurbishment. 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 acquired the building in the late 19th century from the British East India Company, which originally built it to accommodate visiting officials. The Maharaja used the palace to host many important visitors to the holy city, including kings, emperors and heads of state.

Walking through the property at that time felt like stepping back in history. 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 original paintings and photographs still hanging on the walls.

Today, the palace has been fully refurbished. Taj Hotels has stayed true to the building’s heritage and history in its decor and restoration, while also incorporating modern comforts for today’s luxury traveler.

We include accommodation at Taj Nadesar Palace for travelers on our private Varansi tours. Contact Artisans of Leisure to begin planning a private India tour featuring our favorite cultural destinations and top luxury hotels.