Encased abodes of finer living and rich culture — 5 Heritage Hotels across India

Just like wine tastes better with time, these hotels stay eternally beautiful, living on to tell stories of eras gone by.Gratitude Hotel, PondicherryA property estimated to be nearly 150 years old, Gratitude at Pondicherry retains the ambience and spirit of its French, Creole and Tamil past. With high columns, wide arches, an inner courtyard and the madras terrace roof, it has a stature that truly befits a heritage structure. What gives Gratitude its true charm is the quiet joy and peace that gives it a healing atmosphere. It is rare to find a place of such quietude inviting one to introspect and go on an inner soulful journey without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.Bal Samandh Lake Palace, JodhpurMerely 5km from the city centre is the WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, in the vicinity of the crystalline Bal Samand Lake. Built in red sandstone and employing the typical ornate Rajput architectural style, this heritage hotel has a dramatic history replete with tales of valour and strife, romance and culture. The tastefully designed garden rooms possess an aura of royalty — with their own rose gardens, croquet lawn and restaurant. Lalit Grand Palace, SrinagarThis historical palace dating back to early 20th Century was designed and created by Maharaja Hari Singh himself, a canvas of his keen love and interest for architecture and fine living. Encircled by snow-capped Himalayan ranges and overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake, the palace was initially conceived as a Royal Summer Residence. Later, it became the foremost choice of holiday retreats for many important personalities. Resplendent in its royal heritage and exuding old-world charm, the hotel transports you back in time. It offers a sweeping view of the famed Srinagar scenery and expansive Chinar gardens.The House of MG, AhmedabadThis palatial building was restored to adaptively reuse the spaces. It is meant to cater to a modern lifestyle while staying true to its historical perspective as well as the traditional customs and hospitality of a Gujarati home! One of the oldest buildings in the city, it represents the architectural colonial heritage of the early 20th Century. The hotel has 38 well-appointed rooms — a gallery showcasing traditional textiles of India from the Mangaldas family collection, a tribal heirlooms boutique and a heritage bookstore — making it a modern-day time machine with verdant courtyards and verandahs.Ramgarh Heritage Hotel, HaryanaA luxury boutique hotel, the Ramgarh Heritage is part of an ancient haveli that has existed for 325 years. Located in Panchkula, the hotel is reminiscent of the pre-independence era. It has elegant, luxurious interiors dotted with historic artworks and antiques — a legacy passed down from generation to generation. Spanned across 26 opulent rooms and suites, each customised with unique elements like the artwork on display, mysteriously connected corridors or elaborately decorated ceilings, this aesthetically pleasing space promises an exciting stay, especially to the history buffs!