Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

This former Maharaja’s palace enjoys a prime location on the eastern shore of Pushkar Lake. It’s a bit frayed around the edges, and the interiors lack the historic feel of many heritage hotels in this part of the world, but it’s still by far the nicest place to sleep in Rajasthan’s most sacred Hindu town.

Settle down on your balcony at sunset time to savour the sound of temple bells, drums and Vedic chants drifting across the water from the nearby ghats, where pilgrims bathe and pray in the gathering darkness.

Our opinion

A comfortable lakefront hotel within walking distance of the town and temples.