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Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India

Nadesar Palace

Forts and Palaces
Central India, India

History soaked Taj Nadesar Palace has been hosting guests since its inception in 1835. A former palace, now a micro boutique historic hotel, with only 10 rooms complimented by 32 acres of landscaped grounds set in a residential neighbourhood.

To stay here is a taste of colonial luxury. The Taj team of staff have won the hearts of all their visitors and nothing is too much trouble.

Why we like Nadesar Palace

One of two smart five-star hotels in Varanasi that delivers consistently, Nadesar Palace has no rivals. With only 10 rooms, book early as they are always in high demand.

Facilities

Although set in the city, escape amongst the mango orchards and jasmine flowers of the vibrant gardens. A hidden temple can be found within the 40 acres, dating back over 300 years and is complete with a resident priest. Don’t miss the royal horse-drawn carriage rides through the extensive gardens passing the organic fruit and vegetable gardens as you go. Particularly delicious food is served in the dining room.

Activities

Follow the peacocks around the grounds
Take a tour of the historic palace and learn of the history of Varanasi
Make use of the well-equipped spa
Tee off at the mini-golf course

Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India

Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India

Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India

Group tour

Ganges River Cruise with William Dalrymple

*Please note we have limited availability on this cruise. There is currently only one remaining Colonial suite and main deck signature suites available to book. Board the five-star Ganges Voyager on a 11-day river cruise into the heart of West Bengal. William…

Departing 6th February 2023

11 days from £4,995pp

Sunrise over River Ganges, Varanasi, India

Idea

Wildlife Safari in Kanha, Pench and Satpura

With small private eco-lodges providing a comfortable base, discover the rich biodiversity of India’s most prolific national parks. Pench is famous for its leopard sightings, while the dense forests and the large prey base at Kanha, provide the perfect territory for tigers.

15 days from £5,245pp

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Golden Eagle Madras Mail – South India by Luxury Train

Journey through Southern India, covering everything from India’s most important cities of Mumbai and Hyderabad to spectacular World Heritage Sites and the coastlines of Goa and Kerala.

15 days from £14,205pp

Deccan Odyssey Train, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

On the Trail of Snow Leopards

Our snow leopard group tour works with the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India in Ladakh and is accompanied by its team of expert trackers. Spend four full days exploring the Ulley Valley searching for ‘The Ghost of the Himalaya’.

Departing 19th February 2023

13 days from £5,995pp

Rare and elusive snow leopard on mountain top lookout, Ladakh, India

View Group Tour

Idea

Tiger Safari in Central India

This holiday suggestion is perfect for anyone keen to see tigers in the wild. Experience 10 game drives over 8 days, accompanied by best-in-field naturalists, in three of the best tiger parks in India; Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna.

11 days from £4,940pp

Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

This holiday idea has been specially created to take in the highlights the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and also take you further into the heart of Rajasthan to explore other royal cities and rural retreats in this region of India.

14 days from £4,945pp

Detail of decorated gateway, Amber fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Tigers of Nepal and India with Taj Safaris

This 12-day luxury safari holiday combines the best of Nepal and Indian wildlife experiences with the exceptional hospitality and comfort delivered by Taj Safaris. From the tiger heartland of Kanha National Park, in Central India to the heart of the jungle in…

12 days from £4,715pp

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

An Introduction to Bhutan

This 13-day classic journey is the perfect holiday for anybody visiting Bhutan for the first time, taking in the main sites of Western and Central Bhutan whilst staying in a mix of traditional Bhutanese guest houses.

13 days from £5,600pp

Sun Temple, Bhutan

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Highlights of Kerala – Cochin, Munnar and Backwaters

With all the ingredients for the ultimate first-time visit to India, this holiday itinerary offers a gentle start to everyone wishing to make inroads into the Subcontinent. Easing you into India, the southern region of Kerala is slower, less frenetic and offers…

12 days from £4,485pp

Tea Estates, Munnar, Kerala, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Central India’s Cultural Highlights

This holiday idea to Central India has been designed to combine some of the most evocative and memorable experiences from the religious ceremonies in Varanasi to the perfectly preserved temples of Khajuraho.

12 days from £3,855pp

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, India

View Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our India holiday ideas.

We know a thing or two about bespoke holidays – we’ve been creating them since 1989. Take a trip through the India holidays that we love today.

Group tour

Ganges River Cruise with William Dalrymple

*Please note we have limited availability on this cruise. There is currently only one remaining Colonial suite and main deck signature suites available to book. Board the five-star Ganges Voyager on a 11-day river cruise into the heart of West…

Departing 6th February 2023

11 days from £4,995pp

Sunrise over River Ganges, Varanasi, India

Idea

Wildlife Safari in Kanha, Pench and Satpura

With small private eco-lodges providing a comfortable base, discover the rich biodiversity of India’s most prolific national parks. Pench is famous for its leopard sightings, while the dense forests and the large prey base at Kanha, provide the perfect territory for…

15 days from £5,245pp

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Golden Eagle Madras Mail – South India by Luxury Train

Journey through Southern India, covering everything from India’s most important cities of Mumbai and Hyderabad to spectacular World Heritage Sites and the coastlines of Goa and Kerala.

15 days from £14,205pp

Deccan Odyssey Train, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

On the Trail of Snow Leopards

Our snow leopard group tour works with the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India in Ladakh and is accompanied by its team of expert trackers. Spend four full days exploring the Ulley Valley searching for ‘The Ghost of the Himalaya’.

Departing 19th February 2023

13 days from £5,995pp

Rare and elusive snow leopard on mountain top lookout, Ladakh, India

View Group Tour

Idea

Tiger Safari in Central India

This holiday suggestion is perfect for anyone keen to see tigers in the wild. Experience 10 game drives over 8 days, accompanied by best-in-field naturalists, in three of the best tiger parks in India; Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna.

11 days from £4,940pp

Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

This holiday idea has been specially created to take in the highlights the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) and also take you further into the heart of Rajasthan to explore other royal cities and rural retreats in this region…

14 days from £4,945pp

Detail of decorated gateway, Amber fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Tigers of Nepal and India with Taj Safaris

This 12-day luxury safari holiday combines the best of Nepal and Indian wildlife experiences with the exceptional hospitality and comfort delivered by Taj Safaris. From the tiger heartland of Kanha National Park, in Central India to the heart of the…

12 days from £4,715pp

Tiger walking along road, Dudhwa National Park, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

An Introduction to Bhutan

This 13-day classic journey is the perfect holiday for anybody visiting Bhutan for the first time, taking in the main sites of Western and Central Bhutan whilst staying in a mix of traditional Bhutanese guest houses.

13 days from £5,600pp

Sun Temple, Bhutan

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Highlights of Kerala – Cochin, Munnar and Backwaters

With all the ingredients for the ultimate first-time visit to India, this holiday itinerary offers a gentle start to everyone wishing to make inroads into the Subcontinent. Easing you into India, the southern region of Kerala is slower, less frenetic…

12 days from £4,485pp

Tea Estates, Munnar, Kerala, India

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Central India’s Cultural Highlights

This holiday idea to Central India has been designed to combine some of the most evocative and memorable experiences from the religious ceremonies in Varanasi to the perfectly preserved temples of Khajuraho.

12 days from £3,855pp

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, India

View Holiday Idea

View all holiday ideas View all cruises

Where to stay in India

Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any journey.

More luxury accommodation

The Ultimate Travelling Camp – Sangam Nivas

Tented Camps
£££££

Take a spiritual journey to the Kumbh Mela and spend a fascinating three to six days experiencing a 2000-year-old pilgrimage whilst comfortably ultra-camping with the Ultimate Travelling Camp. The only luxury tented camp ‘on location’, Sangam…

Super Luxury Deluxe Tent, The Ultimate Travelling Camp, Kumbh Mela, Allahabad

Taj Usha Kiran Palace Hotel

Forts and Palaces
£££££

Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior is a 40 room heritage hotel managed by the Taj Group and is the best place to stay in Gwalior. Usha Kiran Palace Hotel is a real surprise. Old world charm and…

Taj Usha Kiran Palace Hotel, Gwalior, India

Kaafila

Tented Camps
£££££

Kaafila, the name derived from an Urdu word meaning convoy or caravan, is India’s newest and most exciting luxury mobile camp. With spacious tents complete with proper beds, attached bathrooms, and a living area the camp…

Kaafila, Central India, India

Taj Falaknuma Palace

Forts and Palaces
£££££

The former residence of the royal family of Hyderabad, The Falaknuma Palace has been leased to the Taj Group of Hotels and refurbished into a truly remarkable palace hotel.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, India

Lebua Hotel Lucknow

City
£££££

The Lebua hotel in Lucknow is a small heritage property in central Lucknow. Originally built in 1936, the structure is a traditional bungalow overlooking a large, green lawn. It reflects the “Art Deco” architecture of the…

Lebua Saraca Estate, Lucknow, India

Ahilya Fort

Forts and Palaces
£££££

A stay at Ahilya Fort is an experience straight out of the 18th century. Situated high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River, Ahilya Fort was the capital of one of India’s celebrated women rulers…

Sunset River View, Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar, India

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A faultless trip so brilliantly expedited and organised by Steppes Travel but with a major backup from those on the ground, in India.

India

A great itinerary for an introduction to India. It has given us lots of ideas and enthusiasm for a return trip.

India

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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