Taj Usha Kiran Palace

This white-and-yellow palace was built by the royal family of Gwalior to house guests for the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1902. Surrounded by 9 acres of landscaped gardens and embellished with stone carvings and fine filigree work, it houses 41 rooms, suites and villas. The best accommodations include the two royal suites, which are furnished with Venetian mirrors, mother-of-pearl mosaics and canopied beds, with magnificent views of the Gwalior Fort and the Jai Vilas Palace all around. The two luxury villas offer additional exclusivity with a private pool and a sun bathing area. The Jiva Spa offers a range of Indian treatments, aromatherapies, body scrubs and wraps. Dining options include the Art Deco-style Bada Bar; the palm-shaded café The Court; and Silver Saloon, which serves royal cuisine, Continental, Asian and Indian fare accompanied by classical music from the Gwalior Gharana. The hotel also organises parasailing, river rafting, rock climbing and rappelling on request.