3 Indian Luxury Stays From Jodhpur To Kumaon Make It To TIME World's Greatest Places 2026 List

In a year when immersive experiences and destination-driven stays are reshaping global travel, TIME Magazine has released its prestigious list of the World's Greatest Places of 2026. The annual selection, drawn from nominations submitted by correspondents and contributors, and from an application process, highlights 100 destinations around the world that promise meaningful, exciting, and relevant travel experiences.

The World's Greatest Places of 2026 are divided into two categories: Places to Stay and Places to Visit. In the Places to Stay category, three Indian properties have earned a coveted spot for their standout design and a strong connection to their surroundings, offering memorable experiences.

Here Are 3 Indian Hotel Stays Listed In The World's Greatest Places Of 2026:

1. Oberoi Rajgarh Palace Resort, Rajgarh  

^{Photo Credit: Oberoi Rajgarh Palace Resort}

Set above a rain-fed lake in the Maniyagarh Hills of central India, the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace Resort brings new life to a 350-year-old Bundela dynasty residence. Opened in November, the 65-room retreat blends frescoed interiors with modern luxuries including private pools, gardens and terraces.

Its location is central to its appeal. Across the lake lies Panna National Park, a 200-square-mile reserve celebrated for its successful Bengal tiger repopulation efforts and home to Indian leopards and sloth bears. Naturalists take guests on private safaris and guided trips to Raneh Gorge, where the Ken Sanctuary's pink granite canyon ends in a waterfall and a protected habitat for gharials.

History enthusiasts are equally rewarded. A palace historian accompanies guests to the intricately carved Hindu and Jain temples of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 30 minutes away.

Room Rate (for 2 guests): One night stay in a Premier Room with Private Garden costs Rs 69,620 (breakfast included). One night stay in a Kohinoor Suite with Private Pool costs Rs 8,85,000.

2. Mharo Khet, Jodhpur  

^{Photo Credit: Mharo Khet}

In Rajasthan, where palace hotels and fortress stays dominate the landscape, Mharo Khet introduces a refreshing new interpretation of regional hospitality. Positioned on a 40-acre regenerative farm on the outskirts of Jodhpur, the boutique retreat offers 10 standalone suites set within a family-run agricultural estate. Its name translates to "my farm" in Marwari, signalling the personal warmth and philosophy behind the project.

The design merges crafts from across India - Channapatna lacquer pieces, Rajasthani block prints and Gujarati textiles - reimagined with contemporary flair. Food is the heartbeat of the experience. Guests can take cooking classes, join guided foraging walks through strawberry patches and pomegranate orchards, and experience plant-forward dining at three restaurants, including Paeru, an alfresco space nestled within a guava orchard.

Room Rate (for 2 guests): One night stay in a Cottage costs Rs 48,380 (all meals included).

3. Shakti Himalaya Prana Lodge, Kumaon  

^{Photo Credit: Shakti Himalaya Prana Lodge}

Reaching Shakti Prana Lodge is an experience in itself. Accessible only on foot, either via a steep 30-minute ascent or a gentler 50-minute walk, the seven-suite lodge opened in October 2025 as the newest offering from Shakti Himalaya, a luxury trekking company known for restoring village homes across the Himalayas.

Set at roughly 7,000 feet, every element of the solar-powered lodge was built by hand. Suites feature wood-burning fireplaces, sitting rooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Nanda Devi and the Panchachuli Range. Together with the newly opened Shakti Panchachuli, the lodge exemplifies how walking-centred travel can be evolved into a more luxurious experience.

Package Rate (2-person travelling basis): A 3-Night Shakti Panchachuli package starts from Rs 3,10,574 per person. This includes private accommodation in the Panchachuli village house on a fully inclusive basis, covering all meals and beverages, all activities, an English-speaking guide, a private chef, support guides and porters, and a car at your disposal.