There are luxury hotels you check into, and then there are places that seem to have been waiting for you long before you arrived. The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace belongs firmly in the second category. Recently featured on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 list, this hilltop retreat near Khajuraho is more like stepping into a living piece of royal history, rather than just a hotel stay.
You arrive thinking it will be another polished five-star experience. But somewhere along the way, that expectation falls away. A buggy takes you past stretches of green, past water bodies catching the light, and along stone walls that rise slowly into view. By the time the palace reveals itself, you realise this place has been here for centuries, watching the landscape change around it.
What makes it memorable is not just the restoration. It is the way everything still feels connected. The building, the land, the silence, even the scale of it all. Nothing feels forced or overdone.
A 350-Year-Old Palace Reclaimed
The palace dates back around 350 years, when it served as a fortified residence in the Bundelkhand region. Today, The Oberoi Group has brought it back to life with a light touch. Instead of reimagining it, they worked with what was already there, bringing in local artisans to restore details that might have otherwise been lost.
Spread across nearly 76 acres, the estate sits above the Maniyagarh Hills, with forests stretching out in the distance and a rain-fed lake anchoring the property. The setting does a lot of the talking.
The architecture stays true to its roots. You notice it in the limestone walls, the long corridors framed by arches, and terraces that open out to wide views. Nothing feels newly imposed. The proportions, the materials, even the way light moves through the space all feel like they belong.
Inside The Palace: Frescoes, Suites, And Slow Luxury
Step inside, and the mood doesn’t change. Frescoes still line the walls. Rooms open into courtyards, gardens, and terraces that pull your gaze outward rather than keeping you enclosed.
There are 65 rooms and suites, some within the original palace structure and others set across the gardens. Each one feels slightly different, shaped by where it sits on the estate.
The design keeps things restrained. Stone, wood, and handcrafted details take the lead. The spaces feel open and easy, not weighed down by ornamentation. Some suites come with private pools, while others give you uninterrupted views of the surrounding hills and forests.
Meals are not rushed here. You sit down with time on your hands, looking out over the landscape as it shifts through the day. Wellness experiences draw from traditional practices, and a spa by the lake is in the works, designed so you reach it by boat.
Even the arrival feels personal. There is music, there are garlands, and for a moment, it feels less like checking in and more like being received into someone’s home.
The Landscape Around: Temples, Tigers, And Stillness
What makes the location even more compelling is what lies around it. In one direction, you have the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, where intricate carvings and centuries-old temples draw visitors from around the world. In the other, there is Panna National Park, where the landscape turns wild and unpredictable.
This contrast shapes your time here. You could spend a morning walking through temple complexes and an afternoon on a safari, scanning the forest for movement. And then return to the palace, where everything slows down again.
Even within the estate, the lake plays its part. It reflects the palace at different hours, softens the edges of the landscape, and quietly becomes central to the experience.
The Information
How To Visit:
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace operates as a luxury resort, so access is reserved for guests with a booking.
It sits about 18 kilometres from Khajuraho Airport, making it fairly straightforward to reach once you are in the region. From there, the journey feels like a gradual transition away from the everyday.
Things To Do:
Stays come at a premium, but they also include curated experiences that help you engage with the surroundings. Guided walks, cultural performances, yoga sessions, and wildlife excursions all form part of the stay.
If you are planning a visit, it works best when you give it time. Pair it with the temples of Khajuraho and a safari in Panna, and let the palace anchor the experience rather than treating it as a quick stop.
FAQs
1. Where is Oberoi Rajgarh Palace located?
Oberoi Rajgarh Palace is located near Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, set across a hilltop estate overlooking forests and a lake.
2. Why is Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in TIME’s 2026 list?
The palace was recognised for its restoration, heritage value, and immersive luxury experience that blends history, nature, and design.
3. How old is Oberoi Rajgarh Palace?
The palace dates back around 350 years and was originally a fortified residence in the Bundelkhand region.
4. What can you do at Oberoi Rajgarh Palace?
Guests can enjoy curated experiences like cultural walks, yoga, spa treatments, wildlife safaris, and visits to nearby temples and forests.
5. What attractions are near Oberoi Rajgarh Palace?
The palace is close to the Khajuraho temples and Panna National Park, offering a mix of cultural and wildlife experiences.
