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500-YO Forts To Royal Palaces, 9 Heritage Properties To Book This Republic Day Long Weekend

Make the most of the Republic Day long weekend by staying at some of India’s most beautiful heritage properties.

by Mallika Khurana
500-YO Forts To Royal Palaces, 9 Heritage Properties To Book This Republic Day Long Weekend

The Republic Day long weekend is a reminder to pause, breathe, and look at India a little more closely. And what better way to do that than by staying in places where history isn’t locked behind glass but lives in every corridor, courtyard, and window? That’s exactly what heritage hotels all over India have to offer, along with grand settings, leisurely mornings, and storied past. Here are some of the most beautiful heritage properties where you can plan a memorable long weekend escape this Republic Day.

Heritage Properties Perfect For The Republic Day Long Weekend

1. Hotel Baradari Palace, Patiala

A stay at Hotel Baradari Palace feels like being invited into the royal past of Punjab. Constructed in 1876, this palace was once home to the Patiala royal family and was one of the biggest homes in Asia. The palace feels timeless even now, with its expansive courtyards and lofty hallways. The rooms are massive, with high ceilings, antique furniture, and windows that open out to green gardens. Every room is named after a Punjabi king, making your stay both personal and historically significant. This is the kind of place where you put down your phone, take a slow sip of tea, and let the grandeur do the talking.

Where: 89PR+M8G, Baradari Rd, Baradari, Patiala, Punjab
Check-in time: 2 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹5,950/night

2. BrijRama Palace, Varanasi

BrijRama Palace
Image Courtesy: BrijRama Palace/Website

When you visit BrijRama Palace, you will experience a strong sense of connection to Varanasi. Located right on the ghats of the Ganga, this 18th-century palace lets you wake up to the sound of temple bells and the sight of boats gliding over the river. You arrive here by boat, which instantly feels like leaving the present behind and entering another time. The rooms are elegant and calming, with silk furnishings and views of the river. For a Republic Day long weekend, BrijRama Palace offers a deep sense of calm, despite being in one of India’s oldest living cities.

Where: Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwamedh, Uttar Pradesh
Check-in time: 2 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹63,500/night

3. Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

Jehan Numa Palace feels like a royal home that gently welcomes you in. Built during the era of the Begums of Bhopal, this 19th-century palace sits atop Shamla Hill, surrounded by greenery and open skies. Rooms open into courtyards and balconies, allowing fresh air and natural light in. Days here are best spent enjoying long breakfasts, slow walks through gardens, spa sessions, and relaxed meals that stretch into the evening. Jehan Numa Palace is perfect for those who want a heritage experience without formality.

Where: 157, Shyamla Hills Rd, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Check-in time: 2 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹7,500/night

4. Khimsar Fort, Rajasthan

Khimsar Fort is where desert romance meets royal grandeur. Rising dramatically from the edge of the Thar Desert, this 16th-century fort still belongs to the royal family. Surrounded by sand dunes, orchards, and ancient walls, the fort feels worlds away from city life. The rooms are filled with antique furniture, carved windows, and soft lighting. You can explore the fort, go on camel safaris, unwind by the pool, or eat in candlelit courtyards while the stars shine. For a Republic Day long weekend, Khimsar Fort is perfect if you want the feeling of being part of a royal story.

Where: XCF4+XFC, Kheenvsar, Lalawas, Rajasthan
Check-in time: 2 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹8,000/night

Also Read: 8 Beach Trips Under ₹15,000 Perfect For This Republic Day Long Weekend

5. Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior

Usha Kiran Palace is quiet elegance at its finest. This palace was constructed in 1880 by the Scindia dynasty and features symmetrical architecture and well-kept lawns. It is now run by Taj and maintains its regal charm while providing all the conveniences of modern life. With verandas, traditional furnishings, and views of the garden, the rooms are airy and quiet. If you’re looking for relaxation and luxury this Republic Day long weekend, Usha Kiran Palace is one of the best heritage properties.

Where: near Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Jayendraganj, Lashkar, Gwalior
Check-in time: 2 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹11,700/night

6. Balaram Palace Resort, Gujarat

Balaram Palace, once the Nawab of Palanpur’s hunting lodge, is now a serene heritage retreat surrounded by hills and forests. The palace, which was constructed in the early 20th century, combines expansive open areas, gardens, and old-world architecture. The rooms are large and magnificent; some even have colonial-style accents and fireplaces. For a Republic Day long weekend, Balaram Palace is perfect if you’re looking to slow down completely and reconnect with nature and history.

Where: Off. Abu-Palanpur Highway No. 14, Chitrasani, Gujarat
Check-in time: 1 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹7,500/night

7. Castle Bijaipur, Chittorgarh

Castle Bijaipur
Image Courtesy:Castle Bijaipur/Website

The history of Castle Bijaipur is genuinely vibrant. Built in the 16th century and still run by the royal family, this castle is more like a cosy home than a hotel. It is surrounded by hills and forests and has a cosy, serene, and very personal feel. The hospitality is warm and genuine, and the rooms are simple but elegant. For a long weekend, Castle Bijaipur is one of the heritage properties if you value authenticity, quiet surroundings, and meaningful experiences over luxury.

Where: Hotel Castle, Bijaipur Village, Bassi, Rajasthan
Check-in time: 12 pm onwards

8. Taragarh Palace, Himachal Pradesh

Taragarh Palace is a romantic, historically significant mountain retreat. Built in 1937 as a summer palace, it is surrounded by tea gardens and forests and provides stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. Life moves at a wonderfully slow pace, the surroundings are lush, and the air is pure. The rooms are elegant and cosy, with views that add a special touch to mornings. Taragarh Palace is perfect for a Republic Day long weekend if you’re craving nature and a touch of royal charm in the hills.

Where: V & P O Taragarh Distt. Kangra Valley, Tehsil Baijnath, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Check-in time: 2 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹3,401/night

9. Nilambag Palace, Bhavnagar

 

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From the moment you arrive, Nilambag Palace exudes elegance and warmth. Built in 1859, this former royal residence is surrounded by gardens where peacocks are allowed to wander. The palace combines colonial architecture with Gujarati heritage to create a grand yet relaxed ambiance. Nilambag Palace is the perfect place to have a leisurely, comfortable, and restful heritage stay.

Where: Rajkot Road, Nilambaug Circle, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Check-in time: 12 pm onwards
Cost: starting at ₹4,400/night

These historic sites invite you to enjoy India’s history in the most wonderful way this Republic Day long weekend.

Cover Image Courtesy: Taj Hotels/Website and ITC Hotels/Website

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First Published: January 21, 2026 7:24 PM