Like the first ray of the sun – a translation of its evocative name - Taj Usha Kiran Palace rises on the Gwalior horizon inviting global travellers to experience the artistic opulence, royal lineage and exceptional musical legacy of Central India. Usha Kiran Palace transports guests to a bygone era of nobility and genteel glamour.

Spread over nine acres of landscaped gardens and water bodies, the Usha Kiran Palace was built in 1880 by HH Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia as a guest residence, adjacent to The Jai Villas Palace, the ancestral home of the Scindia family and since then has hosted royalty and dignitaries on myriad occasions. Overlooking one of India’s most impenetrable fortresses, the Gwalior Fort, it echoes the valour of the city’s erstwhile rulers, engulfing guests in an ethereal time capsule. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed in a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage – following in the footsteps of world dignitaries that visited through the decades – you’ll feel like modern royalty. Meticulously restored, the palace retains a profound sense of history, with a flourish of contemporary tropical style and top-of-the-line amenities. An earthy ochre and fresh green palette in the lobby mirrors the manicured gardens with swaying palms. The spectacular Navtaal Swimming Pool, a landscape of bridges and moats with a peripheral child pool and lounging deck, is at the heart of the public spaces. The progressive and artistic history of the Scindias unfolds on guided heritage walks within the palace. While the Navtaal story is mesmerizing, our historian will narrate equally intriguing tales of the century old elevator made by Marryat & Scott Ltd, London and vintage letter boxes. The palace immerses guests in Gwalior’s exceptional lineage of craft, architecture and rich textiles. But above all, it reverberates with an indomitable musical heritage. The Gwalior gharana is the fountainhead of Indian classical music.

With 50 guest rooms, the palace has versatile accommodation for intimate getaways as well as grand wedding and corporate celebrations. Newest addition to the palace inventory are immaculately appointed pool-facing luxury tents that offer a cosy glamping experience.

Within this most glorious of palaces showcasing the best of Maratha’s royal heritage, you also experience the best fine-dining restaurants in Gwalior. Gourmands delight in global cuisines, closely-guarded royal delicacies and robust home-style regional dishes served at Silver Saloon, the all-day diner. Bada Bar, designed for refined socializing over a prized selection of wine and liqueurs, reveals a secret private spot tucked away within its retro-luxe interiors. With the exquisite palace offerings, our impeccably manicured lawns serve as magical outdoor venue that can host grandest of events. The State Room – a ballroom evoking royal grandeur – is an exceptional venue for corporate and social gatherings.

Your active lifestyle remains uncompromised at the fitness center. Take your royal retreat a notch further by indulging in signature treatments at the J Wellness Circle Spa, where we envelop you in ancient Indian wellness therapies that harmonize your mind and body. Our concierge would be happy to arrange a city tour for your group, and all else your heart desires. Illuminated by the palace’s beauty, we invite you to experience, the finest traditions of Maratha hospitality and live like royalty at this palace hotel in Gwalior that will leave you enchanted for a lifetime.