Brij Rama Palace, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Strange to think, that this former palace, constructed in 1812, is one of Varanasi's oldest structures. Though BrijRama Palace is without question the city's number one address. Undergoing 18-years of painstaking renovations for it to reach its current heights of opulence, the best of its 32 rooms and suites overlook the River Ganges below. For a bird's eye view of what could be a real-time travel documentary, opt for one of the Dhanurdhara Rooms. A hybrid of styles and periods reflect the palace's change of hands over the years. A Greco-Roman statue here; a Maratha floral motif there: it all adds to the charm and eccentricity. Situated on its own ghat, guests are received by boat, before being whisked away to their palatial lodgings. Right in the heart of this ancient Hindu city, you are moments from the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, home to Varanasi's vibrant evening aarti: a site not to be missed. Such sacred surrounds mean you won't find anything but a strictly vegetarian diet being served but with dishes like the nine plate Baranasi Thali on the menu, who's complaining? Six o'clock morning yoga sessions on the roof terrace, as a glowing Indian morning sun rises above Mother Ganga are the apex of exoticism.