A 350-YEAR-OLD PALACE ABOVE THE TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO
In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace rises above the countryside on the Maniyagarh Hills, looking out towards the forests of Panna National Park and a rain-fed lake at its feet. Khajuraho’s UNESCO World Heritage temples lie within easy reach, their intricate sculptures and centuries of history forming a striking counterpoint to the palace’s own story.
Originally built more than 350 years ago as a Bundelkhand royal residence, the palace has been meticulously restored and reimagined as a contemporary Oberoi retreat. Arched verandas, domes and courtyards recall its past, while British colonial influences and clean-lined interiors bring a quieter, modern elegance. Across some 70 acres of hillside and gardens, accommodation is set both within the original palace and in newer wings that step down towards the water.
The 66 rooms, suites and villas are generous in scale and designed for privacy. Palace rooms face leafy courtyards, while higher category suites add separate living areas and wide terraces for open-air dining or sunrise tea. Villas offer still more seclusion, some with private gardens or pools and long views across the lake, Maniyagarh hills or towards Panna National Park. Marble bathrooms, handcrafted details and quietly efficient Oberoi service are standard throughout.
Days slip easily between the sharing edge of the infinity pool above the lake, unhurried meals in the palace dining room or at the water’s edge, and time on the water itself. Asmi by Oberoi occupies tented spa suites and treatment rooms by the lake, reached by boat, with saunas, steam rooms and lifestyle showers set up for unhurried rituals.
Beyond the estate, the palace is a well-placed base for tiger safaris in Panna National Park, visits to Khajuraho’s temple complexes and excursions to Raneh Falls. Families are well looked after too, with imaginative children’s experiences such as gem-hunting quests and yoga in the gardens, before evenings of storytelling or classical dance back at the palace.
Conveniently, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace lies around 18 kilometres, or a 25 minute drive, from Khajuraho International Airport and is easily reached by national highways, making it straightforward to weave into a wider journey through central India.
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace
At a glance
- Five star Oberoi palace hotel set atop the Maniyagarh Hills, overlooking a rain-fed lake and the forests that fringe Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
- 66 rooms, suites and villas spread between the restored 350-year-old palace and landscaped gardens over roughly 70 acres of hillside.
- Accommodation categories include palace rooms and suites, some with private terraces, as well as villas with private gardens or pools and wide lake or countryside views.
- Design that blends Bundelkhand heritage with British colonial touches and contemporary Oberoi style, with marble bathrooms, generous living spaces, soundproofing and modern amenities.
- Well placed for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho and for tiger safaris and nature drives in nearby Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve.
- Around 18 km (approximately 25 minutes) from Khajuraho International Airport, with straightforward access by road for wider itineraries through central India.
For leisure and pleasure
- Hilltop infinity pool overlooking the original rain-fed lake and surrounding hills, with sun terraces and gardens stepping down the slope.
- Asmi by Oberoi spa in tented lakeside suites and private treatment rooms, reached by boat, offering lake views, couples’ experiences, lifestyle showers, sauna and steam.
- Palace Restaurant with floor to ceiling views and wraparound patio, serving regional Madhya Pradesh specialities and wider Indian dishes alongside international favourites, plus lakeside dining and a bar in the palace courtyard for cocktails and small plates.
- Curated experiences that include guided visits to the Khajuraho temple complexes, wildlife safaris in Panna National Park and excursions to Raneh Falls, with naturalists and local experts on hand.
- Evening programme of traditional dance, storytelling and naturalist talks in the palace, bringing to life local legends, tiger stories and the diamond history of Panna.
- Family friendly activities such as The Royal Quest gem hunt and The Mindful Royals yoga sessions, designed especially for children in the palace gardens.
