The Leela Palace Bengaluru

BACKGROUND The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts operates 12 properties in India, in locations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and Udaipur, with hotels to follow in Hyderabad, Agra and Sikkim. The group is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, and Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

- Hannah Brandler

The Leela Palace Bengaluru opened in 2001 in the fast-growing city of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), while The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru followed in 2021 in the city's Special Economic Zone.

WHERE IS IT? On Old Airport Road - but unfortunately 45km from the (new) Kempegowda International Airport - which is at least an hour's drive due to heavy traffic. Closer attractions include Cubbon Park (an 11-minute tuk-tuk ride) and the central business district.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? Unsurprisingly palatial. The hotel's pretty pink exterior, capped with copper domes, is nestled in 2.8 hectares of landscaped gardens, blooming with flowers and palm trees - a tranquil scene that feels worlds away from the chaotic traffic outside the gates.

Somehow this façade doesn't upstage the ornate interiors, which include carved walls, high gilded ceilings, gold leaf accents, antiques and paintings galore - plus plenty of natural light from the large windows. While it may not be a true palace, the IndoSaracenic architecture draws inspiration from the Mysore Palace in Karnataka - so much so that I was surprised it was built in 2001 and not in a bygone era.

The open-air entrance is enchanting, with marble pillars and large decorative doors depicting a peacock's wings, while gold elephant-adorned gates are at the back of the property. Throughout the grounds you'll spot sculptures of mythical Hindu creatures, including yali - part lion, part elephant and part horse - often seen in 16th-century temples. As well as sculptural works, the hotel also displays works by artist Bhim Singh Hada - including the portrayal of the Wadiyar brothers from the royal family of Mysore.