Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior

Taj Usha Kiran Palace was built in 1880 by HH Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia as a royal guest house for Gwalior’s royalty. Back then, it welcomed visiting dignitaries, British officials, and members of other royal families. After independence, the Scindias continued looking after the palace, keeping its royal character alive.

In recent years, the Taj Group restored it carefully, preserving the heritage while also adding modern luxuries. This thoughtful restoration was honored with Platinum recognition at the 2025 French Design Awards for excellence in Historic Restoration. Today, it offers a glimpse into Gwalior’s royal past, where every corner whispers stories of timeless elegance, and the Maratha legacy that shaped this magnificent palace.

Taj Usha Kiran Palace sits in sun-drenched gardens, and it immediately feels both grand and welcoming. The standout feature has to be the Navtaal swimming pool, nine lakes connected by Venetian-style bridges, right in the middle of the lawns, perfect for a stroll. The palace blends Maratha heritage with Gwalior’s Rajasthani-Mughal style. The sunburst motif, a nod to Usha Kiran or “morning sun,” appears everywhere, while jaali-inspired arches let sunlight flood the rooms.

The palace keeps a lot of its old-world character, like carved stonework, filigree details, antique-style lights, and grand ballroom chandeliers, all mixed in with modern luxuries. Skilled craftsmen were brought in to bring back some of the lost features, using hand-cut stone and brass work, so things like floral arches, jharokhas, and carved cornices look as good as new. You’ll also notice little touches of Art Deco in mirrorwork, layered patterns, and the lighting, which add character without feeling out of place. From the understated Maratha Suite to the Luxury Villa with its private plunge pool, all keep the feel of the old palace while offering modern comforts. The palace is also wheelchair accessible, with facilities for disabled guests and an elevator for easy movement between floors.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At Taj Usha Kiran Palace, the J Wellness Circle is perfect for unwinding, offering Ayurvedic-inspired treatments, ancient Indian healing rituals, and wellness experiences like yoga and meditation. You can try the Mangal Snan, a royal bath ceremony, or opt for massages like Jivanya to ease muscle tension, Shudhikara for detox, and Pehlwan Malish, a traditional vigorous massage. Other therapies focus on the shoulders, feet, and head, while beauty treatments leave your skin glowing. The spa also features a sauna for ultimate relaxation, and sessions can be tailored for couples or solo indulgence. The palace also has the Taj Salon, a fitness center, a game room, and outdoor play areas for kids.

With nine connected lakes, a kids’ pool, and a lounging deck, he Navtaal Swimming Pool is perfect for relaxing. For a deeper dive into the palace’s history, join the Heritage Walk, guided by a historian who shares stories of the 144-year-old palace. Guests can also enjoy a Royal Welcome at check-in, complete with tutari and nagada music, aarti, and a chandan tikka ceremony, while sipping on a local welcome drink. The 24-hour concierge service can arrange sightseeing tours to nearby heritage and cultural sites, like the Tansen Tomb, a serene sandstone memorial, and the Sun (Surya) Temple, an elegant temple dedicated to the Sun God with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere.

The palace offers tailored half-day tours with a guide to explore Gwalior’s royal history, hidden gems, and iconic landmarks.

Gwalior Fort
Explore Gwalior Fort on a guided tour and hear stories of bravery and sacrifice as you visit Jauhar Kund, where Rajput queens once immolated themselves. See Gujari Mahal, built for a Gujar princess-queen and now a museum. The tour also includes Saas Bahu Temple, Teli Ka Mandir, and Gurudwara Daata Bandi Chorh Sahib. Transportation is available via car rental, inclusive of taxes, starting from INR 6,000 (USD 67.59)

Schedule: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Jai Vilas Mahal
Explore Jai Vilas Mahal, a grand palace of the Scindia dynasty with Tuscan, Italian, and Corinthian influences. See the Durbar Hall, the Banquet Hall, and the Palace Museum. A small fee is charged for carrying cameras inside the palace premises, and the guided tour costs INR 150 (USD 1.69) for Indian visitors and INR 800 (USD 9) for foreign nationals.

Schedule: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Taj Usha Kiran Palace has spaces for all kinds of gatherings, from business meetings, family parties, social events, or even proposals. Indoors or outdoors, the team can help set up special décor, while banquet and meeting facilities have everything you need for presentations, conferences, or dinners.