Here's what that looked like across the festival calendar and why a festival circuit run at Taj Mahal is a must when in New Delhi. Most luxury hotels treat festivals like a checklist. Diwali? Check.

From stately avenues in Lutyens’ Delhi to the business calm of Aerocity, these hotels represent the country’s most desirable addresses for business travellers, diplomats and seasoned leisure guests.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Alexandra Kirkman covers travel, with a focus on luxury destinations. Shimmering like a mirage atop the surface of Lake Pichola in ...