The Oberoi Udaivilas has been crowned the world's best hotel by readers of one of America's most popular travel magazines.

The luxurious hotel, located in Udaipur, India, topped the coveted Travel and Leisure World's Best Awards 2007 readers' survey.

This is the first time that a hotel in India has scooped the top prize.

South Africa's Singita Sabi Sand came second in the 12th annual survey, followed by The Oriental in Bangkok and Turkey's Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.

The Milestone in London was ranked fifth, with Italy's Relais II Falconiere sixth and South Africa's Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve seventh.

Mandarin Oriental in Munich finished in eighth place, Hawaii's Four Seasons Resort took ninth spot and India's Oberoi Amarvilas was ranked tenth.

Travel and Leisure readers were asked to evaluate each hotel by its rooms, facilities, location, service, restaurants and value for money.

Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel and Leisure said: "This year's results underline Travel and Leisure readers' ever-increasing embrace of global travel in their search for distinctive and authentic experiences.

"The extraordinary rise of India among the top hotels and resorts in the world is one sure reflection of this tendency, with The Oberoi Udaivilas ranking number one hotel in the world, and The Oberoi Amarvilas and The Oberoi Rajvilas coming in at 10 and 11 overall."

PRS Oberoi, chairman of The Oberoi Group, added: "I am happy and proud that an Oberoi hotel has been ranked the best in the world.

"This is a significant landmark for Indian tourism and will further encourage tourists to visit the country."

The Oberoi Udaivilas, which took nearly 10 years to build, is located on the banks of Lake Pichola and has an uninterrupted view of the stunning Udaipur City Palace.

Room prices per night start at around $600, while an exclusive suite with private pool will cost you about $3,300 per night.

The article Oberoi Udaivilas voted world's best hotel originally appeared on 999 Today