Travel to India – Luxury India Itinerary

Namaste! Welcome to India!
An amalgamation of cities created from the 11th to 20th centuries, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors who have left behind striking monuments and riveting legends. You will experience the many facets of this captivating capital—both the modern and the ancient—as you explore both New and Old Delhi. You’ll stay at theImperial Hotel, regularly recognized as one of the best hotels in Delhi and one of the best in Asia.

Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes ofChandni Chowk. New Delhi’s Gateway to India and the Presidential Palace showcase modern history, while the 12th-century Qutub Minar and Humayun’s tomb (built in 1570) show that this part of Delhi has an ancient past. Later, walk through Nizzamuddin basti (colony), a medieval settlement where the tomb of the famous 13th century Muslim Sufi Saint Nizzamuddin Auliya is located.

Travel to Agra, home to one of the world’s most famous monuments: the Taj Mahal, seventh wonder of the world. You’ll enjoy high tea with a local family, a walk through Kacchpura Village, and will have the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal during sunset. You’ll stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture—and offering an unmatched view of the legendary mausoleum—the resort is considered among the finest hotels in the world.

This morning, see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, just as the sun graces the white stone. Later in the morning, visit the massive Agra Fort, an imposing citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions. After your tour of the Agra Fort, take a rickshaw or tonga ride to Old Agra to explore hidden alleys and catch a glimpse of shops, temples and the lives of people here.

Drive to Fatehpur Sikri—a magnificent, fortified, 16th-century ghost city—before boarding a train for Ranthambore, one of India’s most beautiful national parks. The park is dotted with old forts and temples, but is perhaps most famous for being one of the one of the best places anywhere in India to see a tiger. At the Oberoi Vanyavilas, enjoy your luxury tent, as well as the swimming pool, spa and superlative dining options on offer here.

Whether or not you see a tiger on this holiday, you cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer variety of animals here. Common langurs are abundant, as are both Spotted (Chital) and Sambar deer. Crocodiles are common in the lakes and monitor lizards are frequently seen around their shores. For the very fortunate, there is also a chance of tracking down a sloth bear or perhaps a Chinkara antelope. Enjoy a jeep safari in the morning and afternoon.

Enjoy a jeep safari early this morning before departing for Jaipur, the famed “Pink City” of Rajasthan. Your evening is reserved for an authentic Indian cooking lesson/dinner with a special person. You’ll stay at the esteemed Taj Rambagh Palace, the exquisite “Jewel of Jaipur” which was once the residence of the Maharaja.

Ascend to the towering Amber Fort on elephant back, and marvel at the “Palace of Winds.” Enjoy an exclusiveelephant safari in the foothills of the Aravavli range followed by lunch. Wander the ornate City Palaceand admireJantar Mantar, a stone observatory. Consider a hot air balloon ride over this historic city.

Venture to Chhatra Sagar, a unique luxury tented camp in the middle of the serene countryside. Created by a powerful nobleman, Chhattra Sagar was once an oasis for struggling farmers, who were invited to settle around the reservoir. Their descendants still live here. Breathe in the fresh air in this rustic setting and, in the evening, sip cocktails as you soak in the serenity of a Rajasthani sunset.

Immerse yourself in rural Indian life. If you wish to explore further, the camp organizes farm and village visits as well as bird-watching tours.

Your luxury tour in India continues as you journey deeper into the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer, a fairy-tale Golden City with a grand fort rising mightily over the desert below. Upon your arrival, the striking and exotic landscape of your luxury nomadic camp, the Serai, will amaze you. The stylish air-conditioned suites are immense, offering 1000 square feet of space.

Meander through the grand Jaisalmer Fort, including a visit to the striking group of Jain temples dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The weatherworn havelis, with exquisitely carved sandstone facades, jali screens and oriel windows recall a lost time of medieval might. Take the opportunity to enjoy a camel ride, traversing the desert in the timeless tradition of Rajasthan.

Today, you’ll stop in the famed 15th century “Blue City” of Jodhpur on your way to Rohet. Visit the famousMehrangarh Fort that is the most impressive fortress in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is a whirlwind of experiences: temples and havelis, spices and fabrics, color and texture. Arriving in Rohet, you’ll transfer to the exclusive Mihirgarh. The nine large suites here each have their own courtyard and terrace facing out to the surrounding countryside, and include either a plunge pool or a Jacuzzi.

Set off for a Village Safari today, starting with a visit to a Bishnoi village. In addition to seeing the local customs and the native wildlife here, guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people’s homes and interacting with them. Your afternoon is at leisure.

The drive today takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. Stop at Ranakpur Jain Temples, a stunning cluster of temples featuring an astounding 1,444 exquisitely carved pillars, on your way to Udaipur. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in India; something you’ll understand as you enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola. Back at the Taj Lake Palace—once the seat of power here, and now a luxurious oasis of hospitality—unwind at the spa, or simply lounge on the roof deck and look out across the sun-dappled waters of the lake.

Allow Udaipur to enchant you, starting at Jagdish Temple, built in 1651. Admire the heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace—the largest palace in Rajasthan—taking particular notice of the stunning peacock mosaics.

After a leisurely breakfast, discover the Eklingji and Nagda temples—two ancient masterpieces of storytelling in stone that include carvings from the Kama Sutra and other ancient Indian texts before flying to Delhi. Yourluxury India tour comes to an end as you transfer to the Delhi international airport for your flight home.