India can be daunting, chaotic, hectic, and complicated for a first-time traveler, but it will surely captivate you with its exotic diversity, rich texture, and scenic beauty. India’s vibrant culture, unique spiritual heritage, ancient traditions, and warm hospitality will overwhelm you and dazzle your senses. Anywhere you go, you’ll discover a vibrant mix of colour, culture and personality – a land of startling contrasts and paradoxes, timeless but ever-changing.
From the majestic Himalayas in the north, the magnificent Saharo-Tharian desert in the west, and vast coastal plains, dense forests, stunning beaches and serene backwaters in the south, this massive nation with its vast and varied terrain offers limitless possibilities for trekking and exploration.
When planning a luxury tour of India with a variety of encounters to choose from, where do you go to quench your wanderlust?
Well, luckily, there are plenty of luxurious and tailored experiences to immerse yourself in.
India offers so much, from the pristine white wonderland of the Taj Mahal, to the sandy beaches of Goa, to the backwaters of Kerala. It is of course impossible to fully explore the beauty of India in just one trip, and to truly enjoy the rich culture and heritage of each city, it is better to focus on one or two regions at once.
The perfect vacation is a combination of sightseeing, relaxation and luxury accommodations with flexibility, comfort, security and independence. Luxury travel is about uniquely authentic experiences, it is travel without stress, time pressure tailored to your preferences, defined by your desires, inclinations and motivations.
North India is a great introduction for any first-time traveler to the sub-continent, and most North India tours usually begin and end in New Delhi, which is within easy reach of colorful Rajasthan and spiritual Varanasi. But of course you can choose Mumbai as a starting point too depending on your preferences and flight connections.
Must see India’s Golden Triangle:
The Golden Triangle Tour covers three cities – Delhi, Agra and Jaipurand each offers an extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical splendor.
Delhi Bustling with Mughal and colonial influences, the capital of India is a cosmopolitan metropolis, a beautiful blend of historical past and vibrant present.
Start your tour of Old Delhi at bustling market-like markets with narrow lanes that each specialize in a commodity: Dariba Kalan for example, is a jewelers’ and silversmiths’ lane and Khari Baoli is the largest spice market in Asia. Visit the Red Fort, the great congregational mosque with its white and black domes.
Drive through the wide avenues and streets of New Delhi also known as Lutyen’s Delhi to visit the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan built in Moghul style, western architecture and the Victory Tower – Qutub Minar.
Agra
Contemplate the Taj Mahal from the comfort and privacy of your bay window, in your private room at the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel – the epitome of extravagance.
The city’s most famous monument is the white marble marvel Taj Mahal It lives up to all the superlatives that poets and historians have applied to it. Watch this eternal embodiment of love change hues from peachy pink at sunrise to golden amber at sunset and you will be enchanted by its exquisite beauty.
Visit Agra Fort and the elegant tomb of Itimad-ud-Daullah.
Jaipur
Jaipur, the royal capital of Rajasthan, also known as the ‘Pink City’ check into the luxurious Oberoi Raj Vilas – a royal resort set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflexology pools that create romance and grandeur for Prince Rajasthan. Enjoy the scenery of Jaipur with a leisurely elephant ride and gourmet picnic at Naila Fort or take a private cooking class to learn about the spices and secrets of Indian cuisine.
Head to the city of Jaipur to explore stately palaces, majestic forts and a maze of bustling markets selling textiles, leather goods, woodblock prints, perfumes, jewelry and traditional Jaipur blue pottery.
Udaipur
Doon City, Udaipur is a beautiful land around Cerulean Lake, surrounded by the lush Aravallis Hills. A vision in white steeped in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a wonderful blend of sights, sounds and experiences and its kaleidoscope of fairytale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes full of flavor from a heroic past embodying bravery and chivalry.
Relax in the specially appointed rooms of the luxurious Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel, overlooking picturesque Lake Pichola. The lavish interiors, architectural brilliance and serene atmosphere will transport you back in the era of the old monarchy.
Jodhpur
Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, the city of Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City or Sun City, resonates with tales of antiquity, where sunlight creates the illusion of shimmering lakes on the arid expanse. It is flanked on the western side by the Mehrangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the Umaid Bhawan Palace made of sandstone; The monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multifaceted grandeur.
For an overview of Jodhpur and the blue houses of the old town, nothing beats heading to Mehrangarh Fort.
Stay at the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace, a golden sandstone monument set among acres of green gardens. A similar homage to Art Deco, the mansion boasts 64 luxurious rooms and suites. Take an exhilarating ride through the enchanting city of Jodhpur in a vintage car, accompanied by your royal servant. Stop under the starry night sky for a divine roast feast accompanied by desert music.
Khagraho
The temples of Khajuraho were built between 950 and 1050 AD during the reign of the Chandela Empire deriving their name from the khajur (date palm tree) that can be found in abundance in the area. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the historic city is a symbol of medieval art. The temples at Khajaraho are known for their erotic carvings, and they depict exquisite sculptural motifs, large dimensions, and complex but perfectly harmonious compositions.
Don’t miss Son-et-Lumiere in the evening, which tells the story of the construction of the Khajuraho temples during the Chandela dynasty.
It is useful to plan your visit around the month of February as the Khajuraho Dance Festival is held every year from 25th February to 2nd March in an open air hall in front of the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Besides the dance performances, one can also see a number of artisans trading their indigenous arts and crafts to visitors.
Varanasi
Varanasi, the spiritual nerve center of Hinduism, is probably the most influential place in India for visitors. Formerly known as Benares, it is located on a bend of the Ganges, and its spiritual significance comes from its status as a ‘crossing place’. The sights, the tones of the voices, the scent of incense, the jasmine flowers and the riot of colors can be overwhelming at times; However, observing pilgrims on the banks of the Ganges against the backdrop of ancient temples is wonderful and strangely soothing. Watch the evening aarti on the banks of the sacred Ganges at sunset and this amazing synchronized ritual with chanting of Vedic mantras will leave you in a hypnotic trance.
Staying at the Taj Nadesar Hotel will give you the much needed relief and respite from the humdrum and chaos of this city. Nestled on the banks of the Ganges River, the Taj Nadesar Palace has accommodated royals, statesmen and luminaries since 1835. Set amidst lush greenery, mango groves, fields of marigolds and jasmine, it is a haven of serenity.
Varanasi is famous for its soft silk – it’s available everywhere, but you can shop and bargain hard!
With such an array of luxurious opulence to choose from, you will be spoiled for choice and the exoticism and decadence of India will remain in your memories forever. So pack your bags and embark on this transformative journey to explore this magical land to rediscover yourself.