Whether you want to enjoy the royal treatment at a real-life palace or spend a night in a luxury tent in the middle of the wilderness, it’s safe to say that nowhere does opulence quite like India. And don’t even get us started on the heavenly spas… We’ve put together a selection of trips to enjoy India’s most iconic sights (and its hidden gems), retiring to somewhere even more spectacular than the last each evening. Read on for the full scoop on exploring India in luxury.
Golden Triangle, Tigers & Beach
An all-rounder if there ever was one, this trip takes in the sights of the Golden Triangle, a dollop of tiger-spotting, and a private island in the Maldives. Your travels begin in Delhi, where the ancient and the modern mingle and the cuisine is definitely worth writing home about. The Taj Mahal calls you to Agra, where this iconic symbol of love is as marvellous as they say.
Leave the Golden Triangle for a while and discover Rajasthan’s wildest corners where the birdlife dazzles and you’ll have the chance to spy sloth bears, leopards and tigers. Return once again to civilization in Jaipur, a remarkable city packed with stunning architecture – and leave with a suitcase full of block-printed textiles.
Say farewell to India as you jet off for the dreamy Maldives. Here, a private island will become your home for a few days, and snorkelling in clear-as-glass waters, heavenly moments at the spa, and catamaran cruises await…
Top spots to stay
In Delhi, the Imperial Hotel is our number one luxury choice with a fascinating history (and vintage style to go with it), beautiful gardens and in-house galleries. You won’t realise it from the inside, but it also has a fantastic location in the heart of the city. From every sumptuous room at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, the Taj Mahal can be seen twinkling in the distance – and a private dinner on your terrace is the perfect end to a day of sightseeing. That would be enough to convince us, but just to sweeten the deal, there is also a huge, multi-level pool, marble bathrooms and a pillow menu… As you head into rural Rajasthan, check in to the Ramathra Fort. Miles away from any city, it’s a 350-year-old castle (complete with turrets!) where hot tubs bubble and masseuses wait to pamper you. As for accommodation, one of the opulent tents is rather tempting…
Set amongst a glade of fruit trees in Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khas takes glamping to the next level. There’s a heated spa tent offering Ayurvedic remedies and butlers serving G&Ts as the sun sets. In Japiur, the once-royal residence, Samode Haveli, is the picture of sophistication. The walls are adorned with finely-painted frescoes and excursions include a chauffeur-driven trip to Chalana Leopard Reserve. It barely has to be said that the Maldives’ many islands are home to resorts that redefine ‘luxury’. One such place is Milaidhoo Island, which boasts over-the-water spa suites, private pools and villas that lead straight into the water for a snorkel.
All About Rajasthan
Ready yourself for a whirlwind of towering forts, head-spinning markets and some of the grandest hotels you’ve ever seen on this trip to the ‘Land of Kings’. After catching your breath (or braving the streets!) in Mumbai, it’s off to the Thar Desert where you’ll marvel at the regal Jaisalmer Fort, meander between temples and bustling marketplaces, and explore the dunes on a camel. Then it’s off to the vision in blue, Jodhpur. A treasure trove of historic architecture, you’ll have the chance to explore one of the most iconic forts, Mehrangarh.
Slow things down as you sojourn into rural Rajasthan and learn ancient crafts with local artisans, spy tigers and leopards amongst forgotten ruins, or simply take in the views. Your final stop is the gleaming City of Lakes, Udaipur. Spend your days antique shopping and meandering from one palace to the next, then soak up the sunset on a scenic boat trip.
Top spots to stay
A gorgeous combination of grand, scarlet domes and stained glass windows, the Taj Mahal Palace is one of Mumbai’s finest. Think service of the highest standard – and a rose-scented foot bath to welcome you. Set on a 100-acre estate in the Thar Desert, Sujan the Serai is the queen of desert camps; their grandest offerings have a private pool, spa and butler! After a day of exploring the desert, sundowners amongst the dunes as Rajasthani music plays is a fitting end.
The 6th-largest private residence in the world, the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodphur is grander than grand. Peacocks strut across the manicured lawns, the bathrooms are marble-clad beauties and you can even take tours of the palace’s magnificent chambers. Venturing into the wilds of Rajasthan doesn’t mean a transition into rustic living and the serene, stylish interiors of Amanbagh certainly prove that. While you’re there, it’s worth booking a cooking class with their top-notch chefs. Sitting pretty beside Lake Pichola, Oberoi Udaivilas is a work of art — complete with private pools and handsome suites.
The Magic of the Himalayas
Take yourself away on a trip for the ages, your destination: the Himalayas. Before you ascend into the mountains, take in the iconic sights of Delhi, from the India Gate to the Red Fort — and definitely leave some time to browse the colourful bazaars. Your journey continues in Ladakh, the entrance to the Himalayas, and a chilly alpine town with astonishing vistas. Wake early to witness the monks at Thiksey Monastery calling out their morning prayers or take in a Ladakhi polo match. The trekking portion of your trip then begins in Kumaon and you’ll spend the next few days with highly-experienced guides following routes through shamrock-green pastures, lunar valleys, frozen cliffs and hidden Himalayan villages.
Top spots to stay
In New Delhi, the Leela Palace is a ravishing property, decorated with objets d’artes from across the globe. Indulge in a massage, take in the view from the rooftop pool, and enjoy the many dining choices. In the Ladakh area, you’ll cosy up in one of the sumptuous tents at Chamba Camp Thiksey. Enjoy private, riverside dinners as the moonlight reflects from the mountains – and don’t forget to tell your personal butler which pillow you’d like waiting for you later. On a five-night trek into the Himalayas, you’ll split your time between quaint homestays, camps and the Shakti Kumaon Village Houses. Don’t expect Leela-level amenities here; instead the abundant natural beauty and once-in-a-lifetime experience are all the luxuries you’ll need.
Best of Kerala & Tamil Nadu
Southern India takes centre stage on this trip, namely the dazzling temples of Tamil Nadu to the idyllic backwaters of Kerala. Your journey begins beside the Bay of Bengal before meandering down the coast to Pondicherry, where you can cycle from one quarter to the next, admiring galleries of antiques and the unique architecture as you go. And don’t forget those idyllic strolls along the beach.
Peek behind the curtain of the bygone Chola empire in Thanjavur where you’ll have just enough time to marvel at the stunning Brihadeeswarar Temple before Chettinad beckons. A collection of dozens of villages, it’s worth exploring Chettinad a little further to understand its history — and don’t miss a taste of the region’s famous curry. Next up is Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, and a striking blend of colourful temples that will soon have you reaching for a camera.
Enjoy a change in pace and scenery as you ascend into the Palani Hills, and enjoy walk-abouts in the fields of green and swim in the waterfalls. Deep in the Cardamom Hills, Periyar National Park is all about game drives, forest walks and boat rides on the river, spotting the elephant and tigers that call the park home. Your penultimate stop is the tranquil Kerala Backwaters, where you’ll sail upon a tapestry of lakes and canals, watching life play out on the banks. Your trip comes to an end in Cochin, a port city where the remnants of many nations reveal a fascinating side to India.
Top spots to stay
In Chennai, the Leela Palace is a glitzy hotel right beside the Bay of Bengal and has a fantastic array of eateries, including their own chocolatier). And did we mention the Presidential Suite is one of the largest in the south? In Pondicherry, the yolk-yellow Palais de Mahe promises fabulous seafood and stellar views.
The Svatma Tanjore is a lovely spot in Thanjavur. Painstakingly restored, there’s a pool and hot tub as well as the panoramic Rooftop Bar. In Chettinad, Visalam’s bountiful heritage is clear throughout the rooms, resulting in a vintage-chic aesthetic. The interactive cooking lessons are fabulous too! In Madurai, we’d plump for a villa at the Heritage Madurai, all of which have their own pool, and in Palani Hills, the Rajakkad Hotel has an ideal location for exploring and to-die-for views.
Nestled into the mountainside in Periyar, Hill & Hues is deliciously secluded and whilst enjoying a soak in one of the infinity pools, you’ll feel miles above the ground. With a series of swimming canals and pools, the Kumarakom Lake Resort in the Kerala Backwaters really is something special — head to the jetty at sunset for a very scenic toast. And last but not least (and a spectacular end to the trip), delve into the history of Brunton Boatyard, a polished hotel right on the harbour of Cochin.
