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A grand tailor-made tour of India, covering the Mughal and Rajput architectural marvels of Rajasthan, the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, the serene hill stations and tea plantations of the Western Ghat mountains, and the Keralan customs of the Arabian Sea.
This bespoke India itinerary is a fascinating historical and cultural introduction to the highlights of both North and South India, staying in carefully selected heritage hotels.
Inspired? Tell us what you most want to see or do, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary built around your own highlights.
Your private driver awaits you on arrival in Delhi and you’ll get your first glimpses of the colour and energy of this fascinating city as you drive to your hotel. Spend some time relaxing here, your adventures start tomorrow.
Stay at
The Claridges
You’ll begin in Old Delhi, wandering one of the largest mosques in India before taking a rikshaw through labyrinthine alleyways and bustling bazaars. After lunch, New Delhi’s awaits with its ornate Sikh temple, Lutyen’s architecture and the Taj inspiring serenity of Humayun’s Tomb.
Stay at
The Claridges
See
- Jama Masjid, rikshaw ride, Chandni Chowk, Spice Market, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Lutyen’s Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb
A short train journey takes you to Agra, where you’ll experience the panoramic views and regal grandeur of the Red Fort and the marble intricacy of the ‘Baby Taj’, Itmad-ud-Daula. This evening, you’ll explore Mughal design with an evening heritage walk.
Stay at
Trident Agra
See
- Red Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula, Mughal heritage walk
Your day begins quietly, watching the sunrise colours dance across the marble façades of the Taj Mahal and wandering the serene grounds. Then you’re driving to Jaipur, visiting the medieval chasmic stepwell at Abhaneri along the route.
Stay at
Samode Haveli
See
- Taj Mahal, Chand Baori stepwell
A day of inspirational architecture today as you visit Jaipur’s impressive sights, delving into mirrored halls, star-reading monoliths, latticed windows and panoramic viewpoints. This evening, you’re taking a sunset nature walk in the gentle company of rescued elephants and eating under starry skies
Stay at
Samode Haveli
See
- City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Dera Amer visit
Today you’re driving to Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar Desert. You’ll stop midway to visit Bagru Village, where the heritage craftsmanship of block printing originated, you can try your hand at this traditional skill or invest in some unique keepsakes.
Stay at
Daspan House
See
- Bagru village visit
One of the best-preserved forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort gives an impressive regal insight, and its prominent position offers hilltop views across the sea of blue buildings. You’ll dive into the maze of azure alleyways this afternoon whilst visiting the vast marble cenotaph.
Stay at
Daspan House
See
- Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, blue city walk
You’re driving deep into the Aravalli Hills today and have a couple of days among remote rural serenity. This evening, you’re feasting on local specialities while sitting beside the 1,000-year-old stepwell lit by a twinkling carpet of oil lamps.
Stay at
Rawla Narlai
See
- Narlai stepwell dinner
Enveloped in a rural Rajasthani village, you can relax, drink chai and speak to locals about the ancient farming heritage whilst glimpsing traditional life as women in bright saris carry water home and barefooted children herd goats along the dusty streets.
Stay at
Rawla Narlai
See
- Rural village visit
Today you head south to Udaipur, a city synonymous with its lakes and elegant waterside palaces. You’ll arrive in time for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, the perfect vantage point for your first view of this stunning city.
Stay at
Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
See
Sunset boat cruise
It took 23 generations of rulers over 400 years to complete the City Palace in Udaipur and the result is astonishing, with intricately carved balconies, halls of marble inlay and delicate mirrorwork. You’ll explore here, alongside Hindu temples, lively markets and ornamental gardens.
Stay at
Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
See
- City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bada Bazaar, Sahelion Ki Bari
Today you’re boarding a flight to Mumbai, where you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. This evening the Arabian Sea beckons, you’ll soak up the coastal beauty wandering along Marine Drive, revelling in the energy of Chowpatty Beach and the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Stay at
Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
See
Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach
Sink into the sensorial experience of Mumbai, your guided heritage walk will take in everything from the billowing bright colours of the Dhobi Ghat laundry to the historical reverence of Mahatma Gandhi’s city base, including an immersive train journey amidst the daily buzz.
Stay at
Trident Nariman Point
See
- Guided heritage walk, Dhobi Ghat, Mani Bhavan
You’re heading to one of India’s oldest cities today via a short flight. On arrival in Madurai, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to relax and recharge.
Stay at
Heritage Madurai
Start your day at one of the largest sacred Hindu sites in India, the kaleidoscopic feast of Meenakshie Amman Temple. From here, you’ll walk a city heritage tour before returning to the temple for the evening ceremony of chanting, drums, colour and ritual.
Stay at
Heritage Madurai
See
- Meenakshie Temple, Madurai heritage tour, evening ‘going to bed’ ceremony
You’re driving up to the land of tea plantations today deep in the Western Ghats mountain range. You’ll pass forest-clad valleys, tumbling waterfalls and terraced fields along the way and have the afternoon free to relax into the serenity of Munnar hill station.
Stay at
Windermere Estate
An introduction to the world of tea, firstly with a guided plantation walk, glimpsing the nimble hands and colourful saris of the tea pickers. Then at the factory, learning the tea-making process before sampling the varieties and identifying the unique Munnar flavours.
Stay at
Windermere Estate
See
- Tea plantation walk, tea factory visit, tea tasting session
You’re driving to the coastal city of Cochin today, prized for its historic architecture infused with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. You’ll check in to your hotel and spend the evening deep in Keralan culture at an elaborate story-telling Kathakali dance performance.
Stay at
Old Harbour Hotel
See
- Kathakali Dance
This morning you’ve a guided heritage walk around the historic heart of Fort Kochi, exploring the colonial-era architecture, the seascape framed with traditional Chinese fishing nets and the vibrant art scene. The rest of the day is yours to relax, peruse markets or wander.
Stay at
Old Harbour Hotel
See
- Cochin heritage walk
Your driver will take you to the airport today in time for your flight home. Time to revel in your grand tour of India and start editing the photos to share your experiences on your return.
Does this sound like the ideal adventure for you?
Tailor-made holidays designed for adventure, relaxation, and memories that last
How it works
Booking with us is simple
Contact Us
Drop us a line through our website or give us a call - just let us know how you'd prefer to connect. Video call over coffee? A telephone conversation? Or maybe just a quick WhatsApp? Whatever works best for you.
Our Conversation
We'll ideally have a detailed chat to get to know how you love to travel. What gets you excited? Where have you already explored? We'll share some ideas and start crafting something that's perfectly you.
Itinerary Planning
This is where the magic happens - we'll put together your bespoke itinerary and send it over to you by email. Every detail tailored to make your heart sing.
Place a Deposit
Love what you see? Brilliant! Just a small deposit and we'll get everything confirmed for you.
Final Documents and Tips
As your adventure gets closer, we'll send you everything you need - through our handy app or by email, whatever you prefer. You'll be all set.
Return
Come home feeling absolutely inspired and wonderfully restored. And when you're ready for your next adventure? We'll be here, probably already bursting with ideas for you.
Cherylle, Travel Consultant
Meet our experts
Speak to our India experts to help you plan your trip
Ready to experience the real India? Our specialists have travelled from the bustling streets of Jaipur to the backwaters of Kerala, uncovering experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist trail. They'll understand what draws you to India and craft something that's entirely your own. Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's design your incredible Indian journey.
Choose your adventure
Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.
