17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in India
India is a land of sensory wonders, and there is no better way to experience its vastness than through a lens of luxury and heritage. This 17-day epic journey takes you from the colonial elegance of New Delhi to the shimmering lakes of Udaipur, the golden sands of Rajasthan, the eternal Taj Mahal, and the spiritual energy of the Ganges, concluding with the cosmopolitan charm of Mumbai and the serene beaches of Goa.
Traveling in first-class rail cabins, private chauffeured vehicles, and premium domestic flights, you will bypass the bustle to focus on exclusive access. Enjoy dining in world-renowned restaurants, private guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and stays in some of the world's most awarded heritage hotels that once served as royal residences.
Day 1: Delhi, India - Arrival & Colonial Grandeur
Luxury Arrival & Private Transfer
Upon landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, be greeted by your private chauffeur for a transfer to your heritage hotel in New Delhi. Relax and refresh after your flight in the comfort of a premier suite.
Rashtrapati Bhavan & Lutyens' Delhi
Take a slow-paced driving tour through the wide boulevards of New Delhi, viewing the President's House, Parliament House, and the iconic India Gate as the sun begins to set.
Fine Dining at Bukhara
Experience world-famous Northwest Frontier cuisine at Bukhara, frequently voted one of the best restaurants in Asia, located within the ITC Maurya.
Evening Cocktails at The Imperial
End your first night with a classic cocktail at the Patiala Peg, a bar steeped in colonial history and royal charm.
Day 2: Delhi, India - Old City Heritage & Spice
Private Rickshaw Tour of Chandni Chowk
Navigate the narrow lanes of Old Delhi in a private rickshaw, visiting the Jama Masjid and the vibrant spice markets of Khari Baoli with an expert guide.
Gourmet Lunch in a Haveli
Dine at a restored 19th-century haveli (mansion) in the heart of the old city, sampling traditional Mughlai flavors in a refined setting.
Humayun’s Tomb Exploration
Visit the precursor to the Taj Mahal. This UNESCO site is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture set within beautifully manicured Persian-style gardens.
Qutub Minar at Twilight
Witness the world's tallest brick minaret illuminated against the evening sky, a stunning example of early Indo-Islamic architecture.
Day 3: Udaipur, India - Flight to the City of Lakes
Domestic Flight to Udaipur
Fly south to the 'Venice of the East'. Your private car will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your lakefront palace hotel.
Check-in at a Lake Palace
Experience the ultimate luxury of staying in a palace that appears to float on the waters of Lake Pichola.
Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola
Enjoy a private boat ride as the sun dips below the Aravalli Hills, offering unparalleled views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir.
Dinner at Sheesh Mahal
Dine under the stars at this open-air restaurant overlooking the lake, specializing in authentic Rajasthani royal cuisine.
Day 4: Udaipur, India - Palaces & Royal Art
City Palace Museum Tour
Explore the sprawling City Palace complex, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, housing impressive crystal galleries and royal memorabilia.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari Gardens
Stroll through the 'Garden of the Maidens', famous for its lotus pools, marble elephants, and cooling fountains designed for royal ladies.
Vintage Car Collection Visit
View the private collection of the Maharana of Udaipur, featuring classic Rolls Royces, Cadillacs, and rare Mercedes models.
Dharohar Folk Dance Show
Watch a vibrant performance of traditional Rajasthani folk dance and music at the Bagore Ki Haveli waterfront mansion.
Day 5: Udaipur, India - Countryside Luxury
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Drive up to this hilltop palatial residence for a panoramic view of the entire city and its surrounding lakes.
Luxury Lakeside Picnic
Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch curated by your hotel at a secluded spot along the banks of Lake Fatehsagar.
Shopping for Miniature Paintings
Visit a master artist’s workshop to see the intricate detail of Mewar miniature paintings, a perfect high-end souvenir.
Private Spa Ritual
Indulge in a signature Ayurvedic massage at your hotel’s world-class spa facility to rejuvenate for the journey ahead.
Day 6: Jaipur, India - The Pink City Arrival
Flight to Jaipur
Take a short 1-hour flight to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known for its distinct pink-hued architecture.
Arrival at Rambagh Palace
Transfer to the 'Jewel of Jaipur', a former royal residence set in 47 acres of lush gardens. Enjoy a traditional welcome ceremony.
Private High Tea
Enjoy a sophisticated high tea on the palace verandas while watching peacocks roam the manicured lawns.
Dinner at 1135 AD
Dine like royalty within the walls of the Amer Fort at this opulent restaurant featuring silver service and candlelight.
Day 7: Jaipur, India - Forts & Astronomical Wonders
Amber Fort Private Tour
Ascend to this hilltop fortress in a private Jeep. Explore the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) with a specialist historian guide.
Panna Meena Ka Kund
Visit the stunning 16th-century stepwell nearby, famous for its symmetrical geometric stairways and golden stone.
Jantar Mantar Observatory
Discover the world's largest stone astronomical observatory, a UNESCO site featuring instruments that still track stars today.
Hawa Mahal Photo Op
Stop at the 'Palace of Winds' to admire its unique 953-window facade, designed for royal ladies to observe the street below.
Day 8: Jaipur, India - Royal Bazaars & Gems
Jewelry & Textile Workshop
Go behind the scenes with a master jeweler to see how Jaipur's famous gemstones are cut and set into 'Kundan' jewelry.
Lunch at Baradari
Dine at the stylish Baradari restaurant located inside the City Palace, blending contemporary design with historic architecture.
Private Shopping Session
Browse high-end boutiques for blue pottery, hand-block printed linens, and pashmina shawls in the Johari Bazaar.
Blue City Gin Tasting
Relax with a tasting of premium Indian craft gins at a boutique bar in the historic center.
Day 9: Agra, India - The Taj Mahal at Sunset
Private Drive to Agra
Travel by private car along the expressway to Agra. The journey takes approximately 4 hours in a luxury sedan.
Check-in with Taj Views
Check into your room at the Oberoi Amarvilas, where every single room offers an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal Sunset
Enter the Taj Mahal complex with a private guide to witness the white marble change colors as the sun sets over the Yamuna River.
Mughlai Feast
Enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring rich curries and tandoori specialties at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Esphahan.
Day 10: Varanasi, India - Spiritual Flight
Agra Fort Exploration
Visit the massive red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors before their capital moved to Delhi.
Private Flight to Varanasi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the world's oldest living city. Arrival and transfer to a luxury hotel on the Ganges.
Guided Walk of the Old Lanes
Navigate the mystical, labyrinthine alleys of Varanasi with a local scholar, visiting hidden temples and ancient silk shops.
Evening Ganga Aarti
Witness the spectacular prayer ceremony from a private boat on the river, as priests perform rituals with fire and incense.
Day 11: Varanasi, India - Sunrise Rituals
Ganges Sunrise Boat Ride
Experience the city awakening from the water. Watch the morning rituals, bathing, and ceremonies along the famous ghats.
Yoga on the Ghats
Participate in a private sunrise yoga session led by a local master overlooking the sacred river.
Banarasi Silk Weaving Tour
Visit a community of master weavers to see the creation of the world-famous Banarasi silk saris, often woven with real silver and gold thread.
Sattvic Dinner
Enjoy a refined 'Sattvic' meal—pure vegetarian cuisine prepared according to ancient Ayurvedic principles.
Day 12: Varanasi, India - Sarnath & Serenity
Excursion to Sarnath
Visit the site where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa and the impressive Archaeological Museum.
Lunch at Nadesar Palace
Dine at the exclusive Taj Nadesar Palace, set in lush orchards and fields that once belonged to the local Maharaja.
Ayurvedic Wellness Consultation
Meet with a resident Vaidya (doctor) for a personalized wellness consultation based on your body type.
Classical Music Performance
Attend an intimate evening recital of Sitar or Sarod music in a traditional 'baithak' setting.
Day 13: Mumbai, India - The Gateway Arrival
Flight to Mumbai
Fly west to India’s financial and cinematic powerhouse. Transfer to the historic Colaba district.
The Taj Mahal Palace Check-in
Stay at India's most iconic hotel, a landmark of luxury overlooking the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea.
Marine Drive Promenade
Take a sunset drive along the 'Queen's Necklace', watching the city skyline light up as the ocean breeze cools the air.
Dinner at Wasabi by Morimoto
Enjoy world-class Japanese cuisine at one of India's most exclusive dining destinations within your hotel.
Day 14: Mumbai, India - Art Deco & History
Colaba Heritage Walk
Explore the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings of Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble, with a private architectural guide.
Lunch at Britannia & Co.
Taste the unique Parsi heritage of Mumbai with a lunch of Berry Pulav at this historic, family-run institution.
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
Visit the humble residence where Mahatma Gandhi stayed and planned many of his historic movements.
Art Gallery Hopping
Visit the Jehangir Art Gallery and small private boutiques in the Kala Ghoda art district.
Day 15: Mumbai, India - Island Caves & High Society
Elephanta Caves Private Yacht
Avoid the public ferries and take a private speedboat to the Elephanta Island to see the 5th-century rock-cut temples.
Seafood Feast at Trishna
Dine on Mumbai's famous butter pepper garlic crab at this legendary seafood destination frequented by celebrities.
High-End Boutique Shopping
Explore luxury Indian fashion labels like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra in the upscale district of South Mumbai.
Cocktails at AER
Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 34th-floor rooftop bar of the Four Seasons, a hotspot for the local elite.
Day 16: Goa, India - Tropical Luxury Retreat
Flight to Goa
Take a short 1-hour flight to the coastal state of Goa. A private transfer will take you to the quieter, more exclusive South Goa.
Check-in at a Beachfront Villa
Settle into your luxury resort set amidst 75 acres of lush gardens and pristine white sands at Mobor Beach.
Beachside Relaxation
Unwind on a private stretch of beach or enjoy the resort’s infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Goan Portuguese Dinner
Sample authentic Indo-Portuguese flavors, including the famous prawn balchao, in a refined garden setting.
Day 17: Goa, India - Leisure & Farewell
Old Goa Private Tour
Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral, stunning examples of 16th-century Portuguese architecture.
Final Lunch by the Sea
Enjoy a final meal of fresh-caught lobster and chilled wine at a premium beach club like Thalassa or Olive.
Spa & Rejuvenation
End your 17-day journey with a final luxury spa treatment before your evening departure transfer to the airport.
Departure Transfer
Private transfer to Dabolim or Mopa Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.
Best Time to Visit India
The ideal time for this luxury journey is between October and March. During these months, the weather across North and Central India is pleasantly cool and dry, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor palace dinners. Rajasthan is especially beautiful in winter. While April to June can be extremely hot, and July to September brings the monsoon rains (which offer a unique beauty in places like Udaipur), the winter months provide the most consistent comfort for a high-end itinerary.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and major boutiques across Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur widely accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry some cash for smaller transactions or tips. Tipping is customary in the luxury sector; a 10% tip at restaurants (if service charge isn't included) and small gratuities for drivers and guides are standard practice. High-end ATMs are easily found in all the cities listed in this itinerary.
Getting Around India
For a luxury traveler, the best way to bridge long distances is via premium domestic airlines like Vistara or Air India. For the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur), private chauffeur-driven luxury sedans or SUVs are the most flexible and comfortable option, allowing for stops at rural heritage sites. Within cities, your pre-arranged private car is the most seamless way to travel. For a quintessential Indian experience, a first-class ticket on an express train like the Gatimaan Express is a comfortable and iconic way to see the countryside.
