18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes & Epic Journeys in India
India is a land of sensory wonder, and there is no better way to experience its majesty than through a lens of luxury. This 18-day epic journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to balance the chaotic beauty of the subcontinent with the refined elegance of world-class hospitality and seamless travel. From the iconic monuments of the Golden Triangle to the colonial charm of Mumbai and the tropical tranquility of the south, you will witness the diversity of India without compromising on comfort.
Expect to stay in converted royal palaces, cruise on private houseboats, and dine at some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants. With first-class rail journeys and domestic flights connecting your path, you'll spend less time in transit and more time soaking in the rich heritage and spiritual depth that makes India truly incredible.
Day 1: Delhi, India - The Royal Arrival
Chauffeur Pickup & Check-in
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to The Imperial, Delhi’s most iconic heritage hotel.
Lutyens' Delhi Drive-through
Enjoy a private guided drive through the grand boulevards of New Delhi, passing the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate.
Spa Therapy at The Imperial
Recover from your flight with a signature Ayurvedic massage at the hotel’s award-winning luxury spa.
Gourmet Dinner at Bukhara
Experience world-renowned North Indian cuisine at Bukhara, located in the ITC Maurya, famous for its Dal Bukhara and succulent kebabs.
Day 2: Delhi, India - Layers of History
Old Delhi Heritage Walk
Explore the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk via a private rickshaw, visiting the Jama Masjid and the Red Fort’s imposing exterior.
Lunch at Chor Bizarre
Savor a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan multi-course meal in a setting filled with eclectic Indian antiques.
Humayun’s Tomb Exploration
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, a precursor to the Taj Mahal, showcasing stunning Mughal garden architecture.
Qutub Minar at Twilight
Witness the world's tallest brick minaret beautifully lit up as the sun sets over the historical complex.
Day 3: Agra, India - The City of Love
Gatiman Express Luxury Train
Board India's fastest train in Executive Class for a seamless 100-minute journey from Delhi to Agra, including onboard breakfast.
Check-in at Oberoi Amarvilas
Experience the ultimate luxury stay where every room offers an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal.
Agra Fort Private Tour
Discover the sprawling red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors.
Sunset at Mehtab Bagh
Enjoy a private viewing of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River in the 'Moonlight Garden'.
Day 4: Agra, India - Monumental Beauty
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Avoid the crowds with an early morning VIP entry to the world’s most famous monument to love, led by an expert historian.
Breakfast with a View
Return to the Oberoi Amarvilas for a lavish breakfast on your private balcony overlooking the white marble dome.
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah
Visit the 'Baby Taj', a jewel-box of marble and intricate inlay work that preceded the Great Taj.
Mughal Tasting Menu
Enjoy a curated dinner at Esphahan, the hotel's specialty restaurant, featuring traditional sitar music and royal recipes.
Day 5: Jaipur, India - The Pink City
Drive to Jaipur via Abhaneri
Transfer to Jaipur in a private luxury SUV, stopping at the Chand Baori stepwell, one of the deepest in India.
Check-in at Rambagh Palace
Arrive at the 'Jewel of Jaipur', a former royal residence of the Maharaja, and be greeted with a traditional rose petal shower.
High Tea at Verandah Café
Sip fine Indian teas while overlooking the manicured lawns and peacocks of the palace estate.
Dinner at 1135 AD
Dine like royalty inside the Amer Fort complex, surrounded by gold-leafed walls and silver furniture.
Day 6: Jaipur, India - Forts & Frontiers
Amber Fort Jeep Safari
Take a private jeep up to the gates of the Amber Fort to explore its Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and ornate courtyards.
Panna Meena ka Kund
Visit the photogenic geometric stepwell located just outside the fort walls for a quick photography session.
Jantar Mantar Observatory
Discover the world’s largest stone sundial and a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments.
Hawa Mahal Photography
Stop at a rooftop cafe for the best view of the Palace of Winds' iconic honeycomb facade.
Day 7: Jaipur, India - Royal Traditions
City Palace Private Gallery
Gain exclusive access to the private residential areas of the City Palace, still inhabited by the royal family.
Thali Lunch at Suvarna Mahal
Enjoy a majestic Rajasthani Thali served on gold-plated silver at the Rambagh Palace's grand dining room.
Private Jewelry Workshop
Visit a master jeweler to learn about 'Kundan' and 'Meenakari' techniques, the traditional jewelry crafts of Jaipur.
Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Visit an ethical elephant rescue center for a sunset interaction and feeding experience away from the tourist crowds.
Day 8: Udaipur, India - The Venice of the East
Flight to Udaipur
Take a short domestic flight to the white city of Udaipur, known for its romantic lakes and marble palaces.
Check-in at Taj Lake Palace
Board a private boat to the middle of Lake Pichola to check into this floating marble palace, often cited as one of the world's best hotels.
Sunset Boat Cruise
Enjoy a private shikara ride on Lake Pichola, passing the illuminated City Palace and Jag Mandir Island.
Lakeside Dinner at Ambrai
Dine at the water's edge with a direct view of the Lake Palace and City Palace shimmering in the night sky.
Day 9: Udaipur, India - City of Lakes
Udaipur City Palace Tour
Explore the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, featuring intricate mosaics, mirror work, and the Crystal Gallery.
Jagdish Temple Visit
Visit the large Hindu temple in the middle of the city, a stunning example of Indo-Aryan architecture.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari Gardens
Relax in the 'Garden of the Maidens', famous for its fountains, marble elephants, and lotus pools.
Dharohar Folk Dance Show
Watch a traditional Rajasthani dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli, a historic waterfront mansion.
Day 10: Mumbai, India - Maximum City
Flight to Mumbai
Fly from Udaipur to Mumbai, the bustling financial and film capital of India located on the Arabian Sea.
Check-in at Taj Mahal Palace
Stay at India's most legendary hotel, an architectural masterpiece located directly opposite the Gateway of India.
Gateway of India Walk
Take a leisurely stroll around the Gateway of India and the Colaba Causeway for luxury boutique shopping.
Dinner at Wasabi by Morimoto
Dine at one of India's finest Japanese restaurants, located inside the Taj Mahal Palace.
Day 11: Mumbai, India - Colonial Splendor
Elephanta Caves Excursion
Take a private luxury boat to the UNESCO-listed cave temples on Elephanta Island, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Lunch at Trishna
Taste Mumbai’s famous butter garlic crab at this legendary seafood institution in the Kala Ghoda district.
Art Deco & Victoria Terminus
Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a Gothic architectural marvel, and explore the city's unique Art Deco buildings.
Marine Drive Sunset
Drive along the 'Queen’s Necklace' and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea from your private car.
Day 12: Goa, India - Tropical Serenity
Flight to Goa
Fly south to the emerald state of Goa, moving from the city bustle to the laid-back luxury of the coast.
Check-in at Taj Exotica
Arrive at your Mediterranean-style resort in Benaulim, South Goa, situated on 56 acres of lush gardens along the beach.
Sunset on Benaulim Beach
Walk the soft white sands of South Goa, known for being significantly quieter and more exclusive than the north.
Fresh Seafood Dinner
Enjoy a private beachfront dinner featuring Goan specialties like Prawn Balchão and Kingfish Recheado.
Day 13: Goa, India - Heritage & Spice
Old Goa Cathedral Tour
Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral, remnants of the Portuguese colonial era.
Spice Plantation Lunch
Take a private tour of a tropical spice plantation followed by a traditional Goan lunch served on banana leaves.
Fontainhas Heritage Walk
Wander through the Latin Quarter of Panjim, famous for its brightly colored narrow streets and Portuguese villas.
Drinks at Joseph Bar
Sip on local 'Feni' cocktails at this tiny, historic bar that captures the true essence of Goan nightlife.
Day 14: Goa, India - Coastal Leisure
Private Yoga Session
Begin your day with a private yoga and meditation session overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Luxury Poolside Lounging
Spend the afternoon relaxing in a private cabana by the resort’s infinity pool.
Sundowners at Thalassa
Head to Siolim for a sunset cocktail at Thalassa, a Greek tavern offering breathtaking views of the river and sea.
Fine Dining at Gunpowder
Experience some of the best South Indian fusion cuisine in India at this famous alfresco restaurant in Assagao.
Day 15: Kochi, India - The Spice Coast
Flight to Kochi (Kerala)
Travel to 'God's Own Country'. Kochi is a historic port town where Chinese, Arab, and European influences blend.
Check-in at Brunton Boatyard
Check into a restored Victorian shipyard hotel that sits right on the harbor in Fort Kochi.
Kathakali Performance
Witness the elaborate costumes and makeup of a traditional Keralan Kathakali dance-drama at a private theater.
Dinner at Rice Boat
Dine on a stationary boat at the Vivanta by Taj, sampling Malabar coast fish curry and Appams.
Day 16: Alleppey, India - Backwater Bliss
Transfer to Alleppey
Take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Alleppey, the gateway to the labyrinthine Kerala backwaters.
Board Private Luxury Houseboat
Check into your private, air-conditioned Kettuvallam (houseboat) featuring a personal chef and captain.
Cruising the Vembanad Lake
Glide silently through palm-fringed canals, observing village life, paddy fields, and local fishermen.
Candlelit Houseboat Dinner
Enjoy a freshly prepared meal of Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish) as your boat anchors for the night in a quiet lagoon.
Day 17: Alleppey, India - Waterway Wonders
Village Sunrise Walk
Disembark for a guided walk through a local village to see the coir-making process and visit local temples.
Traditional Sadhya Lunch
Experience a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring over 20 different Keralan components.
Ayurvedic Spa Treatment
Head to a luxury lakeside resort for a 'Pizhichil' oil bath treatment, the pinnacle of Ayurvedic rejuvenation.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your final night with a private dinner on the deck, surrounded by the sounds of the tropical night.
Day 18: Kochi, India - Final Farewells
Chinese Fishing Nets
Return to Fort Kochi for a final look at the iconic cantilevered fishing nets being operated by local fishermen.
Jew Town Shopping
Browse the antique shops and spice warehouses of Mattancherry for high-quality souvenirs and peppercorns.
Pardesi Synagogue Visit
Visit the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, featuring hand-painted Chinese floor tiles.
Transfer to Airport
Your private driver will take you to Cochin International Airport for your departure flight home.
Best Time to Visit India
The ideal time to embark on this luxury journey is from late October to March. During these months, the weather in North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan) is cool and pleasant, while the humidity in the South (Mumbai, Goa, Kerala) is manageable. Avoid the peak summer months (April to June) when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), and the monsoon season (July to September) which can disrupt travel in Kerala and Goa.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While high-end hotels, restaurants, and luxury boutiques in major cities accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Amex), it is essential to carry some cash for small purchases, tipping, and local markets. Tipping is expected in the luxury segment—plan for roughly 10% in restaurants and small daily amounts for drivers and guides. ATMs are widely available, but notify your bank before travel.
Getting Around India
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to cover long distances is via domestic flights with premium carriers like Vistara or Air India. For shorter distances, such as Delhi to Agra, first-class rail travel (Executive Class) on trains like the Gatiman Express offers a classic Indian experience. Within cities, private chauffeured cars are the gold standard for comfort, safety, and reliability, allowing you to bypass the complexities of local public transport.
