Experience the Essence of India with Luxury Gold
Photo: Jama Masjid - Old Delhi, India
Adventure across India - from the Presidential Palace of Delhi, to the tigers of Ranthambore and onwards to the pink city of Jaipur. Delhi impresses with a private tour of Jama Masjid, while in Jaipur a Indian High Tea experience unlocks the private living room of the Maharaja. The culinary highlights continue at the opulent 1135 AD restaurant where a Highlight Dinner is served in a royal interior, with traditional music and stunning sunset views. In Ranthambore, search out the elusive tigers in their natural habitat as you stalk the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs, peppered with palatial ruins and traditional Chhatri. Later explore Jaipur your way with the choice of shopping the fresh flower and spice markets, or a visit to the Hindu Temple Birla Mandir - to witness the traditional aarti prayer ceremony.
Inclusions:
- Magnificent Stays at Hand-Picked Hotels
- Curated Experiences
- Connect and make long-lasting memories with Local Experts
- Extraordinary Dining
- Custom Coach with 2x the legroom
- Travel Concierge
- Door to Door Transfers
- Smaller Groups
- Full-service Porterage
Photo: Map of the itinerary
Day 1: Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot
Your luxury tour from Delhi begins with a traditional welcome scarf before a private chauffeur takes you to your elegant hotel, situated in the leafy Lutyens’ diplomatic quarter amidst six acres of landscaped grounds. Step outside to take in Delhi’s bustling backstreets, rich history and wealth of colors before dining on fine Indian cuisine as the sun sets over Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
Take in Delhi’s fascinating top sites including the sprawling sandstone Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856, and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Curate your exploration joining a well-known chef for a foodie walk in Old Delhi enticing your senses on the color and aromas of the famous local street food and sampling Indian delicacies. Or, visit the 12th-century Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world. Feel the city’s energy on an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the winding streets of Chandni Chowk before visiting a Sikh temple and its community kitchen where vegetarian meals are prepared and served to locals, travelers and those in need. Conclude your Delhi discovery viewing the President Palace, India gate and the circular and colonnaded Parliament House.
Photo: Colonnade in Qutub Minar in Delhi, India
Day 3: An Agra Adventure
Journey to Agra, the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty and a historical fort of impressive buildings. Stand in awe of Sheesh Mahal, the “glass palace” dazzling you with light from the glittering mirrors and mosaics that decorate the walls and ceilings, and the spacious pavilion of gilded copper dome-topped Musamman Burj. Personalise your afternoon connecting with members of the local community: Set out on an eye-opening Mughal heritage walk meeting the locals to learn about their lives in the shadows of India’s famous monument. Alternatively, visit a private colonial bungalow for an indulgent high tea as you meet the host family and hear their captivating stories about the British Raj and today's Indian culture and society.
Day 4: The Taj Mahal and Ranthambore
Experience an unforgettable sunrise basking in the majesty of the Taj Mahal framed in warm hues of pink, orange and yellow as you greet the first light of day. Reflect on this monument of love and flawless architecture built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Inspired by the morning’s beauty, travel to the historic town of Bharatpur for lunch at the lavish Laxmi Niwas Palace before boarding the Jan Shatabdi Express, the Express Train to Ranthambore. Take in the views as you relax in your air-conditioned carriage. Arrive at your hotel, Nahargarh Ranthambhore, nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli Range near the Ranthambore National Park built in the style of a traditional Rajput hunting palace.
Photo: Taj Mahal Agra India
Day 5: In Search of Tigers in Ranthambore
Experience the beauty of Ranthambore partnering with a Local Expert on a quest for the elusive tiger within the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur. Should the tiger elude you, keep watch for sightings of wild boars, monkeys, spotted deer and antelopes. Relax and lavish in the comforts of your resort before enjoying another foray into the national park with an Expert Naturalist at dusk. In addition to the wildlife, gain an insider’s understanding of the lakes, palace ruins, traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort within the park.
Day 6: Jaipur, the Pink City
After a relaxed morning at your hotel, travel through the countryside of green fields dotted with brightly colored flowers to the Rajasthan capital of Jaipur, the Pink City. As soon as you step within the old city walls, you’ll understand why Jaipur earned its name - given after a visit from Queen Victoria in 1876 when all its buildings were painted pink as a sign of hospitality. Tonight is free for independent activities.
Photo: Amber Fort, Rajasthan
Day 7: Jaipur Sightseeing
Curate your morning seeing highly skilled artisans or focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery at a workshop. Attend a special blessing ceremony at Amber Fort, seek a blessing from the Gods in this unique experience. Locals believe that it can help alter the flow of “prana” or life energy in one’s body, drawing awareness to deeper spiritual realms and, hence releasing more positive beliefs. Toast to your travels with a dinner at 1135 AD restaurant tonight.
Day 8: In Jaipur
Enjoy a city tour of Jaipur and luxuriate in a VIP Indian high tea at The City Palace, the home of the royal family of Jaipur since 1732 AD. Learn about the large gold vessels filled with water from the river Ganges which the Maharaja of Jaipur would carry on his trips. See the Diwan-i-Aam and hear fascinating tales of the artefacts of the place. In the evening visit the Spice market and flower market during the Pink Rickshaw ride - learn about Indian spices, vegetables, flowers, and experience the locals selling their products. Or experience the spiritual side of the locals - visit the splendid Birla Mandir, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, to witness the ‘Aarti’, a traditional prayer ceremony. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Photo: Spice Market in Dehli
