Saraca, Lucknow
Colonial-era architecture,
Refined Lucknowi cuisine,
Art Deco interiors
Couples
Tranquil, tasteful, and timeless, the Saraca hotel feels like a sanctuary in lively Lucknow. It’s that perfect mix: tucked away enough to be nice and peaceful, yet right on the doorstep of the city’s highlights.
The hotel is set in beautifully manicured gardens and is a lovely old converted colonial building with an Art Deco, early 1900’s vibe. The main bungalow was lovingly restored in April 2016, so now encompasses modern hospitality with a traditional ethos.
Sacara’s winning features are the location, grounds, and beautiful building. It’s not the place to come for its rooms in general. Families with younger kids might find it all a little grand and not be able to relax, but otherwise, this is an excellent option for up-and-coming Lucknow.
The pool is a welcome space to relax after sightseeing but is relatively small, so might not suit family travellers.
There are four restaurants; we recommend Azrak and 1936, the latter offering fine dining. If you go for Azrak, we suggest its Indian culinary journey (don’t miss out on the Lahori Paneer).
The Rooms
There are 41 rooms reflecting the Laknavi heritage of the city with some opening onto courtyards and terraces. The executive and deluxe rooms feel on the smaller side, so if you like the feeling of space in your room, we’d recommend a luxury room or one of the larger-than-average Heritage or Imperial suites.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in India
A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Agra
Regal Residences of Rajasthan
This is a far cry from the tired old route that almost everyone takes through India’s Golden Triangle. We know that you’re not everyone. Veer off the tourist trail into the heartlands of Rajasthan to feel the true essence of timeless and, yes, incredible India.
You’ll still be able to experience the manic magic of Delhi, the warm pink hues of Japiur and the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. But you’ll also experience so much more by staying in some of the country’s best heritage properties, brought to life by charismatic hosts. You’ll get the best of both worlds – and be amazed that the rest of the world doesn’t seem to be in on the secret. Shhh!
Highlights
Chambal River
Explore magnificent and lesser-visited sites on the banks of the Chambal River
Heritage properties
Experience a flavour of rural and royal Rajasthan in two contrasting rural palaces
Taj Mahal
Admire the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal
Gallery
Agra
The Golden Triangle & The Himalayas
This is a proper adventure, taking in the riches of Rajasthan before venturing deep into the Himalayas to explore the off-the-beaten-track Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. After tiger-spotting in Corbett, escape to the unspoiled Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Here, colonial-era hill stations and quiet Himalayan villages offer a slower pace and extraordinary views, far from the tourist trail.
Highlights
Iconic sights
Seeing the best of Rajasthan (think the Taj, tigers and terrific forts, palaces and handicrafts)
Unique accommodation
Staying in haveli hotels and warm and welcoming luxury homestays with fascinating histories
Himalayan views
Ending the holiday on a (literal) high in the Himalayas, venturing into the Kumaon region that most tourists miss
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Delhi
East to West: Highlights of the Gangetic Plain
This holiday is for travellers with an adventurous spirit who like to get away from the tourist trail; people who have a desire to explore eclectic, busy and ever-evolving Indian cities, but who also want to contrast immersive city life with some unique, rural experiences.
Take time to delve into Kolkata and Varanasi with our signature experiences in each. You’ll journey by car, train and minimal internal flights so that you can experience the beautiful rural life and landscape of the Gangetic Plain as you move around. You’ll spend four days exploring northern Madhya Pradesh and three days in a remote valley of Uttar Pradesh; allowing completely different rural and wildlife experiences in each.
Highlights
Lunch with an art collector
Taking lunch with an art collector in his home in Kolkata
Sunrise at the River Ganges
Watching the sunrise from your private boat on the River Ganges
Chambal Valley
Experiencing life in remote hamlets of the Chambal Valley
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Delhi
The Birdlife of North India
This two-week itinerary takes you around North India to see for yourself the wide variety of bird species and animals that call these rugged, scenic landscapes home. Keen birders and the more intrepid travellers will particularly enjoy this holiday, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, hiking and safaris through national parks, along rivers and in sanctuaries.
Highlights
Corbett National Park
Staying deep in the heart of Corbett National Park in a forest lodge, an incredible setting for wildlife sightings
Chambal River
Cruising along the Chambal river on safari with a naturalist guide, providing expert information about the birds and animals you spot
Birding throughout
Plenty of birding opportunities in varying locations, from national parks to bird sanctuaries and a conservation reserve
Agra
Classic Rajasthan with the Taj Mahal
Our ‘Classic Rajasthan with the Taj’ itinerary idea takes in all the must-see sites of India’s Golden Triangle and beyond, such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. You’ll also experience a change of pace and a glimpse at an older, more rural Rajasthan with its impossibly romantic desert forts, dramatic scenery and wildlife.
We’ve suggested mixing opulent city hotels, perfect for escaping the clamour outside, with peacefully charming but quirky heritage properties in converted Rajput residences, used for entertaining visitors from time immemorial.
Highlights
Iconic sights
Marvel at the timeless magnificence of the Taj Mahal, the disorderliness of Delhi and colourful Jaipur
Fort Barli
Escape the madness into the gorgeous surrounds of Fort Barli and the Rajasthani countryside
Lake Pichola
Stay on the banks of Lake Pichola in romantic and laid-back Udaipur
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Saraca, Lucknow on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
India, exceeded all expectations
Experience Travel Group live up to their name
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
