The Imperial New Delhi
Colonial heritage,
Central Delhi location,
Fine dining
Couples,
Solos,
Culture Seekers
Grand and glamourous, this opulent heritage Colonial hotel puts you in the heart of Connaught Place: a prime position in the city.
Steeped in history, the Imperial has more than 2,500 original photographs and medals (including the Victoria Cross) hanging from its walls. It’s vibrant here, and there’s always a hum of activity from one of the bars and restaurants.
If you want to be in the middle of the action surrounded by beauty and luxury, this is the place to stay.
The Imperial is quite formal and refined, so if you’d prefer a more low-key casual affair, it might not be for you.
Plenty of people come to the restaurants and bars just to be seen there. And for good reason: they are spectacular (especially their latest restaurant, The Spice Route).
What makes the Imperial so refreshing is that although it’s certainly luxurious and refined (without being over the top), it also welcomes the faster Indian pace of life into its common spaces rather than shutting it out behind closed doors.
There’s also an impressive swimming pool, the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day exploring the capital.
The Rooms
235 renovated rooms are furnished in warm neutral shades and dark wood accents and have marble bathrooms. You can expect to find all the usual luxury amenities.
For a bit of extra space, go for a Grand Heritage room.
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.
India
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
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India
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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India
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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India
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
India
A Journey through Madhya Pradesh
Prepare to be wowed by incredible history, architecture, and wildlife, before finishing the holiday on the sacred Narmada river at Maheshwar.
Highlights
Alternative Delhi
Explore alternative Delhi with a walk of the old town led by a former street kid turned expert guide
Satpura National Park
Get up close and personal to the wildlife in Satpura National Park on foot, by jeep and even on a boat
Maheshwar
Relax in one India’s most beautiful and most off-the-beaten-track fort hotels in Maheshwar, one of the most magical towns in India
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India
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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The Imperial, Delhi on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
India, exceeded all expectations
Immersive India
Wonderful introduction to India
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.
