Depart your home country on your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
December- May
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 Jaipur 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!
Regal Residences of Rajasthan
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Delhi
Arrive in India and transfer to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi. During your time in the city, there is time to take our signature tours that explore both Old and New Delhi. Experience the thrills of a rickshaw ride through the old quarter while sampling some of the city’s legendary dishes.
Days 4 - 5
Chambal
Journey from Delhi to Agra by train and arrive at the excellent Chambal Safari Lodge. Experience the exceptional hospitality while exploring the fascinating wildlife and cultural sites that sit on the lodge’s doorstep. Highlights of a stay here include a relaxing boat trip down the Chambal River and a sunrise or sunset visit to the temples and ghats of Bhateshwar with their colourful and vibrant poojas.
Day 6
Agra
It’s a short journey back to Agra to visit the renowned Taj Mahal Palace. It is one of the undisputed wonders of the world and a must-see for most visitors to India. Check-in at The Oberoi, just a 10-minute walk from the east gate of the palace.
Days 7 - 9
Jaipur
Head to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s mesmerising ‘Pink City’. Over two days, you’ll explore its vibrant streets on foot and by bike. Visit temples, mosques and churches, sip on a cup (or three) of the famous spiced chai, and catch the daily religious ceremonies that fill many temples with splendid sounds.
Days 10 - 11
Shapura Bagh
From the bustle of Jaipur, travel by road to the rural Palace of Shahpura Bagh (around a 4-hour drive). Part luxury hotel, part royal homestay; it’s the kind of experience only India can offer. Grand buildings, an illustrious history dating back twenty generations within one family and sumptuous food will ensure there is never a dull moment. Your hosts will take you under their wing and show you the challenges and treasures of inheriting such a majestic property while bringing the local town and region to life. For relaxation, look no further than the glorious swimming pool, the perfect antidote to the hot summer days. Dinner or drinks atop the local fort is a special experience that’ll stay etched in your memory long after you return home.
Days 12 - 13
Chanoud Garh
Saving the best till last? Perhaps… Chanoud Garh is another rural palace, lovingly restored to its former glory by the latest generation of its custodians. Learn the family’s fascinating history while having the honour of staying in this incredible property. Dine on the rooftop under the stars, explore the nooks and crannies of the palace and their fascinating details and stories, or take a jeep drive into the surrounding villages and countryside to get a unique insight into this region’s way of life.
Days 14 - 15
Udaipur
End your trip in Udaipur, ‘The Venice of the East’. Explore the city’s magnificent sites, including the iconic fort with its blue-walled houses and buildings.
Day 16
Fly home
Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“This itinerary combines Rajasthan’s cultural treasures with some of India’s finest heritage stays. A fantastic way to explore India.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Rajasthan, India
Chanoud Garh
Chanoud Garh is a lovingly restored 300-year-old palace offering a rich, personal slice of Rajasthani heritage. Situated in a peaceful rural village between Jodhpur and Udaipur, this family-run retreat combines grand architecture with heartfelt hospitality. You’ll be welcomed into the home of a former royal family, explore the desert landscapes, and stay in an atmospheric suite steeped in history.
Highlights
Highlights
Palace heritage,
Sunset jeep drives
Best for
Couples,
Heritage Enthusiasts,
Solos
Gallery
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Uttar Pradesh, India
The Oberoi Amarvilas
A stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas offers what few hotels in the world can: uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from every room. Nestled just 600 metres from this world wonder, the hotel is a peaceful haven of Mughal-inspired luxury far removed from Agra’s busy streets.
Highlights
Highlights
Unrivalled Taj Mahal views,
Mughal-inspired elegance,
Tranquil gardens
Best for
Couples
Gallery
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Jaipur, India
Dera Mandawa
A peaceful hideaway in the heart of Jaipur, Dera Mandawa is an ancestral haveli turned boutique hotel. Step through its gates and into a world of courtyards, heritage charm and warm Rajasthani hospitality. Family-run and steeped in local culture, it’s a soulful retreat that offers a personal and characterful alternative to city hotels.
Highlights
Highlights
Personal hosting,
Heritage charm
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
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Rajasthan, India
Shahpura Bagh
Shahpura Bagh is an oasis of calm in rural Rajasthan. Set within 30 acres of peaceful grounds and surrounded by shimmering lakes, this heritage estate offers an elegant escape between Udaipur and Jaipur. It’s a refined retreat for those who value understated luxury and natural beauty.
Highlights
Highlights
Rural estate charm,
Lake-side setting,
Intimate luxury
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
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Rajasthan, India
Taj Lake Palace
Floating like a mirage in the centre of Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace is one of India’s most iconic hotels. Only accessible by boat, its gleaming white marble structure, serene setting, and ornate interiors create a truly exclusive experience. Every room boasts views of the lake or surrounding palaces, and the sense of romance here is unparalleled.
Highlights
Highlights
Exclusive island location,
Royal heritage,
Lake views
Best for
Couples,
Honeymooners,
Luxury Travellers
Gallery
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Delhi, India
The Claridges
Set among leafy avenues in one of New Delhi’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, The Claridges blends classic elegance with contemporary comforts. Built in 1952 and recently renovated, it offers a refined atmosphere with a pool, gardens, and easy access to the capital’s key cultural and commercial sights.
Highlights
Highlights
Historic charm,
Central location,
Elegant garden setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Business Travellers
Gallery
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Delhi, India
The Imperial New Delhi
Right in the heart of Connaught Place, The Imperial is one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels: a grand, colonial-era landmark full of stories. Its rich history, vibrant public spaces, and striking heritage architecture offer guests a classic yet energetic experience in India’s capital.
Highlights
Highlights
Colonial heritage,
Central Delhi location,
Fine dining
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
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Delhi, India
Old Delhi Street Food Tour
Take a street food tour of Old Delhi, negotiating the noisy labyrinthine lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw. Visit selected food stalls to sample the myriad of dishes on offer such as thick and juicy jalebis; aloo chaat crispy fried potato cutlets dipped in chutneys; and parantha flatbreads generously stuffed with vegetables, spices or even dried fruits. For dessert, try the deliciously creamy phirni which is served in earthenware pots, and end your walk with an exotic fruit-flavoured Kulfi ice cream. This is a wonderful chance not only to experience some true culinary delights but also to go behind the scenes and meet some of the chefs, bakers and families who have been providing fabulous food here for generations.
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Rajasthan, India
Craft & Heritage Walk of Old Jaipur
Although most tourists visit Jaipur to view its incredible forts and palaces, there are many visitors who come to purchase some of the astonishing range of handicrafts for which the city is famous for producing.
On our exclusive and privately guided walking tour, explore the fascinating Old Quarter, where you will find most of the city’s master tradespeople. There is an incredible energy around this part of Jaipur as the locals and the incoming buyers take their shopping here extremely seriously. Walking around you will notice Indians who have been coming from far and wide to buy everything they need for their extravagant weddings.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
