India has a lot of volume. I can't think of a better way to put it. Trucks are honking at bicyclists; cows are wandering through six lanes of traffic; and a busy market in Old Delhi during lunchtime is enough to push anyone's sanity to its limits. When people ask CareMyTrip why they should take a Luxury Tour of India rather than traveling without plans, we have a very straightforward response: You can experience all of the same vibrancy and noise that makes up India, but with one major difference – after a long day of exploring, you'll be handed a cold towel and a refreshing lime soda, and then you'll rest your head in a palace.
That is the way that Luxury India Tours operates. They do not hide the true face of India, but rather help you to experience it. People who are looking for Luxury Travel Packages India are typically looking for exactly this type of experience.
So what do you actually get?
A personal car with a chauffeur who has driven the route between Jaipur and Agra for over two decades and can identify the dhaba that prepares the most delicious paratha. Tour guides who have spent years studying the sites they will take you to, as opposed to memorizing a prepared speech. Many hotels that used to be the residences of kings and queens, where peacocks roam freely in the gardens, and each room is large enough to be an entire apartment. Flying rather than spending eight hours in a vehicle, if flying is more efficient. Lastly, a customized itinerary created based upon your individual traveling style. Do you prefer waking up early? That is acceptable. Are you unable to function until after 10 a.m.? That is also acceptable.
The little things in life are what we remember most. Candlelight dining on a fort wall. Meeting a miniature artist in Udaipur. Having tea with the proprietor of a 300 year old Haveli that wants to show you his grandfather's swords. On a Luxury Tour of India, you will experience many of those types of experiences.
Who goes?
All sorts. Honeymooners, of course. Families celebrating a major event. Retired couples who have been planning to visit the Taj Mahal for decades. Friends whose vacation plans have eventually aligned. Many older travelers select Luxury India Tours since the daily schedules are reasonable and no one needs to struggle with purchasing train tickets.
When to visit India. If you want to experience the best weather, then October through March is your ideal time frame. This period offers pleasant, dry days and cool nights in the northern region. On the other hand, the plains will be scorching at over 45 degrees Celsius by May – not very enjoyable for most people. During the monsoon season, it can either rain or shine; however, Udaipur becomes lush with vegetation, the lakes fill up with water and hotels offer lower prices.
Luxury India Tour Packages
The most common way to begin Luxury India Tour Packages is to visit the Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This is primarily due to the fact that this route allows for the viewing of the Taj Mahal, as well as several other significant Mughal-era fortresses and a classic Rajput-style palace within approximately one week. Beyond this initial portion of the tour, the remainder of the itinerary will depend upon your personal interests. Will you be interested in seeing tigers at Ranthambore? Do you wish to explore the lakes surrounding Udaipur? Would you like to experience the vast expanse of the Thar Desert beyond Jaisalmer? Is viewing the sunrise over the Ganges River in Varanasi something you would enjoy? Would you like to take a boat ride through the Backwaters of Kerala? It is impossible to accomplish all of these options during a single trip (although possible if you have a month or more).
Luxury tour packages in India typically take anywhere from one week to three weeks to complete. A single week would allow for a relaxed pace of travel around the Golden Triangle. An additional three to five days (10-12 total) would enable the inclusion of both Udaipur and Jodhpur. If you have two weeks or more, you could also visit the southern region of the country, or head toward the mountainous regions.
Read what's included. Typically, you will have hotel accommodations with breakfast included, a personal vehicle and driver for your entire travel experience, pick-ups from the airport, a local guide at each destination and monument admission fees. Internal flights, lunch, dinner and tips are frequently not included. We would prefer to create a custom-designed travel itinerary with you at CareMyTrip as opposed to selling a pre-packaged travel plan, as each couple has unique preferences for their travel experiences.
Many people ask us for the "best luxury tours in India." That is a reasonable inquiry. However, the correct response is that there are many factors to consider when choosing a luxury tour package in India. For example, if you want to see wildlife and visit palaces then you would choose a completely different itinerary than if you were interested in seeing temples and eating delicious food. Both types of itineraries would be considered excellent examples of Luxury India Tour Packages; however, they are two completely different holidays.
Small details matter a lot in this place. For example, a guide is assigned based on what type of site he/she will be guiding you through, such as an architectural history buff for Fatehpur Sikri. Hotels are selected not only by how many stars they have but also by the views they offer. If you have not yet experienced the feeling of waking up and seeing the Taj Mahal outside of your window at the Oberoi Amarvilas, add it to your bucket list. It's ridiculous and incredible.
Royal Heritage Tours in India
Until 1947, a large portion of the country of India was controlled by its individual maharajas, nawabs and nizams; there were over five hundred separate princely states. Many of these leaders constructed grand palaces, went tiger hunting, amassed collections of Rolls-Royce vehicles and hosted lavish parties that continue to be discussed today. Most of them have relinquished their control over time, however, none of the palaces they inhabited were lost. Royal Heritage Tours in India offer you an opportunity to experience this era of history.
On your Royal Heritage Tour India trip, you may get to spend the night at a palace with the royal family living right down the hall. You will also possibly meet a former prince that studied abroad in England and has quite strong views about cricket. Also, expect to see many private museums filled with silver howdahs, old hunting pictures and portraits of mustachioed rulers that appear quite pleased with themselves.
Rajasthan is home to many such sites, however, there are many other states as well. Mysore, Hyderabad, Gwalior and Vadodara each feature a palace that would warrant a trip to see them. Wider Heritage Tours in India can include Mughal tombs, the historic colonial-era architecture of Kolkata and ancient temple towns that have remained virtually untouched for centuries.
What makes a Royal Heritage Tour India vacation special is access. A guide with good connections can help provide you with entry into areas that are usually off-limits to visitors, as well as set up a private viewing of an area once most other visitors have left for the day. This type of access should be considered when booking your Royal Heritage Tours in India. If you do not have much time, then even three or four days of Heritage Tours in India visiting Delhi and Jaipur can still provide a fair understanding of these cities.
Forts and Palaces in India
The Rajputs loved to build their castles high up on cliffs. You can see many examples of this today, as the castles of the Rajputs are still standing on top of those cliffs, with long stone walls surrounding each castle. Inside each of these castles, there will be rooms decorated with mirrors, carved stone screens and very narrow staircases which the Rajputs used to try to confuse any invading army.
If you want to pick from the most famous forts and palaces in India, here are some of the first ones you should look at: Amber Fort outside of Jaipur, and if someone strikes a match inside, the Sheesh Mahal will glow; Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur appears as though it rose directly out of the mountain; Jaisalmer Fort, approximately one-fourth of the population of the former city still resides within the walls; Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India; Kumbhalgarh Fort has a perimeter wall that is approximately 36 kilometers long; Delhi's Red Fort; Agra Fort; Gwalior Fort; and Mysore Palace is illuminated with almost 100,000 bulbs every Sunday evening.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the six hill forts of Rajasthan includes Amber, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Jaisalmer. If you see three or four of these on an Indian Forts and Palaces Tour then you will have a good understanding of what it was like to live in one of the kingdoms.
There are many ways to avoid getting too hot while visiting the Forts & Palaces in India. A couple of these include going either very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. The heat from the midday sun on the sandstone walls of the forts can be unbearable, and most of the tour groups will be arriving at about 11:00 AM. When taking an Indian Forts and Palaces Tour with a private guide, you have the opportunity to avoid both the heat of the day and the crowds of people that will be there during the middle of the day. Many of the Forts & Palaces in India hold sound and light shows in the evening. These shows tend to be somewhat cheesy; however, we enjoy them. If you only have time to see a small number of the Famous Forts and Palaces in India during your travels, then we would recommend seeing Amber, Mehrangarh, and Jaisalmer.
Rajasthan Luxury and Heritage Tours
Rajasthan is literally called 'Land of Kings' and it does live up to this title. The state is the one that most people see when they image royalty in India. Almost every Rajasthan Luxury Tour takes travelers through a few select cities, each of which has a unique color.
Jaipur is a pink, busy, fun place with Amber Fort just down the road and LMB selling delicious sweets within the older part of town. Udaipur is the most romantic town, where white palaces reflect off of the lake. Jodhpur is a blue town that has a huge fort looming over everything; go to Mishrilal next to the clock tower to get a makhaniya lassi. Jaisalmer is a golden town located far away in the desert, and during the night, people spend their time in tents on top of the dunes. If you have some extra time, Bundi and the painted towns of Shekhawati are quiet, yet very beautiful.
A Rajasthan Heritage Tour is focused on history and the arts; it will include tours of forts, havelis, stepwells, block print makers, potters and puppet makers. The Rajasthan Royal Tour is mainly concerned with staying at palaces, having private dinners and getting to meet the current owners of those properties. Most people want a combination of both types of tours, which is easily arranged.
Give your Rajasthan luxury tour at least ten days. The state is large, and its roads can be slow. Therefore, you should not rely on Google Map's time estimates. November to March would be the best time to visit Rajasthan. During November, the Pushkar camel fair takes place. It is chaotic, but also amazing. A Rajasthan Heritage Tour during the cooler months will be a completely different (and far more enjoyable) experience than taking a heritage tour in June.
On a Rajasthan Royal Tour, what typically stays with individuals is not the major attractions; rather, it's the puppeteer performing in the courtyard that has undoubtedly performed the same act a thousand times and continues to enjoy doing so. Likewise, the doorman wearing a red turban at your palace hotel will remember your name when you return on the second day. These types of experiences cannot be planned, however, you can allow room for them.
Royal Palace Tours in India
The palaces of India have undergone many transformations; some are now museums, others operate as hotels, and there are still a few that serve as private residences. When taking Royal Palace Tours in India, you will most likely visit each type of palace, which adds to the excitement.
The City Palace in Udaipur has many different levels with courtyards and balconies that overlook Lake Pichola. It would be very easy for someone to take half of a day to explore all areas of the City Palace. A portion of the City Palace in Jaipur is currently being used as a residence for the Royal Family. If there is a flag flying on top of the City Palace then that means that the Maharaja is present. The Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur was completed in the 1940's. Currently, the Umaid Bhawan is divided into three separate parts. These include a museum, a Taj Hotel, and the private living area of the family. In the South of India, the Mysore Palace is the most impressive, particularly during the nighttime hours.
Palace Tours India trips can include more than just Rajasthan. Hyderabad includes Chowmahalla and Falaknuma. Vadodara includes Laxmi Vilas, which is believed to be approximately four times larger than Buckingham Palace. Padmanabhapuram, a palace built primarily from wood, can be found near Kanyakumari. These are some of the most Famous Palaces in India that many travelers pass up, and that is unfortunate.
A great tour guide will make all the difference when taking royal palace tours in India. When you take a tour with a knowledgeable guide, they can help you understand the history behind items such as a jharokha (a type of projecting balcony) or a colorful glass window. A tour guide can also tell you about the different areas within the palaces that were used by the queens and why they chose those specific locations. Private tours may also be available through some Palace Tours India companies. Private tours are difficult to set up on your own. It is common practice for visitors to take photos throughout many of the famous palaces in India. You will typically have to pay a minimal camera fee at the entrance.
Luxury Rajasthan Tours
The major differences in typical vacation travel versus Rajasthan Luxury Travel involve both the location of your hotel/lodgings and the method of transportation.
For where to stay, Rajasthan has so many options. Some of the most well-known hotels are the Oberoi Udaivilas and Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur; Rambagh Palace and the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur; Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur; and Suryagarh, located just outside of Jaisalmer. Many of them can be found on various "best" lists of hotels around the globe. However, there are also some of the most pleasant places to stay that are much smaller and run by families, such as Samode and Chhatra Sagar. Good Luxury Rajasthan Tour Packages will include a combination of several of the more famous hotels and some of those hidden treasures.
Then there are the trains. The Maharajas' Express and Palace on Wheels take you around Rajasthan and Agra for approximately one week. By day you will be sightseeing, and by night you will be sleeping in a luxury cabin. It is expensive, but many people say it was the greatest week of their life.
Rajasthan Luxury Travel is all about your ability to stop and take in the sights. If you see a wedding procession in a small town, you can pull over. If you want a cup of hot tea from a vendor on the side of the road, you can pull over. Many of the Luxury Rajasthan Tour Packages will substitute flying from one city to another for long car trips, specifically flying from Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. If you prefer a slower pace of Rajasthan Luxury Travel, consider spending two or three days at a luxury lodge located in the countryside. These lodges often provide horseback riding tours as well as walking tours through the nearby villages. Let us know approximately when you plan to travel, and we will recommend the Luxury Rajasthan Tours that are available during those times.
Heritage Hotels and Royal Stays in India
A common misconception for first-time visitors to India is that they cannot stay at a maharaja's palace; however, this is not true, and in fact, some of these accommodations do not have to be expensive. Many of the royal families who previously had wealth and income from their princely states lost both upon independence. As a result, many of those royal families converted their homes into hotels to maintain control over them. Today, there are hundreds of Heritage Hotels in India, ranging from grand palaces to smaller forts and historic merchant havelis.
The top Luxury Heritage Hotels India has to offer are: Taj Lake Palace (which floats on Lake Pichola); Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, the home of the former Maharaja of Jaipur; and Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, where 101 people can dine together at one time. Besides these three hotels, there are two others - Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, and Laxmi Niwas in Bikaner, that are equal to the other hotels mentioned.
There are many types of Royal Palace Hotels in India. They can be large and grand or small and intimate. One of the best ways to experience a Royal Palace Hotel is by staying in a small fort hotel located within a sleepy village. At these hotels, the owners often join guests on the rooftop for a drink as they watch the sun set. Owners also share their families' histories with guests. Neemrana Fort-Palace is a perfect example of this type of hotel. This hotel is located approximately two hours away from Delhi. Neemrana Fort-Palace was built in the 1400s. The terraces that extend along the sides of the hill provide guests with stunning views. Each guest room has a unique design.
However, there is another thing to consider. Many of the Heritage Hotels in India have been around for quite some time, and they act like it. The rooms vary significantly, even within the same hotel, so if you would prefer to stay in a room with a modern bathroom, then you need to request a renovated room. Most of these hotels do not offer elevators (lifts) and the staircases tend to be very steep. However, I believe that the charm of staying at these hotels offsets some of the inconveniences. For example, I think that pairing two or three Luxury Heritage Hotels India properties with one or two modern resorts is a great way to travel. In addition, I strongly recommend that you plan on spending at least one night in one of the Royal Palace Hotels in India during your travels.
Luxury Cultural Tours in India
Palaces are the focal point of most photographs of India; however, it is the country's culture (food, celebrations, music, religion, arts/crafts) which provides a greater value. Luxury Cultural Tours in India will make sure you experience all aspects of the culture and provide you with a luxury hotel and a private guide so that you can enjoy your trip.
The India Cultural Tour can be experienced through many different lenses; it can be as simple as viewing the sunset aarti from your boat on the Ganga River in Varanasi, or as complex as making rotis in a Jodhpur family's home, or as hands-on as working with block printers in Bagru and having dye covering your hands. A cultural tour of India may also include seeing Kathakali dancers in Kerala take over two hours to paint their faces prior to performing, or being led through the alleys of Chandni Chowk by a food writer.
The Luxury Cultural Tours in India are transformed by the festivals. Every year, India hosts a number of major festivals such as Diwali, Holi, the Pushkar fair, the Jaipur Literature Festival (every January), and the Snake Boat Races in Kerala (every August). Due to the popularity of these festivals, they tend to be very crowded, and prices will rise; therefore, it would be wise to make your travel arrangements in advance. If you decide to take an India Cultural Tour during the Diwali festival, the sight of all the rooftops covered in small oil lamps makes this experience extremely magical.
Luxury Cultural Travel India has more to do with accessibility and association. You will be traveling with smaller groups. You may have the opportunity to see a sitar performance by a private performer in an old haveli courtyard. You could be taken on a tour of a monument after hours by a knowledgeable historian. Luxury Cultural Travel India appeals to people who want to understand the places they visit as opposed to simply checking them off their list.
Best Luxury Tours in India
In general, the best luxury tour of India depends upon the length of your stay, what interests you, and when you are planning to travel.
A couple of rough ideas. A week would allow you to visit the "Golden Triangle" and possibly spend one night in Ranthambore seeing tigers. 10-12 days would give you time to add Udaipur and Jodhpur. 14 days will enable you to explore Rajasthan properly and finish up in Varanasi. 15-18 days allows you to take a flight to Kerala and experience the backwaters. And finally, 21 days will let you see northern and southern India, as well as several days in the Himalayas.
There isn't a single "Best Luxury Tour of India" that suits all travelers. Each individual may have varying preferences on how they spend their days during a tour; some prefer to be on the go at all times while others may wish to relax in a luxurious resort for several days reading a good book beside the pool. Both styles of travel are valid and neither can be considered better than the other.
Don't base your comparison of the best luxury India tour packages solely on hotel names. Ask about the amount of time spent in the car daily. Determine if the guides have a government license. Understand the flexibility of the itinerary, and determine who answers the phone when your flight is canceled at midnight. A best luxury tour of India should operate smoothly in practice, not only on paper. We believe that the best luxury India tour packages are created by individuals who consider when you will become fatigued.
Then, let the CareMyTrip team know when you would like to go, how many people will be traveling with you, and what sights you have always wanted to visit. This is how the Best Luxury Tours in India are initiated.
Why Book Your Luxury Tour of India with CareMyTrip
CareMyTrip creates each of our trips from scratch. You will not receive a pre-made brochure-style itinerary that has your name printed on it. We begin each process by talking to you about who is going to be traveling, what you want to experience, and how quickly you want to travel. After we have had this conversation, we then create the route, hotel options, and guide services based upon what you shared.
There are some things you can count on:
- Hand-selected accommodations, from world-famous palace properties to small family-owned fortresses.
- The full trip will have a private vehicle that is air conditioned and driven by someone with experience.
- Each city and attraction will have a government-licensed guide selected.
- You have the option to alter your schedule as needed if a more attractive opportunity presents itself.
- A CareMyTrip customer service contact that will be available to assist you during your travel.
Every one of our Luxury Travel Packages India (whether you spend a week in Rajasthan or have 21 days traveling through northern and southern India), will list all of the inclusions as soon as possible prior to paying. There are no hidden fees or extra costs when checking into your hotel.