Luxury Holidays in India
While India might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ‘luxury holiday’, you’d be missing out on the many unique and exotic experiences that the country has to offer. Many times larger than the UK, India is a land of diverse culture, rich heritage, and stunning natural beauty with a range of luxury experiences from world-class hotels to exclusive shopping destinations. We’ve even got a discount on car hire for you, if you choose to get out and explore on your own beyond the guided tours.
Best Cities to Visit for a Luxury Holiday in India
1. Delhi
It should come as no surprise that the top destination for luxury travel is the nation’s capital of Delhi. Quite simply, Delhi has the most to offer in terms of luxury accommodations and high-end shopping. One of the most famous hotels in Delhi is The Leela Palace, which offers stunning views of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. The hotel is famous for its grand architecture, world-class amenities, and luxurious spa.
The best shopping in India can be found in Delhi, with the DLF Emporio and The Chanakya offering luxury stores from around the world. The DLF Emporio is about a 15 minute car ride from The Leela Palace, and the Chanakya is only a 10 minute walk away if it’s not too hot of a day.
2. Mumbai
Mumbai is India’s financial capital, so it has the accommodations and amenities necessary to cater to high net-worth visitors. The top choice for luxury accommodations in Mumbai is The Taj Mahal Palace, not to be confused with its namesake tourist destination which is located to the north in Agra. The hotel is quite impressive itself, with gorgeous architecture and sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India. The amenities are world-class as well, and if you enjoy Japanese cuisine the famous Wasabi by Morimoto restaurant is conveniently located inside the hotel.
Another popular luxury hotel in Mumbai is The Oberoi Mumbai. Part of a chain of high-end hotels in India, it’s located right on the waterfront in Mumbai and most guests give it a 5-star review with the breakfast being a highlight. If you’d like to shop luxury brands, The Palladium is closest at about a 20 minute car ride away. A little bit further north but still worth the trip is The Phoenix Mills shopping centre.
3. Jaipur
Also known as “The Pink City”, Jaipur is home to Indian royalty and offers more cultural and heritage experiences for travellers with its many palaces, some of which you can actually stay in! Probably the most well-known is Rambagh Palace, which was built in 1925 and has been well maintained in the century since it’s construction. In addition to lush accommodations, Rambagh Palace has a range of fine dining restaurants including The Suvarna Mahal, which offers authentic Rajasthani cuisine. It is a must-try if you visit Jaipur.
While it may not have the brand names you’re used to, if you’d like to go shopping while in Jaipur we suggest checking out the Johari Bazaar which is less than 15 minutes away from Rambagh Palace by car. Here you’ll find authentic Rajasthani jewellery as well as precious stones and gems. The building that houses the marketplace is quite interesting as well.
The Golden Triangle Tour
If a guided tour is more your speed, then The Golden Triangle Tour is an excellent option and one of the most popular luxury tour packages in India. It starts in the capital of Delhi, and includes Agra (where you will visit the Taj Mahal) before concluding in the royal city of Jaipur. It’s a great way to see some of the most uniquely Indian landmarks as well as enjoy the best in luxury travel that the country has to offer.