Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Jawai Bandh - Udaipur
Luxury India Honeymoon: from the Taj Mahal to the Thar Desert
Luxury India Honeymoon: from the Taj Mahal to the Thar Desert
Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambhore – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Jawai Bandh – Udaipur
This epic journey combines the fascinating historical and natural highlights of north India. It showcases the region’s sheer diversity: from the contrasts of Old and New Delhi, the magnificent Taj Mahal, wild Bengal tigers, and splendid forts and palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur; to leopard spotting in relatively-unknown Jawai Band to the vast golden sands of the Thar Desert. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to feel India’s dramatic natural landscapes alongside its impressive architectural gems. All while experiencing some of the region’s most elegant accommodation (and having lots of time to enjoy them). Our Luxury India Honeymoon tour is the stuff of fairy-tales. But remember, it’s merely a starting point designed to give you an idea of what’s possible. And it’s not just for honeymooners either!
Day 1
Arrive in Delhi (stay at The Imperial, Delhi)
Your luxury India honeymoon kicks off on arrival in Delhi, where you will be met by a member of our team at the airport and chauffeured to The Imperial hotel. Tucked away in the heart of New Delhi, this landmark property dates back to 1934 when it was built by the British Raj to accommodate important visitors to the newly announced capital. It’s bursting with colonial charm and elegance, and full of quirky memorabilia. The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure to rest, settle in and recover from your flight. For dinner, we recommend The Imperial’s Spice Route – one of a kind; it whisks you on an immersive journey through Southeast Asia, from the Malabar Coast to Vietnam. Depending on how early in the day you arrive, if you’d like to begin exploring this afternoon, you can let us know anytime. Your chauffeur is always on hand, and we’re only a quick call away on your complimentary mobile phone (or WhatsApp, if you prefer).
Day 2
In Delhi
A guided tour of both Old and New Delhi today will introduce you to the Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, Humayun’s Tomb and the Sikh temple. These sights are purely suggestive. You’re very welcome to tweak them with us in advance to best suit your interests, or even on the day itself by discussing with your guide at the time (we’re known for our flexible approach, allowing you complete control over the pace of your trip). After exploring the bustling capital, return to The Imperial in the evening. If you’d like to dine out, we recommend the award-winning Indian Accent or Bukhara.
Day 3
Delhi to Agra (stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra)
This morning you’ll be chauffeured to the city of Agra, home of the world’s favourite monument to love – the Taj Mahal. On arrival, your guide will meet you for a tour of the fort, followed by the magnificent Taj Mahal in its most romantic light at sunset. This evening you’ll be staying at The Oberoi Amarvilas. Located a mere 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas is known for its elegance and style, and will undoubtedly be a highlight of your luxury India honeymoon. Soak up an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal from your private terrace. Without the restriction of visiting hours, you can catch the Taj Mahal glowing amber at sunset, glittering in the moonlight after dark, and peachy pink at dawn. For the ultimate honeymoon experience, we recommend upgrading to a Premier Room with Balcony. You can sit out and soak up the Taj Mahal from the comfort of your private terrace. For a fabulous honeymoon moment, a private dinner can be arranged on the balcony while you overlook the monument.
Day 4
Agra to Ranthambhore, via Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur (stay at The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore)
This morning you have the option of returning to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast, you’ll visit Fatehpur Sikri (a 16th-century Mughal complex that was abandoned by Emperor Akbar after just 14 years). Later, continue to nearby Bharatpur where you’ll catch the train to Ranthambhore. On arriving in Ranthambhore in the early evening, your representative will meet you at the platform where you’ll transfer to The Oberoi Vanyavilas for three nights. The very definition of a honeymooner’s retreat, The Oberoi Vanyavilas is one of our favourite places to stay in Rajasthan, offering just a handful of luxury tents nestled on the edge of the jungle. “Tent” is a bit of a misnomer here: think rich, draping canvas dotted with traditional Rajasthani block-printed motifs and a glamorous free-standing claw-foot bathtub.
Day 5
In Ranthambhore
Rise early, and your private Jeep and naturalist will meet you for a morning safari in Ranthambhore National Park. The park’s most famous resident is the majestic Bengal Tiger, though it’s also home to leopard, peacock, numerous species of deer, crocodiles, sloth bear and more – pretty much the whole Jungle Book! After the morning safari, you’ll return to the camp for breakfast and a few hours at leisure. Here you can relax, explore the local area, or discuss sightings with staff and other guests. In the afternoon, you’ll head back into the park for a second Jeep safari, to observe the jungle in a different light.
Day 6
In Ranthambhore
Return to the park for a third safari this morning. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure to enjoy The Oberoi Vanyavilas.
Day 7
Ranthambhore to Jaipur (stay at Anopura, Jaipur)
Climb the 10th-century Ranthambhore Fort this morning on a guided tour, soaking up over a thousand years of history and an amazing birds-eye view of the jungle below. Later, proceed to the next destination on your luxury India honeymoon: Jaipur, where we’ll assist you with checking in to the gorgeous Anopura for a two-night stay. Located an hour outside of bustling Jaipur, it’s an oasis of natural beauty and serenity, nestled in the shadow of the ancient Aravali Mountains and endless green fields. It is hidden Rajasthan at its best and a side to India that many tourists never get to see, a glimpse of rural life that hasn’t changed for centuries. The only noise you’ll hear is the occasional peacock’s cry or the gentle chirping of crickets in the evening; a welcomed contrast from the throng of the city (you can read about our recent visit to Anopura, here).
Day 8
In Jaipur
The day is free in Anopura to soak up your stunning surroundings. Borrow a bicycle, hike through the fields, meet the locals or just relax with a good book under the frangipani trees.
Day 9
In Jaipur (stay at Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur)
Today you’ll head into Jaipur for a guided tour. Take in the splendid 17th-century Amber Fort, the City Palace and its private rooms, the Jantar Mantar observatory, and Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). Afterwards, rather than heading back to Anopura, check-in to the centrally-located Rajmahal Palace for an overnight stay. The Rajmahal Palace is one of the most exciting hotel additions to Jaipur for many years, though at over 250 years old one would be wrong to say it’s new! Originally built by the Maharaja of Jaipur as a pleasure garden for his favourite queen, the palace changed hands many times, even serving a brief stint as the British Residence, before being thoroughly renovated in the 1930s with an art deco style. It has hosted many notable guests – including Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Mountbatten, and Jackie Kennedy – whom the delicious rooms and suites are now named after. Every room is unique and tells its own story. The bespoke motifs and colours reinforce each room’s theme, particularly in the (46 different types of) custom-made wallpaper.
Day 10
Jaipur to Jaisalmer (stay at The Serai, Jaisalmer)
Optionally, with an early start this morning you’ll head to the markets with your guide to experience the flurry of activity here as the Pink City wakes up. Stops would include the fragrant flower market, the wholesale milk market, the vegetable market, and the Govind Dev Ji temple, finished off with a delicious cup of chai (spiced tea) from a famous but inconspicuous chai shop. You’ll later fly to the desert city of Jaisalmer (if you’d rather limit internal flights, may we recommend including a night or two en-route at Ranvas, Nagaur? It’s a charming and little known boutique hotel, off the beaten track but midway between Jaipur and Jaisalmer, perfect for a couple of nights rest from the bustle of the larger cities).
When landing in Jaisalmer, a member of our team will accompany you to your luxury desert camp – The Serai. An oasis in the desert, The Serai offers a truly luxurious experience in Rajasthan. There are 21 tents, though the word ‘tent’ is a bit of a misnomer; each offers a private veranda, a drawing-room, and an en-suite shower room. Combining locally sourced products, such as traditional dhurries (rugs) and Jaisalmer stone tiling, with state of the art technology, The Serai offers all the facilities one would expect of a luxury hotel while remaining at home in the surroundings. This evening, a private Jeep awaits for a safari through the desert scrub, spotting indigenous wildlife and local shepherds with their herds. A camel ride will transport you for the last leg of your journey over to the private dunes, where a butler will be waiting with champagne and canapés while you take in the famous desert sunset.
Day 11
In Jaisalmer
Relax and unwind on your luxury India honeymoon today, with a day at leisure at The Serai. Lazing by the pool with a good book is heavenly, or why not indulge in a spa treatment? The SUJÁN spa offers a diverse menu of therapies; from reflexology to a relaxing massage.
Day 12
In Jaisalmer
Today you’ll head into the centre of Jaisalmer city for a private guided tour of the enormous Jaisalmer Fort. It rises like a fabulous mirage out of the sands of the Thar Desert, the awesome contours of its 99 bastions softened by the golden hue of the stone. After the fort, Jaisalmer’s havelis (intricately carved houses) are its greatest attraction. Built in the 19th-century by the town’s merchants and ministers, these mansions dominate its labyrinthine lanes. The havelis of Salim Singh, Nathmanji and Patwon, are the finest examples of this type of architecture, their golden stone facades so finely carved that they could be lace. You’ll also visit Gadisagar Lake before retiring back to The Serai.
Day 13
Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (stay at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur)
Today your luxury India honeymoon continues to the Blue City of Jodhpur for a two-night stay at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. On arrival, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and soak up your spectacular lodgings. Dating back to the early 20th-century, the fabulous Umaid Bhawan Palace is known as the last of India’s great palaces. It is today one of the world’s most luxurious hotels (in fact, TripAdvisor named it their Best Hotel in the World for 2016). The Maharaja of Jodhpur still resides here in a private wing. We recommend a tour of the palace this evening with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a drink in the Trophy Bar, to imagine you’ve stepped back in time.
Day 14
In Jodhpur
A guided tour of Jodhpur today takes in Jaswant Thada, Mehrangarh Fort and a walk through the labyrinthine lanes of the old city. This evening, soak up a private Bhopa performance – a rare Rajasthani art form which combines dancing, singing and painting. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional thali dinner (a bit like tapas, a thali presents you with several small plates. It’s a great way to get a taste of Rajasthan and try things you perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise ordered). Our past guests have found this a very culturally rich experience, and a highlight of their stay.
Day 15
Jodhpur to Jawai Bandh (stay at SUJÁN Jawai, Jawai Bandh)
After a relaxed morning at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, steer off the beaten track to unexplored Jawai Bandh. Jawai Bandh is home to wild leopard, and you’ll spend three nights surrounded by the Aravalli hills. As you’d expect from a SUJÁN property, SUJÁN Jawai is deliciously sophisticated and glamorous, while remaining at home in its surroundings and actively working towards conservation of the local area. Each of the ten luxury tents is intimate, spacious and tastefully adorned in a unique fusion of safari-meets-Rajasthan. Think draping canvas decorated with sepia leopard portraits, black leather furnishings, locally sourced traditional crafts and en-suite rain-shower bathrooms.
Days 16 and 17
In Jawai
Embark on morning and afternoon leopard safaris by Jeep. Between-hand, relax and enjoy your tent. Many local excursions are available if you’re feeling active.
Day 18
Jawai Bandh to Udaipur via Ranakpur (stay at RAAS Devi Garh, Udaipur)
Today you’ll be chauffeured to the last destination of your luxury India tour; the dreamy city of Udaipur. Also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is abundant with lakes and ancient water palaces, drenched in history and romance. On the way, a stop at the Jain temple in Ranakpur is a fascinating place to stretch your legs. With 1,444 uniquely carved pillars, this 15th-century temple is an amazing sight to see. On arriving in Udaipur, you’ll be spending the next two nights at the enchanting RAAS Devigarh. Possibly one of the most romantic hotels in Rajasthan, this historic 18th-century fort is now a stylish boutique hotel tucked away at the foot of the Aravalli hills. For the ultimate honeymoon experience, we recommend reserving one of the palace’s private terraces or balconies for a romantic candlelit dinner.
Day 19
In Udaipur
Relax and enjoy your peaceful surroundings at RAAS Devigarh. A walk through the colourful local village is a must.
Day 20
In Udaipur (stay at the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur)
Day 20 of your luxury India honeymoon invites you to discover the best of Udaipur, accompanied by our experienced guide. To begin, a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old city will take you through winding lanes teeming with shops selling clothing, silver jewellery, and leather-bound journals. You’ll shortly approach the City Palace – this sprawling palace is the largest in Rajasthan and stands on a ridge overlooking the lake. Cupolas crown its octagonal towers, which are connected by a maze of narrow passageways. The rooms inside the City Palace all contain decorative art: beautiful paintings, colourful enamel, inlay glass-work, and antique furniture. You’ll also explore the Crystal Gallery, the 17th-century Jagdish temple, and Saheliyon-ki-Bari (a beautiful rose garden). Later, you’ll take a short boat-ride over Lake Pichola to reach the iconic Taj Lake Palace for an overnight stay. Originally built in the 17th-century as a summer retreat, this dazzling and dream-like 250-year-old white marble palace appears to float like a mirage in the middle of Lake Pichola. Enjoy your spectacular surroundings at one of the world’s most famous luxury hotels.
Day 21
Return to Delhi (stay at the Trident Gurgaon, Delhi)
After a relaxed morning at the Taj Lake Palace, later today you’ll be chauffeured to Udaipur airport to board a short flight back to Delhi. On landing, we’ll accompany you to the Trident, Gurgaon for your last overnight stay. Close to the airport and away from the bustle of Delhi’s centre, the Trident is a great choice when flying in and out of the capital.
Day 22
Depart from Delhi
Today your luxury India honeymoon comes to an end as you’re chauffeured back to Delhi IGI airport, in time for your onward flight. This additional stop is optional – you might prefer to connect directly from Udaipur. We’ll fine-tune this together to best suit your international flight arrangements.
2022/23 Guide price:
₹835,000 ($10,185; £8,955) pp
Our journeys are inclusive of accommodation with breakfast, a private car with driver throughout, experienced guides, entrance tickets and excursions. In other words, we offer a seamless and hassle-free experience where the only thing you need to worry about is soaking up the sights and enjoying your luxury hotels! This indicative cost is per person, based on a couple travelling between October 2022 and March 2023, sharing a double or twin room. The cost would reduce significantly during the low-season months of April to September, while it will be noticeably higher during the peak Christmas and New Year period. The Oberoi Vanyavilas and Ranthambhore National Park close during July and August.
Optionally, rather than retrace your steps back to Delhi, you may prefer to end your luxury India honeymoon in Mumbai with a two-night stay at the famed Taj Mahal Palace, The Oberoi Mumbai, or The Leela Mumbai. (Here’s our recommendation on how to spend 72 hours in Mumbai). The possibilities don’t end there: those with a keen interest in colonial history may like to extend their journey with a stay at The Oberoi Grand in Kolkata (here we have a fabulous extension itinerary). Or take in the majestic Himalayan foothills at the Oberoi Wildflower Hall in Shimla (in which case, do check out our sample trip). You could even visit the awe-inspiring Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Alternatively, end with a few days on the beach in Goa, staying in a boutique hotel by the sea. If your schedule doesn’t allow for the full 21 nights, we can comfortably remove the third night in Ranthambhore, Jaipur, Jawai and Jaisalmer, or an entire destination or two. All our tours are private, and tailor-made to complement your taste and interests. In essence, the itinerary described above is just a starting point, and together we can refine it into your ideal Indian experience. Similar sample itineraries you may find inspiring include our Luxury Rajasthan with Oberoi Hotels, our Ultimate Luxury Rajasthan Tour Package, and our Luxury Rajasthan Tour with Oberoi, Leela and Taj Hotels.
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