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When you arrive in Delhi you’ll be met by your private Yonder driver who will accommodate your every whim. Check in at The Imperial, Delhi’s great colonial era hotel, and relax after your long haul flight. Once you’ve recuperated, you’ll venture forth with your guide into Old Delhi by rickshaw to discover the sights, sounds and smells of the mesmerising maze of alleyways. You’ll then swap from peddle power to your air conditioned car to experience Delhi’s other major attractions including Humayun’s tomb, Raj Ghat (or Gandhi’s eternal flame) and India Gate along with the presidential and secretariat buildings.
While Old Delhi unravels the old charm and speaks volumes about India’s history, culture, and tradition, enchanting New Delhi exhibits the picture of modern India.
The tour will begin with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Later, visit Chandni Chowk, Asia’s largest wholesale market, a massive area packed with shops, bazaars, and people (most of the shops remain closed on Sundays). Drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Also, visit the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Proceed towards New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The first stop will be a UNESCO World Heritage site – Qutub Minar, the second tallest minar in India. It is made of red stone and marble, covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an.
Later, visit the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The tour of Imperial Delhi will also include a drive past India Gate, the 42m high War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings, and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India.
We continue our journey with a short flight from Delhi to Varanasi. Beginning at the cosmic centre of the city, Kashi, the city of light, get familiar with rite and ritual by exploring ancient pathways to the temples and mosques of Hindus & Muslims as well as observe the age old cremation rituals of Manikarnika, the burning ghat. The highlight is Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Mandir which is said to hold the first of the jyotirlingas, the sacred shafts of light, which self-emanated from the earth, but how many know that this temple has been rebuilt not just once but four times in three different locations, two of which have mosques perched on top! Every evening, an illuminated aarti is performed at Dasahwamedh Ghat. The boat will be halted right at the steps for the best view. The presiding priests stand on a wooden Chauki in the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras and the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden flames as Ganges accepts the worship. It is the Ganges that gives Varanasi its spiritual resonance.
Today you will fly from Varanasi to Delhi before making the transfer to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station to board train Vande Bharat Express to Agra. On arrival in Agra, you’ll be met by your private driver and whisked to the Oberoi Amarvilas with its direct view towards the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, the world-famous ivory-white mausoleum, a sublime symbol of love, is even more ethereal in the twilight. The warm rays of the setting sun cast an almost mystical glow on the marble structure, its reflection shimmering in the tranquil waters of the Yamuna river. Walk through the beautiful gardens, adorned with neatly trimmed trees and flowerbeds, and feel the soothing coolness of the marble under your feet as you approach the monument. The intricate carvings, the delicate filigree work, the glittering inlay stones – each detail telling a story of passion and craftsmanship. As the sun sinks further, the sky turns into a canvas of pastel shades, a fitting backdrop to this incredible spectacle. The tranquillity of the moment, coupled with the monument’s architectural brilliance, is a profoundly moving experience.
It is fitting to witness the extraordinary monument, the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), during the first light of day, as its exemplary beauty is truly awe-inspiring and will leave an indelible memory. This early time of day is when the site is least crowded, providing a peaceful and serene experience of the world’s most romantic landmark.
Known as the Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar (1556-1605). It’s a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site located just 2.5 kilometres from the famous Taj Mahal. The palaces, grand mosques, and elaborate public halls within the fort are crafted from pink-red sandstone, bearing testament to an era when Indo-Muslim art, strongly influenced by Persia, flourished. Emperor Shah Jahan, known for constructing the Taj Mahal in memory of his deceased wife, was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb within the Agra Fort. Shah Jahan is said to have passed away in the Musamman Burj, a marble tower he himself had built, providing one of the most captivating views of the Taj Mahal.
The next stop on your epic journey is the fabled pink city of Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan is famed for sites such as the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. You’ll pull up at the Rajmahal Palace, the new uber cool boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The spectacular Amber Fort, a short drive outside Jaipur, will be one of the first things you visit as your guide and driver make themselves at your disposal. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the streets and shops which hum with traditional artisans crafting products from metal, wood and textiles
The City Palace is a captivating architectural marvel that seamlessly blends elements from various styles, such as Mughal, European, Rajput, and the Indian Shilpa Shastra. This exquisite design is evident in its array of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The palace complex now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, a significant cultural repository. Among the many striking structures within the complex, the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani’s Palace, and Shri Govind Dev Temple stand out as prominent and frequently visited highlights.
The journey to the fort through Amber village is truly picturesque and offers a glimpse into the vibrant Rajasthani culture. Upon reaching the summit of Amer Fort, take a leisurely stroll through the expansive complex of courtyards and halls.
The Amer Fort, constructed by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and later completed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century, boasts grand architecture. Its expansive ramparts, sequence of gates, and cobblestone pathways provide a commanding view over Maota Lake. Prominent structures within the fort include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure).
Peaceful Salcete, nestled on Goa’s west coast, is one of our favourite spots in this otherwise busy and sometimes over-developed state. The district harmoniously blends cultural richness with coastal tranquility. Margao, the district’s heart, is a city steeped in culture, where you can explore the bustling Pimplapedd Market or admire the majestic Holy Spirit Church. The coastline of Salcete, less bustling than Goa’s northern shores, offers a more peaceful beach experience.
We just love Mumbai. It is the wheelhouse of India’s economy, home of Bollywood and the spiritual homeland of cricket. Your last nights in India will be spent at the iconic Taj Mahal (no, not the same as the one in Agra!) where just being a guest is an experience in itself. You’ll go out into the city with your private guide to discover hidden corners, whole districts dedicated to a single industry and fascinating history and architecture.
Your guide will be on hand to take you out into this thriving city. You’ll visit the Prince of Wales Museum built in grand Indo Saracenic style, drive down Marine Drive, Mumbai’s most popular seaside promenade, and see the Kamla Nehru Park along with the Hanging Gardens on the slopes of the Malabar Hills, offering spectacular views of the marine lines and the Chowpatty Beach. You’ll also swing past the Jain temple, Mani Bhawan where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay and the Dhobi Ghat. And of course no visit is complete without seeing the Flora Fountain, the colourful Crawford Market and Victoria Terminus Train Station.
Varanasi
Nestled on the sacred banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, the Brijrama Palace stands as a testament to architectural finesse and timeless elegance.
Duration: 15 Days | Price: From £4,985
Contact us now to customise this itinerary.
This itinerary would typically cost from £4,985 inclusive of international flights staying in the specified hotels and having the services of a private chauffeur and guide.
The costs vary based on season, flights, room type and board basis. All our holidays are tailor-made and can be created around your budget.
Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.
All Yonder holidays include flights, carefully curated hotels. private drivers, expert guides and local concierges alongside 24/7 support from Yonder should it ever be needed so you know you are in safe hands.
We are immensely proud of our unique and in-depth expertise of the destinations we offer. Unlike some travel companies, each hotel we feature is handpicked and personally experienced by us so we can give you the inside story. We also carefully choose our guides based on their their exhaustive knowledge and professionalism to ensure you have a perfect holiday.
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A unique blend of Victorian, Old Colonial and Art Deco style, the iconic and historic Imperial is seriously good. Beyond the turbaned, mustachioed doormen, elegant interiors are adorned with fine art. Great rooms compiled with delicious understated elegance.
A view with a room: the whole orientation of the Oberoi Amarvilas is towards the Taj Mahal, which is visible from much of the lobby and bar area. Rooms are exquisitely appointed. Superb pool area is a sunken step well. Two brilliant restaurants.
Sandwiched between a turquoise lagoon and the azure ocean, The Leela Goa is a slice of paradise that very few hotels can match. Add in Leela’s trademark service, beautiful rooms and a private golf course, and you’ll quickly grasp that this is somewhere very special indeed.
A dazzling reincarnation of a former Maharaja’s palace. Bespoke wallpapers, butlers pristine in white, scents of jasmine from the lush gardens, Art Deco pool, monogrammed linen, custom china… 14 suites, all unique but united by creative flair. And fabulous food to boot.
Super hip, refined, elegant and contemporary, The Lodhi oozes luxury. There’s an art gallery, a library and cigar room, a spectacular sunken pool, a vast gym and health club. The restaurants are truly superb and the rooms simply the best in Delhi.
Rajasthan is best known for its many palaces that have been transformed into luxury hotels but there are a number of secret historical haveli dwellings like 47 Jobner Bagh that are utterly charming.
The Taj Mahal Palace hotel is not only a historic luxury hotel that has played host to the most illustrious of guests but it is Mumbai’s greatest landmark in its own right.
This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunning grand luxury rooms and suites, once the chambers of the Maharaja. The palace retains its splendour with vintage cars, guards on horseback and exquisitely uniformed staff. Mughal gardens and exceptional cuisine.
Nestled on the sacred banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, the Brijrama Palace stands as a testament to architectural finesse and timeless elegance.
Classic in its decor, as well as in the quality and standards of attentive service, The Claridges Delhi, built in 1952, has a long-established reputation as one of the go-to quality hotels in Delhi.
The Taj Exotica in southern Goa is the kind of hotel that will slow your heart beat to a tranquil tempo. Nestled into 56 acres of manicured gardens, with 800 meters of uninterrupted sandy beach facing the Arabian Sea and more facilities than we can recount here.
Trident Nariman Point has a superb location at the heart of bustling Mumbai overlooking the sea. Soaring 35 storeys high, it offers panoramic views of the Marine Drive or the Queen’s necklace, as the beautiful promenade is lovingly called.
A little island of cleanliness and calm in the middle of the Taj Mahal mayhem. With this chain, you can be sure of excellent service, flawlessly clean rooms and a tickbox list of facilities. Lacking a little character, perhaps, but excellent value for money.
