Palaces & Paradise

When you arrive into Delhi you’ll be met by your private Yonder driver who will accommodate your every whim. After checking in at The Imperial, Delhi’s great colonial era hotel,you’ll 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.

As we bid farewell to India’s capital, we board the commuter train towards Agra, the city of the iconic Taj Mahal. Prepare to witness one of the world’s most celebrated symbols of love. 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.

We embark on our journey to the wilds of Ranthambore. The urban landscape transforms into pastoral scenes, dotted with villages, where life moves at a different pace. As the journey unfolds, the anticipation of entering the land of the majestic Bengal tiger builds. Upon arrival you’ll be met by your private driver and whisked to the comfort of Sher Bagh, a spellbinding tented camp on the edge of the national park. Over the next couple of days, you’ll venture out into the beautiful national park on four game drives. Hearts will be racing at the prospect of an encounter with ferocious felines as well as many other majestic creatures that call Ranthambore home.

We bid adieu to the tiger reserve and travel towards the Pink City, Jaipur, on the afternoon express train. As Delhi’s cityscape gives way to the rustic charm of Rajasthan’s landscapes, enjoy the rhythmic rattle of the train wheels and the unfolding spectacle outside your window. Each mile covered is a step closer to a new chapter in our Indian tale. The pink city never fails to deliver. The sounds, sights and sounds of this royal capital are spellbinding. You’ll be bowled over by the architecture and the forward thinking of the maharajas who built the city, its palaces and observatory. And perhaps the crowning glory is the spectacular fairytale Ajmer Fort high on a hill a short drive from Jaipur. Your home from home, the Rambagh Palace, is befitting of the stature of the city.

We embark on our return journey to the nation’s capital, Delhi. Aboard the train, the rural charm of India flits by, an endless stream of lush fields, villages, and the daily rhythms of life. The trip is a gentle winding down from the emotional heights of the Taj, a chance to reflect on our shared experiences and anticipate the adventures still to come. As the silhouette of Delhi begins to take shape in the distance, the city welcomes us back, a home away from home, a familiar tapestry of chaos and charm. The day ends with a reconnection with Delhi’s bustling energy, and a renewed appreciation for the city’s historical and cultural richness. On arrival you’ll be met by your driver and spirited across town to the Imperial Hotel where you’ll have a chance to catch your breath and prepare for the next stage of your adventure.

The India segment of your odyssey draws to a close, but relax for it’s far from home time yet. Instead you’ll shift gears completely, leaving the cacophony of India behind you and head for the absolute serenity of the Maldives. And trust us, there is no better tonic after twelve days of breakneck cultural immersion than spending at least five nights relaxing beside the azure waters of your chosen atol. While away the days snorkelling or diving with the marine life and unwinding in complete peace.