India is a fascinating country of vivid contrasts, rich culture, and unrivalled history. Being a massive country, India can sometimes feel like a continent. While first-time visitors not used to the chaos and noise might find the country overwhelming, there are ways to explore India in luxury and style. From the quaint town of Delwara in Rajasthan to the blue city of Jodhpur and the bustling capital of Delhi, here are the best destinations for luxury travel in India.
Delwara
Perched in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills, Delwara is a picturesque farming village overlooking the stunning valleys of Udaipur. Also dubbed the “town of the gods” because of its high density of temples, Delwara is the perfect place to visit if you’re interested in learning about India’s Mughal Empire. On your luxury trip to Delwara, you can stay in one of the magnificent fort hotels. These are ancient old forts converted into luxury hotels.
You can easily explore Delwara on foot and visit its Jain temples dating back to the 4th century. There are over 1,000 temples in Delwara, and about 400 are Jain Mandir temples. Although many have become ruins, almost every street of Delwara still has at least one temple. Delwara is also home to Indra Kund, a fascinating step well with intricate carvings and an old hunting tower with panoramic views.
Delwara is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience India’s small-town life without the chaos. It’s not as touristy and crowded as the other places in Rajasthan. Even though it’s a destination in itself, it can also make for a perfect base for exploring the top attractions of Rajasthan since it’s home to luxurious fort hotels.
Udaipur
Udaipur is another magnificent city in India’s Rajasthan state and is one of the country’s top tourist destinations, thanks to its magical lakeside setting. The city is home to some of India’s most luxurious hotels, including the Taj Lake Palace, a marble hotel in the middle of a lake. As with most places in Rajasthan, Udaipur has its share of historic buildings.
The historical City Palace should be on top of your list of places to visit in the city. It’s nestled above the lake, surrounded by small villages. It’s the largest palace in Rajasthan, featuring beautiful courtyards, terraces, pavilions, and well-appointed gardens. As you explore the massive place, you will be in awe of its colourful interiors and intricate designs.
Being a lake city, one of the top things to do in Udaipur is go on a boat trip. Visit the Jag Mandir, a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola built by the Royal Family as a summer pleasure resort. After exploring the gardens, relax at the restaurant and bar on the island or indulge in a relaxing spa.
To enjoy a bird’s eye view of Udaipur, visit Sajjan Garh, also known as the Monsoon Palace. The palace sits on top of Bansdara hills, about 9 km from Udaipur and was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh around the 19th Century. The views from the top are incredible, especially during sunset.
Nimaj
When planning your trip, consider booking luxury travel around India, an ideal option for those looking to explore more of the best places in the country during their visit. You can also tailor the holiday to fit your needs and preferences. For instance, you can customise it to visit lesser-known destinations like the small town of Nimaj, a tranquil hideaway nestled at the heart of Aravalli Hills, a perfect alternative to the crowded places of Rajasthan.
The small town is full of character and charm and is home to a temple, art galleries, and a palace. Its main attraction is the Temple of Nimaj, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga, constructed around the 9th century. The temple is home to an art gallery showcasing Rajasthan’s sculptural arts.
Another fantastic place in town is the Nimaj Palace, now a heritage hotel and an ideal place to book for a touch of luxury. The hotel has well-appointed and elegant rooms and excellent dining facilities. Staying in this hotel is a unique opportunity to experience the lives of the Rajasthan royals during the early times.
Jodhpur
Dubbed the “Blue City,” Jodhpur is famous for the distinct blue colours of its buildings. Stroll through the bustling street that takes you to the Sardar Market, with its bustling bazaars tucked beneath a clock tower. Established in 1459, Jodhpur is a fantastic city to explore on your luxury trip to India.
Encircled within Jodhpur’s massive city walls is the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. At night, the imposing stronghold is bathed in sparkling yellow lights. It has a reputation for being Rajasthan’s best-maintained fort, and rightfully so. The palace complex is also well worth exploring, with its network of beautiful courtyards.
Jodhpur is also home to Jaswant Thada, an incredible marble crematorium built for the maharajahs during the 19th century. Another highlight is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a lavish hotel also serves as a royal residence and a museum. Featuring art deco design, it’s one of India’s most stunning hotels and an ideal base for those visiting Jodhpur who want to see many places in Rajasthan.
Delhi
As the capital city of India, you will likely begin your trip in Delhi, especially if you are visiting Rajasthan and other northern places in India. While the bustling capital can overwhelm even the most well-travelled visitor, it’s still worth exploring with its unique blend of heritage and modernity.
Delhi offers rich ancient heritage blending seamlessly with modern architecture. You will come across fascinating historical monuments and structures showcasing India’s rich heritage, from the imposing minaret of Qutub Minar to the fascinating Red Fort and the unique architecture of the Bahai Lotus Temple.
Delhi is also famous for its bustling street markets, selling everything from unique souvenirs to clothing and accessories. Even if you don’t intend to buy, exploring these markets is a fun adventure where you can soak up the smells of spices and local snacks and observe local vendors going about their daily life.
