Luxury Holidays to Delhi & North India

Since 1911, Delhi has been India’s capital. The city and its surrounding districts have a rich history that's showcased through its architecture, with ancient Mughal monuments, grand government buildings and shiny modern high-rises.

Take in some of India's most captivating landmarks when you visit Delhi, with Emperor Shah Jahan's influence evident throughout the city. He oversaw the 17th-century introduction of Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), one of the oldest markets in Old Delhi. Today, you can wander its winding lanes and browse the wares on offer from bazaars selling local foods and textiles. Close to Chandni Chowk, you'll find the Jama Masjid, another of Emperor Shah Jahan’s masterpieces from 1639. This is the largest mosque in India and is made of red sandstone and white marble, much like the imposing Red Fort.

After a dose of history, unwind with high tea in one of Delhi's elegant hotels, visit high-end boutiques and dine in one of its many world-class restaurants. Dhilli is one of the newest additions to The Oberoi New Delhi – one of the city's go-to luxury hotels. At this eatery, mentored by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, guests sample Indian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients and spices.

With our carefully curated collection of luxury hotels in Delhi NCR, relax after a day in the city with a stay at some of the most sumptuous hotels in North India. Whether you're looking for a hotel in central Delhi or a resort a little further away from the action in the surrounding NCR (New Capital Region), our experts have hand-picked accommodation options that you're sure to love.

The marble minarets and shimmering walls, delicately inlaid stones and majestic towers of the Taj Mahal draw visitors from around the world to Agra. During your visit, marvel at the world's ultimate monument to love. Much photographed, the Taj Mahal’s sheer, unabashed beauty demands to be seen in person, and from many angles.

If you’re looking for things to do in Agra, the main sites revolve around its star attraction. Mehtab Bagh offers a quieter view of the Taj from across the Yamuna River. This 17th-century park was originally built by Emperor Babur and sits on the Yamuna's east bank. It's especially popular with visitors at sunset when the white marble mausoleum forms a breathtaking sight against the skyline.

The Itimad-ud-Daulah, or ‘Baby Taj’, is also worth a visit. This Mughal mausoleum predates the Taj Mahal and showcases the same astonishing craftsmanship although on a smaller scale.

For the best luxury hotels in Agra, there are plenty of places to stay. If you're looking for accommodation in Agra that's near the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas is hands down our favourite choice with its uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal.

One of the holiest sites of Hindu pilgrimage, and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is a deeply spiritual place. Life and death are played out in public here on the banks of the Ganges. Pilgrims enter its holy water at dawn to perform puja (prayers) in worship of the rising sun, while aarti – the ritual of offering up prayers to the river – draws both worshippers and tourists to the ghats as the sun sets.

The pilgrims are joined at the river's edge by women washing vibrantly coloured saris and Sadhus meditating on the steps. Cremations also take place on the ghats, completing the Hindu cyclical view of life and death. When dusk falls, the smoke from the incense and chants of the pujas fills the air, as hundreds of tiny candles illuminate the river.

Much of your time in Varanasi – also referred to as Banaras – is likely to be centred around the river. This sacred city is deeply connected to the waters of the Ganges. During your visit here, you can join guided meditation, practice yoga on the ghats and visit nearby Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha is said to have taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. 

For art lovers, there are several galleries in the city, including Ruchika, where it's possible to buy works by local artists. There are also museums here, plus the Man Singh Observatory, which is one of the five observatories in India.

If you're looking for luxury accommodation in Varanasi, our specialists have hand-picked the finest options that are close to the ghats on the banks of the Ganges, so you can easily immerse yourself in this sacred city.