Beyond the Ordinary: India Unveiled
From the vibrant streets of Delhi to the sacred Ganges, the tiger-filled forests of Central India and the iconic Taj Mahal, this journey reveals the many faces of India. Stay in exceptional hotels, enjoy expertly guided private experiences and discover the country's rich culture, spirituality and wildlife. From Varanasi's ancient rituals to unforgettable safaris and timeless monuments, this is India at its most captivating.
Journey highlights
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Experience a collection of iconic properties, including BrijRama Palace, Oberoi Rajgarh and Oberoi Amarvilas, each offering outstanding service and a true sense of place.
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Witness Varanasi's mesmerising Ganga Aarti, cruise the Ganges at sunrise and explore the city's ancient ghats.
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Enjoy private safaris in Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks, searching for Bengal tigers and other native wildlife.
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Discover the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho and end your journey with unforgettable views of the Taj Mahal.
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Enquire NowItinerary
Fly into Delhi
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At a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in India's vibrant capital, where your guide will welcome you and whisk you to the elegant Imperial New Delhi. Take time to unwind after your journey before soaking up the hotel's timeless charm. This evening, enjoy your first taste of India's celebrated cuisine, setting the tone for the remarkable adventure ahead.
Day 2: Old Traditions & New Perspectives
Discover the fascinating contrasts of Old and New Delhi with your private guide. Wander through bustling bazaars, explore grand Mughal landmarks and broad avenues, before ending the day with an elegant high tea at the beautifully restored Dharampura Haveli. This carefully curated experience offers an authentic glimpse into the city's rich heritage while escaping the crowds.
Where to stay
The Imperial (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 3: Sacred Rituals on the Ganges
Fly to Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, and settle into the atmospheric BrijRama Palace overlooking the River Ganges. As dusk falls, witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony from the water, where chanting, music and thousands of flickering lamps create one of India's most unforgettable spectacles.
Day 4: Timeless Traditions
Rise before dawn for a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges as the city slowly awakens around you. Afterwards, explore the ancient ghats on foot with your expert guide before visiting nearby Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Together, these experiences reveal the extraordinary spirituality and enduring traditions that define Varanasi.
Where to stay
Brij Rama Palace (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Days 5–7: Luxury Safari in Central India
Journey into the heart of Central India, where dense sal forests and open meadows provide the backdrop for one of the country's finest wildlife experiences. Home to one of India's highest densities of Bengal tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park offers exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent big cats, alongside leopards, sloth bears, deer and an extraordinary array of birdlife.
Over the next three days, head out on expertly guided morning and afternoon game drives, with experienced naturalists bringing the landscape and its wildlife to life. Between safaris, return to the luxurious Oberoi Vindhyavilas to relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or simply soak up the peaceful surroundings. Combining exhilarating wildlife encounters with Oberoi's renowned hospitality, this is the perfect balance of adventure and indulgence in the heart of the Indian wilderness.
Where to stay
The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 8: Arrive at Oberoi Rajgarh
Travel to the magnificent Oberoi Rajgarh, a beautifully restored 350 year old palace offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Central India. Spend the afternoon enjoying the hotel's exceptional facilities, taking in sweeping views and experiencing the warm hospitality for which Oberoi is renowned.
Day 9: Wildlife Beyond the Crowds
Head into nearby Panna National Park, one of India's most rewarding yet lesser-visited wildlife reserves. Accompanied by expert naturalists, search for tigers, leopards, and abundant birdlife before returning to the palace for an afternoon at leisure surrounded by elegant heritage and tranquillity.
Day 10: The Temples of Khajuraho
Explore the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho with your private guide, discovering remarkable sandstone carvings that celebrate mythology, spirituality and everyday life. Widely regarded as some of India's greatest architectural masterpieces, they offer a fascinating insight into the country's rich artistic and cultural history.
Where to stay
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace (0 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 11: Arrival in Agra
Board the train to Agra before checking into the iconic Oberoi Amarvilas, the only hotel with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from every room. Spend the afternoon unwinding in luxurious surroundings before enjoying an unforgettable sunset dinner overlooking one of the world's most celebrated monuments.
Day 12: The Taj Mahal at Sunrise
Experience the Taj Mahal with your private guide as the early morning light bathes its white marble in soft shades of pink and gold. Afterwards, return to Amarvilas to relax and savour your final moments in India before your private transfer to Delhi for your onward flight home, bringing an extraordinary journey to a memorable close.
Where to stay
The Oberoi Amarvilas (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Fly home via Delhi
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
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Experiences on this tour
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View ExperienceWalking Tour of Varanasi
Stroll along the ghats and winding alleys of Varanasi with your guide, discovering the city’s spiritual heart and daily life.
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View ExperienceGame Drives in Bandhavgarh
Famed for its high density of Royal Bengal Tigers, Bandhavgarh is a wildlife haven where every game drive offers the chance to encounter India’s most iconic predator alongside a wealth of other animals.
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View ExperienceAgra - Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when its marble glows with soft golden hues and the first light of day transforms this monument of love into an ethereal spectacle.
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View ExperienceEvening Aarti Ceremony
Each evening at sunset, the sacred Dasaswamedh Ghat comes alive with the mesmerising Ganga Aarti – a deeply spiritual ritual of light, sound, and devotion.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.
