India’s royal history and heritage means it is no stranger to luxury. The beautiful country is one of the best destinations for luxury travel, with heritage hotels, forts, and palaces, bespoke experiences, and luxurious modes of transport. This luxury travel guide to India for foreigners will help you plan your next vacation to India!
Luxury destinations: Where to go?
With so many luxury destinations in India, it can be difficult to choose a few for your trip. Here are a few of the best destinations for a luxury trip to India for you!
Rajasthan
If there is any place in India that exudes luxury and heritage from every corner, it is Rajasthan. The land of royalty offers some of the best luxury experiences in cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ranthambore. Stay at palaces and havelis converted into heritage hotels, go on private tours of the forts and palaces, go on a desert safari, glamping, or enjoy a campfire in the desert under the starry skies.
Rajasthan offers history, tradition, culture, and luxury in one package, and if you are taking a luxury trip to India, this is one state you cannot miss.
Mumbai
The financial capital of India, Mumbai offers urban luxury. The land of Bollywood, Mumbai has some of the best nightlife, fine dining, and luxurious hotels providing mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea.
Himalayan foothills
The Himalayan foothills include regions like Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh and Dehradun, offering an understated luxury. Perfect for travelers seeking spirituality and wellness, this region has some of the most luxurious resorts and spas. But even more stunning are the views you get from here: snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, forests, and the pure mountain air – it doesn’t get better than this!
Goa
The state of Goa is a favorite among locals and foreigners, and budget and luxury travelers alike. The best part of Goa is its beaches, and what better way to enjoy them than by staying at a private beach villa? For luxury tourists, Goa offers mesmerizing beachside accommodations like Taj Exotica, Ahilya by the Sea. You can also enjoy private dinner on the beach, sunset cruises, and spas here.
Agra
Home to one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra naturally becomes one of the best luxury destinations in India. With a rich Mughal history showcased through magnificent monuments, Agra is a tourist’s delight. Stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas, where every room offers a view of the Taj Mahal, go for a private tour of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises in the horizon, and gorge on delectable Mughal cuisine.
Leh and Ladakh
Leh and Ladakh is an offbeat destination for tourists who want to experience raw beauty and adventures. It is, however, also a good place for luxury travelers – helicopter rides over the Himalayas, glamping in the cold desert, Bactrian camel rides, private monastery rides, and private Ladakhi dining experience – sounds amazing, right?
Luxury experiences: What to do?
With so many luxury experiences provided by this beautiful country, you will be spoilt for choice! No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is something for everyone here.
Private wildlife safaris
India has a diverse wildlife and a thriving population of tigers. Trying to spot the majestic Royal Bengal tiger is nothing short of a luxury experience, elevated further with private safaris and luxury wildlife lodges.
Some of the best private tiger safaris are offered at Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, and Pench National Park. You can opt for a private jeep with top naturalists and stay at luxury wildlife lodges like SUJAN Sher Bagh, Oberoi Vanyavilas, and Jim’s Jungle Retreat.
Detox at luxury wellness retreats
The land of Ayurveda has many luxury wellness retreats offering short-term and long-term programs for spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Ananda in the Himalayas, Kalari Kovilakom, Six Senses Vana, and Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa are few of the renowned luxury wellness retreats in India.
Cruise on the water
India has some amazing luxury cruises that take you through the rivers, oceans, and backwaters of India. Oberoi MV Vrinda, Sundarbans Luxury Cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, and The Empress by Cordelia Cruises are a few cruises that offer you the best experience across states.
If you want something more intimate away from other people, you can book a private houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala or in the Dal Lake in Kashmir. These houseboats come fully furnished with necessary amenities along with a caretaker available 24/7. You can enjoy gourmet food or even a spa as you take in the natural beauty around you.
Private wine tasting
Nashik in Maharashtra is known as the Napa Valley of India. With numerous vineyards scattered across the city, you can visit Sula Vineyards or Soma Vineyards for a luxury experience. Stay in beautiful villas overlooking the vineyards and experience private wine tasting tours.
Fine dining
When it comes to food, India plays to win. With some of the best cuisines in the world, India is known not just for its yummy street food but also for its fine dining restaurants. Fine dining in India is an experience in itself. Some of the best luxury restaurants in India are Indian Accent (New Delhi), The Table (Mumbai), Tresind (Mumbai), Mohan Mahal (Jaipur), Avartana (Chennai), and Le Cirque Signature (Bengaluru). You can even enjoy a private dinner at Mehrangarh Fort – what can be more luxurious than this royal experience?
Desert sundowners
Sundowners can be luxurious, if they are against the backdrop of a vast desert with a glass of champagne in hand and some local music to accompany it. The cold desert of Nubra Valley and the sand dunes of Jaisalmer offer this unique luxurious experience!
Shopping
Whether you are a budget traveller or luxury traveler, you cannot miss shopping in India. With so many different regions and diverse cultures, there is a lot to take back home apart from memories! Luxury shopping in India is a whole different ball game. You can get personal shoppers at luxury hotels and malls. You will find many luxury brands in India. There are also unique artefacts, handmade products, and heritage handicrafts you can buy from the local bazaars of the country. You can ask the hotel concierge for contacts of renowned artisans or top ateliers.
Luxury travel: How to go?
Luxury and opulence in India is not limited to its destinations and experiences. Why not travel in luxury, too? And we are not talking about first class seats in commercial flights, either!
Luxury trains
Trains in India are believed to be daunting, and with good reason, but the country is also home to some of the best luxury trains in the world. The Maharajas Express, Palace on Wheels, and Deccan Odyssey are a few trains that take you across the different states in India with five-star treatment.
Private chauffeurs
Many luxury hotels provide luxury cars with English-speaking chauffeurs for the duration of your stay with them. Some heritage hotels also offer pickups in convertibles or vintage cars. Travel India in true luxury.
Chartered flights and helicopters
Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore airports will provide private jets to small airstrips in designated locations across India, such as luxury wildlife lodges, spiritual places, and resorts. You can also book helicopter rides to high-altitude remote destinations like the spiritual Kedarnath, Vaishnodevi, and Amarnath, as well as Andamans or Ladakh.
Luxury accommodations: Where to stay?
In India, there is a saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava”, which means “A guest is akin to God”. India shows its hospitality in the best way possible, leaving no stone unturned to provide the guests with everything they need. Luxury travelers will find some of the most amazing properties in India.
Luxury hotel chains
Some of the best luxury hospitality chains in India are Taj, Oberoi, and Leela properties established throughout India. These hotels are the epitome of luxury, known for their stunning architecture, impeccable service, and unique experiences. Some of the best of the best hotels are Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur), Taj Mahal Palace (Mumbai), The Oberoi Amarvilas (Agra), The Leela Goa, and The Leela Kovalam (Kerala). Check out our blogs about the best Taj properties and best Oberoi properties in India.
Heritage properties
In India, you get a chance to stay in havelis, forts, and palaces, once inhabited by royals of the country. Ahilya Fort, RAAS Devigarh, Neemrana Fort Palace, and Samode Palace offer this luxury. The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace is still partially the residence of the Jodhpur royal family.
Boutique stays
Boutique stays are more secluded and eco-conscious retreats, where luxury feels more personal. Some of the best stays in India are Niraamaya Retreat, Chamba Camp Thiksey, and Nimmu House.
Tips for luxury travel in India for foreigners
- The best time to visit most of India is from October to February. However, as a luxury traveler, you can also visit in September just after monsoons and enjoy a beautiful atmosphere from your villa or hotel. Also, the roads to Leh and Ladakh open in June, so that is a good time to visit.
- Customize your trip. This will enhance your experience and let you choose what you want to do. We at India Someday help you curate your trip according to your preferences and requirements.
- Indulge in the unique experiences offered in India. There are many activities like a private Ganga aarti, a hot air balloon ride over Pushkar, or a yoga session amidst the Himalayas that you may not get to experience anywhere else in the world.
- Book in advance. Wildlife safaris, fine dining tables, and luxury hotels tend to get booked quickly.
- Hire a private photographer – India is mesmerizing and there is a beautiful frame anywhere you look, and it is a great idea to capture memories. Many hotels offer this service.
- Respect local culture. India is a conservative country and places great emphasis on tradition and culture.
So, when are you planning a luxury trip to India? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized trips to India based on your likes and needs. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
