This once-in-a-lifetime adventure starts in the thrumming Indian capital of Delhi, where you’ll explore the ancient walled core of Shahjahanabad by bicycle. Then it’s off to Agra, home to the monumental Taj Mahal, which you’ll visit at sunrise – the most peaceful time of day. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s largest city, is next – via the Unesco World Heritage-listed town of Fatehpur Sikri. The next day, you’ll take a jeep ride to the breathtaking Amer Fort, in the forested hills north of Jaipur. Rohet is next, on the edge of the Thar Desert, where you’ll embark on a jeep safari to visit Bishnoi villages, and then onto a city sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. From Rohet it’s cross country to the scenic village of Narlai, before driving on to Udaipur – where this trip wraps up, after a visit to the Jain temple at Ranakpur. All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.
This stylish five-star hotel, on the fringes of the city centre, ticks all the high-end boxes. There’s a large infinity pool on the roof, encircled by lush planting and overlooking the Delhi skyline. There are four bars and restaurants, a spa, and sleek monochromatic rooms with large flat-screen TVs.
This hotel knows you’re in Agra for the Taj Mahal – so the whole of its north-facing flank offers panoramic views of the sight. That includes from its contemporary yet richly decorated rooms (think wine-reds, dark woods and golds), its rooftop pool, and Sky Grill restaurant.
This restored historical haveli (a traditional manor house) is right in the centre of Jaipur – just 10 minutes from the City Palace. Its 70 rooms are all slightly different, but follow a theme of heritage-meets-modern, with hand-carved wooden beds and vintage family photos on the walls, as well as air conditioning and tea and coffee facilities.
This is an exquisite heritage hotel, kept in the same family since the 17th century. Think immaculately tended gardens with vintage-style lawn furniture, marble-floored rooms and suites, and a central courtyard pool surrounded by arched walkways with lantern-lit seating areas. Magical is the word.
Right at the foot of Narlai’s unmissable Elephant Hill, this boutique period hotel has gorgeous interiors – all eggshell white with splashes of colour – and beautifully landscaped gardens. There are terraces overlooking the twinkling village lights, and tree-shaded courtyards for sipping tea and snoozing.
Each of the suites in this hotel is like a treasure box of ornate details. From the boldly patterned fabrics spun into curtains, window seat cushions and the canopies for four-poster beds, to the antique writing desks nestled in the corner, or the gold-edged marble cladding – you’ll never want to leave.