Luxury India
Tours made for you

Immerse yourself in India with a luxury private tour and authentic journey designed just for you

Incredible scenery

Travel from the Himalayas to the waters of the South

Rich history

Learn about one of the world's oldest civilisations

Architecture

Marvel at the Taj Mahal and grand palaces

Wildlife

Look out for tigers, leopards, elephants and more

Delicious food

Enjoy the rich flavours and spices

A nation of vivid contrasts and unrivalled culture

From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the lush waters of the south, India is a place where landscapes and cultures change in the blink of an eye. It is at once chaotic and noisy, peaceful and calm and it is this diversity that makes it so compelling.

India is one of the world’s oldest civilisations, its culture shaped by thousands of years. It is a country where life is lived out in hundreds of local dialects. Every corner reveals a different reflection on the past, from the Taj Mahal to colonial churches and grand palaces built during the reign of the British Raj. And you’re just as likely to come across skyscrapers and glitzy malls as you are hilltop villages and tea plantations. Delhi and Mumbai are wonderful places to see how the old and new intertwine.

Meaning ‘Land of Kings’, the landscape of Rajasthan in the north is littered with magnificent forts and palaces. From the state capital of Jaipur and the Blue City of Jodhpur to the serene lakes of Udaipur and the dusty dunes of the Thar desert, Rajasthan is one of the most culturally rich pockets of India. The north is also home to the holy cities of Varanasi, Rishikesh and Amritsar. Further north still also offers some of the world’s best hiking, with the mighty peaks of the Himalayas in Kumaon and Ladakh.

Head south and catch your breath for a moment in Kerala. Affectionately known as God’s Own Country, it’s a verdant state of emerald waterways and coconut groves, and home to the town of Fort Cochin.

And then there’s the wildlife. Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh and Kanha are home to some of the country’s highest tiger populations while the luxurious and remote JAWAI camp is the best place to catch a glimpse of the beautiful and elusive leopard.

A whirlwind of colours, sounds and smells, India’s energy is undeniably contagious and the best way to appreciate it is to throw yourself head first into its way of life.

Highlights

The great Mughal masterpiece, the Taj Mahal

Some of the worlds highest peaks are found in the snow-capped Himalayas

The vibrancy and excitement of bigger cities, like Delhi and Mumbai

The magnificent forts and palaces of Rajasthan

The abundance of wildlife that call India home

Keith Jarman

Travel Designer

It's difficult to describe how vibrant and captivating India really is. It's the perfect place to explore as you're never short of things to do. Climb the Himalayas, relax at beautiful beaches, get lost wandering lively cities, or eat your way around the country so famous for its mouth-watering food.

Keith Jarman

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in India

There are many incredible places to stay in India. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Positive Impact

Rural Rajasthan

SujÁn Jawai

In the middle of wide open wilderness between the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur, JAWAI is an intimate safari camp surrounded by arid scrubland and towering granite kopjes that numerous leopards and nomadic Rabari herdsmen call home.

Udaipur

The Oberoi Udaivilas

On the banks of Lake Pichola across the waters from Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas stands surrounded by lush gardens and the forests of what were once royal hunting grounds. The hotel itself is a sprawling palace of ornate domes, breezy courtyards and sunlit corridors – an architectural reflection of Udaipur’s lakes and canals – with glimpses out to Pichola and verdant grounds. There are 86 rooms and suites, many of which open out onto azure private and semi-private swimming pools with views across the lake to Udaipur’s City Palace, while others look into the estate’s gardens and wildlife sanctuary – home to deer and wild boar. The style is a blend of ornate Mewar with subtle modern amenities. In addition to private pools, the suites feature their own outdoor dining pavilions. During your time here, explore Udaipur and beyond on private boat and walking tours, venture out into the Aravalli Hills to visit remote tribes and hidden temples, or relax with indulgent spa therapies and yoga sessions. Suryamahal and Chandni are all-day indoor and outdoor dining venues for multicultural cuisine, with Udaimahal the place for fine Indian dining. Unique dining experiences, such as learning to cook with the chef, lunching while cruising on the lake and intimate private dinners can also be arranged. And naturally the bar is an elegant venue for classic cocktails.

Positive Impact

Ranthambore

SUJÁN Sher Bagh

Sher Bagh is a luxurious camp that blends pioneering sustainability with an opulent style redolent of grand British Raj-era safaris.

Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace

Serenely sat in the middle of Lake Pichola, the gorgeous Taj Lake Palace is among the most iconic and romantic hotels in India. Built as a pleasure palace by a young prince in 1746, it has since been tactfully restored to its former glory, its fine white marble walls glowing orange at sunrise and purple at dusk 66 rooms and 17 suites are designed to capture a different mood and period from the palace’s long history, each with stunning views across the lake to the surrounding hills and Udaipur or into the lush courtyard gardens. This spectacular setting is best enjoyed in its panoramic glory from the rooftop Bhairo restaurant. Neel Kamal is the place for authentic Indian specialities, or Jarokha if you’re after a more informal spot to eat throughout the day. Unforgettable private dining experiences – such as out on the lake aboard a 150-year-old boat – can also be arranged. During the day, find secluded spots around the palace to relax, bathe in the swimming pool, treat yourself on the Jiva Spa Boat or spend some time at handsome Amrit Sagar bar. Across the lake’s waters, explore Udaipur on city tours, heritage walks and even hire a vintage car for the day.

Keralan Backwaters

Vismaya

Sat on a little peninsula on the western banks of Lake Vembanad, Vismaya is a historic timber house that dates back over three centuries. Painstaking restored with contemporary luxuries subtly introduced, it is now an exclusive use villa with two bedrooms, a double and a twin, each air conditioned with en suite bathrooms. The property is surrounded by typically lush Keralan gardens and features an expansive granite swimming pool and peaceful coconut grove with hammocks to soak up serene views across the lake. Meals – with freshly caught fish bought straight from local fishermen – can be served wherever takes your fancy, be it out on the veranda, in the lounge, poolside or in the gazebo. From the villa’s private jetty embark on meandering boat tours of the backwaters, or borrow bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside. Village walks can also be arranged as can visits to nearby temples, churches and Alleppey town.

Varanasi

Brijrama Palace

Set on the banks of the holy River Ganges on one of Varanasi’s 87 ghats is Brijrama Palace, an opulent hotel that is perfect for those that want to be close to the heart and soul of this deeply spiritual city. Built in the 18th century by the Royal House of Nagpur, the palace has been lovingly restored. Murals, hand-painted ceilings and beautiful carvings revealed during the restoration have brought it back to life, ensuring the building is in keeping with this most atmospheric of cities. The hotel is approached by boat, immediately giving you the sense you are entering somewhere special. The central courtyard is filled with plants and sculptures and surrounded by a series of ornate pillars and arches cut from sandstone. Barnasi silk and gold leaf is used throughout the hotel and rooms are furnished with wooden four poster beds and beautiful Indian fabrics. You’re ideally situated to explore the city, a stone’s throw from Dasashwamedh Ghat where the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place. As people flock with their offerings, the river becomes a blanket of twinkling lights with oil lamps and flowers carried along the water. The restaurant serves delicious vegetarian cuisine while tea, freshly ground coffee and traditional thandai can be enjoyed outdoors. In the evening there is live classical music in the lounge. There are few places on earth quite like Varanasi, so make sure you set aside some time to head to the rooftop and soak up its incredible and unique atmosphere.

Delhi

The Imperial

A driveway lined with tall palm trees leads to the grand white facade of The Imperial, one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels. Harking back to the days of the Raj, The Imperial is filled with old-world charm, its fascinating history a permanent presence. The opulence of colonial India is felt from the moment you enter; the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries giving a sense of grandeur. Rooms are beautifully styled with antique furniture, marble floors covered in Indian rugs, and photographs of iconic Indian landmarks and events on the walls. When the hotel opened its doors in the 30s, it became a meeting point for figures including Nehru, Ghandi, Jinnah and Lord Mountbatton who came to discuss the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. Photographs of the various battalions during the British Raj adorn the walls and the 1911 Restaurant is a celebration of the year Delhi became the new capital of India. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking, with four restaurants offering south east Asian, gourmet Indian and European cuisine. There is also a pastry shop and a tea lounge with a glass domed ceiling and tinkling fountain and the hotel’s two bars are some of the city’s most popular. An outdoor swimming pool is set within the verdant gardens of the hotel and there is a spa offering Ayurvedic therapies for when you want to simply drift away. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, head out and explore Delhi – you’re ideally located on Janpath, just moments from the renowned shopping district of Connaught Place and a short rickshaw ride from India Gate.

Rural Rajasthan

Six Senses Fort Barwara

One of Rajasthan’s most glorious architectural wonders is the meticulously restored 14th-century Fort Barwara. What once belonged to a Rajasthani Royal Family has been transformed into a Six Senses sanctuary of well-being. Six Senses Fort Barwara is located a three-hour drive from Jaipur and a 30-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park, where you can go in search of the region’s wild tigers. It houses 48 luxury suites where the essence of royalty has been kept intact. The East Wing overlooks the countryside and the West Wing offers views to Barwara village and beyond. Each accommodation is designed in contemporary Rajasthani style, reinterpreting the fort’s rich history while subtly incorporating state-of-the-art technology. Here, dining is a royal affair. The on-site restaurants combine the best of regional Rajasthani and pan-Indian cuisine with a sprinkling of international influences while embracing the Eat With Six Senses philosophy of local, fresh and seasonal produce. Where possible, they harvest ingredients from the resort’s very own organic gardens and carefully selected farmers from the villages and townships nearby. As the sun begins to set over the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir Temple, come and find the wine sommelier to tour their vintages, or start your evening as you mean to go on with a pre-dinner cocktail at The Viewing Gallery. There is also an immense focus on personalised wellness. The resort is home to a 30,000-square-foot (2,800-square-meter) spa and fitness centre where an extensive menu of Ayurvedic treatments awaits. You can even blend your own skincare products at their Alchemy Bar. Six Senses Barwara is a royal base for exploring Rajasthan’s regional delights. Activities can be customized based on your preferences, whether it’s enjoying a sunset drive through the Rajasthani countryside or discovering the wildlife of nearby Ranthambore National Park. With visits to the temple and guided heritage walks, you will find endless possibilities to immerse in local history and culture.

The Kumaon Region

Shakti 360° Leti

There are few places as secluded and spectacularly beautiful as Shakti 360° Leti, hidden deep in the Himalayan mountains. The journey here is an adventure in itself and once you reach this mountainous paradise at 8,000 feet, you’ll see what makes it such a special and unique place. Shakti 360° Leti consists of four luxury cabins, an innovative combination of traditional building techniques and contemporary design. Each cabin features glass walls so you never have to miss out on the spectacular views. Luxury feather duvets and pashmina blankets keep you warm at night, until the sun peeks its head over the mountains in the morning and filters through the windows. En suite bathrooms with large brass sinks and fluffy bathrobes offer all the comfort you could need. Activities naturally revolve about being out and about and experiencing this epic landscape. Village walks and trekking are what most people come for, but there’s a lot to be said for simply sitting back and watching the snow and the shadows of the peaks change colour, with a glass of wine in hand. When the last of the sun’s rays have disappeared behind the horizon, head into the lounge and curl up with a book by the fireplace. To ensure the preservation of this remarkable and unique location, every effort has been made to exist in harmony with its natural surroundings. General supplies and produce for the restaurant are sourced locally and sustainable energy sources such are solar are used to heat water and provide electricity. A stay at Shakti 360° Leti is an unforgettable experience; the fresh air, unsurpassable scenery and sense of tranquility are truly humbling.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.