Indian Wildlife and Palaces

Two nights in Mumbai

The capital of Maharashtra and India’s economic powerhouse Mumbai is a huge metropolis that’s home to over 22 million people. A melting pot of cultures, the affectionately named City of Dreams envelops all who come in a cloud of colour and sound, its energy undeniably contagious. Mumbaikars have a real love for life, which they live at quite a pace, and the best way to enjoy this city is to simply join them.

The city has many highlights and we highly recommend spending plenty of time with your private guide uncovering markets such as Crawford Market where an estimated 3000 tonnes of produce is traded every day, the dhobi ghats where thousands of pieces of clothing are washed every day and the Mani Bhavan museum, a private residence housing a collection of Gandhi’s personal items and photographs.

Two nights in Jodhpur

Rajasthan’s second largest city, Jodhpur may just be its most photogenic. Known as the Blue City, its 16th century old town is crammed with hundreds of houses painted bright shades of blue, connected by labyrinthine streets, bustling spice bazaars and shops selling multi-hued saris, all overlooked by the immense Mehrangarh Fort.

While in the city we highly recommend a private walking tour to explore the heritage of the Blue City. Wander bazaars, residential areas, follow the ancient wall, meet sword and perfume makers and visit Kishanji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, which is famous for its garland makers and sweet shops.

Two nights at JAWAI

Explore this remote corner of rural Rajasthan on a variety of beguiling activities, from game drives out to spot leopards and other wildlife, to bird watching walks (there are 170 species of birds here including flamingos), strolls with the local shepherds or more challenging treks. You can also visit nearby temples and forts, take mountain bikes out to discover the landscape or relax with yoga sessions in wonderfully secluded locations.

Two nights in Udaipur

The scenic city of Udaipur, its grand palaces reflected in serene lakes, is surrounded by the wooded Aravalli Hills. The old city is a bustling jumble of alleys and side streets, but tranquillity is never far away, be it boating on one of the lakes or at the hilltop Monsoon Temple. Udaipur’s ancient bazaars and a vibrant arts scene are a great place to find intricate Mughal inspired miniature paintings, marble and silver craft. For those seeking some adventure, the rolling countryside outside the city can be explored on foot or horseback.

Enjoy wandering the old city with your guide, winding through lanes that teem with cows, elephants and people. Pass shops and pretty houses with latticed haveli windows. Stop to marvel at Jal Sanjhi, the art of drawing on water, a ritual performed at Krishna temples, where coloured powders are used to draw images onto water. A full canvas takes about five hours to create, and you’ll arrive in time to see the picture completed during your tour.

Two nights in Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is the state’s commercial hub and one of its most fascinating cultural destinations. The pace of life here is fast, but take your time you’ll find some of India’s most majestic palaces, atmospheric relics and learn the secrets of silk and cotton block printing at the Anokhi Museum, tucked away in a beautiful building on a quaint cobbled street.

During your time in the city, with your expert guide, visit the main sites including the sprawling City Palace and gain exclusive access to private quarters. The palace is pink, in keeping with the rest of the old city with an impressive facade and interiors in Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. There’s also several museums, including a textile gallery. The well preserved Amber Fort is another site that simply cannot be missed. This former capital of the region has majestic ramparts rising steeply from the hillside. During your guided tour you’ll visit the Jagmandir, with its glittering mirrors, the Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.

Two days on a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park

Located in the southeastern corner of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is perhaps the most famous place to spot wild tigers in India – and for good reason. You’ll drive through the park in search of these beautiful creatures with an expert guide who knows the park and its big cats like the back of their hand. Ranthambore is a beautiful park, with a 10th-century fort, its crenellations now home to Hanuman langurs looking down onto the lakes below.

Two nights to explore Agra's highlights

It has graced the pages of books for centuries but nothing quite prepares you for seeing the Taj Mahal for the very first time. The ultimate symbol of eternal love, this is one of India’s most memorable and emotive sights and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the holy Yamuna River within 42 acres of beautiful gardens. The domed mausoleum sits above the river bank, surrounded by minarets on all four sides.

During your time here you’ll have the chance to experience the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset. As the light changes, so too does the colour of the Taj Mahal. In the early hours the marble is bathed in the ethereal glow of the morning light and sunset is a truly magical time, as the light plays on the marble and its reflection shimmers in the water.