Top 10 Things to Do on a Luxury India Holiday

For decades, India has enticed travellers from all corners of the globe to witness its rich tapestry of history, culture and wildlife. From the magnificent grandeur of the Taj Mahal to the sacred wonder of the Meenakshi Temple to the striking beauty of the Bengal tiger, a luxury holiday to India promises a colourful mosaic of unforgettable experiences.

As the largest country in South Asia, India is full of contrasts. You can travel to India’s bustling cities, where the vibrant energy of the nightlife and culinary experiences will ignite your senses, or you can immerse yourself in the rural and tranquil spirit of India by cruising along the winding backwaters and enjoying a freshly brewed cup of tea at some of the world’s most renowned tea plantations.

Whether you travel north, south, east or west of India, there will undoubtedly be hidden treasures at every turn. For that reason, our team of India travel specialists, Dan, Ayesha and Ollie, have highlighted their top ten must-see destinations and activities for a truly memorable India trip. So, before you start planning your luxury holiday to the wonderful country of India, read our list below to find out the most enchanting and exciting experiences you simply cannot miss.

Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in the city of Agra lies one of the most extravagant and beautiful architectural monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal. Recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the immense mausoleum of white marble was constructed in the 17th century by order of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

As an unmissable trophy on any traveller’s bucket list, the Taj Mahal has become a prominent symbol of India and attracts more than eight million visitors every year from far and wide. For those planning a luxury holiday to India and wish to see the Taj Mahal in-person, we recommend visiting as the sun rises or sets. During these times, you will be able to see the light perfectly hit the marble dome and truly experience the grandeur and beauty of the infamous jewel in India’s crown.

On a long stretch of road surrounded by the rosy-coloured walls of the ‘Pink City’, you will find the shopper’s paradise of Johri Bazaar.

The word ‘Johri’ in Hindi can be translated as ‘jeweller’, and amidst the hustle and bustle of the ever-so colourful street, there are countless exquisite jewellery stores selling gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and more. While wandering through the by-lanes, you will find many craftsmen carefully crafting unique pieces that are bespoke to the region of Rajasthan. Beyond its magnificent jewellery, the Johri Bazaar is also renowned for its wonderfully colourful fabrics and textile materials; a must-see for any who wish to immerse themselves into the lively atmosphere of India.

Renowned as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is a world full of vast hilltop forts, marble palaces, ancient temples and picturesque gardens that truly reflect the region’s history. Hailed as India’s most romantic city, Udaipur is certainly a fairy tale waiting to be discovered.

However, sitting in the middle of Udaipur lies Lake Pichola. Reflecting the Aravalli hills on its mirror-like surface, Lake Pichola is understandably one of the most beautiful attractions in Udaipur. To truly embrace this wondrous landmark, stay at the magical Taj Lake Palace, a world-class luxury hotel set on an island in the middle of the lake, or in one of the five-star hotels on the banks such as The Oberoi Udaivilas or The Leela Palace. From one of these luxury hotels, you will be able to truly enjoy the incredible beauty of Lake Pichola from the comfort of your room.

Often considered as the beating heart of India’s wildlife, the national parks in Central India are a must-see for those seeking an exhilarating adventure. In the dense woodlands and vast grasslands of Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh, embark on an unforgettable tiger safari and you will be able to spot not only the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat, but also an abundance of rare, endangered and extraordinary species roaming through the spectacular landscapes.

For a more intimate wildlife experience, we recommend travelling to the granite hills, deep caves and sprawling farmlands of Jawai in Rajasthan. Known for its large leopard population, a safari in Jawai promises an exclusive look at one of the most elusive animals in their natural surroundings.

The calm winding waterways and picturesque fishing villages of Kerala feel a world away from the bustling city streets which are synonymous with India.

Escape to the tropical backwaters of Kerala on your luxury India holiday and you will float through a series of interconnected network of canals, lakes and lagoons that are truly enchanting and unspoiled. Aboard your private traditional houseboat where a full team of staff will be at your service, you can watch the local fishermen at work, observe unique bird species flying overhead or simply take in the palm-fringed shores, tropical jungle and rural life of Southern India.

Home to the ‘champagne of teas’, Darjeeling is famed for its tea plantations. Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, you can take a tour of one of the 87 tea gardens dotted across the district to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of the finest tea in the world, whilst overlooking the awe-inspiring green carpeted landscapes. Our favourite tea gardens to visit on your luxury India holidays would be the 150-year old Glenburn Tea Estate perched above the banks of the River Rungeet; the Makaibari Tea Estate, known for its rich history and unique muscatel flavour, or Happy Valley Tea Estate, which its renowned for being one of the highest tea plantations in the world.

Assam is also a memorable stop for any tea enthusiast. Explore the vast tea plantations, where you can see the delicate process of tea production from picking the leaves to packaging the final product, before enjoying tasting sessions of the bold and robust flavours of a freshly brewed Assam tea. Aside from the extraordinary tea, your trip to Assam should definitely include a visit to the Kaziranga National Park, one of the last places on earth where you can see the one horned rhino, or you can take a luxury cruise along the great waterway of Brahmaputra to discover the untouched rural villages, glorious Mons-period ruins and extraordinary wildlife roaming the region’s forests.

As the ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’, Shimla is one of the most beautiful hill stations nestled in the snow-dusted peaks of the Himalayan foothills.

Declared as the summer capital of British India in 1864, the Himachal Pradesh hill station of Shimla has retained a faded elegance with its colonial-era architecture, charming streets and quaint shops and cafes. With the cool and pleasant climate, you can explore Mall Road, visit the Shimla State Museum, see the Jakhu Temple and enjoy a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kalka-Shimla Railway, weaving through a multitude of tunnels and over hundreds of bridges to truly take in the region’s natural beauty.

In the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu lies one of the most famous and architecturally impressive temples in India, the Meenakshi Temple.

The sacred Hindu temple is known for its nine towering gopurams (temple towers), which are adorned with thousands of intricately carved and colourful sculptures soaring 50 metres above the surrounding cityscape. Within the Meenakshi Temple, you will find the architectural brilliance of the Hall of Thousand Pillars. Aside from its grandeur, the Temple offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region with locals and visitors alike participating in a variety of rituals and ceremonies. For those who wish to truly immerse themselves in India’s heritage and culture, a trip to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai simply cannot be missed.

However, it is important to note that over the course of 2025, the Meenakshi Temple will be undergoing restoration work and therefore, the gopurams (towers) will be covered.

As you wander through the welcoming and thriving city streets of Kolkata, you will feel the echoes of its colonial past at every turn. As the former capital of British India, Kolkata’s many colonial-era buildings are still very much intact. Visit the stately St Paul’s Cathedral, see the eye-catching High Court, witness the magnificent Howrah Bridge and explore the beautiful Victoria Memorial, which is now a celebrated art gallery.

More colonial relics can be found in the B.B.D. Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square. Created as a trading centre for the British East India Company along the banks of the Hooghly River, the B.B.D. Bagh is home to the Town Hall, the 18th century Writers’ Building, the St. Andrew’s Church and the Eden Gardens, also known as the oldest cricket stadium in the country. No visit to the district would be complete without a trip to Mother House, the site of Mother Teresa’s tomb, the holy Kalighat temple and the stunning Botanical Gardens.

With the chaotic swirl of traffic, cacophony of sounds and sea of people, the bustling cities of Delhi and Mumbai are a must-visit for those who wish to experience the country’s lively restaurant and nightlife scene on their trips to India.

Both cities are renowned for their rich history, diverse culture and ever-evolving dining experiences. In the capital city of Delhi, you will enjoy a food scene that mixes North Indian, Mughlai and regional flavours. Travel to Connaught Place and Saket to enjoy an explosion of spices on one of the many street food markets or within the fine dining restaurants. Here you can savour one of the city’s signature dishes such as Chaat or Mughali biryani before enjoying a cocktail on a rooftop lounge overlooking the buzzing city below.

In Mumbai, the financial capital and often known as the ‘City of Dreams’, you will experience a world that perfectly blends modern luxury with India’s old-world charm. With areas such as Colaba, Bandra and Juhu, you will be able to taste an eclectic mix of street food, coastal delicacies and gourmet cuisine from Vada Pav to Bombay Duck to reimagined versions of the local classics.

On our tailor-made holidays, you can pick and choose exactly what you want to see and do. To start planning your luxury holidays, honeymoons or family getaways to India, speak to our Asia travel specialists on +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry.