I returned from North India with my suitcase heavier from handwoven shawls and my mind lighter from the kind of calm that only slow, luxurious travel can give you. This wasn’t a whirlwind tour of monuments; it was a journey shaped by quiet mornings, impeccable service, and a deep sense of place. North India, when experienced through a luxury lens, reveals itself not as chaotic or overwhelming, but as deeply refined.
My journey began in Delhi, a city that rewards those who take it at an unhurried pace. Staying in a heritage hotel tucked away from the traffic changed everything. Mornings began with breakfast served in a leafy courtyard—fresh papaya, flaky parathas, and excellent coffee—before stepping out to explore Old Delhi with a private historian. Walking through Chandni Chowk early, before the crowds, felt intimate rather than intense. Later, returning to the calm of the hotel for a spa treatment using Ayurvedic oils made the contrast feel deliciously intentional.
From Delhi, I travelled to Agra, but not in the usual rushed way. A luxury train or chauffeured drive turns the journey itself into part of the experience. Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise is often described as magical, but what made it special for me was returning afterward to a beautifully restored palace hotel. Breakfast overlooking manicured gardens, with the distant silhouette of the Taj still visible, felt indulgent in the best way. Agra, when done slowly, is less about ticking a box and more about soaking in a sense of romance and history.
Rajasthan was where luxury truly came into its own. In Jaipur, I stayed at a former royal residence where the staff seemed to anticipate needs before I even voiced them. Days were spent exploring amber-hued forts with expert guides, evenings sipping cocktails by candlelight while traditional musicians played softly in the background. What struck me most was how personal everything felt—custom shopping experiences, private access to palace rooms, and dinners curated around regional recipes.
Udaipur was, without question, the highlight. Arriving by boat across Lake Pichola at dusk felt cinematic. My hotel seemed to float on the water, all marble corridors and open terraces. Afternoons were for spa rituals and reading by the pool, while evenings meant boat rides, fine dining, and watching the city lights reflect on the lake. Luxury here wasn’t loud; it was serene, romantic, and deeply atmospheric.
One of the biggest surprises of luxury tours to India was the food. Every meal felt like an event, whether it was a royal Rajasthani thali served on silver platters or a modern tasting menu reinterpreting classic flavours. Chefs took the time to explain ingredients and stories, making dining both indulgent and meaningful.
What sets luxury travel in North India apart is not just five-star hotels or private transfers—it’s the access, the storytelling, and the sense of being genuinely looked after. There is an effortlessness to it when done right, allowing you to engage with India’s richness without feeling overwhelmed.
I left India feeling like I hadn’t just seen it, but lived it—wrapped in comfort, guided by expertise, and constantly surprised by beauty. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity, and when paired with luxury, it becomes unforgettable.
