Where did you go?

We're just back from the Golden Triangle, India’s classic cultural route, taking in the best of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. In this case, we got a flavour of a wonderful 6-night tour of three cities - New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur - that can form part of a wider exploration of India, perhaps combined with a safari or beach element.

We stayed at Oberoi Hotels & Resorts throughout, which simply takes this route to a whole new level; your homes for the duration are some of the best hotels in the world, they just win award after award for good reason. If you are looking for luxury, highly-tailored service and a personal butler at every hotel, this is the India tour for you.

Tell us about your time in Delhi

It was gorgeous! The arrival at The Oberoi New Delhi is very special. A lei of flowers is placed around your neck and you can enjoy a blessing ceremony. I walked through the entrance and my personal butler met me to take me directly to my room.

My stunning Premier Room had floor-to-ceiling windows and views over New Delhi golf course. It was green as far as the eye could see – not what I was expecting from a stay in Delhi. The bathroom had a real wow factor for me. It had a huge egg bath with a window looking out over the golf greens, a stadium with lights, and Humayun’s Tomb.

We took a walking tour with a former street child, who took us to where he lived and told us about his past. This is run by the Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO committed to supporting street children in Delhi. The trust has various outreach projects and the guided walks are led by former street children who have shrugged off adversity, gone on to study, and want to pay back the support by leading these tours.

What were your favourite moments?

Dining at Hotel Haveli Dharampura, a former haveli that is UNESCO-listed, with beautiful Mughal, colonnaded architecture inside. It's within walking distance from some of the city’s most famous sights: Jama Masjid, the spice market, and Red Fort. We were taken up to the rooftop for a welcome drink and I could see all across New Delhi at sunset. The silhouettes of children flying their kites in the distance is a memory I will never forget. 

We also visited Ghandi's former home, it is a sacred place where he spent the last 144 days of his life. The Old Birla House has been converted into a national memorial, and our guide spoke to us about his life. There are footsteps on the floor showing his final steps. It was an introspective moment during our tour and a real education into his life. 

Did the Taj Mahal live up to expectations?

You have an image of what you think it will look like, but I don’t think you can truly grasp the sheer scale of it until you are standing in front of it.

Sunrise or sunset are the perfect times to visit. We went at sunset and, as we were entering, people were leaving, so it was a quieter experience than in the midday sun.

We walked through a big archway and got our first proper look at this mausoleum. Walking towards it and wandering around the grounds, past the iconic ponds, was so special at sunset when the golden hour light was reflecting off the white exterior of the Taj Mahal. The exterior is definitely more spectacular than inside, but if you do want to venture inside (when are you going back?!) you can cover up and slip on the shoe protectors. 

And did the Oberoi hotels live up to expectations, too? 

The Oberoi Amarvilas in Jaipur was ranked the best hotel in India at the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024; The Oberoi Rajvilas was ranked the best in the UK version. They both consistently win awards, and it’s easy to understand why.

When you glide up the long driveway at Amarvilas, you look out of the car window and see peacocks and fountains everywhere. When we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by the manager, dancers, and traditional musicians. Staff were throwing confetti off the balcony as we entered the hotel. I met my butler who guided me to my room and he had sprinkled fresh petals as a welcome mat at my door. The service here is just another level. 

I stayed in a Premier Room with a huge sunken marble spa bath looking out over my secluded courtyard garden. The hotel has its own Sikh temple and we were invited to attend a blessing ceremony, and each given lanterns that we sent skywards towards the stars. Afterwards, we had a seven-course dinner outside listening to great traditional music, followed by a very skillful belly dancer!

You'll need to leave space in your suitcase. The staff here like to leave you gifts in your room!

Do you have any travel tips now that you’ve been?

Your Travel Counsellor can help you to pick your travel dates wisely to avoid the intense heat. Late October to March is a good time to do the Golden Triangle, as it is cooler, dry, and sunny. Holi is in March, so you could tie your trip in with this festival, too.

Take clothes or a scarf to cover your shoulders for days out exploring, and be mindful that people may stare at you out of curiosity, depending on the area you are in!

Time permitting, add an extra night at each hotel, especially a pool day at Rajvilas. It will slow the pace in these most peaceful, refined settings and give you a full day to enjoy each of Oberoi’s magnificent hotels. 

Suggested itinerary

This seven-day tour is a high-end way to see India’s Golden Triangle, staying at Oberoi Hotels en route. Oberoi has been voted the Best Luxury Hotel Group in the World at the Times Travel Awards 2024, so rooms, dining, and service are all of the highest quality. Pair this with visits to the Taj Mahal, Palace of the Winds, and insightful tours with expert guides, and you’ll get to the heart of India while the country wins over yours. 

Travel style

You’ll be met at the airport by our representative who will take you to your first hotel in Delhi. We’ll also meet you to help you arrange tickets and board the train from Delhi to Agra. There is a five-hour drive between Agra and Jaipur, and you’ll also get to experience some more traditional travel options, including a rickshaw ride. Most tours and transfers will be in a private car with your personal driver-guide.