Luxury India Holidays: How to Do India in Style (From Someone Who's Just Been)

What does a luxury India holiday actually mean?

In India, luxury means support. It's the representative waiting at the airport with a name board who helps you navigate the chaos and helps with your baggage when you're feeling weary. It's a private car and driver for every road transfer, and a knowledgeable local guide on every excursion. It's someone who steers you through the railway stations, which are busy, confusing places that I wouldn't want anyone to tackle alone.

Which hotels are actually worthy of the luxury tag?

The best hotel isn't the one with the most stars, it's the one that suits you. India offers three styles that work brilliantly for different travellers.

Heritage havelis and palaces - I stayed at Samode Haveli in Jaipur, where the staff remembered our names. Old buildings come with old-building quirks, such as a little damp in some rooms, so it's about whether you love character.

Luxury tented camps - Sujan Sher Bagh near Ranthambore, which I visited and had dinner at, was the most luxurious place on my whole trip, with impeccable service, beautiful bathrooms and exceptional food. The approach is however a short, bumpy ride.

Grand city hotels - I stayed at The Imperial in Delhi, which matched my idea of luxury with comfortable beds, good bathrooms and a very good breakfast. I also visited the Oberoi in Agra, where the bar and all the rooms look over the Taj Mahal and a buggy takes you straight to the UNESCO World Heritage Site's gate.

I'll be honest too. India luxury can have quirks. Service can be a little unusual, small details can slip even at lovely hotels, and pools often collect leaves. Knowing that before you book is exactly why it helps to have someone who has been.

How do private transport and expert guides work?

Distances are big, so private transport is a comfort, not an extra. Delhi to Ranthambore is about five and a half hours by road, and Jaipur to Agra is about five. With a private driver, you can stop when you want, and a guide turns those hours into part of the story. In Old Delhi, my rickshaw ride through the spice market was led by guides trained by Salaam Baalak Trust, a charity that supports children who have left home and ended up on the city's streets. They were full of knowledge and full of joy.

What are the best tailored experiences in India?

The best ones are bang on for the person having them. Some I'd put on a list:

• A small-jeep safari at sunrise in Ranthambore, in a gypsy of four to six seats, not the big bus.
• A private dinner under a big tree in a hotel garden, which one property offers.
• Rooftops in Old Delhi, where children fly kites above the street.
• A Pink City rickshaw ride in Jaipur with a woman driver.
• An unplanned village walk among millet fields on the edge of Agra, where the Taj appeared through the mist, finished with pakoras and chai.
• A one-to-one yoga session or an Ayurvedic massage on the Kerala backwaters.

When I plan a trip I ask who's travelling, how much you value polish compared with character, how much support you want, and whether wildlife, wellness or culture comes first. Then I choose the hotels and experiences around that.

When is the best time for a luxury India holiday?

October to March is widely seen as the best time for north India, with the Golden Triangle at its most comfortable. Tigers are most likely from March to May. Kerala's monsoon runs from June to September, and houseboat season is October to February. I travelled in September, outside the peak, and enjoyed it, but I managed my expectations on wildlife.

Who is a luxury India holiday for?

It suits couples, and families who want culture and wildlife, as well as experience-led travellers who enjoy real local life. Kerala works especially well for older travellers who want peace and quiet, and for younger yoga groups. For families I'd usually start with the Golden Triangle.

How much does a luxury India holiday cost?

It depends on the hotels you choose, the length of the trip and how much private guiding you want. Tell me what matters and I'll give you a clear guide price before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

Is India suitable for a first-time luxury traveller?

Yes, with the right support. I'd always arrange a representative at the airport, private transport and a guide at each stop, so the busy parts are handled for you.

How long do I need?

A classic Golden Triangle works in about 7 days. Adding Ranthambore for tigers takes it to ten days and if you want to end in the peace of Kerala's backwaters, you can easily add another week.

Do I need a visa?

UK visitors need to check India's current entry requirements and arrange the right visa before travel. Use the official government pages, and print your documents because Wi-Fi on arrival can be hit and miss.

Why book with a travel advisor?

India rewards local knowledge. I'll always tell you whether I've stayed somewhere, visited it, or only met the team, so you know how well I know it.

Can I add wildlife or wellness?

Absolutely. Tigers, river safaris and Ayurvedic retreats can all be added, and I'll match them to the season.

Start planning your India trip

Thinking about India? Tell me who's going, when and what matters most, and I'll come back with a tailored plan. Get in touch with me, Sara, at sara.dickenson@travelcounsellors.com, 01270 917091 or DM me via Instagram - search for Sara Dickenson Travel Counsellor.

Sara Dickenson is an independent travel advisor with Travel Counsellors, based in Alsager, Cheshire, specialising in premium and luxury travel for families, couples and experience-led travellers.