Signature

Signature India | The Realm of Royals

Activity

Culture

Overview

Trace northern India’s regal heritage through gilded palaces, wild jungles, swirling chai steam and tiger gaze

Majesty flows through northern India: in the marble glow of the Taj Mahal, in the proud stride of the Bengal tiger, in the swirling steam of freshly poured chai. Led by your Signature Guide, journey through a land where rhythm meets royalty, tracing the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and answering the call of the wild in Ranthambhore. This is a voyage of moments and connection, where every encounter reveals another facet of northern India’s enduring soul.

Venture to the very heart of each destination on our Signature Collection, where every journey is shaped by our unrivalled local connections and insider expertise. Step beyond the ordinary with private invitations, rare encounters, and experiences few will ever share. So when someone says, “I’ve been there,” you’ll simply smile, knowing you’ve experienced it differently.

Signature Day: Experience our distinctive Signature Day, choosing between included activities such as a flower tour in Jaipur, an indigo workshop, a guided heritage walk through Amer’s foothills, or a leopard safari

Signature Stay: Enjoy the rare chance to stay in The Maharajas Lodge, a 1930s royal retreat reimagined with contemporary elegance, part of this trip’s refined accommodation portfolio

Signature Guide: Let your hand-picked Signature guide lead you to the country’s soul – sharing their home, heritage, and heart

Key Information

Trip Code: LIR
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: India
Carbon Footprint: 78.7kg CO2e per person per day

Signature Exclusive Inclusions

Elegant, hand-picked hotels and a Signature Stay in The Maharajas Lodge, once home to royals
All breakfasts, five lunches, eight dinners, featuring restaurants that capture the authentic cuisine of northern India
Your preferred Signature Day experience, selected and prebooked ahead of travel
Named Signature Guide with outstanding knowledge and guest satisfaction
Complimentary transfers on arrival and departure, plus comfortable transport throughout (private vehicles and trains)
Gratuities for local support staff so every detail of your journey feels effortless

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Signature Experiences

Greet dawn at the Taj Mahal, watching marble shift from blush to gold as your historian reveals its enduring love story

Join an expert conservationist for an insightful talk, then game drive through Ranthambhore’s tiger lands, guided by a wildlife photographer

Trace Jaipur’s royal legacy on a private exploration of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, led by an expert historian

Itinerary

First Destination: Delhi
Next Destination: Delhi

Accommodation:The Lodhi
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:The Lodhi
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Taj Agra
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:The Maharajas Lodge
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:The Maharajas Lodge
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Jai Mahal Palace
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Jai Mahal Palace
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Jai Mahal Palace
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Delhi
Next Destination: Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, a city where empires rose, poets dreamed, and the rhythm of modern India beats through ancient walls.

Complimentary arrival transfers are provided today, with VIP assistance to ease you through the airport and into another pace entirely. Those arriving early can take an optional guided tour revealing the gardens, hidden stairways, and painted ceilings of Safdarjung’s Tomb, the mausoleum of the Mughal viceroy of Awadh. Alternatively join the Salaam Baalak Walk, an inspiring initiative by an Indian non-profit that creates a nurturing environment for children who live and work on the streets. Both activities are available to prebook on request.

As evening falls, join your Signature Guide for a welcome reception at Indian Accent, among Asia’s most acclaimed dining rooms. Meet the chef and taste Delhi’s modern culinary artistry, where local tradition is reimagined with delicate precision.

Accommodation:The Lodhi
Meals included:Dinner

Navigate Old Delhi’s labyrinthine lanes by rickshaw, where the air hums with temple bells and cardamom-laced spice. Pause at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to witness the quiet devotion of seva, before a refined lunch amid Connaught Place’s colonial arcades. Step through Humayun’s Tomb, an elegant prelude to the Taj Mahal, its red sandstone and symmetry echoing Mughal grace. In Nizamuddin, meet the women of Insha-e-Noor, preserving heritage crafts through delicate embroidery and block printing. As evening falls, gather in a Delhi home for a private cooking demonstration and dinner — a warm exchange of flavour and family.

Accommodation:The Lodhi
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Board a morning train to Agra, gliding past fields and villages as the rhythm of the rails reveals rural India in motion. On arrival, settle into a city once ruled by Mughal emperors, before joining a historian for a private tour of Agra Fort, where power and poetry meet in stone. Lunch follows at the Skydeck restaurant, with sweeping views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.

As day fades, cross the Yamuna River to Mehtab Bagh (the Moonlight Garden) where the Taj Mahal is reflected in the still water. Dinner follows at the award-winning Peshwari restaurant, where the smoky aromas and robust spices of north-west India unfold in an evening of refined flavour.

Accommodation:Taj Agra
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Signature Experience: See daybreak at the Taj Mahal, as your personal historian unravels its enduring love story. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz, this 17th-century masterpiece glows with devotion, a monument where light, loss, and love endure in perfect symmetry.

Return to your hotel for breakfast, then continue by road and rail via Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur. Settle into our Signature Stay at The Maharajas Lodge, a heritage property originally built for the Jaipur royal family and your gateway to the Ranthambore National Park, one of the great tiger-watching destinations. Dinner is an unhurried affair before settling underneath the Ranthambhore stars.

Accommodation:The Maharajas Lodge
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Begin at Dastkar, an NGO where local artisans transform recycled materials into vibrant crafts that sustain households and preserve heritage.

Signature Experience: Join the Wildlife Director of Nalla’s Ark Foundation for an illuminating conservation talk before venturing into Ranthambhore National Park with a wildlife photographer. Within this former royal hunting ground, search for Bengal tigers, leopards and sloth bears moving through rust-coloured brush. Return to the lodge for an evening slideshow with your photographer host, followed by dinner.

Accommodation:The Maharajas Lodge
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin with an exclusive early morning game drive alongside your wildlife photographer, the forest alive with birdcall and anticipation. Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and lunch before continuing by road to Jaipur, the famed Pink City.

Later, follow your Signature Guide through lively bazaars, where spice mounds, block-printed textiles, and polished brass glint beneath fading light. Settle into the elegant Jai Mahal Palace, then dine at Cinnamon, where classic Indian flavours meet contemporary finesse.

Accommodation:Jai Mahal Palace
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin at Amber Fort, its golden ramparts crowning the Aravalli hills, where you’ll join a blessing at the Shila Mata Temple. Lunch is enjoyed at Samode Haveli, a former royal residence where traditional Rajasthani flavours are served in a tranquil courtyard setting.

Signature Experience: This afternoon, join a historian for a private tour of Jaipur’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar, tracing tales of artistry, innovation and royal vision. Pause for coffee at Wind Café, overlooking the Hawa Mahal, before dinner at Polo Palladio within the Rajasthan Polo Club.

Accommodation:Jai Mahal Palace
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is your Signature Day, where you can select an authentic, curated experience to connect deeply with Indian culture. You could:

Trace Jaipur’s floral traditions on a guided walk through temple courtyards and flower markets, then craft edible-flower sweets before a seasonal Rajasthani lunch. Half day (8.30am – 11.30am)
Join artisans at Nila House to learn natural indigo dyeing techniques and the legacy of Jaipur’s textiles, followed by a curated lunch reached by pink e-rickshaw. Half day (9am – 1pm)
Walk the sacred foothills of Amer, from Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple to the stepwell of Panna Meena ka Kund, ending with serene lake views of the fort. Half day (2pm – 5pm)
Delve into Jaipur’s famed blue pottery craft in a hands-on session with a master artisan, creating your own glazed keepsake to take home. Half day (9am – 11am)
Venture into India’s first leopard reserve to spot elusive leopards and desert wildlife amid the Aravalli hills, a wild contrast to Jaipur’s palaces. Half day (5.30am – 8am)

Tonight’s farewell dinner takes place at Sarvato, an elegant fine-dining restaurant within Jaipur’s historic City Palace where a six-course tasting menu awaits. It’s a fitting finale to the regal spirit of Rajasthan.

Accommodation:Jai Mahal Palace
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Check out with a packed breakfast for the morning train to Delhi. On arrival, a smooth transfer links station and airport. This chapter may close, but northern India’s colours and conversations linger.

For those with later flights, an optional guided tour of Qutab Minar is available to prebook on request.

Alternatively, extend your stay and continue your journey of discovery. Speak with your Signature Collection travel expert to explore the possibilities.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us – one team, one seamless journey

Call us: 020 3733 5948

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Accommodation

Experience the best of Indian hospitality

Every aspect of the Signature Collection is meticulously planned to take you deeper into the destination. That means your accommodation is a refined showcase of local hospitality, whether you’re staying in a pioneering luxury hotel or enjoying privileged access to a characterful stay designed to fully immerse you in the local culture.

Below are the accommodations we use on this adventure:

Delhi: The Lodhi (nights 1-2)

Signature India | The Realm of Royals

A serene retreat set along Delhi’s leafy river corridor, The Lodhi offers a refined introduction to northern India. Elegant, spacious rooms open onto private plunge pools or terraces, while the sleek spa, pool, and acclaimed restaurant create an atmosphere of quiet indulgence. Every detail, from discreet service to modern design, reflects the balance of energy and calm in Delhi.

Agra: Taj Agra (night 3)

Signature India | The Realm of Royals

From this contemporary haven, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort rise on the horizon, reminders that history is never far away. Modern interiors, attentive service, and panoramic dining spaces bring warmth and ease after a day exploring Mughal grandeur. A stylish stay that frames Agra’s timeless beauty in comfort and light.

Ranthambhore: The Maharajas Lodge (nights 4-5)

Signature India | The Realm of Royals

Also known as Sawai Madhopur Lodge, your Signature Stay offers immersion in the wild heart of Rajasthan. Days begin with birdsong and end by the fire as naturalists share stories from the park. Private verandas, handcrafted furnishings, and candlelit dinners evoke the elegance of a royal lodge, just moments from Ranthambhore where tigers reign.

Jaipur: Jai Mahal Palace (nights 6-8)

Signature India | The Realm of Royals

A 19th-century palace reimagined as one of Jaipur’s finest hotels, Jai Mahal sits amid manicured gardens where peacocks wander at dusk. Inside, heritage craftsmanship meets modern elegance. Think marble floors, carved arches, and richly detailed suites. After days spent exploring the Pink City, this palace sanctuary offers space to rest, reflect, and revel in Rajasthan’s regal grace.

Enhance your stay: Personalise your experience with curated room upgrades and additional nights tailored to your travel plans.

Post-trip Extensions

Exclusive Add-ons

Delhi, Mumbai & Goa Hotels

Extend your time in India and continue the story at your own pace. From the grand boulevards of New Delhi to the storied waterfront of Mumbai and the palm-fringed shores of Goa, a few extra nights reveal new perspectives on this remarkable country. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

Shangri-La Eros Hotel, New Delhi: In the diplomatic district near Connaught Place, this polished city retreat provides a calm counterpoint to the energetic streets of Delhi. Rooms can look across the skyline and leafy avenues, while the spa and outdoor pool offer space to unwind between explorations. Dining ranges from refined Asian cuisine to contemporary international menus, all delivered with the warm, attentive hospitality for which Shangri-La is known.

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai: Standing beside the Gateway of India, this historic landmark has welcomed travellers for more than a century. Its distinctive domed façade opens into halls of marble, crystal and art, while rooms can look out over the Arabian Sea or the city harbour. Celebrated restaurants, attentive service and a sense of living history make it one of the most enduring addresses in Mumbai.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa: On the quiet southwest coast, this expansive beachfront retreat (pictured above) invites slower rhythms. Mediterranean-style architecture sits among gardens that lead to the Arabian Sea, while spacious rooms and villas offer comfort and privacy. Days might unfold beside the large pool, in the spa, or over leisurely meals that reflect the vibrant culinary heritage of Goa.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your Signature Collection travel expert, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

We have graded this trip Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.

Driving times: The longest travel time takes place on Day 6 (four hours) by private vehicle and Day 9 (3hr 50min) by train. All other journeys are under 2hr 30min.

Prebooking activities: An immersive adventure of your choice awaits on the Signature Day. This activity is included – all you need to do is prebook your chosen experience at least 60 days before departure through our Signature Collection travel experts. Additionally, those arriving early on Day 1 can prebook an optional guided tour of Safdarjung’s Tomb, priced from US$141, or join the Salaam Baalak Walk (price on request). Those departing late on the final day can prebook an optional guided tour of Qutab Minar, priced from US$200.

Wildlife: Ranthambore National Park is among India’s finest places to observe Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. Sightings, however, are never guaranteed − each safari offers its own moment of wilderness and anticipation.

Train Travel: Our train journeys are in air-conditioned Executive Chair Class from Delhi to Agra, and Standard Chair Class from Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur.

As with all adventures in the Signature Collection, we take care of your arrival and departure transfers, allowing you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Arrival airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Your adventure begins with a welcome reception at 6pm on Day 1 at our first accommodation.
Departure airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Your adventure concludes after breakfast on the final day.

Complimentary transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Complimentary transfers should be booked with your Signature Collection travel expert at least two weeks before the tour starts.

India

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information.

New Digital Arrival Card

Travellers from the UK, US, EU and Canada must also complete a Digital Arrival Card. This can be filled online up to 72 hours before arrival via the official Indian visa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. This is separate from the Indian e-visa process and this remains the same. Physical cards will remain at the arrival airport until 1 April 2026, at which point the Digital Arrival Card will be made mandatory.

This journey is designed to deepen your connection to Northern India through its food and drink. From an innovative welcome dinner to a private home-cooked meal shared with a family in Delhi, every encounter celebrates flavour and connection. Dine by firelight in Ranthambhore after a day in the wild and enjoy refined Rajasthani cuisine throughout.

During October/November and February/March/April, the days are normally warm to hot and nights cool or mild. Humidity is very low with little or no rain. Evenings in Delhi can be surprisingly cool. It gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings in December and January and warm clothes are essential. Fog is also a real possibility during this period. Please note, night-time temperatures in Delhi can be very cold and only a little above freezing in December and January.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

We also weave Signature Legacy moments into your itinerary, so the positive impact of your trip lasts long after your stay. These are moments to remember which help people and nature thrive, ensuring you build a harmonious, positive connection with the places you visit.

On this journey, you can:

Join the Wildlife Director of Nalla’s Ark Foundation for an engaging talk on Indian wildlife and conservation before a guided game drive in Ranthambhore National Park with a wildlife photographer.
Engage with women-led and craft-based initiatives that celebrate creativity and empowerment, from Delhi’s Insha-e-Noor embroidery collective and Ranthambhore’s Dastkar Cooperative to Jaipur’s Nila House and Pink City Rickshaw Company, each fostering sustainable livelihoods and preserving India’s artistic heritage.