Classic India

Handpicking the most memorable experiences for a first-timer to India can be challenging, especially when the country has so much to offer. In this trip, you get to experience the varied hues of India – contemporary vibe of a metropolitan, historical legacies left behind in stone, wild encounters with leopards, architectural splendour, ancient temples and the oldest living city of the world. These extraordinary cities and towns have morphed into famous travel haunts with their definitive vibe. Since we’ve been creating tailor-made trips for decades, we’ve included the most immersive and local experiences. By the end of it, you’ll feel like an insider.

In Mumbai, not only do you see the grand museums but also visit a fascinating open air laundry – a dhobhi ghat. But it is the cities in Rajasthan that are sure to leave your jaw dropped. Whether it is the old havelis (heritage homes) which haven’t aged, showcasing architectural prowess, a majestic fort on a rocky escarpment, crammed markets with shops drooped under bright textiles, the untamed wilderness offering a tryst with leopards in Jawai or the beauty of a lake city catching your breath. Later, you wend to Agra, home to the resplendent Taj Mahal and other Mughal monuments. Khajuraho’s exquisite temples, with their walls covered in intricate sculptures leave you mesmerised. The last leg of the journey takes you to Varanasi – the oldest city on earth – where labyrinth of streets in the old city spreads along the Ganges River. Sit on the stepped ghats and watch boat-loads of people in boats along the river. Heads bowed to the bevy of temples along the ghats. Let Varanasi slowly reveal its culture and eccentricities; crammed streets, timeless musicians, love for street-food and reams of exceptional woven fabrics. End the trip in the capital, Delhi, lauded as one of the most atmospheric cities that will offer you a glimpse of the old and new.