India’s diversity is unmatched, shaped by centuries of history and a landscape that spans from the glacial peaks of the Himalayas to the tropical shores of the Arabian Sea. Sights like the Taj Mahal are global icons, but for the modern luxury traveler there are plenty of opportunities for deeper immersion. According to Condé Nast Traveller, India has seen a 25% increase in “slow travel” bookings, focusing on wellness and remote heritage locations.
Here, our experts share nine answers to common questions for experiencing this fascinating country beyond the well-traveled path.
1. Where is the best place for a tiger safari in India?
Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh is the best choice for an intimate, high-end safari. Unlike the more popular Ranthambore, Pench offers a “Jungle Book” experience — as the real-life inspiration for the classic book — with fewer vehicles and higher exclusivity.
- Wildlife Highlight: Home to approximately 50 Bengal tigers, leopards, and Indian bison (Gaur).
- Luxury Accommodation: Treehouse lodges featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls and private viewing decks.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June (Peak sightings occur between March and May).
2. What are the best beaches in India for luxury travelers?
Goa, a state on the western coast of India, offers a range of beach experiences along the Arabian Sea. The shores of North Goa are lively and social with clubs and cafés, while South Goa offers a quieter, more relaxing contrast.
- North Goa: Best for vibrant social scenes, high-end beach clubs, and boutique dining.
- South Goa: Best for secluded, white-sand serenity and 5-star wellness resorts.
- Fact: Goa’s coastline stretches for over 60 miles, offering some of the most accessible luxury beachfront in Asia.
3. How can I experience the sacred rituals of Varanasi?
Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. To experience it with the comfort of a luxury itinerary, prioritize private boat charters during key ceremonies.
- Dawn Rituals: Observe the purification baths at the Ganges from a private sunrise boat tour.
- Ganga Aarti: An evening ceremony of fire and chants.
- Cultural Tip: Releasing a diya (oil lamp) onto the river is a traditional gesture of prayer and renewal.
4. Why is Ladakh called the “Roof of the World”?
Ladakh sits at an average altitude of over 9,800 feet. It is a high-altitude desert known for its stark Himalayan beauty and Buddhist culture.
- Must-See: Pangong Tso, a landlocked lake famous for its shifting shades of blue.
- Unique Feature: Minimal light pollution makes Ladakh one of the world’s top destinations for stargazing or astrotourism.
- Adventure: Private motorcycle tours or luxury glamping in the Nubra Valley.
5. What is the most romantic city in India?
Often called the “Venice of the East,” Udaipur is defined by its sophisticated lakeside architecture and the Aravalli Hills. Marble palaces on the shoreline lend the city a timeless, almost dreamlike quality.
- Key Attraction: The City Palace and the Lake Palace (Jag Niwas), which is one of the world’s most unique hotels.
- The Experience: Sunset boat cruises on Lake Pichola provide the most iconic views of the city’s marble architecture.
- Atmosphere: Refined, contemplative, and steeped in Rajput history.
6. Where should I go to experience India’s tea culture?
Located in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is a fabled center of global tea culture, producing the “Champagne of Teas.” The rolling estates that blanket the hillsides and nearby quiet villages provide a beautiful contrast to India’s bustling cities.
- Activities: Guided tastings, hands-on tea plucking, and stays in colonial-era planter bungalows.
- Scenic Highlight: Tiger Hill offers a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.
- Fact: Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to receive a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for its unique quality and flavor.
7. When is the Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela)?
The Pushkar Mela — held in northwestern Pushkar, Rajasthan — takes place every autumn (typically November) during the Kartik Purnima full moon. It is the world’s largest camel and livestock fair, as well as a celebration of music, rituals, and community. Visitors will discover an atmosphere that blends ancient traditions with a modern, carnival-like energy.
- Scale: The event attracts over 200,000 visitors and 50,000 animals annually.
- Luxury View: Hot air balloon rides offer a bird’s-eye view of the desert festivities, avoiding the crowds below.
8. What is the Shimla Toy Train?
The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a nostalgic way to experience the Himalayan foothills. The “toy” distinction comes from its narrow-gauge track, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, that is still a thrilling ride today.
- The Route: Crosses 864 bridges and passes through 102 tunnels.
- The Vibe: Nostalgic, slow-paced travel through lush valleys and pine forests.
- Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours of scenic ascent into the Himalayas.
9. Where is the best street food in India?
Chandni Chowk is the culinary heart of Delhi. Built in the 17th century, it remains one of India’s busiest and most authentic markets. Today it is celebrated as one of India’s best destinations for traditional street food. With tuk-tuks, rickshaws, and shoppers, the market is a snapshot of Delhi at its most exciting.
- Culinary Must-Tries: Seekh kebabs, paranthas, and traditional Indian jalebis.
- Shopping: A hub for high-quality textiles, hand-ground spices, and artisanal jewelry.
- Transport: Navigate the vibrant chaos comfortably via a private rickshaw tour.
How do I plan a custom trip to India?
Luxury travel in India is best with a curated itinerary that balances “must-see” monuments with “off-the-beaten-path” serenity — like these favorite experiences in the South. With Enchanting Travels, each journey is thoughtfully designed around your interests and travel style, bringing together places and moments that go beyond the expected.
However you choose to explore, we’ll help you to experience India in a way that feels entirely your own.
