The best way to experience luxury travel in India is through a personalised, well-paced itinerary that blends exceptional comfort with cultural immersion. In a country known for its contrasts and complexity, luxury isn’t just about five-star hotels - it’s about thoughtful details, insider access, and a journey shaped around your interests.

Begin in India’s historic and cosmopolitan cities - Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Udaipur - where world-class properties like The Imperial, Rambagh Palace, and the Taj Mahal Palace offer a refined base. These hotels are more than just places to stay, they’re heritage landmarks that bring India’s royal and colonial past to life.

A key element of luxury travel in India is having your own private driver and vehicle. This allows total flexibility: whether you want to linger longer at a local market, stop for an impromptu photo, or skip a planned activity in favour of relaxing poolside. You travel at your own pace, with the freedom to make the journey your own.

Enhance the experience with curated highlights: embark on a Ganges or Brahmaputra river cruise aboard a boutique ship, board the Maharajas Express for a regal rail journey, or set out on a private wildlife safari in parks like Ranthambhore or Kanha, staying at top-tier lodges like Sujan Sher Bagh or Banjaar Tola.

In South India, unwind on a private houseboat in the Kerala backwaters or escape to a plantation retreat in the Western Ghats. These serene settings offer Ayurvedic wellness treatments, local cuisine, and a chance to slow down and soak in the natural beauty.

Add to that private guides, exclusive access to cultural sites, high-end dining, and boutique experiences - from museum visits led by historians to rooftop dinners overlooking Mughal monuments - and you have a trip that is as enriching as it is comfortable.

Luxury travel in India is best done privately and at your own pace, with space to explore, reflect, and connect.

India offers an extraordinary range of heritage hotels that go beyond comfort, immersing guests in the country’s layered history and architectural traditions. These properties, often former royal residences or colonial mansions, offer unique stays that are rich in atmosphere, character, and story.

In Udaipur, the Taj Lake Palace is perhaps India’s most iconic heritage hotel. Floating like a dream in the middle of Lake Pichola, this 18th-century white marble palace is accessible only by boat. With its royal suites, impeccable service, and views of the Aravalli Hills and City Palace, it offers an unparalleled romantic escape.

In Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace still serves as the residence of the royal family while also functioning as a luxurious hotel. Built in the Art Deco style, it combines grandeur with museum-worthy interiors and commanding views over the Blue City and Mehrangarh Fort.

Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace offers a taste of regal life, having once been the home of the Maharaja. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it delivers old-world elegance with marble corridors, crystal chandeliers, and traditional high teas on the lawn. For a more boutique take on palace living, Rajmahal Palace RAAS presents a playful and stylish interpretation of heritage, with whimsical decor and a more intimate atmosphere.

In Delhi, The Imperial stands as a striking example of colonial heritage. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this Art Deco hotel is lined with historic artwork and vintage photos, offering a refined base near Connaught Place with one of the city’s most atmospheric bars.

For travellers looking beyond the major cities, Ahilya Fort in Maheshwar offers a peaceful, lesser-known gem perched above the Narmada River. Still run by descendants of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the fort provides a personal and culturally rich stay, with locally inspired cuisine and stunning views.

Rajasthan also offers distinct countryside retreats like Chhatra Sagar, a luxury tented camp set beside a reservoir on a former royal hunting ground. While not a palace, it delivers heritage-inspired design and immersive rural experiences with modern comforts.

Just outside Jaipur, Samode Palace stands out for its intricate frescoes, Mughal-Rajput architecture, and a quiet, romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, Dev Shree in Deogarh, a smaller, family-run haveli set beside a lake, offers personalised service and deep connections with the local community - a perfect option for those wanting authenticity without sacrificing comfort.

Each of these heritage stays tells its own story, offering guests a chance to not just see India’s history, but live in it. Whether you’re seeking opulence, quiet charm, or something off the beaten path, there’s a heritage hotel to match.

India’s best five-star hotels are spread across its major cities, cultural capitals, and scenic retreats, offering a wide spectrum of luxury - from grand palace stays to sleek urban towers and serene nature-based resorts. Here's a guide to where you’ll find the finest five-star hotels across the country.

Delhi
As the capital, Delhi is home to several world-class five-star hotels. The Imperial is a standout, known for its colonial charm and central location. The Leela Palace New Delhi offers regal interiors and exceptional service, while The Oberoi New Delhi combines understated elegance with cutting-edge wellness and dining.

Mumbai
Mumbai blends business with glamour, and its hotels reflect that. The Taj Mahal Palace, overlooking the Gateway of India, is a true icon. The Oberoi Mumbai and The St. Regis offer sleek, contemporary luxury, while The Four Seasons is known for its city views and rooftop bar.

Jaipur
In the Pink City, you’ll find opulence rooted in royal heritage. Rambagh Palace is a former royal residence turned palace hotel, while The Oberoi Rajvilas offers a resort-like setting with Mughal-inspired villas and luxury tents.

Udaipur
A city famous for lakes and romance, Udaipur hosts some of India’s most spectacular five-star hotels. Taj Lake Palace is a floating marble palace in Lake Pichola. The Oberoi Udaivilas, set on 50 acres by the lake, is known for its grand domes, courtyards, and impeccable service.

Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences and still home to the royal family, offering guests a rare blend of Art Deco glamour and Rajput tradition. RAAS Jodhpur adds a modern boutique touch with views of Mehrangarh Fort.

Kolkata
In the cultural capital, The Oberoi Grand stands out with colonial-era charm and central convenience. ITC Royal Bengal offers expansive luxury with a distinctly Eastern Indian aesthetic.

Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai, set by the Bay of Bengal, is known for its ornate architecture and sea views. Taj Coromandel blends South Indian design with global elegance, making it a favourite among business and leisure travellers.

Goa
Goa’s best five-star hotels combine beachside relaxation with high-end service. The Leela Goa and Taj Exotica are top picks in the south, while W Goa offers a trendier take near Vagator.

Kerala
In Kerala, five-star resorts often focus on wellness and nature. Kumarakom Lake Resort and The Zuri Kumarakom sit on the backwaters, offering Ayurvedic treatments, serene views, and traditional architecture. The Leela Kovalam provides cliffside luxury with sweeping ocean vistas.

Himalayan Retreats
For mountain luxury, Wildflower Hall (Oberoi) in Shimla offers colonial elegance in a cedar forest, while The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg provides alpine luxury with ski access in winter.

India’s five-star hotels are not just places to stay: they’re destinations in themselves.

India is home to some of the world’s most exceptional luxury trains, offering travellers a refined and immersive way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. These trains are not just modes of transport - they are all-inclusive experiences, complete with elegant interiors, gourmet dining, curated off-train excursions, and attentive service.

The Maharajas Express is widely regarded as India’s most luxurious train. Designed to evoke the opulence of royal travel, it features spacious cabins, a fine-dining restaurant, a lounge bar, and even private butlers. The itineraries span iconic destinations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Varanasi, with highlights like private Taj Mahal visits, tiger safaris in Ranthambhore, and cultural performances in palace settings. Its signature journeys - such as Treasures of India and Heritage of India - are among the most sought-after rail experiences in the country, and some would argue the world.

Another classic is the Palace On Wheels, a pioneer of luxury train travel in India. Modelled after the historic coaches used by Rajasthan’s maharajas, it offers a regal experience with vintage décor, modern comforts, and a route that covers Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. Passengers enjoy guided tours of forts and palaces, wildlife safaris, and onboard hospitality that reflects Rajasthan’s famed warmth.

The Deccan Odyssey brings a more contemporary luxury experience, often called a “blue limousine on rails.” It explores the western and central regions of India, with itineraries through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and the Konkan coast. Onboard facilities include a spa, plush lounges, and fine dining. Journeys like the Indian Sojourn and Maharashtra Splendour showcase historic forts, vineyards, ancient cave temples, and vibrant cities.

For those interested in South India, the Golden Chariot is the premier option. With carriages inspired by traditional Dravidian architecture, the train offers journeys through Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. Travellers can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hampi, visit the Mysore Palace, cruise the backwaters of Kerala, and unwind at coastal resorts - all while enjoying the train’s onboard spa, bar, and elegant dining cars.

Though currently suspended, the Royal Rajasthan On Wheels once offered a similar experience to the Palace on Wheels, with extended stops in Rajasthan and additional visits to Khajuraho and Varanasi. It remains a part of India’s luxury rail legacy.

Travelling by luxury rail in India is about slowing down and enjoying the journey, with every detail taken care of. If you're seeking comfort, culture, and seamless travel, there’s no better way to see the country.

Absolutely! At India Unbound, we can seamlessly include a boutique river cruise as part of a longer luxury India itinerary. Whether you're interested in a classic journey through North India or an off-the-beaten-track exploration of the East, a river cruise adds both variety and depth to your experience.

A Ganges river cruise between Varanasi and Patna, or a Brahmaputra journey through Assam, can be built into a broader itinerary that includes five-star hotels, private guides, and curated cultural experiences. These cruises offer a slower, more immersive way to see India - gliding past temples, villages, tea estates, and wildlife reserves - while still enjoying the comforts of a well-appointed ship, gourmet meals, and expert-led shore excursions.

We take care to ensure the transitions between land and water are smooth, with private transfers, flexible pacing, and time to unwind before or after the cruise. For example, a Golden Triangle itinerary can easily be extended to include a river cruise in the east, or paired with time in Kolkata, Sarnath, or Kaziranga National Park.

With India Unbound, every journey is custom-made - so if a river cruise is something you'd like to include, we’ll tailor the itinerary to suit your interests, travel style, and preferred pace.

Yes, absolutely—you can hire a private driver and guide for luxury trip to India. In fact, it’s at the heart of how we design our journeys at India Unbound.

Unless otherwise mentioned, all of our custom-made itineraries are built around private touring. That means you’ll have your own vehicle, driver, and local guides throughout your trip. This level of service allows for complete flexibility - you’re not bound to a group schedule or fixed route. Want to take a spontaneous detour, stop for a photo, or spend more time at a place that captures your interest? With your own car and driver, you can.

Our professional, English-speaking drivers provide a comfortable, safe, and seamless way to travel between destinations, and are on hand throughout the day to make your journey smooth. In each location, we arrange expert local guides - people who bring cultural sites, local stories, and hidden corners to life with genuine insight and enthusiasm.

At India Unbound, we believe luxury travel is about more than just hotels - it’s about the freedom to explore India at your own pace, with the convenience and care of a fully private experience.