Curator’s statement
My visit to India hit all the senses at once. There are bright colors everywhere, from the flower and vegetable markets to the local clothes and brightly painted buildings. There is sound coming from prayer and horns and people moving through the streets. There are tons of good smells coming from endless food stalls offering some of the best meals found here, spices of the markets, and animals roaming the streets, a part of it all. It’s not hard to place yourself in the middle of all the hustle and bustle and feel completely in the mix of the day-to-day energy, and it’s a great contrast to the quiet, beautiful hotels where your start and end your days. This trip is very flexible with time spent in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Regardless of how you organize your time, it's unforgettable.
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Things to do in India
Delhi
It’s nice to mix the old with the new here. We started our day at Lodhi Gardens, which is in the middle of the city. You can see locals on their morning walk and kids playing, all mixed with historic tombs. After that gentle start, it's time to move on to Chandi Chowk and get some of your first tastes of amazing street food. This high-energy area is busy, loud, and full of spice shops and all sorts of markets.
Afterwards, we ended up visiting some local designers found on global runways with tiny shops in a remote neighborhood. The style and clothing were incredible. Delhi is full of hidden treasures.
Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO site, is another peaceful place to visit and take in some beautiful history from the Mughal era. Before or after busy markets, it’s a lovely place to explore.
Agra
We took a day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, but you could easily spend a full day here. An overnight would allow you to see the sun rise over one of the world’s most iconic sites. Either way, it is not to be missed and worth the long drive! Booking a tour beforehand allows you to skip long lines and have a personal photographer along for the day.
Jaipur
Jaipur is called the pink city and was my favorite destination. You will spend a full day at the Amber Fort. Between the climb and the views and the details inside the palace, it is one of Jaipur’s most impressive experiences.
Plan to wake up early one day here and go explore the flower and vegetable markets that disappear by midmorning. You can follow this by joining locals in morning prayer, which feels like choosing joy to start the day. From there, have some local chai and street food before shopping in one of Jaipur’s famous locations.
A nice way to change the pace is an overnight at Dera Amer. Just outside the city, you can glamp here, spend time with rescued elephants, and hike in the evening to try to catch a glimpse of local leopards in their natural habitat. I loved it here!
Places to eat & drink in India
Paranthe Wali Gali
First street food for your morning in Chandi Chowk. Has been around for generations.Ghalib Kabob Corner
Not easy to find, but absolutely worth the effort. A small, local favorite known for deeply flavorful kebabs.Indian Accent
A polished, upscale experience with a thoughtfully crafted tasting menu. Ideal for a special night and a different take on Indian cuisine.Lassiwala
Extremely popular and often crowded, but worth braving the mob. Don't miss this refreshing drink.Bar Palladio
A really beautiful setting with its signature blue-and-white design. Go for the atmosphere as much as the drinks—it’s an easy, elegant way to end the day.
Need to know
A few nights of luxury at Six Senses Fort Barwara at the end of your trip is a nice addition. This beautiful space is directly across from a 14th-century temple that you reach by a memorable stair climb, and it's close to Ranthambore, where you have the chance of seeing wild Bengal tigers.
Travel Advisor
Emily Gordon
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our India page.