Embark on a journey that blends cultural grandeur with tropical serenity on this unforgettable North India & Maldives tour. Begin amidst the vibrant colors, majestic palaces, and sacred temples of Rajasthan—where the legacy of maharajas and bustling bazaars captivate your senses. Then, escape to the Maldives, where your private overwater villa awaits, surrounded by turquoise lagoons and endless horizons. This seamless fusion of adventure and relaxation offers the ultimate balance: the rich heritage of India’s golden triangle and the barefoot luxury of an island paradise.
From Delhi to Male trip; 13 days
Highlights:
- Experience the Taj Mahal’s marble glow at sunset, creating memories of its timeless beauty.
- Stroll Jaipur’s morning markets, savoring local flavors as the city’s daily rituals unfold.
- Snorkel among manta rays in Maldives' Hanifaru Bay, a rare UNESCO-protected wonder.
- Explore the zero-waste island of Maalhos, learning about sustainability from locals.
- Unwind in your private villa, and enjoy spa treatments curated by your Destination Expert.
Day 1: Delhi
For your added comfort, an English-speaking airport representative will be waiting for you at your airplane's aerobridge holding a sign with your name on it. After you are accompanied through the airport and assisted through airline and/or customs-related processes, a porter will help your party with suitcase collection (up to three pieces per guest). The representative will then help you meet up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
Accommodation: The Imperial
Day 2: Delhi
Old Delhi is steeped in history, with a stunning range of UNESCO World Heritage monuments to spend a day exploring. Meet with your private driver and guide discover a selection of these awe-inspiring historical monuments. Start with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Red Fort, the captivating historic fort that served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years. It was constructed as the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s new capital, Shahjahanabad when he moved his capital from Agra to bring prestige to his reign. The sprawling fort is 1.5 miles long and ranges in height from 60 to 110 feet. The architecture bears a resemblance to Agra Fort. Next, visit Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 239 feet in height. The minaret is surrounded by many buildings that are fine examples of Indian artwork dating back to 1193 and forms the Qutab complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun’s Tomb, a complex of Mughal-style buildings dating to the Slave Dynasty of 1268-1287 AD. The complex is the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India, and the mausoleum is built in a similar style as the Taj Mahal in Agra. At the end of the day, return to your hotel by private vehicle.
Indulge in a dining experience to remember, with a Chef’s Tasting Menu at the world-renowned Indian Accent. Indian Accent showcases innovative, contemporary Indian cuisine by complementing the flavours and traditions of India with global ingredients and techniques. Its ground-breaking menu has been designed by acclaimed Chef Manish Mehrotra, who has been called the most exciting modern Indian chef in the world today. During this six-course Chef's Tasting menu each dish is paired with an expertly chosen wine from India and across the world, offering a complete dining experience.
Accommodation: The Imperial
Day 3: Delhi to Agra
Meet with your private driver and settle in for a transfer from Delhi to Agra. Approximate driving time is 4 hours.
Meet with your private driver and guide, and set out for a stunning natural display of light over the Taj Mahal during sunset. As daylight wanes, the translucent white marble comes alive with a faint blush of warm rose, giving way to a stunning golden hue depending on the angle. Walk through the compound surrounding the Taj Mahal as the sunset’s spectacle plays out against the dramatic backdrop of the marble dome, displaying the changing colors in the compound’s reflecting pools. Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site during the golden hour is a photographer’s delight. After your visit, return to your hotel by private vehicle.
Accommodation: Oberoi Amarvilas
Day 4: Agra
A stunning monument to love, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Taj Mahal has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for centuries. Meet your private guide and driver for a private tour of this exquisite example of Mughal architecture crafted entirely out of white marble. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who passed away during childbirth, the iconic mausoleum rises above a well-manicured garden. The inside of the Taj Mahal is equally stunning, with elaborate inlay work comprised of precious and semi-precious stones. After your leisurely exploration of this New 7 Wonders of the World, continue by car to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, a red sandstone fort built on a bend of the Yamuna river. The Mughal Dynasty fort served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted to Delhi, and it is an impressive monument with rich architectural history.
The Taj Mahal can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but especially at sunrise and sunset. What is not widely known is that you could be in close proximity to it, yet hardly see other tourists. To find out for yourself, you and your private guide set out on the Heritage Walking Trail, which offers a glimpse of local life in the shadows of the Taj Mahal. Cross the Yamuna river and you will soon discover that there is more to this place than what any tour operator or guide book will tell you. Solitary corner turrets, ruined pavilions, Tombs, Mughal Pleasure Gardens and a whole set of smiling people who calls Agra their home. You will visit some of the lesser known riverfront monuments such as the Rambagh, a pleasure garden built by the first Mughal Babar, the Gyarah Sidi (11 Steps) that helped the early Mughals study star constellations, and the Itimad-ud-Daulah; all rare remnants of pre-Taj Architecture. All of these gardens are maintained by local residents. This walk culminates at Mehtab Bagh for a view of the Taj at sunset from across the river Yamuna.
Accommodation: Oberoi Amarvilas
Day 5: Agra to Jaipur
Meet your driver and settle in for a private transfer from Agra to Jaipur, with a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned ghost city, along the way. Meet with a local guide in Fatehpur Sikri to explore the ruins. Constructed during the second half of the 16th-century by Emperor Akbar, the "City of Victory" served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for approximately 14 years, until the capital was moved to Punjab and the city was later abandoned. The well-preserved complex of monuments and temples reflects the Hindu and Muslim architectural styles of the time, and houses one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. After your visit to the abandoned city, continue by private vehicle to Jaipur. Approximate travel time is 6 hours including touring.
Accommodation: Oberoi Amarvilas
Day 6: Jaipur
Following an early breakfast, meet your private guide and driver at your hotel and spend the day exploring some of Jaipur’s most iconic monuments. Begin the day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Maotha Lake. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the numerous mirrors, lighting up the entire room. Continue to Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. The monument is adorned in an ornate pale pink facade with a tiered baroque-like build. The original design was intended to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and public festivals in the streets below without being seen.
Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest sundial. The massive astronomical instruments were built from local stone and marble and the monument pays homage to 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period. From here, continue to the City Palace, a breathtaking 18th-century royal residence to the rulers of Jaipur. Wander through the sprawling complex and visit areas that have been converted to a museum illustrating the harmony of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Part of the palace, Chandra Mahal, is the home of the current Maharaja and is off-limits. End your day with a private transfer back to your hotel.
Complete your visit of the City Palace with a rooftop High Tea. With your guide, you’ll access the private halls of the Chandra Mahal, the luxurious private palace of the former Maharaja of Jaipur situated within the City Palace complex. The descendants of the royal family of Jaipur continue to use the palace as their residence, and today you’ll enjoy high tea on the rooftop pavilion.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Rajvilas
Day 7: Jaipur to Delhi
Jaipur slowly stirs to life in the morning, and these early hours of the day reveal a lot about the city's distinct personality. Meet with your private driver and guide for an early morning walk through the old city to get a feel for local daily life and how the city springs to life. During the morning, the first stirrings of activities occur as people begin to make their way to work, children go to school, and stores open their doors. Such dream like scenes and sequences are the very stuff that defines Jaipur. With your private guide, stroll through the back roads of the city, stopping to peruse ancient temples, catch a glimpse of the old houses of Jaipur, and appreciate the local architecture of the city and the significance of its entry gates. Pause at local food vendors for insight into the local dietary customs of the city. Visit the local community well, and dazzle your senses at the local flower market, flush with elaborate garlands destined for the city's temples. Please wear shoes that are easy to remove, as local temples will be visited. We recommend that you avoid carrying leather items with you today as they are not permitted inside the temples.
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Delhi. The transfer takes approximately 5.5 hours.
For your added comfort, an English-speaking airport representative will be waiting for you at your airplane's aerobridge holding a sign with your name on it. After you are accompanied through the airport and assisted through airline and/or customs-related processes, a porter will help your party with suitcase collection (up to three pieces per guest). The representative will then help you meet up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
Accommodation: JW Marriott Hotel Aerocity
Day 8: Delhi to Male to Baa Atoll
As you depart, an English-speaking airport representative will be waiting for you at the curbside in your vehicle's drop-off area. After a porter helps your party with suitcases (up to three pieces per guest), you are assisted through check-in and other airport related processes, and transported on a VIP cart to a departure lounge for your comfort, prior to boarding your flight.
A flight is required to take you to your next destination, and not currently not included on your itinerary. Please contact your Destination Expert if you would like us to book the flight for you.
For your added comfort, a representative will greet you upon your arrival at the airport. They'll be waiting for you outside of customs, holding a personalized sign with your name on it. Your assistant will provide a welcome package, escort you to your accommodation’s private lounge or pier (depending on the selected resort) and will assist with baggage and any queries you may have.
Transfer by seaplane from Malé International Airport to a local airport in the beautiful Baa Atoll where your resort is located. The journey is approximately 35 min.
Accommodation: Milaidhoo Island Resort
Day 9: Baa Atoll
During your stay at the Milaidhoo Island Resort, you can enjoy a plethora of extra activities, tours, and experiences (additional fees may apply, speak to your Destination Expert for more details). Some highlights include:
Fishing with a local – Join a Maldivian fisherman and learn the local way of fishing and the culture and history of Maldives.
Cooking with a Chef – Accept the chef's invitation to pick some local herbs with him and create a new dish together.
Sail on a Luxury Yacht – Sail across the atoll on a luxury yacht for a snorkeling adventure or the opportunity to spot the dolphins playing.
Exclusive Island Barbecue – Enjoy an excursion to a secluded, uninhabited island to snorkel or simply bask in the sun while a delicious barbecue is set up for you.
Water Activities & Sports – Surrounded by reefs and lagoons, Milaidhoo Island Resort sets the perfect tone for activities like diving, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, zayaking and snorkeling.
Accommodation: Milaidhoo Island Resort
Day 10: Baa Atoll
After breakfast, you will make your way on a boat to the UNESCO protected wonderland of Hanifaru Bay. Meet local, snorkeling and diving local experts who will take you to see the majestic manta rays. During the period from May to September you can see up to 200 Manta Rays in the bay. This phenomenon is called the Manta Feeding Frenzy, as the monsoon winds bring in millions of plankton into the bay, transforming it into ideal feeding grounds. You will also be provided with snorkeling equipment to navigate the serene waters with these gentle giants.
Accommodation: Milaidhoo Island Resort
Day 11: Baa Atoll
The Maldives set out with the most ambitious plastics phase-out plans to lead the world's efforts in sustainability. With the future of the ocean's biodiversity and health at stake, the residents of Maalhos took it upon themselves to create what is now the Maldives' first zero-waste island. Today, after a sumptuous breakfast, you'll be picked up by a speedboat that will take you on a day trip to Maalhos. Immerse yourself in the island life as you visit this tropical haven, and feel the deep sense and passion for environment preservation as you interact with the friendly local community. Smiling faces and warm hospitality welcome you to explore the beautiful reefs and learn about fantastic initiatives that make Maalhos genuinely unique. The tour comes to an end as you witness how coconut oil is made and indulge in a local Maldivian lunch before heading back to your resort.
Accommodation: Milaidhoo Island Resort
Day 12: Baa Atoll
Spend some time at leisure at the Milaidhoo Island Resort. Savor the luxury of space in your private villa or residence or soak in the glorious sun on the soft, sandy beach. Located on the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort sets an ideal setting to jump into the turquoise waters to explore the marine life or walk around at leisure around this boutique resort to discover the tropical greenery, fringed with white sand beaches. Get active in the Recreation Area with over water yoga and meditation, a game of billiards or even a sweaty session in the fitness studio. With unique experiences like sleeping under the stars on an isolated sandbank, which is transformed with the same comfort of your villa, as well as luxury African healing and spa treatments which incorporate the powers of botanicals, your stay in this blissful haven will be an unforgettable one.
Accommodation: Milaidhoo Island Resort
Day 13: Baa Atoll to Male
Today transfer back to the Malé International Airport by seaplane in time for your onward flight. Please consult the resort reception who will confirm your transfer time.
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: KT
