...Just back from
The Beauty of India
For First Timers
Sarah recently returned from an in-depth tour of India's colourful and exhilarating locales: bustling Delhi, iconic Agra, vibrant Jaipur and old-world Rajasthan.
"Putting into words the impact and impression that India had on me is an impossible task. The breadth, depth and magnitude of life found all around the country was life changing - in so many ways - and I can easily say I'd go back in a heartbeat. With its sumptuous mix of architectural beauty, riot of colour, chaos and crowds, sensory overload in its bustling markets, bewildering array of opulent palaces and sweeping landscapes, India imprints itself on your soul in ways that are both exhilarating and humbling. It’s a place that lingers long after you leave, calling you back to discover yet more of its endless layers."
Sarah Ward Hedges
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 sarah.wardhedges@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile
Welcome to Delhi
No trip to India can begin in earnest without first visiting Delhi, the power centre of a succession of mighty empires, the country’s capital, and a hub of tradition and innovation. Wander around Old Delhi, dating back to the 17th century, and discover the mighty, sandstone-coloured Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest and most impressive mosque. Then make your way to New Delhi – the modern city centre with tree-lined boulevards like The Rajpath, flanked by gardens and fountains. This path stretches from India Gate to the Presidential Palace.
A highlight beyond the usual haunts is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant market where the city comes alive and you can shop ’til you drop. The best time to go is in the evening with a guide: prepare to find an incredible array of cuisine, including sweets, freshly baked biscuits, and chai. In the evenings, rest your weary heads at The Imperial Hotel, an oasis of elegance in the heart of the city and a testament to Delhi’s colonial and artistic heritage, with its stunning Art Deco architecture and grand period furnishings.
Splendorous Agra
THE TAJ MAHAL AT SUNRISE
From Delhi, you’ll be escorted to Agra, the historic capital of the Mughal Empire, where you can experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise, witnessing its pristine marble change colour in the soft morning light – a truly unforgettable sight. Stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas, located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, offering unobstructed views of this iconic monument. Beyond the Taj, explore the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring grand halls, palaces, and gardens; visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often called the “Baby Taj,” known for its intricate marble inlay work; and wander through Kinari Bazaar for handicrafts and local treats such as the famous petha sweet.
Jaipur - India's Pink City
ENTHRALLING, HISTORICAL & THE GATEWAY TO INDIA’S MOST FLAMBOYANT STATE
Take your time exploring Jaipur, the Pink City, which unfolds like a dream in shades of sandstone and rose. Its bustling bazaars pulse with life, where artisans bend over intricate textiles, gleaming jewellery, and delicate Rajasthani handicrafts. The Pink Palace, or Hawa Mahal, isn’t a palace to wander through so much as a façade to marvel at, its latticed windows catching the morning light.
At 6 am, the Sheesh Mahal, the Temple of Mirrors, is astonishingly silent, the tiny mirrors reflecting the soft dawn in dizzying patterns that make time feel suspended. Another must-see is Amer Fort, which rises above the city in regal grandeur, its walls echoing centuries of history.
Six Senses Fort Barwara
A ROYAL PALACE OF WELL-BEING
Perched like a mirage of stone and sky in rural Rajasthan, Six Senses Fort Barwara is a 14th‑century fort turned sanctuary of wellness, and an absolute highlight for any trip to India. Here, every step feels like a conversation with history. Originally owned by a Rajasthani royal family and meticulously restored to honour its regal integrity, the fort now unfolds into 48 suites, exquisite gardens, and sacred courtyards that echo with local craft and culture.
The ethos here – wellness first, sustainability always – is tangible in the spa housed within the original women’s palace, where Ayurvedic treatments and mindful practices offer space to breathe and be present. Watch the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple rise against the sky, a rare site imbued with local myth and devotion, and beyond it the promise of Ranthambore’s wild tigers waiting on safari just a short drive away.
The review
India’s First True Luxury Camp
The Ultimate Travelling Camp uses ultra-luxe mobile camps to offer one-of-a-kind access to some of the most remote and spectacular corners of India.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Insight
A Jewel in the Indian Ocean
Trip idea
The Indian Big Five
