Claire's educational trip to North India with Peirce & Leslie was truly special. It was a beautiful whirlwind of culture, colour, history and incredible service across Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
From the moment we arrived in Delhi, Peirce & Leslie took care of everything. We were greeted at the gate, assisted with our bags, and whisked away by a driver with chilled water and snacks at the ready. Their attention to detail was impressive, from tipping bathroom attendants to expertly navigating local markets. Their comfortable, air-conditioned coaches ensured everyone had a window seat, and the guides throughout were warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful.
Delhi – The Oberoi New Delhi
A serene sanctuary in the heart of the city, The Oberoi New Delhi is all about light, height, and space. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of either Humayun’s Tomb or the Delhi Golf Course. My Premier Plus room on the third floor was beautifully styled with a pop of teal (my favourite!) and incredibly spacious at 51 square metres. Like all Oberoi properties, the hotel embraces the "Tree of Life" philosophy: Oberoi is the tree, the hotels its branches, and guests the leaves, nurtured at every step.
Agra – The Oberoi Amarvilas
Just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, this is the place to stay in Agra. Inspired by Mughal palaces, the hotel features fountains, terraced lawns, reflection pools, and pavilions. All rooms face the Taj, and golf cart transfers make sunrise visits seamless. The Mughal-style architecture, lush gardens, and tranquil pool area made it hard to leave.
Jaipur – The Oberoi Rajvilas
Set across 32 acres of landscaped gardens, this resort is designed to evoke the grandeur of a Rajasthani fort. Located about 45 minutes from the city centre, it’s an ideal retreat, perfect for sightseeing in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. I stayed in a spacious, air-conditioned Luxury Tent, complete with 45 square metres of interior space, a private garden. The peacocks wandering the grounds were a cute bonus.
Udaipur – The Oberoi Udaivilas
This lakeside palace was a true highlight. With domes, grand courtyards, and regal architecture, it felt every bit the royal retreat. My Premier Pool View Room was peaceful and private, and a spa facial was the perfect indulgence. Dining at sunset overlooking Lake Pichola with live music was a magical finale to the trip.
India is vast and diverse country. From the green avenues of Delhi to the lakes of Udaipur, every destination offered something distinct in history, culture, and energy. Travelling with Peirce & Leslie was wonderful, from expertly timed visits and insightful guides to the little touches that made all the difference.
Delhi
Delhi is a city of contrasts; modern and ancient, peaceful and chaotic. We explored Humayun’s Tomb, Kartavya Path, India Gate, Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. A full day of sightseeing in Old Delhi reminded us just how invaluable our Peirce & Leslie guide, Vikas, truly was. His vast knowledge and confident navigation through the bustling streets made for an incredible and memorable experience. As one of the greenest capitals in the world, Delhi continues to surprise, with active archaeological sites still uncovering stories from its layered past.
Agra
Steeped in Mughal grandeur, Agra enthrals you with its monumental architecture and history. You simply can’t go past the Taj Mahal. We were lucky enough to experience it at both sunrise and sunset, what a treat! We visited the impressive Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). I think that a one-night stay here is perfect – arrive mid-morning, explore Agra Fort, have an afternoon by the pool, and then enjoy sunset at the gardens overlooking the Taj. The next morning, visit the Taj for sunrise and you’re away.
Jaipur
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is regal, romantic, and rich with history. Our time included exploring the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar, both UNESCO World Heritage Site’s. We also got to visit City Palace where the royal family still resides. We had a memorable evening at Rambagh Palace which gave us a taste of Rajasthan’s royal elegance. Jaipur is also a gateway to wildlife sanctuaries and Ranthambore National Park, where you might spot tigers, leopards, and deer.
Udaipur
Set around seven man-made lakes, Udaipur is peaceful, picturesque, and the perfect finale to a vibrant itinerary. We explored the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, the Vintage Car Museum, and enjoyed a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. We also enjoyed an early morning cycling tour through the countryside.
India is captivating. From its dramatic shifts in geography and architecture to its ever-changing climates and vibrant population. North India in particular is a whirlwind of culture, colour, and contrast. The best time to explore this region is between October and March, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the rains of monsoon season. This itinerary was beautifully curated and executed by the team at Peirce & Leslie. Without them, the journey would have been overwhelming. For anyone looking to experience India in comfort and style, this is the way to go.
