Embark on The Sensory Trail, a luxurious, bespoke journey through India designed to engage all your five senses. From seeing iconic landmarks to tasting the rich flavours of local cuisine, each moment is crafted to immerse you in India’s cultural depth and beauty. Tailored for an unforgettable adventure.
Experience the breathtaking sight of the Taj Mahal, taste the exquisite flavours of Delhi’s finest cuisine, touch the opulent luxury of Benarasi silk, hear the soul-stirring sounds of Indian music, and smell the fragrant allure of spices and essential oils.
Designed for the discerning traveller, this exclusive itinerary invites you to connect deeply with India’s beauty, heritage, and essence in unparalleled comfort and style.
Inspiration Itinerary Details
Day 1: Taste
Arrival in Delhi
- Morning: Arrive in Delhi, check into ITC Maurya and settle in.
- Afternoon: Dive into a food walk through Old Delhi, sampling street food like parathas, kebabs, jalebis. Also see the chaos of Chandni Chowk, visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and other important monuments in the area.
- Evening: Dinner at the Bukhara offering modern takes on traditional Indian cuisine.
Day 2: Taste
Delhi
- Morning: After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast appealing to your taste buds with an elaborate fare and many cups of masala chai at the hotel, visit the India Gate, Connaught Place.
- Afternoon: Explore Humayun’s Tomb and the Lotus Temple. Later, visit Dilli Haat for handicrafts, textiles, and partake in delicious regional food.
- Evening: Visit Purana Qila for a light & sound show and enjoy dinner at a popular eatery like Indian Accent.
Day 3: See
Agra
Morning: Drive to Agra (approximately 4 hours). Check in to ITC Mughal.
- Afternoon: Visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb ("Baby Taj").
- Evening: see the most mesmerising sight – sunset over the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh. Dinner featuring local specialties like petha and Mughlai cuisine.
- Overnight in Agra.
Day 4: See
Agra
- Morning: after a delectable breakfast, explore Agra Fort, another UNESCO site with stunning views of the Yamuna River and drive to Fatehpur Sikri.
- Evening: Return to your hotel for a serene evening with a view of the Taj at sunset.
Day 5: Touch
Agra – Varanasi
- Morning: Arrive at Varanasi by flight and check in to BrijRama Palace.
- Afternoon: Visit traditional workshops to experience the weaving of Benarasi silk fabric, feeling the rich texture of these luxurious textiles.
- Evening: Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony, an ethereal experience along the riverbanks.
- Overnight at Varanasi
Day 6: Touch
Varanasi
- Morning: - Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges: Start your day early with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the stunning sunrise and the life along the ghats.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: After the boat ride, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Evening: Conclude your day with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, where priests perform a ritual with fire, incense, and chanting. It's a spiritually moving experience.
Day 7: Smell
Jaipur
- Morning: Fly to Jaipur and check into the ITC Rajputana.
- Afternoon: Delight in an exclusive spice workshop with a renowned Indian chef. Discover the unique fragrances, history and health benefits of Indian spices, enjoy a tasting session, and participate in a hands-on cooking class.
Learn to prepare a traditional dish using these aromatic spices, and take home recipes and spice samples to recreate the flavours yourself.
- Evening: Dinner at a traditional Rajasthani restaurant.
Day 8: Smell
Jaipur
- Morning: Visit the Amer Fort and City Palace, immersing yourself in the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal architecture.
- Afternoon: Take part in a block-printing workshop, feeling the textures of fabrics as you create your own patterns.
- Evening: Enjoy shopping in the bazaars of Jaipur, buying soft vibrant cottons, and fabrics unique to Rajasthan
Day 9: Sound
Jodhpur
- Morning: Fly to Jodhpur and check into Umaid Bhawan Palace - Visit Mehrangarh Fort for panoramic views and explore its museum.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the blue streets of the old city and visit the Jaswant Thada.
- Evening: Enjoy shopping and local cuisine at the vibrant Sardar Market.
Day 10: Sound
Sacred Spirit Festival
- Morning: Attend workshops and performances at the Sacred Spirit Festival, experiencing traditional music and dance.
- Afternoon: Continue with festival activities, including artisan stalls and cultural showcases.
- Evening: Relax and soak in the festival’s atmosphere, with live music and a festive dinner.
Day 11:
Carry back alluring tales of India, fly back to Delhi. The Sensory Trail concludes here.
Dates: month of February, 2025
Approximate cost for this itinerary per person on double occupancy: USD 12,000
My India Story Consulting Fees Per Person: USD 750
A vehicle will be at your disposal during the day along with a guide. The services are included in the approximate cost.
Cost for workshop, Sacred Spirit Music Festival is included in the itinerary.
Breakfast is included for all days. All other meals, shopping, spa treatments will be additional.
Please get in touch with our Australia Travel Consultant, Nandini Mehra, at xx@yy.
Image courtesy: Ministry of Tourism, GoI
Image courtesy: Ministry of Toursim, GoI
The Sensory Trail Experience is a bespoke, luxury journey that immerses you in the essence of South India through all five senses. Tailored for the discerning traveller, this unique itinerary takes you from the majestic temples of Mahabalipuram to the fragrant spice plantations of Kerala, and from the vibrant sounds of classical Indian music to the rich textures of Kanjeevaram silk. Indulge in handpicked experiences that connect you deeply to South India’s culture, offering a harmonious blend of luxury, tradition, and sensory exploration. Each day unfolds a new story, curated to delight your senses and enrich your soul.
Day 1: Taste
Chennai
- Morning: Arrive in Chennai, check in to ITC Chola. Enjoying a traditional South Indian breakfast with dosa, idli, and filter coffee.
- Afternoon: Explore the culinary delights of Mylapore, with an introduction to Chettinad cuisine.
- Evening: Relish a Tamil thali for dinner, highlighting the rich flavours of the region.
Day 2: Touch
Kanchipuram
- Morning: Travel to Kanchipuram and visit a silk weaving workshop to feel the luxurious Kanjeevaram sarees.
- Afternoon: Explore local temples, like the Ekambareswarar Temple, to learn about the spiritual side of Kanchipuram.
- Evening: Return to Chennai for a relaxed evening.
Day 3: See
Mahabalipuram
- Morning: Drive to Mahabalipuram and explore the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the beach, admiring the intricate rock carvings.
- Evening: Enjoy sunset by the shore, soaking in the views of ancient architecture.
- Overnight in Chennai
Day 4: See
Hampi
- Morning: Fly to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check into Evolve Back, Hampi
- Afternoon: Explore the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the iconic Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple.
- Evening: Enjoy sunset views from Matanga Hill, offering panoramic scenes of this historic landscape.
Day 5: See
Hampi
- Morning: Continue exploring Hampi’s stunning boulder-strewn landscapes and ancient temples.
- Afternoon: Visit the Royal Enclosure and the Lotus Mahal.
- Evening: Experience the serene atmosphere as you explore the Hampi bazaar.
Day 6: Smell: Spice and Ayurveda
Kumarakom
- Morning: Fly to Kochi, drive to Kumarakom, nestled on the backwaters of Kerala. Check in to CGH Coconut Lagoon
- Afternoon: Visit a spice plantation, inhaling the scents of fresh cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Evening: Indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage with essential oils for relaxation.
Day 7: Sound
Kumarakom Kathakali Performance
- Morning: Enjoy a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, experiencing Kerala’s tranquil waterways.
- Afternoon: Explore local villages along the backwaters, soaking in the region’s unique lifestyle.
- Evening: Watch a captivating Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama known for its vibrant costumes and expressive storytelling.
Day 8: Departure from Kochi
- Morning: Depart for Kochi, reflecting on your multi-sensory stories through South India’s culture, flavours, and natural wonders.
This extended itinerary offers a deeper dive into South India, blending rich cultural experiences with luxury and relaxation.
Dates: month of February, 2025
Approximate cost for this itinerary per person on double occupancy: USD 12,000
My India Story Consulting Fees Per Person: USD 750
A vehicle will be at your disposal during the day along with a guide. The services are included in the approximate cost.
Cost for workshop, Sacred Spirit Music Festival is included in the itinerary.
Breakfast is included for all days. All other meals, shopping, spa treatments will be additional.
Please get in touch with our Australia Travel Consultant, Nandini Mehra, at xx@yy.
