India

SAVOR

Traditional Indian flavors from the country's top kitchens to unforgettable meals prepared in family homes

EXPLORE

Ancient temples, bustling bazaars, audacious megacities and quiet rural villages

DISCOVER

Delhi and Mumbai, the desert strongholds of Rajasthan, the majestic wildlife of Jamtara, Goa to the Himalayas

Why India

Inspiring, uplifting, motivating, humbling. India is a refreshing cleanse for the soul. It’s a place where artisans show you work honed through generations, families invite you into their homes for traditional meals, and you're treated like royalty in palaces that have only floated by in dreams. It’s at once unstoppably refined and authentically raw. This is a place that changes how you see the world forever.

Moments That Matter

Traverse from kinetic city hubs to tranquil jungle outposts. Explore Old Delhi by rickshaw, the desert jewel of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, a literal floating palace in Udaipur, the back alleys and beaches of Mumbai. Meet local artists and traditional craftspeople, eat in humble family homes and at some India's swankiest modern kitchens. Then, relax at a remote jungle camp for a true Indian safari experience.

Your Private Experience

Who It’s For

An exceptional itinerary designed to immerse you in India's most colorful and vibrant spots. It's a trip for the open-minded and intrepid looking for a five-star experience in one of the world's most mesmerizing destinations.

When to Travel

India is a year-round destination. Our favorite time of year is Mar - Oct, with the most pleasant weather and clear, sunny skies.

Make It Yours

The end-all-be-all of food journeys? More mountains and wildlife? More time on the beach? We cover a lot of ground in India, and can cater the itinerary depending on your interests.

Day by Day

Tour ancient markets, seek out spices and Bengal tigers, weave through regional cultures and cuisine. Each day of this trip is an unforgettable adventure—together, they are the India experience of a lifetime.

Days 1 - 2

There’s no city on earth quite like New Delhi, and it’s the perfect place to start your Indian adventure. In between richskaw rides and ancient shrines, you can meet local artists and artisans, or simply shop back-alley shops and some of Asia’s oldest and busiest markets. Eat at some of India’s most notable kitchens, and dive into the city’s dizzying array of sights and sounds.

  • Explore New Delhi city highlights
  • Old Delhi market tour
  • Opt for a hands-on cooking experience, museum visits, foodie tours
  • Welcome dinner in Khan Market

Days 3 - 4

We’ll fly you to the desert jewel of Jodhpur, in Rajasthan, known for iconic palaces, forts and temples set up on the hillside. Tour the markets around Old Jodhpur, rife with spice sellers and artisans crafting garments, then visit Mehrangarh (one of India’s oldest forts). Sample street food, eat alfresco with Jodhpur’s illuminated fort above you, and dine in the home of a local family for an authentic Indian feast unlike any other. This is truly special.

  • Fly from New Delhi to Jodhpur
  • Old Jodhpur walking tour
  • Private tour of local sites
  • Tour Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada
  • Meal with local family

Days 5 - 6

Today you’ll transfer south to Chanod, where your opulent 300-year-old palace awaits. Take a stroll and a welcome drink before lunch, a guided tour of traditional local delicacies hosted in a vibrant hand-painted room. For dinner, meet up for a hands-on introduction to your hosts’ favorite dishes. This is India at its most hospitable, and flavorful. Walk around Chanod Talao lake, led by a local expert. See the village way of life up close, then head off for a Jeep safari in the countryside. Top it off feasting on a traditional dinner at a historic palace named for its peacock residents, and stay warm by a bonfire into the evening.

  • Transfer from Jodhpur to Chanod
  • Traditional welcome ceremony and lunch
  • Authentic Indian cooking demonstration
  • Walking tour of Chanod with local expert
  • Jeep ride through the countryside

Days 7 - 8

The next two days are full of palatial perfection. Drive to Devigarh Palace for panoramic views and a seasonal lunch. Then it’s off to Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, built in the middle of the lake and ready for you to kick back like Indian royalty. Get acquainted with Udaipur, touring the iconic City Palace and Jagdish Temple as well as the city’s oldest quarters. Then, take a short flight to coastal Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Your unforgettable welcome dinner at Masala Library will take you on a gastronomic journey of Indian cuisine unlike any other.

  • Devigarh Palace tour and traditional lunch 
  • Transfer to Udaipur
  • Flight from Udaipur to Mumbai
  • Dinner at Mumbai's Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra

Days 9 - 10

Spend a day in Mumbai exploring, then trade city bustle for quiet countryside. You’ll fly to Nagpur, then drive to Jamtara Wilderness Camp and tiger sanctuary at the edge of pristine Pench National Park. Your private chef will prepare a feast under the stars for us, highlighting rustic Indian flavors and spices. Guided by Jamtara’s resident naturalists, ride through the preserve in search of monkeys, eagles, osprey, hawks, gaur herds, deer, wild boar—and above all, one of the reserve’s 55 elusive Bengal tigers.

  • Fly to Nagpur
  • Transfer to Jamtara Wilderness Camp
  • Jeep safari and wildlife viewing

Where We Sleep

Prepare for high style and grandeur in some of India's most stunning locations—from city to desert, coast to jungle

New Delhi

A modern spin on colonial design, with spacious rooms overlooking the city. The iconic greenery of the Lodhi Gardens peeks out from just down the road, and astounding architectural sites—from mosques to mausoleums to skyscrapers—vie for your attention in every direction.

Jodphur

It's the city’s first boutique hotel, with a distinctive look blending historical grandeur with modern comforts. It's clean and geometric, with all the right hints of old-world detail paying homage to Jodphur’s ancient walled city. A courtyard dinner with views of a spectacular 15th-century fortress? You simply can’t go wrong here.

Chanod

This 300-year-old palace is the epitome of imperial grandeur. The entire property has been painstakingly restored to its Raj-era glory, with exuberant suites washed in the brightest blues and pinks. It's one of the most sought-after heritage Indian retreats.

Udaipur

Our hotel—built on an island in the 18th century by a young prince with lavish tastes—is exquisite in every way. It's five-star luxury with all the amenities, whether you're looking for a spa treatment or an evening cocktail with an incomparable view.

Jamtara

Your own luxury wilderness camp surrounded by Arjuna and Banyan trees. Sleep in one of 10 luxury tented rooms overlooking the jungle, each artfully designed and distinctly modern, with private bathrooms. It's the perfect mix of high-end comfort with a front-row view of nature.

People Love MO/AD Private Departures

MO/AD was able to arrange special experiences that are impossible as an individual traveler or family. Amazing!
Christine N.
My trip was life-changing. I want to go on several more!
Hilary W.
I was very happy with how seamless and well-managed the trip was with everything along the way.
Ellen O.

FAQs

  1. How many people is this itinerary suitable for?

    We can plan a custom, private departure for any group size. Our custom trips are perfect for a couple wishing to travel on their own, a family, or a multi-generational group. If you’re looking to travel on one of our group departures on a private basis, a minimum number of travelers may apply.

  2. Can you curate an itinerary for a larger group?

    Yes, we can craft an unforgettable milestone celebration or company retreat for groups as large as 40 or more.

  3. What makes a MO/AD experience different?

    Our level of curation, care, and in-country connections. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We support you every step of the way with comprehensive itineraries, detailed day-by-day descriptions, insider destination info, and 24/7 dedicated support.

  4. How far in advance should I plan my trip?

    Preferably six to nine months in advance and earlier for holiday travel. We stay in unique, in-demand boutique and luxury hotels where advance reservations are important to secure the best accommodations possible. We can help with last-minute travel planning, however availability may be limited.

  5. What is typically included?

    We curate your MO/AD Private Departure to ensure the experiences are authentic, immersive, and included in your trip price. Your itinerary typically includes accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for all day trips and excursions, privately guided tours with local guides, exclusive VIP access and activities, and meals as detailed in your itinerary.

  6. How much will it cost?

    MO/AD Private Departures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by destination, time of year, number of people in your group, and types of activities you prefer.

  7. What's not included?

    MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, gratuities for local guides, hotel incidentals, and any activities and meals not included in your itinerary.

  8. What deposits are required?

    After learning more about you, your interests, preferred style of travel, dates, and budget, we will present you with initial ideas and examples of what we can plan for you. In order to design a detailed itinerary and check availability, there is a $500 non-refundable planning deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost. Once your itinerary is perfect, we require a 25% non-refundable confirmation deposit to start confirming all of your arrangements. Many of our local partners and hotels require additional advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip cost is due 90 days prior to travel.

  9. What travel documents are needed?

    India requires a valid passport and travel visa for all international visitors. Your passport should be valid at least six months after your return date and have two unused pages. If you are traveling to India purely for recreation, you may be eligible to apply for an e-Tourist Visa.

  10. Where can I find the complete terms of my booking?

    See our Terms & Conditions for complete details about our policies regarding your MO/AD Private Departure booking.