Lifestyle Trend: Top 5 Luxury Experiences In India That Redefine Indulgent Travel | Travel News You Should Know

The Deccan Odyssey, part of Ebix Travels, is among India’s most celebrated luxury rail journeys, often referred to as the country’s “Blue Train” for its seamless blend of old-world grandeur and modern indulgence. Designed as a moving five-star hotel, the train features Deccan-inspired interiors reminiscent of royal carriages, with spacious en-suite cabins, fine-dining restaurants, a refined bar lounge, spa and wellness facilities, and discreet, attentive service.

Conceptualised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the Deccan Odyssey offers immersive six- to eight-day itineraries across Western, Central, and Northern India, covering destinations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Each journey pairs onboard comfort with carefully curated excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, royal forts, vineyards, wildlife parks, and historic cities. With a limited number of guests and the ease of waking up to a new destination each morning, the Deccan Odyssey offers a refined, fatigue-free way to experience India’s cultural depth and geographic diversity.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur – A Floating Palace Stay

There are hotels, and then there are places that feel like a scene. Taj Lake Palace is exactly that. Set in the middle of Lake Pichola, this 18th-century marble palace appears to float on water, glowing softly at sunrise and turning almost theatrical at dusk. Arrival by private boat instantly sets the tone for a stay rooted in romance, elegance, and heritage.

Inside, carved arches, frescoed corridors, and antique décor create a world that still feels genuinely royal, while Taj’s signature hospitality ensures every detail feels effortless. From lake-facing suites and intimate courtyards to candlelit dinners by the water and thoughtfully curated cultural moments, the experience feels personal and cinematic. Taj Lake Palace isn’t just a luxury stay, it’s one of India’s most iconic ways to experience royal living.

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur – Modern Royalty, Done Perfectly

The Oberoi Udaivilas is often spoken about in the same breath as the world’s best hotels,  and it earns that reputation quietly, through consistency, detail, and atmosphere. Built along the banks of Lake Pichola, it captures the grandeur of Rajasthan’s palaces with domes, courtyards, colonnades, and reflection pools, while maintaining a deeply modern sense of polish.

The suites are spacious, serene, and designed for privacy, with select accommodations offering private pools and uninterrupted lake views. What truly sets Udaivilas apart is the feeling of ease, service that anticipates needs without intrusion, experiences planned with discretion, and spaces that never feel loud or crowded. Add curated spa rituals, fine dining by the water, and instinctive hospitality, and you have a stay that redefines luxury in India.

SUJÁN JAWAI, Rajasthan – Private Leopard Safari in Style

Jawai is one of India’s most extraordinary landscapes, raw granite hills, open skies, and a thriving leopard population that makes every safari feel rare and thrilling. SUJÁN JAWAI transforms this rugged wilderness into an ultra-luxury experience that is both intimate and adventurous.

The camp is designed with understated elegance: luxury tents and suites that blend earthy textures with contemporary comfort, complemented by warm, personalised hospitality. Days revolve around privately guided safaris led by expert trackers, offering exceptional opportunities to spot leopards and other wildlife in a region that is far less crowded than traditional national parks. Evenings are where Jawai truly shines—sundowners among the rocks, dinners under the stars, and a profound stillness that feels like the ultimate indulgence. This is luxury that cannot be manufactured, the landscape itself does most of the magic.

Kerala Backwaters – A Private Luxury Houseboat Cruise

Some luxury experiences are about drama and grandeur; the Kerala backwaters are about calm, beauty, and slowing down. A private luxury houseboat cruise through these tranquil waterways is one of India’s most restorative indulgences, offering a front-row seat to palm-fringed canals, village life, and expansive, shimmering lagoons.

The finest houseboats feel like floating boutique hotels, with spacious air-conditioned suites, private decks with panoramic views, tailored service, and freshly prepared Kerala cuisine cooked onboard. Days unfold unhurriedly, coconut groves drifting by, quiet waters, birdsong, and golden sunsets that soften everything around you. Ideal for travellers seeking privacy without isolation, this is luxury that feels natural rather than performative. In a country known for its high-energy beauty, the backwaters are a reminder that sometimes the most premium experience is simply peace.