Luxury holiday rentals in India

Get closer to Mughal India with a trip to Jaipur. Called the "Pink City" due to the colour of the buildings in its historic centre, the City Palace and, in particular, its Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). However, take time to explore other attractions, such as the Amber Fort. Jaipur is also the ideal place to shop for jewellery and block-printed fabrics.

This South Indian hill town is the perfect destination to get away from it all. Its pine woods, waterfalls, lakes, and flower-cloaked hills invite leisurely exploration. Kodaikanal​ lake and its "Silver Cascade" waterfall are two of the highlights.

A bewildering but bewitching mixture of history and contemporary life, Delhi must be seen to be believed. Do not miss seeing India Gate, the huge Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, the crowded bazaars of Old Delhi, and the elegant modern shopping facilities around Connaught Place.

Lying beneath Kanchenjunga​, its tea plantations, colonial-era buildings, and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway epitomise India's best-known hill station. Come here to enjoy the spectacular views and glimpse India in the era of the Raj.

Situated on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is Hinduism's holiest city. Rich and poor alike gather at the river to partake in dawn prayer rituals or to attend the cremation of their dead at one of the "burning ghats". On a lighter note, the city is well-known for its beautiful silks, so remember to make time for some shopping.