Leopard safaris and royal palaces: The ultimate Bespoke India trip designed for adventure

Our Bespoke Behind the Scenes series lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&amp;R Experience Designers create for travellers. From multi-generational family reunions to once-in-a-lifetime journeys that explore remote destinations, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design adventures that meet every need and desire. Here, our traveller Erin shares the magic of her friend’s epic birthday celebration in India and Experience Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/karen-macrae">Karen McRae</a> reveals some of the details that went in to planning this unforgettable trip.&nbsp;<h2>Designing a Bespoke Luxury Journey Through India</h2>Hotels are microcosms of the places in which they sit. Villages within cities, they offer insight into culture, history and traditions while doing so in immaculately designed environments. In <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/india">India</a>, a country that vibrates with energy, hotels also offer a retreat that allows the sights and sounds to sink in.&nbsp;And they allow Karen McRae, our Experience Designer for South Asia, to engineer unforgettable surprises for travellers. On this particular <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/bespoke">Bespoke</a> trip, designed for a group of friends who wanted to actively explore India, Karen made sure to infuse every moment with authentic flair.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Iconic Hotels and Unforgettable Stays in Rajasthan</h2>A decorated elephant with music and dancers met the group when they arrived at the Oberoi in Udaipur. And she was especially excited for the group to stay at the Umaid Bhawan in Jodphur. “It's a true palace as it's still owned by the Maharaja. Not only is it historically important, but it’s utterly mind-blowing aesthetically,” she says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For Erin, one of the friends who had gathered with others for this 10-day journey, the highlight was a stay at Suhan Jawai Camp. The remote luxury safari camp among hidden trees and granite formations that leopards claim as home.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had on my travels thus far,” says Erin.&nbsp; “Being able to see beautiful leopards in their natural habitat was truly breathtaking.&nbsp; And the camp was so peaceful and the staff absolutely wonderful.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Along with game drives to catch sight of these stunning spotted creatures, Erin and friends also enjoyed a bush dinner nestled amongst the trees complete with private bar and entertainment. “I cried when we had to leave,” she says.&nbsp;<h2>Immersive Cultural and Wildlife Experiences in Northern India</h2>The goal for the group was to be immersed in the culture of India, “through its landscape, food, people and animals,” Erin explains. Paired with these incredible hotel stays were a multitude of active experiences. A day spent cycling through the rural outskirts of Delwara, past cattle farmers, agricultural fields and tiny villages, was capped with a grand picnic lunch. “We had a big tent set up with lunch by the lake as a surprise after a long, hot bike ride,” Karen says.&nbsp;There was a hike down the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, one of the six Hill Forts of Rajasthan in northern India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And Karen and the team on the ground surprised the group with horseback riding one day to celebrate Erin’s birthday.&nbsp; &nbsp;Their journey together ended with a red carpet experience—literally. The team at Umaid Bhawan set out a red carpet on the lawn of the hotel for a private dinner under the stars. “It was incredible, lit up against the backdrop of the hotel and the view of the fort,” Karen says.&nbsp;For the group, the trip was exactly what they hoped it would be. “All of my trips with B&amp;R have given me once-in-a-lifetime experiences where I feel as if I got a true glimpse into the culture in the most unique way possible,” say Erin.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Experience the ultimate bespoke India journey—where luxury meets adventure. From thrilling leopard safaris and immersive cultural moments to stays in iconic royal palaces, discover how a tailor-made itinerary brings the magic of Rajasthan to life.

India

India is like no other place in the world. You’ll see things that you would never have imagined and witness surprises you’ll never forget. As you travel through a vibrant collage of farmland and villages, hills and valleys, prepare to be overwhelmed by the people, the history and the chaos—and to be amazed by the sights, sounds, tastes and smells. India is not a country to elicit indifference. All your senses will be stimulated during your time here, so take the time to appreciate the enormity of the experience. &nbsp;

A tapestry of colour, culture and tradition

India | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Breathtaking Landscapes

Regional Expertise

Cultural Immersion

India doesn’t just show you things, it shakes you up—in the best way possible. One moment you’re dodging tuk-tuks in a city older than time, the next you’re sipping chai in a jungle retreat. With ancient temples, bold flavours and soul-stirring colour everywhere, India offers sensory overload, with meaning. And with our local friends, you get the real magic.

A kaleidoscope of vivid exploration

India Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Witness the Taj Mahal twice at golden hour, get exclusive access to Jaipur's shimmering pink City Palace after dark, and experience the rich culture, natural wonders and warm hospitality that make Rajasthan such a special place. When you're not hopping from one regal palace hotel to the next, you'll set out to track leopards on exhilarating safaris, discover why Jodhpur is dubbed the 'Blue City,' and follow your nose through secret bazaars to a kaleidoscope of spices and fragrant cuisine. This trek through India's most colour-infused state is a journey fit for the Maharaja, where the sights, sounds and flavours of rural Rajasthan are like sensory overload. 

In the Wild

Luxurious Stays

Historic Sites

India is sensory overload in the best possible way. Zipline Jodhpur’s blue skies, cycle hidden Rajasthan roads, and track leopards through Jawai’s hills (by jeep, of course). From candlelit forts and spice-scented kitchens to sunrise safaris and secret dinners, this 60th Anniversary ride is India served with a side of wonder—and plenty of masala.