Lauren recently returned from a travel agent reward trip to India. The journey was hosted by Ventours, an exceptional India-based tour company specializing in travel throughout South Asia, and the trip featured stays at five stunning Oberoi luxury hotels along the way.

The adventure began in the capital, New Delhi, with several days of exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, temples, mosques, and government buildings. Highlights included weaving through the vibrant streets of Old Delhi by bicycle rickshaw and visiting the National Gandhi Museum for a moving look into the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Lauren’s stay at the elegant Oberoi New Delhi provided the perfect introduction to an upscale India travel experience, offering luxurious accommodations, excellent dining, a beautiful spa and pools, and sweeping views of the city. We were also treated to a memorable lunch and private tour at The Imperial Hotel, a historic luxury property that has been an oasis in the heart of the city since the 1930s.

Our next stop was Khajuraho, located in the heart of India about 400 miles southeast of New Delhi. Our stay at the newly opened Oberoi Rajgarh Palace was truly unforgettable. This beautifully restored 350-year-old Bundela dynasty palace sits atop a hill with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The renovation preserved many original architectural details, including the grand stone steps once used by elephants carrying goods to the palace. We stayed in the villa section, where the spacious and elegantly appointed rooms featured garden tubs and serene garden views.

One of the most exciting experiences in the region was a safari through the nearby Panna Tiger Reserve. After exploring the reserve in open-air jeeps and spotting monkeys, deer, sloths, and countless bird species, we were rewarded with an incredible sighting…a Bengal tiger on the hunt. We watched in awe as it successfully caught two deer. Today, more than 120 tigers call the reserve home.

Another highlight was visiting the remarkable Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. Originally consisting of 85 temples honoring both Hindu and Jain traditions, 22 remain today. These stunning sandstone temples are celebrated for their intricate carvings, remarkable symmetry, and masterful construction achieved entirely without mortar.

We then traveled to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra entered a new chapter in 1526 with the arrival of the Mughal Empire under the reigns of Emperors Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal itself was commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved fourth wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who requested a monument to symbolize their love before her passing. Visiting at sunrise offered a quieter and more peaceful experience, with cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and breathtaking views of the magnificent white marble mausoleum as it glowed in the morning light.

Our visit to Agra Fort revealed another layer of the city’s rich history. Surrounded by towering red sandstone walls, the fort is home to palaces, mosques, and grand audience halls that beautifully blend Islamic and Hindu architectural traditions.

Our stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas was exceptional, made even more memorable by stunning views of the Taj Mahal right from our rooms.

Next on the journey was Jaipur, famously known as the “Pink City” for the distinctive rose-colored buildings throughout its historic old town. Highlights here included visiting the beautiful City Palace, which remains the residence of Jaipur’s royal family, and exploring the impressive Jaigarh Fort overlooking the city.

A special experience was our site tour and lunch at the Taj Rambagh Palace, a magnificent former royal residence transformed into one of Jaipur’s most luxurious hotels. Surrounded by expansive gardens and filled with uniquely designed rooms and elegant details, the palace offered an unforgettable setting and a wonderful lunch in its European-inspired restaurant.

We also toured the hilltop Naila Fort, an exclusive Oberoi residence featuring four beautifully appointed bedrooms, staff, large pool and kitchen ideal for multigenerational families or groups traveling together.

Our stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas was equally memorable. Designed to resemble a centuries-old Rajasthani palace, the resort blends royal architecture with peaceful gardens and luxurious accommodations. During our visit, the property was especially lively thanks to peacock mating season, with dozens of peacocks and peahens roaming the grounds and providing a colorful yet noisy backdrop to our stay. One of the most meaningful moments was participating in a traditional Hindu blessing ceremony at the resort’s on-site temple.

We ended our Indian adventure back in Delhi at the The Oberoi, Gurgaon, a modern and perfect spot to end this unique experience.  Many thanks to Ventours and The Oberoi Hotels for their amazing hospitality and for arranging this special trip.