Captain’s Choice returns to India in October this year with an exclusive journey, The Spirit and Colours of India by Private Jet. From the majesty of the Taj Mahal to the ghats of the Ganges, India is a land of overwhelming spirit and energy. This exclusive journey travels by business class private jet, linking remote destinations on flight paths not offered by commercial airlines. With just 58 guests, The Spirit and Colours of India by Private Jet explores revered monuments and opulent palaces of this extraordinary southern continent.
A highlight for the journey is its magnificent alignment with the Diwali festival, giving guests the chance to absorb all the wonder and atmosphere of this iconic celebration, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. The festival’s joyous atmosphere encompasses the overall experience.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
The journey kicks off with a night in Singapore, before departing for the stunning city of Agra in the business class private jet. Upon arrival, travellers have their first glimpse of the unmistakable Taj Mahal from the hotel. Day three starts with an early morning visit to the iconic temple and a recount of how this symbol of undying love came to be. Guests then explore the majestic Agra Fort before selecting how they would like to spend their afternoon with Captain’s Choice’s ‘Your World’ options. Selected prior to the journey, ‘Your World’ experiences grant travellers the opportunity to personalise their journey.
Day four involves a short flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest of Hindu cities. Guests are offered the chance to visit Sarnath, a nearby archaeological site, where it is said that Buddha delivered his first sermon in the forest, the reason that Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world are drawn here every year. As the sun begins to set, guests board a boat that drifts along the Ganges River to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where a private Aarti ceremony awaits.
A sunrise boat ride along the Ganges gives the guests the chance to encounter pilgrims engaged in their sacred bathing rituals, after which they board the jet for Chennai, a city renowned for its fine tradition of music and dance. Following a visit to Fort St George and its magnificent museum, guests arrive at the opulent Leela Palace Chennai, where they will enjoy a luxurious stay the next two nights. The next day sees another set of extraordinary selection of ‘Your World’ experiences, from driving along the coast to visit Dakshinachitra Museum to exploring Chennai and embracing the classical dance forms of Bharatanatyam.
In the days that follow, guests will explore the city of Kochi, which was once the centre of the Indian spice trade. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa welcomes guests with warm Indian hospitality; the first evening is a highlight, featuring a special Kerala-themed dinner where Kathakali dancers demonstrate the subtleties of their traditional hand gestures and the fluid movements of their bodies.
The next day, guests have the opportunity to admire the 500-year-old St Francis Church, famous for its colourful murals adorning the walls, portraying vivid scenes from the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, as well as several Hindu deities. While in Kochi, travellers will also have the opportunity to explore Alappuzha, on the India’s western coast, boarding traditional houseboats for a cruise along the Kerala Backwaters. Constructed using an ancient technique, the hulls of the vessels are built without a single nail, while the curved lines of their roofs are created by means of handwoven bamboo and palm.
On day ten, guests are back on board the private jet to journey north to Udaipur. A city blessed with an abundance of white marble palaces, a sunset cruise grants guests views of Udaipur’s romantic landscape and close up views of the opulent Jag Mandir palace. In Udaipur, the day starts early with a morning yoga session before a full-day’s exploration of the ‘City of Lakes’. The next stop is Jaipur, staying at the magnificent Oberoi Rajvilas, and offering one of the high points of the voyage.
At dawn the next day, guest take to the skies in a hot-air balloon, soaring high above the ‘Pink City’ and its breathtaking mountainous vistas. That night, guests are invited to attend a gala dinner at Oberoi Rajvilas, to celebrate Diwali, India’s fabled Hindu festival.
On the last day in India, Captain’s Choice’s guests venture to the World Heritage-listed Jantar Mantar, with its mystical ancient astronomical instruments, then later retire to the hotel for a Farewell Dinner, celebrating their extraordinary fortnight of unforgettable Indian adventures, before returning to Singapore the next day.
The 15-day journey departs Singapore on 31 October 2023. Journey packages start at AU$45,900 per person twin share.
See captainschoice.com.au/journeys/the-spirit-and-colours-of-india-by-private-jet.