Exploring India’s Royal Mughal & Maratha Dynasties

13 days from £7,260 for 2023 per person

• Delhi
• Vadodara
• Maheshwar
• Gwalior
• Agra

This itinerary will uncover the magnificent cities, palaces and forts of India’s royal Mughal and Maratha dynasties. The Mughal empire was responsible for some of the most impressive architecture in North India; the first emperor, Babur took a considerable interest in erecting buildings, and his grandson, Akbar built widely, the style developing over his reign. Among Akbar’s accomplishments were Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. But Mughal architecture reached its zenith during the reign of Shah Jahan, who’s most notable constructions are Jama Masjid and the Taj Mahal. The Marathas were a warrior tribe and are largely credited for ending the Mughal rule in India. The Maratha emperors built impenetrable forts, naval facilities, towns and temples during the 17th and 18th centuries, but turned their attentions to fine art and social reforms in the 19th and 20th centuries, when they built beautiful palaces.

This itinerary begins in the bustling capital of Delhi. Explore Old Delhi, the former centre of the Mughal Empire, and home to the shopping artery of Chandni Chowk, the old city’s commercial heart. Overlooking the old city is Jama Masjid, India’s most important mosque, and nearby is the Red Fort, also built Shah Jahan. Next, travel to the Maratha ‘Gaekwad’ city of Baroda, and once the capital of the most powerful and wealthy states in India.

Drive on to the sleepy riverside town of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, the capital of the Holkar kings. It’s a wonderfully authentic and romantic place to spend a few days. Journey north on an Indian train to the former princely state of Gwalior, dominated by an ancient sandstone citadel, which houses palaces, temples, gates and water tanks, and a fascinating and turbulent history to discover. Finally, drive to Agra to see the majestic Taj Mahal, arguably the peak of Mughal architecture, and the deserted red sandstone city and Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri.

This is purely a suggested itinerary so it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday in India. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Epic Journey and Family Holiday collections, as well as our favourite Trains and Spa & Wellness itineraries.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson