India reveals its soul only to those who seek it deeply.
The Taj Mahal is a marvel, yes—but it's only the prologue. Beyond the marble and monuments lies an India that whispers rather than shouts. An India of sacred silences, ancestral rituals, and landscapes that feel untouched by time.
At Transcend Journeys, we design private, luxury experiences that go far beyond the expected. Here are five soul-stirring journeys that redefine what it means to truly know India.
1. Find Stillness in a Castle of Clouds at RAAS Devigarh
Perched high in the Aravalli Hills, just outside Udaipur, RAAS Devigarh is an 18th-century palace reborn as a contemporary sanctuary. Once a royal residence, this all-suite luxury hotel blends majestic architecture with sleek, minimalist interiors — an inspired contrast that appeals to the modern aesthete.
Marble courtyards, intricate stonework, and sweeping valley views set the stage for an experience that feels both indulgent and timeless. Wander through echoing corridors once walked by kings, enjoy wellness rituals at the spa, or dine beneath the stars as the ramparts glow around you. For travellers who dream of heritage wrapped in sophistication, RAAS Devigarh is pure enchantment.
2. Experience Ladakh's Soulful Serenity
Monks in Ladakh, India
Far from the bustling tourist trails, Ladakh offers a serene escape amidst the Himalayas. In villages such as Thiksey, Nimoo, and Likhir, travellers can immerse themselves in local culture through village walks, interactions with monks and artisans, and activities like biking at leisure or stargazing under impossibly clear skies.
Traditional homes have been lovingly refurbished into luxury guesthouses, blending modern amenities with authentic charm, ensuring a personalised and tranquil stay.
3. Unwind in the Quiet Elegance of Sitara, Kotkhai
Sitara Himalaya Dining Room view
Tucked away in the apple-laden hills of Kotkhai, near Shimla, Sitara by Good Earth offers a peaceful retreat into Himachal's soulful countryside. This design-led mountain home weaves timeless regional architecture with conscious luxury, inviting guests to slow down and savour the rhythms of rural life.
Surrounded by orchards and pine forests, visitors can wander through terraced fields, visit local temples, and relish seasonal farm-to-table meals. With handcrafted interiors and a deep-rooted ethos of sustainability, Sitara is more than a stay — it is an immersion into the stillness and beauty of the Himalayas.
4. Embark on a Spiritual Journey in Varanasi
An old lady holding a diya in her hand over the Ganges
Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities, offers a profound spiritual awakening. Witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at the ghats, glide along the river at dawn as the city stirs to life, and explore labyrinthine alleys lined with temples and shrines.
Engaging with local priests or participating in timeless rituals opens a deeper doorway into India's spiritual heritage.
5. Sail Through the Backwaters of Kerala
Kerala backwaters in India
Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala's backwaters aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Drift through serene canals shaded by coconut palms, glimpse everyday village life unfolding on the banks, and savour freshly prepared coastal cuisine.
This journey is both restorative and grounding—a glimpse of harmonious living between humans and nature in one of India's lushest landscapes.
Don't Just Visit. Transcend.
India is not a destination; it is a revelation. Let Transcend Journeys craft a private tour that unveils the country's hidden treasures—offering moments that linger long after the journey ends.