Is it safe to drink the water?

Never drink tap water. Use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth, if you have a sensitive stomach.

How should I handle tipping?

Tipping is expected for drivers and guides. Budget $15–$20 per day for your driver and $10–$15 for your city guide.

How to plan a luxury tour of the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan

Focus your itinerary on a 14-day loop, using a private chauffeured car rather than trains or flights to maintain a luxury pace. Stay exclusively in heritage palace hotels to capture the authentic, high-end experience of Northern India.

Hire a private driver. Do not attempt to navigate Rajasthan via public transit if you want a luxury experience. Hire a reputable company to provide a car and driver for your entire duration. This costs roughly $70–$90 per day and gives you complete control over your schedule.
Select heritage properties. Book accommodations under the Taj, Oberoi, or Leela brands. These are former palaces or forts that offer the service levels required for a luxury trip. Budget for at least $400–$600 per night.
Book professional guides. Ask your hotel concierge to arrange 'government-approved' English-speaking guides for each city. Do not rely on your driver for deep historical context; hire experts for the 3-hour monument tours.
Schedule a mid-trip flight. If starting in Delhi and heading to Udaipur, take a 1-hour internal flight to skip the 12-hour road transit. Book these via Air India or Vistara in Business Class.

Is it safe to drink the water?: Never drink tap water. Use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth, if you have a sensitive stomach.
How should I handle tipping?: Tipping is expected for drivers and guides. Budget $15–$20 per day for your driver and $10–$15 for your city guide.