We started our adventure in Delhi after a direct 8.5 hour overnight flight from Heathrow
We stayed at the Sheraton, a modern hotel- very comfy beds, good food and very friendly staff
We enjoyed a visit to explore the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower. We were surprised when local people were asking to have their photos taken with us – we felt like celebs!
After a good nights sleep we had a guided tour of Delhi’s vibrant Old City. We saw the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat – Gandhi’s cremation site close to the Yamuna River.We enjoyed an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk. Everyone loved the experience, The sights,sounds and smells were just beyond words . We also drove around New Delhi, built by the British Raj to reflect the glories of the Empire. Highlights included the historic India Gate war memorial and the vast boulevard of the Rajpath.
The next day we headed to Agra, everyone was excited to see one of the wonders of the world- the iconic Taj Mahal. Enroute we visited the Agra fort, none of us knew what to expect and were gobsmacked at what we found.The royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards were stunning and gave us our first glimpses of the Taj Mahal.To say it rained was an understatement ! We paddled through huge puddles and battled with our brollies, many giving up and just getting wet! Our visit to the Taj Mahal was wonderful despite the rain. The downpours meant that there were fewer people and we didn’t have to queue for entry and photo opportunities. There are some things that when you see them in real life are a disappointment- this is not one of them! We were all blown away by the beauty and detailing of the most famous symbol of love. We had loads of photos, and none of us minded being soaked to the skin. Memories that will stay with us for ever. After a good dinner we were entertained by two brothers who showed us their puppet show, handed down many generations it was great to see, such fun!
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The next morning some of the group were up early to see sunrise at the Taj, sadly it wasn’t spectacular as the weather still wasn’t great. Before heading out of town we visited a marble factory/showroom. They showed us how precious stones are cut to fit the marble into exquisite patterns ( I bought a table- shipped to the UK) and it’s the same marble/stones as we saw at the Taj Mahal.
Next stop was Chand Borai, one of the oldest stepwells in India built during the 8th and 9th century and 19.5m deep it was a sight to behold. We were all amazed that they found water, then built the well without the use of technology and machinery we have now
Jaipur was next on our itinerary.
We had a wonderful warm welcome at Shapiro xxx Hotel
First visit of the day was Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire. We climbed the hill in jeeps to see the city’s vast sixth-century hill-top fort, its Royal Halls and take in the magnificent views from the ramparts. We saw elephants( some were riding them but we didn’t, although our guide reassured us that they are well looked after and only allowed to work limited hours)Again we were asked to be in many photographs and saw couples having photoshoots in the stunning complex. We saw a snake charmer and a sign warning us of crocodiles in the lake!
We returned to the coach and drove through Jaipur, stopping for photos of the palace on the lake. We visited a fabric factory/ store where we were shown how they block print fabric and make hand knotted rugs. some of us bought scarves/made to measure dresses, the carpets were beautiful but we all resisted. Next stop was the ancient astronomical observatory, it was really amazing how they knew about times,the solar system etc hundreds of years ago! We saw the worlds largest ‘clock’ effectively it was a massive sundial and spot on with the time, it was baking hot and no shade.
On the way back to the hotel we drove past the 90+ windows and screened balconies of the 18th-century Palace of the Winds. Some of us took the optional activity of walking through the Jaipur old town. Words cannot describe the explosions of colour, sights, sounds and smells. Walking through the vegetable market, narrow lanes past stores selling absolutely everything, spices, dodging the cows, dogs, tuk tuks and people was just an incredible experience. Crossing the road was more exciting than a roller coaster at Alton Towers! No Highway Code here- probably 10 lanes of traffic, with loose cows , dogs and pigs you just go for it, miraculously everyone avoids everything and we never saw one accident.
For dinner we were taken to Nokha House, owned by the Rathore family we enjoyed a typical Rajasthani dinner.
Next morning we set off for Vanaashyra
En route we stopped at Bhangarh, a ruined fort dating from the 17th Century where we enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking stunning gardens, We were amazed at the building work going on nearby – scaffolding was bamboo, bare foot builders with no health and safety in sight. We were warmly welcomed at Vanaashyra, where we stayed in private cottages dotted around the grounds, many facing out into the pond which was a haven for lots of birds, frogs, butterflies and other creatures. After a relaxing afternoon( some visited the spa, others enjoyed the pool) we watched a culture show and had a tasty dinner .After a wonderful nights sleep , to the sound of frogs and crickets we awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and saw a king fisher. After a good breakfast we had a ride on a camel cart. Literally a cart with a mattress on top which we sat on and held on to some string whilst the camels took us around a local village and quiet countryside. Another afternoon around the pool ( or spa) then a cooking demonstration and taste of street food. We were amazed to see the lady cooking the nan bread on a very basic stove , heated by a burning log
Next morning after a good breakfast we started our journey to Rathambore with a coffee stop at a services. A little like we have at home with Starbucks,Costa and KFC! We were amused at the names written on our cups – examples Wanjy instead of Wendy, Hatch instead of H, made us all laugh
Another warm welcome at our hotel in Rathambore, followed by a yummy lunch and afternoon around the pool. That evening we were given an informative talk about the wildlife in the park, at this stage it was doubtful that we would have an opportunity to look for the tigers as tired national park was closed due to flooding. 5am start to visit Rathambore fort and temple, such stunning scenery with views over the lake and countryside. We climbed over 270 steps to reach the temple, dodging lots of monkeys. There’s some railings where people tie ribbons to remember loved ones and little piles of rocks where you make a wish. The temple was Ganesh- the elephant, no shoes and no cameras – very noisy and hundreds of flies! Back to the hotel for breakfast and a relating afternoon, most of us enjoyed a massage at the spa. I enjoyed a bit of retail therapy with some souvenir shopping and shirts made to order for less than £25!
Another yummy dinner and an early night as we were informed the park was opening the next morning so we could have a drive to look for tigers!!!
5am start and off we went into the national park . We saw tiger footprints,antelope,deer,
After breakfast we boarded our bus for the last time to make our long journey home. All too soon our adventure was over, we all agreed it had exceeded our expectations and we had all fallen in love with India and its people.
Travel tips
Hawkers- our tour guide managed these well and only allowed a few items in the bus at a price he had negotiated
Photos- we were like celebrities, photos requested from everybody! No one asked us for money
Money- plenty of ATMs take $1 notes for tips/toilets
Greeting- Namaste , lots of bindi dots and flower garlands
Food-curry but flavoursome and varied not too spicy . Lovely nan breads , lots of veggie options. I didn’t eat fruit or salads and didn’t suffer a bad tummy. Some did and saw the doctor for £20 that sorted them out
Weather- hot and sticky! We did have some rain, it was the end of the monsoons and we saw lots of flooded fields
Time diff- 4.5 hours ahead
Traffic- crazy! Crossing the road is an adventure in itself. Cows, dogs and people in the roads , nothing goes fast
Safe- we felt safe despite the absolute smack in the face difference in cultures. People had very little but would always smile,wave and say hi.
Shopping- clothes made to measure extremely cheap, marble in Agra , carpets, gems in Jaipur
Porterage- ours was included, our cases were taken to our rooms and picked up to put on the coach daily. Our guide paid the tips
Visa – currently valid for 30 days from date of issue. Online application
Health – see GP for current requirements. Our 4* hotels used filtered water so ice was ok. We were provided with bottle water daily
We’ve already planned our return visit! Contact me to plan your own Indian adventure
