ADVENTURE IN INDIA
What makes India so alluring to travelers? It is a rich tapestry of experiences - from mountains to jungles, deserts to seashores, palaces to tigers, and chaotic markets to spiritual meditation - offering a treasure trove for seekers of culture, adventure, and history. I just returned from a 10-day tour of Rajasthan known for its architectural wonders, desert landscapes, wild tigers and leopards, and rich cultural heritage of dance, crafts, and textiles. It was the perfect introduction to traveling in this part of the world and sparked excitement for a return visit to explore other regions.
WELCOME TO DELHI
Journeys through the north begin in this city, the capital of India and home to more than 30 million people. There are UNESCO heritage sites to visit, temples and markets to explore, and wonderful five star hotels to ease yourself into the destination. After a few hours out and about in the heat and chaos, having a quiet, refined hotel to call home is just the ticket. Air-conditioned spaces, elevated service, a sparkling pool for a refreshing dip, and spa treatments to cure your jet lag. A soft landing when traveling across oceans and distant time zones is a pro move!
Delhi is best explored with a guide to navigate the streets and traffic, translate the many different languages, and share engaging stories that bring the city to life. Don’t miss the fabulous architecture of the Parliament Building, Presidential residence, and Humayan’s Tomb, a 16th century mausoleum that inspired the Taj Mahal. A highlight for me was visiting a popular Sikh temple to mix in with the locals and learn about their spiritual rituals. We removed our shoes, covered our heads, and walked through a water bath before entering the sanctuary barefoot to observe devotional prayers, mantras, music, and blessings. Immersive experiences like this leave deep imprints to carry forward for a lifetime.
Udaipur & Jaipur
After two days of adjusting to the climate and pace of India, we flew south to Udaipur, known for its historic forts, palaces, art, and festivals. Our home was the Taj Lake Palace, a summer retreat for the Mewar Royal family built in the middle of a lake. Evenings on the terrace were magical as the orange-pink sky faded to purple-black with the city lights twinkling across the water. If you prefer your hotel on terra firma, the beautiful Oberoi and Leela Palace also offer authentic luxury experiences and lovely lake views of the city.
Our next stop was Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and one point on the Golden Triangle circuit from Delhi to the Taj Mahal. We explored royal palaces transformed into heritage hotels, shopped in the old bazaars and designer boutiques, and visited the ateliers of traditional carpet weavers, textile designers, and block printers. A standout experience was being dressed in traditional sarees for a private dinner on the City Palace rooftop complete with an escort of horses and camels, musicians, dancers, and a wonderful feast of authentic dishes.
Amanbagh & safari
From Jaipur, we drove into the Aravalli Hills to the garden oasis of Amanbagh. Once the staging area for royal tiger hunts, today the rose-hued cupolas and vaulted entrances of the Mughal structures soar from the greenery that offers a peaceful and private experience. We enjoyed an exclusive dinner in a secluded, candlelit grove, camel rides, morning yoga in a shaded pavilion, meals and cocktails on the terrace, and traditional Ayurvedic treatments in the spa. Best of all was the open jeep tour of the local villages at sunset. Our Amanbagh driver was born and raised here and knew everyone we met. The bright smiles and waves, colorful textiles, and golden light on the crop fields will stay with me for years!
Our next stop was Ranthambore National Park to search for wild tigers. We visited a number of hotels and camps before settling into our luxury safari tents. There was a lovely swimming pool for cooling off, a large kitchen garden, a boutique of local products, a fully stocked bar, and a traditional wood-fired feast in a grove illuminated by lanterns and candles. The magical evening was followed by a sunrise jeep ride with our local guide who explained all the flora and fauna in the National Park and successfully tracked several tigers! After a midday lunch, swim, and siesta back at camp, we returned to the park for more tiger tracking at sunset and were again rewarded with close encounters of the elusive and solitary predators. This is an experience that must not be missed!
The Taj Mahal
Our Grand Finale was the Taj Mahal, a stunning structure built by a Mughal emperor in memory of his wife. Constructed of glowing white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, it is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture and one of the most iconic monuments in the world. The Oberoi, where every room has a view of the Taj Mahal, is THE place to stay! We enjoyed a variety of restaurants, the expansive gardens and pool, and the best launching point to visit the Taj Mahal. The next morning we were among the first visitors to enter the grounds; temperatures were pleasant, crowds had yet to form, and we were able to enjoy the sunrise views in peace and quiet. Our guide was prepared with all the necessary paperwork and knew just how to navigate the expansive grounds so that we would have the best experience. This is how you visit the Taj Mahal!
conclusion
Traveling through India is a study in contrasts from the extraordinary richness in culture, history, and natural beauty to the challenges posed by deep poverty. The Indian people are resilient, warm, and vibrant and welcome travelers with genuine hospitality despite their hardships. Rather than retreating into insulated opulence, discerning travelers can choose curated experiences that foster genuine connection—visiting historic sites with local guides, supporting artisan communities through ethical shopping, and staying at eco-conscious resorts that invest in local development. Engaging with India’s contrasts not only offers a more profound understanding of its complexity but also allows travelers to contribute positively, transforming discomfort into compassion and privilege into purposeful travel.