After three weeks of being home, can you believe I am still unpacking, both mentally and literally, after my trip to India? I was fortunate to explore this incredible country for a full twelve days with our partner, Worldwide Adventures, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The country is vast; my senses were working overtime, but the beauty of this destination will change you. I'm very grateful to be one of your new gurus of the Golden Triangle!
Our journey led us through six distinct destinations along the Golden Triangle, with stops in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Narlai, and Udaipur. Let’s explore!
We started in the capital city of Delhi. Delhi is unlike anything you've seen before. It’s a bustling (and I mean bustling) city with around 17 million inhabitants. The city is divided into two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi, the imperial city created by the British Raj. Our visit included stops at Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh temples. It was beautiful to see so many temples and religions mixed in harmony within the city. Even more powerful was seeing volunteers at Bangla Sahib feed anyone who walked through the temple door, more than 10,000 people every day, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. An authentic and fun experience, our group loved weaving our way through the winding, colorful streets of Old Delhi in rickshaws. Thankfully, we left the driving to the experts!
Next on the itinerary was Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. We made Oberoi Amarvillas our home for the evening, a majestic hotel with the Taj Mahal as a its backdrop. After settling in, it was time for our sunset tour of the Taj Mahal. We were greeted by a local guide who gave us a deeper understanding and appreciation for the greatest monument to love. The scale and intricate detailing of the Taj Mahal is breathtaking. Despite visiting during a quieter evening due to a religious holiday, we still shared the awe with hundreds of other visitors. It's important to keep this in mind for clients, as it's unrealistic to expect to have the Taj Mahal all to oneself!
Back on the road for our next stop to Jaipur, the “Pink City” known for its many pink sandstone monuments. Some of the city's most notable landmarks include the Amber Fort, City Palace, Albert Hall, and Hawal Mahal, reminiscent of a scene from a Wes Anderson movie. Jaipur is also famous for its bustling markets and bazaars. We popped into a fine jewelry store and museum for a peek at jewelry designs and other Indian art, like miniature paintings crafted with just a single horsehair. The most renowned art of Jaipur is block printing of textiles. We saw how intricately carved wooden blocks are used to hand stamp fabric with vibrant dyes. It's a centuries-old tradition that truly reflects Jaipur's rich culture.
One magical evening in Jaipur, we visited a preserved wilderness sanctuary. This is where elephants, camels, and other animals are rescued from a hard life of labor and adopted into freedom. I was finally able to meet an elephant up close, feel her leathery skin, and feed her handful after handful of grass. We walked the camp, followed by our four-legged giant, and enjoyed dinner under the stars. Hard to believe this experience is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur.
The "Blue City" of Jodhpur was next on our itinerary, where we strolled along charming streets lined with houses painted in a light blue shade and explored the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. From the fort's vantage points, we enjoyed panoramic views of the vibrant city below. Additionally, we witnessed local boys bravely leaping from the fort's ledge into the city's famous 18th-century stepwell.
Our host in Jodhpur was the opulent Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. This luxury hotel, one of the largest private residences in the world, remains the residence of the royal family of Jodhpur. Treated like royalty, we experienced a private dinner on the palace lawn, complete with a grand firework entrance, enchanting music, lively dancing, and a feast of incredible Indian flavors. The experience was truly unforgettable, leaving me feeling like a Disney princess.
Narlai, in the heart of Rajasthan, instantly stole our hearts with its blend of natural beauty and lively culture. Our stay at the exquisite Rawla Narlai felt like we found a hidden oasis of luxury. On our first evening, we enjoyed the serene atmosphere while getting intricate henna tattoos. Dinner was an unforgettable experience, set near a stepwell under the starry sky, surrounded by the soft glow of countless candles. The following morning, we embarked on a sunrise hike up Elephant Rock, savoring the stunning views and sipping hot tea at the summit. Afterwards, we explored the village with a local guide, warmly welcomed by the locals' smiles, which made us feel right at home. Narlai left an indelible mark on our journey through India, with its laid-back charm, authenticity, and rich culture making it the highlight of our travels.
Our final stop was the picturesque city of Udaipur, known as the "Venice of the East." After a quick site visit to Oberoi Udaivilas, another stunning palace hotel, we were welcomed with a grand entrance across the lake to the iconic Taj Lake Palace, famously featured in a James Bond movie. For our secret dinner, we embarked on a boat ride on Lake Pichola and dined on an open-air boat under the stars, a special and exclusive experience that requires a lot of prior planning.
The following day, we explored the vibrant local market, indulging in more shopping. A highlight was touring the city in vintage cars, feeling like royalty as we cruised through the streets. No visit to Udaipur is complete without a visit to the majestic City Palace, a testament to the city's royal heritage. Before bidding farewell to Udaipur and India, our group toured the beautiful Leela Palace Udaipur and enjoyed a memorable dinner where we reminisced about all of our incredible experiences.
As I reminisce about the entire trip to India, I'm reminded of how grateful I am to our partner, Worldwide Adventures, for orchestrating such a seamless and unforgettable FAM trip. As the masterminds behind the scenes, they made this monumental adventure feel effortless. Our time in India was nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to explore this country. While the beauty of the temples and palaces left us in awe, it was the warmth and kindness of the people that truly stole our hearts. Their hospitality and genuine warmth have left a lasting impression. We all have a newfound appreciation for this incredible country. Thank you, India, and thank you, Worldwide Adventures, for welcoming us with open arms and for enriching our lives with your traditions and boundless hospitality.
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