India
by Kevin Burton
Returning from a week touring Northern India, I think back to my feelings about whether or not I really wanted to travel to this magical country – I have to admit to saying no. Having now been and experienced India, I would, hand on heart say I would definitely go again.
So why the change of heart?
India is a country that offers the traveller a true travel experience. It invades your senses and draws you into its history, culture, people and its diversity. I visited Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Gwalior, covering the famous Golden Triangle in a week.
Distances between cities allows for easy access via road or rail, both offering their own unique perspective on travel in India. Travelling by road is interesting to say the least and you will witness cows, donkeys, camels, dogs etc, meandering along major highways, oblivious to the chaotic traffic around them! Rail travel is, on occasion, not for the faint hearted, but on the couple of journeys I took I found the experience fun and worthwhile.
Accommodation is varied and crosses all spectrums from ultra deluxe to heritage to basic. For the most part we stayed in heritage properties and these are totally unique, almost, I felt Bohemian in their quirkiness, style and presentation. They are historic in their own right and are usually former palaces or residences. A stay for a couple of nights would appeal to most travellers.
Each city I visited had it’s own individual appeal. Delhi in particular provided us with a real must - a rickshaw ride through the tiny, densely crowded streets that make up Chandi Chowk, a lively market area, in old Delhi. This is great fun and gives you a chance to get amongst the hustle and bustle and smells of the capital.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory are well worth a visit. The observatory has the largest sun dial in the world and is, according to our guide, accurate to this day in predicting the movement of the sun and planets.
Agra is, of course, famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic buildings in the world drawing you in by its hypnotic beauty. This magnificent memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan will impress anyone who has always yearned to see this beautiful token of love. We were very fortunate to be visting the Taj Mahal when the actual tombs can be viewed. A truly memorable experience.
There is so much more that could be written, but alas, space does not permit, however, my last words are this – Visit India, experience and enjoy!