Even though I have booked clients to travel to India, I have to admit it hadn’t been a destination high on my own list of places to visit.
However, when the educational with Travel Sapphire was offered, I jumped at the opportunity. I was excited to be venturing to a new destination that I hadn’t touched before.
My excitement quickly turned to apprehension as everyone I mentioned my next trip to would comment “Oh, why do you want to go there?” with their own reasons either about health or socio-economic disparity.
I had all my shots, packed the biggest medical kit I’ve ever travelled with (because it’s better to be prepared for anything!) and off I went with an open mind and looking forward to my six-night Golden Triangle adventure.
Our first stop was Delhi and what a cultural experience this was. Racing through the streets of Old Delhi on rickshaws, dodging bikes, animals and cars as we went, with our guides taking us to the Mosques and ending up at the wholesale markets.
The market was out of this world, with the smells of the spices tickling your senses. I certainly had a few sneezing fits along the way!
The IPL T20 cricket was on in Delhi and our guide offered to try and get some tickets for us. I am not a cricket fan, but I wasn’t going to miss an experience like this… the atmosphere was electric and a memory I will never forget.
I was excited for our next stop in Agra. With an early start to the day, I looked forward to seeing the Taj Mahal.
My first view of the Taj was walking through an arch and the way the early morning sun hits the marble was spectacular, while the exquisite building and grounds did not disappoint.
I knew this was going to be one of my favourite sites, but learning the story behind its construction, the history and how it was built made it even more special.
Our trip came to an end in Jaipur, “The Pink City”. Where else in the world would you come across an elephant walking along the road, cleaning it with leaves, cobras dancing to flute music, or encounter a traffic jam caused by cows who have decided to stop in the centre of a main intersection? All while visiting the most fascinating Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort.
Having a traditional dinner at 1135 AD Restaurant at Amber Fort is a must when visiting Jaipur; seeing the fort lit up at night makes it even more beautiful.
India touched me in a way I never thought possible. There were so many highlights in this fascinating country but one of the biggest for me was the people. They are friendly, kind and gentle.
With India being such a large country, many of the locals don’t get the opportunity to travel abroad and they were fascinated by us. We were constantly being asked to have photos with them and they treated us like movie stars.
We were in expert hands with the Travel Saphire team who planned the most amazing trip for us. The guides, driver and host were exceptional, knowledgeable and passionate about India. Wherever we went it was great to feel 100 per cent safe and looked after.
India has my heart and I’m looking forward to going back and exploring more of this amazing country and this time taking the family.
