This year I finally ticked the Taj Mahal off my bucket list and it was everything I thought it would be,
India isn’t for everyone, but for me was a wonderful chaotic and charming experience. I toured the north and was wowed by the history and extravagance of the palaces. My favourite place was Jaipur, top tip stay at a hotel where you get a view of the Lake Palace, it gives you a wonderful feeling of space and there is a market nearby to grab some souvenirs. The Amber fort is breathtaking and the guide made it come alive with all the stories of the family that had lived and ruled there.
Next stop was Agra where we were up early to visit the Taj at 0530. On any other holiday this would have been a disastrous time to get up but we were through the queues within ten minutes and what a fabulous thing to see. The light changes as the sun rises, It’s beautiful and I loved the fact that the Indian people were dressed in their best to see it, it all added to the atmosphere. The ‘diana bench’ was always busy but we managed to find space and just take in the view.
The guide was amazing and told us the love story attached and all the techniques which made it so special. I loved the north and the two things I mention are a small part of what I saw, I then flew into the southern region of Kerala, which was a completely different vibe, this is mainly scenery and wildlife. We began in Cochin and saw the European side of India, where there were catholic churches and Jewish temples. We stayed in the jungle and went elephant trekking, I saw eagles and cormorants and spent the night on a private houseboat, sailing through the famous Keralan backwaters.
I spent the final part of my stay at Marari beach resort just to reflect and relax.
My top tip for this trip is wherever possible have a private guide and driver, this meant we skipped queues and was parked so much nearer. Allow for the fact that the tour is exhausting and the days and distances are long.
Mel
