Incredible India

I’m lucky to have visited India several times (five in total to date) and there’s still so much for me to explore. It’s an enormous country (as well as the world’s largest democracy) and very varied so there really is something for everyone. Here are some of my highlights / recommendations:

Delhi

The capital, Delhi, is a full-on, very busy, noisy and dirty city. There are some fabulous sights such as The Red Fort, the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), India Gate and Qutub Minar which are worth visiting however I wouldn’t say Delhi is one of my favourite Asian cities in the way that Bangkok, Phnom Penh or Hong Kong are. If you’re visiting Rajasthan or The Taj Mahal then you’ll probably fly into/out of Delhi.

The Taj Mahal

One of the wonders of the world. Not much more I can say except you have to go and see The Taj Mahal for yourself. It’s one of my best travel highlights ever! If you have time, try and see the Taj from different viewpoints at different times of the day as it changes colour as the sun comes up and goes down again. Also visit Agra Fort and The Baby Taj.

Varanasi

I stayed in Varanasi on my first visit to India which was a road trip from Delhi to Kathmandu in Nepal. It’s regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains and is the spiritual capital of the country. I enjoyed people-watching on the ghats (riverside steps) that are all along the banks of the Ganges and I found it atmospheric and fascinating. The funeral pyres along the river are a vital part of the city and out of respect I chose not to go too close to these.

Rajasthan

The state of Rajasthan covers a vast area and is world famous for its forts, palaces and Maharajas. I visited all the main cities including Jaipur (known as the Pink City) with the beautiful Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort and City Palace, to Udaipur (the White City) and the waters of Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace, the Blue City (Jodhpur) and its impressive Mehrangarh Fort and to Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert dominated by a massive Fort situated on the top of a hill which is stunning when lit up at night. Despite there being so much desert, Rajasthan is a really vivid and colourful state. The light is beautiful which perhaps brings out the vibrancy of colours. It’s also a great opportunity to stay in some fabulous former palaces and forts and experience what life might have been like for the rich and powerful of yesteryear.

Kerala

I visited Kerala as part of an organised group tour a few years ago. At the end of the trip I stayed in Kovalam for a few days by myself. It’s a very green and lush part of India (in contrast to the dry, red desert of the north, especially Rajasthan). It has a more relaxed feel and it’s easier to travel around. Floating along on a houseboat on the backwaters is lovely and peaceful. I really enjoyed visiting the city of Cochin – an interesting mix of cultures and history. Kovalam is a great beach resort – plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants which is popular with Indian tourists as well as foreigners. The food in Kerala is fantastic with lots of fresh fish and loads of vegetables (again, quite different from the north). I think Kerala would be a good introduction to India for a first-time visitor.

Goa

I’ve been to Goa twice, both times to the lovely beach of Agonda which is in the south of the region. I went to practise yoga every day, enjoy the sunshine and eat curry. I stayed in a small family owned wooden hut (which are taken down before monsoon season and then re-built every year) located amongst palm trees and set back from the beach. Agonda is laid back and peaceful with no ‘nightlife’ as such. There are a few restaurants and bars along the beach and also along the road which runs parallel to the coast (there are small shops along here too). The beach itself is several miles long and is sandy with sun loungers and umbrellas dotted along belonging to cafes and restaurants. I thought Goa was relaxed and easy going and would therefore make another good option for a first trip to India.

Summary

Travelling in India can be hard going and the poverty is often very in your face and upsetting (I think more so in the north rather than the south). I think it helps if you really want to visit India (i.e. you have a passion/interest/desire to explore and experience the country) as well as being prepared for feeling uncomfortable at times. Some of the sights are truly breath-taking, the history, traditions and culture are fascinating, the scenery is lovely, the food is delicious and the people are often friendly and welcoming. It’s certainly a place that’s a full-on experience for all your senses!