Sacred Cities & Storybook Palaces: Jay’s Journey Through India
I recently had the opportunity to explore India in depth. Starting in Delhi and making my way through Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, before ending with a powerful few days in Varanasi.
India isn’t one thing. It’s layers. It’s early morning chai in someone’s home. It’s the sound of temple bells. It’s a palace floating on a lake. It’s a walk through a blue city and a quiet moment above the Ganges.
Everywhere I went, I was learning—not just about India, but how I can better help our clients experience it for themselves.
Journey Highlights
Starting in Delhi—fast, noisy, alive. From there, I saw the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra (yes, it really is that beautiful).
In Jaipur, the Amber Fort was a favourite. I also went up in a hot air balloon—peaceful and surreal above the pink city.
Jodhpur gave me a more local feel. I walked through rocky gardens, had breakfast with a local family, and watched the city turn blue from their rooftop.
Udaipur was elegance. Palaces, lakes, and a sunset that felt like a movie.
I ended the trip in Varanasi. Spiritual, intense, unforgettable. Watching the evening aarti on the Ganges was something I’ll never forget.
What We Discovered
Hotels
I’ve inspected some beautiful properties—standouts were The Imperial in Delhi, Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra (incredible Taj views), and the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. Each hotel had its own character, but what they shared was genuine service and comfort that adds something special to the trip.
Getting Around
India’s roads are lively, to say the least. But having private transfers made everything easy. I also flew between Udaipur and Varanasi which saved time and helped me see more.
Food Experiences
Every meal was a highlight. From fine dining at hotel restaurants to spicy street snacks in Old Delhi, the food was full of flavour. A home-cooked breakfast in Jodhpur with a local family was my personal favourite.
Standout Moments
The sunrise balloon ride in Jaipur. The boat on the Ganges during the aarti ceremony in Varanasi. Sharing chai with locals. These were the moments that made it more than just a sightseeing trip.
Our Trusted Partners
This trip reminded me how important the right local partners are. Every guide I had brought their city to life—warm, knowledgeable, and great storytellers.
Here are a few that stood out:
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Our ground team in India – seamless transfers, well-paced days, and always someone nearby if we needed anything.
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Hotel staff at each stop – genuinely welcoming, always ready with tips or a cold drink at the end of a long day.
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Specialist guides – whether it was history at the forts or explaining rituals by the river, their passion made a big difference.
It’s these relationships that help us offer trips that feel thoughtful, not rushed.
Local Insights
India is full-on—in the best way. Every place had its own rhythm, from the calm of morning prayers to the energy of the evening markets.
A few things stayed with me:
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In Jodhpur, sitting with a family over breakfast and hearing their stories—it reminded me how travel connects us.
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In Varanasi, watching people gather at the river for rituals that have been passed down for generations—humbling and powerful.
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Even simple moments, like buying chai or getting caught in the traffic chaos, felt like part of the experience.
India’s beauty isn’t just in the monuments—it’s in the people, the noise, the layers of history
Reflections
This trip reminded me why I love what I do. Being able to walk the same streets, meet the same people, and experience the same hotels our clients will—there’s no better way to plan travel than from lived experience.
What stayed with me most weren’t the big landmarks (though they were incredible), but the smaller, quieter moments. Sharing chai on a street corner. Watching the city wake up from a balloon. Being welcomed into someone’s home like an old friend.
India has a way of drawing you in—layer by layer. And I feel really lucky to have experienced it the way I did.
If India’s been on your mind, or you’re curious about how to do it well, I’d love to chat.