Agent Diary: A trip to India is guaranteed to live long in the memory

Namaste from India. As I write this, I have just arrived in Agra by train from Delhi, leading a group trip with clients. Deafening horns are sounding around our coach as drivers merge from all angles to join the traffic. I’m panicking that our coach will knock down the elderly gentleman on his bicycle beside me. But somehow, it all works. The organised chaos never ceases to amaze me!

 

As we cross “the divide” between New and Old Delhi, the stark contrast in wealth is immediately evident. The flower market has just ended as we arrive and the scent of roses does its best to fill the air through the seasonal pollution. We then find ourselves in one of the biggest open-air spice markets, which serves everything you could possibly need to make the perfect biryani or masala.

 

From there, it’s over to the Qutub Minar Hindu Temple for the perfect sunset ending. The word ‘wow’ is uttered by all of us at least once!

 

Words of advice

More than 30 million people live in Delhi, so you can imagine how busy it is. Planning ahead is key as people and traffic – both vehicles and cows – all have an impact on how quickly you are able to reach your next stop. Leave it to your tour guide, his assistant and the driver – there are many people willing to help.

 

A few words make up most of my knowledge of the local language – namaste being the main one. While literally it means ‘bowing to you’, it is both a greeting and a farewell. Shukriya, which means ‘thank you’, is another key word I rely on, but I’m afraid that is my limit for now. Like many, I am guilty of the fact I am lazy with languages, when other nationalities work hard to learn ours.

 

The English term Delhi belly is well known, especially by Brits contemplating a trip to India. It is often regarded as a deterrent to a visit, but it’s easy to avoid. My main advice would be to not drink the water in any shape or form, unless it’s bottled. 

I always include all meals on my group tours, as a five-stop tour can easily end up as one-stop if you’re not careful. And, of course, hand gel, bacterial wipes and a spare pair of socks for temple visits are also important items.

 

Taste buds rekindled

The food we’ve had so far has been amazing! Upon returning home after my last visit to India I couldn’t enjoy Northern Ireland’s answer to Indian cuisine for a long time, not until the memories of the fresh spices, paneer and naan breads had faded. Now I’m here again, my taste buds have been rekindled; India is simply a culinary paradise. 

 

I highly recommend The Salt Café in Agra for a lunchtime stop. The service is fantastic to match the food, but no matter where you go, service comes with a smile.

 

I have to go now as our group is heading to the Taj Mahal for sunset. The mausoleum was built in the 1600s by Sultan Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. I wish someone thought of me like that! It blends Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture and took 20,000 workers 22 years to complete. Now that’s devotion.

 

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Memories made amid the mayhem

So many suppliers offer India as a bucket-list destination.

 

In some ways it has similarities to London, with beautiful buildings, an abundance of art and a sense of order amid the chaos. It’s so diverse and options are available for all standards of accommodation, whether you are learning from the locals or staying in the luxury of the Grand New Delhi or Taj Agra. I like my comforts, so I opted for the top tier. There is an amazing market for India, but you will only find that out if you take a trip yourself! The destination is not for the faint-hearted, as demonstrated by yesterday’s trip to New Delhi, but it is guaranteed to live long in the memory.