Agent Diary: India trip continued in spectacular fashion

When I last wrote about my India trip I had just left for Agra and was en route to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.

 

I wasn’t that bothered as we approached as I’d seen it in all its glory on my last trip but was keen that my group felt the same as when I caught my first glimpse of it, through the amazing entrance gate.

 

I’m pleased to say it was just as beautiful. The sky was clear in the warm sunshine of a late November afternoon, and as the sun began to set in a misty sky, it looked like a mirage in the distance. I saw the effect it had on the whole group at that moment. Everyone paused in admiration at its amazing façade, with intricately carved marble and gems. Late November is a great time to visit!

 

After a night in Agra, our Golden Triangle (and beyond) tour took us to Ranthambore for a safari. We didn’t get to see the tigers in the vast space but saw plenty of other wildlife in the most scenic setting of the ancient hunting fort.

 

Jaipur and Udaipur are firm favourites of mine. Don’t be dissuaded by palace and fort visits that form a good part of itineraries as they all have something perfectly different to boast about. An additional highlight was seeing the elephants at the Amber Fort.

 

India is a place of chaos in many ways but within it it’s also a place of peace. I believe that truly comes from the people, the art, the food and the diversity. We took tuk-tuk rides, a boat trip on Lake Pichola, a train journey, an internal flight and each one was a brilliant experience. The Exotic Marigold Hotel was filmed just outside Udaipur and I can fully understand why that movie was a great success.

 

As a tour operator and travel agent, I am always looking for new opportunities, destinations, experiences and experts to make our clients dreams come true. I truly found that in the DMC I used there. They offered a first-class service. A huge thanks goes to Rajnish, who tirelessly worked to co-ordinate the tour prior to and during our trip and to Himanshu our guide.

 

Himanshu taught us a little about Hinduism and karma. He did everything with good intentions and I could say I could trust him with any future travel I arrange.

 

As we travelled through India, our group accumulated more luggage with amazing rugs, art, spices and marble. Our internal flight restrictions meant a lot of excess baggage costs. Our driver Raj drove it all back from Udaipur to Delhi in 10 hours so we only had hand luggage.

 

That is just one thing the team did for us that wasn’t part of our plan. If any of you Atol holders need details of a great DMC,  just let me know.