Our best method of exploring cultural vacations has proven to be with an experienced guide and driver. From the moment we were greeted at the airport with Marigold necklaces (offered in welcome as a sign of respect and honor) we knew this was going to be a great vacation.
Day One - Sunday - New Delhi
Our first city of the trip was New Delhi and Day One was packed with an immersion into the India culture. New Delhi is the capital of India. First stop was to visit India's biggest mosque Jama Masjid, which can hold 25,000 people! Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 the construction of red sandstone and marble is incredible.
We then took a short walk through a local market on our way to our awaiting rickshaws. We loved seeing the local lifestyle and feeling part of the busy streets! We saw a little of everything such as firework merchants preparing for the upcoming Diwali Festival, street food vendors and wedding stores.
Next we were peddled by rickshaws through colorful narrow alleys to the Kinari Bazaar area. This is a traditional retail market place where wedding accessories can be purchased. The area is a crazy maze of people which provides you with a perspective of how the people of New Delhi live and shop.
Post lunch we stop to look at the India Gate. This is India's version of the Arc de Triomphe. It is a memorial to 82,000 soldiers who died in the First World War.
Next we visited a UNESCO Heritage Site of Humayun Tomb which served as the blue print for the Taj Mahal. The Tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife in 1570. It is known as the first garden tomb on the Indian sub-continent. The tomb has 150 graves of the ruling family members.
From here we stopped at Gandhi Smriti which is a museum dedicated to Gandhi. It is the location where he spent his last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30, 1948. Here you can see the gardens where he held nightly prayers and eventually was assassinated.
Lastly we stopped to view the President's Palace, Rahtrapati Bhavan.
Day Two - Monday - Jaipur
We started the day early because we left New Delhi and began the drive to Jaipur (taking approx. 6 hours). Jaipur is the capital of the Indian State of Rajasthan, known as the Pink City of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh the city was order to be painted pink to welcome Prince Edward VII. Upon arriving in Jaipur the first thing on Natalie's agenda was shopping for a custom Punjabi for her (two actually) and a Kurta for me. We would use these for our pics in front of the Taj and then Diwali party back in Thailand. In the evening we visited a Hindu Temple called Laxmi Narain Mandir.
I have to mention how beautiful our hotel was in Jaipur, the Jai Mahal Palace. The gardens were amazing.
Day Three - Tuesday - Jaipur
On this day we had a full schedule of sightseeing. We kick started our day with a ride on an elephant to reach the hilltop fortress of Amer. The fortress has beautiful palaces within it's massive walls, which were once inhabited by the Royal Family. The fort overlooks lake Maota and provides a stunning view. The Palace is laid out in four levels each with a courtyard. Not only was the architecture amazing but we saw how they utilized the winds and water cascades to create a cooling climate.
Next we stopped at Jal Mahal for photos. The name means "water palace" as it is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. As we approached our van a small boy approached us and joined us for a short ride while he demonstrated his magic skills handed down from previous generations.
Next we journeyed through some of the magnificent markets of Jaipur, others may refer to them as crazy markets because of the large masses of people and never ending activity!
We arrived at Hawa Mahal which translates to "Palace of Winds". It is called such because of it's high screen wall facing the street so the woman of the royal household could observe street festivities while being unseen from the outside.
In the evening back at the hotel we enjoyed traditional Indian dancing and a puppet show for the boys.
Day Four - Wednesday - Ranthambhore
After an early morning breakfast we began our drive to Ranthambhore National Park. Having arrived in the early afternoon we schedule an evening safari to sight-see a Bengal Tiger. Our safari was conducted inside an open air, no roof jeep as you meandered through the National Park searching for animals. While we did not see a Tiger we did get to see a more rare sighting of a Leopard. Creating a memorable experience a giant rainstorm struck which is not typical for this time of year. As a result we got absolutely drenched! Something to add to the travel experience as you can only look back and smile...Again I have to mention how beautiful our hotel was this time in Ranthambhore, the Haveli Naharharh. The architecture, while new was designed to look like generations ago.
Day Five - Thursday- Ranthambhore
On this day we had an early morning and late afternoon safari. Unfortunately all day we were not able to locate the mysterious and elusive Bengal Tigers. It appears the sudden rainstorm placed a damper on finding Tigers as they head to higher ground when this happens. We did however get to see some other animals and some beautiful countryside in the Park.
Day Six - Friday - Agra
Another early morning start as we began our six hour drive to Agra. On the way we did an impromptu stop at a local Village School called Ajnoti. This provided an great opportunity to reflect once again how fortunate we are and also experience how children in other countries attend school. The kids greeted us with such warm smiles and excitement. They loved taking pictures with us and also receiving the small tokens of pens and pencils.
Also on the way to Agra we stopped at another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, known popularly as the "ghost city" of India. The city was found in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. As history tells, Akbar visited the village of Sikri to consult a Saint who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the Prophecy came true he built his capital there and also a mosque. The city was was erected in an area that supposedly suffered from water shortages and was abandoned shortly after Akbar's death.
In the evening we went to a theater to see a cultural production of Mohabbat-e-Taj, telling the story of Taj Mahal. Unfortunately no cameras were allowed however the memories of the dancing, traditional attire and story will be remembered.
Day Seven - Saturday - Agra
Today we had an early rise to pay homage to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, the utilimate monument to love. Made of translucent white marble it was an incredible sight. The story begins when Maharajah Shah Jahan spotted Mumtaz Mahal at the marketplace in his royal palace. It was love at first sight for the two and he quickly made her his third wife. After bearing him fourteen children Mumtaz died leaving Maharajah devastated. He then decided to build an everlasting memorial and resting place, looking to the Koran for inspiration. In order to ensure no other living structure would ever rival the beauty of the Taj Mahal, he made an agreement with the buildings artist. In exchange for life security, they would not create anymore art or design in their lifetime. Pictures tell the story best...
Post breakfast we visited the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress of red sandstone is on the bank of the Yamuna River with a great view of the Taj. Emperor Akbar began the construction in 1565 and was completed by his grandson Shah Jahan. This later became his prison for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power.
After lunch we said goodbye to Agra as we drove back to Delhi. Once arriving in Delhi late afternoon, we stopped for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and to get Natalie's Starbucks mug at the Select City Walk Mall.
In conclusion I have to mention all the wonderful meals that we ate on our journey. Tasting the food of India within the country was amazing and delicious. This trip ranks among the top of our list and one that we will never forget.
