India Trip

India has been a dream travel destination for me for several years. After months of planning, Marcy (a wonderful friend from CDC who has shared the same dream of a trip to India) and I spent 15 incredible days there. I can’t possibly relay all of the amazing details here, but I’ll at least post our itinerary. It was certainly a life-changing experience. If you ever want more info, please email me – I’d love to talk with you about it! Photos are also posted here. My most favorite parts of the trip are bolded.

Saturday 9/3
Arrived in Delhi late
Overnight at On the House Guesthouse

Sunday 9/4
Old Delhi: Jama Masjid Mosque, Red Fort
New Delhi: India Gate, Presidential Estate, Gurduvara Bangla Sahib Temple, Raj Ghat, Humayan’s Tomb
First Indian meal
Indian clothes shopping

Monday 9/5
Took train to Haridwar and drove to Rishikesh (~5 hours)
Checked in at Himalayan Hideaway (through 9/8)
Ayuverdic massage

Tuesday 9/6
6 am yoga class at Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh
Guided walking tour through Rishikesh: Lakshman Jhula, multiple temples within Swarg Ashram, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (Beatles), Ganga aarti (sunset candlelight ceremony on the Ganges)

Wednesday 9/7
Some much needed R&R
Guided trek in Himalayas and through Sirasu village

Thursday 9/8
Drove to Haridwar
Visited India Temple
Guided walking tour of Haridwar and Chandi Devi Temple
Took train to Delhi
Overnight at On the House Guesthouse

Friday 9/9
5-hour drive to Agra
Checked in at Grand Imperial Hotel
Toured Agra Fort

Saturday 9/10
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal
8-hour drive to Samode
Toured Fatehpur Sikri
Checked in at Samode Palace

Sunday 9/11
Guided walking tour of Samode village
1.5-hour drive to Jaipur
Checked in at Tordi Haveli
Toured Mantar Janta and City Palace
Ayuverdic massage

Monday 9/12
Tour Amber Fort
Saw Palace of the Winds and Water Palace
Palm reading with an Indian astrologer

Tuesday 9/13
½ day drive to Deogarh
Checked in at Deogarh Mahal
R&R

Wednesday 9/14
½ day drive to Udaipur
Toured Chittaurgarh Fort
Checked in at Ram Pratak Palace
Rooftop sunset dinner with view of Lake Pichola

Thursday 9/15
Toured City Palace
Boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jagmandir Island
4-hour cooking class in an Indian home

Friday 9/16
Early flight to Mumbai
Ferry ride to Elephanta Caves
Brief city tour by car

Saturday 9/17
2 am flight to Paris
Very brief walking tour of Paris
8 pm flight to Atlanta