This is your sign: Travel to India!
- Julie Maurer Patricia Wolter
- Feb 17
- 8 min read
Updated: 7 minutes ago
Many people that I have spoken to are hesitant about traveling to India for a plethora of reasons, and even though I initially had my own reservations, I am so happy that I was able to see past those concerns. For me, my travels to India were truly life changing, and I would love for everyone to have the same experience. If you are an aficionado of history, architecture, rich culture, amazing food, and have a deep respect for life and spirituality, all whilst meeting some of the kindest people that you will have ever encountered, then you need to experience this wonder for yourself.
Mark Twain, known to some as the "Father of American Literature," once penned:
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." (The Innocents Abroad)
So this is your sign, stop vegetating, get out of that little corner of the Earth of yours, and travel to India! You will thank me.
Please note that as with any of the other locations that we have traveled to, we are always happy to share our best travel ideas with you. If you are considering visiting Incredible India, please feel free to reach out via this website or email: sorellasnaps@gmail.com
Where to start in India is the big question, and that will depend on a number of factors which include: travel preferences, time of year, amount of time, etc. My sister and I initially had our first trip planned to India's Kerala region in April of 2020. Everything was thoroughly researched, booked and well, we all know why that trip got canceled!
Once we were able to rebook, we decided to explore India's Golden Triangle region (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur). If this is going to be your first time in India, then I would highly recommend starting with a tour of this area, as well as booking with a tour operator. After searching online, and then through TripAdvisor, we booked our tour through *Crystal India Holidays. We were quite pleased with this company due to their high level of communication, the tour itinerary, the hotel offerings, our guides and our driver. https://crystalindiaholidays.com/
We chose their 3 night and 4 day tour of the Golden Triangle. We also had the option of choosing 4 or 5 star hotels, and chose the latter. Even though I am an avid traveler, I suggest booking a private tour because there are a lot of new experiences that you will need to navigate around in India. First, and foremost is the traffic, which can feel like organized chaos at times. Let me tell you, it's quite an exhilarating experience, and not for the faint of heart! It was so nice to have a private driver, because there is absolutely no way that I could've driven those crowded streets myself. Plus, it gave me the opportunity to marvel in sheer wonder at all of the different things that I would see on the "average" street in India.
*Please note that we do not receive any compensation for suggesting these places and/or tour operators. We do however believe in giving recognition to, and sharing the places that we've really enjoyed. As with any type of lodging, please make sure that you read the reviews to determine if a place is right for your travel needs/style.
Here's where we stayed: *
On the day of our arrival, we opted for the comfort and opulence of a five star hotel and stayed in New Delhi at the Taj Palace. Since we had just arrived, we enjoyed a relaxing day at the hotel's spa. We loved it!
https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-palace-new-delhi
Day 2 - After a full day of touring Delhi with our guide, we drove to Agra where we stayed at the Trident Hotel. Another 5-star hotel, this hotel boasted a fabulous breakfast, as well as a whole host of activities throughout the day. We were especially enchanted by the Kathputli (puppet) show. Click on the link below to see it, and please don't forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Thank you!
Day 3 - After a full day touring Agra, our driver brought us to Jaipur where we stayed for 2 wonderfully rejuvenating nights at the Hilton, Jaipur. We particularly loved their rooftop lounge, Nebulae.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/jaighhi-hilton-jaipur/
Nebulae rooftop bar at Hilton, Jaipur Instead of taking the tour back to Delhi, we decided to fly to Mumbai where each of us took our separate routes. Patricia flew back to the States, and I, Julie, decided to explore further.
Our Touring Plan:
Day 1 - arrived into Delhi via Dubai on Emirates, an airline which we couldn't recommend more highly. We checked into our hotel, and took full advantage of the spa services offered.
Day 2 - this is where the adventure truly began! Our driver picked us up at our hotel, and our first stop was at the Qutub Minar Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Construction on its iconic sandstone minaret began in 1192. While the complex was indeed impressive, one of our greatest impressions was all of the Indian people who wanted to take selfies with us. Even though they couldn't have been more polite about asking, I think that our guide was growing weary from all of the "selfie stops." We certainly didn't mind!
After our stop at the Qutub Minar Complex, we went to the Lotus Temple. This temple was built for the Baha'i faith in 1986, and welcomes all. While we loved the temple's external design showcasing the lotus flower (India's national flower), the inside was not as impressive. Unless you plan on worshipping there, you can probably skip a visit inside. After our visit to the Lotus Temple, we drove by the India Gate, the Parliament House and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is the official house of the President of India. Before our 3 hour drive to Agra, we stopped at McDonald's to check out the local flavor that each international McDonald's has. That was the last time we ate at a McDonald's on our trip.
Day 3 - Good morning Agra! Our driver picked us up super early for a sunrise viewing of the Taj Mahal. Even though neither of us are "morning people," I can tell you that getting there first thing in the morning is an absolutely smart idea! Because we had arrived inside the complex by 6:00a.m., we did not have to fight against the massive crowds that will be there by 10:00a.m. It is without hesitation that I can confidently say the Taj Mahal is the most beautiful man-made structure that I have ever laid eyes upon. If this would've been the only thing that we would've seen during our visit, it would've all been worth it.
Click on the YouTube link below to see the Taj Mahal in all of its sunrise splendor.
Please don't forget to "like" and "subscribe."
https://youtube.com/shorts/FTMBLtJ0lQU?si=-pV_MDNYjN466D7p
After visiting this Wonder of the World, we returned back to our hotel for their delectable made-to-order breakfast. Following breakfast, we checked out and then visited a few other places in Agra, including the Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and a workshop where artisans create exquisite inlays on marble. (Yes, I brought home my own signature piece. Buy local!) One thing that people traveling to India should be aware of, is that near most of the national monuments, there are many street vendors who can be aggressive at times. Just be aware, and don't feel pressured to buy. Also know, that you can negotiate prices with most vendors. For myself, if I feel that the price is fair, I will gladly pay what they are asking, because I consider that my small way of helping someone out. After our day in Agra, our driver brought us to Jaipur, which is about 4 hours by car. For the next two nights we stayed at the Hilton in Jaipur.
Day 4 - After breakfast at the hotel, our driver picked us up for a full day of sightseeing! On our way to the Amer Fort (also Amber Fort), we stopped at Panna Meena ka Kund, which is a phenomenal architectural feat known as a step well. There are hundreds of these step wells in India, and they were designed to collect and store rainwater during monsoon season. This particular step well dates back to the 1600's.
After visiting the step well, we drove right up the hill to the Amber Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site). There is an option to travel via elephant, which we opted out of. The Fort itself is a stunning throwback to Rajput architecture, replete with Mughal influences, and was first constructed with red sandstone and marble in the 1600's. Additions and improvements were made for 150 years. The palace was the residence for the Rajput Maharajas and their families. Eventually the fort was abandoned due to a number of reasons which include: economic decline, civil war and the decline of the Mughal Empire. Also included on this tour, were up-close viewings of the wildlife that calls the Amber Fort home. Click on the link to see our hilarious encounter with one of these species: https://youtube.com/shorts/7lwLdyNI9QM?si=kF_ORqGkQVE_13Om
After our tour of the fort, we made a brief stop to admire the Jal Mahal, which is a "floating palace" in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Before our tour of Jaipur's City Palace, we stopped at a jewelry store, where we were tempted to buy treasures from the region. Also, on our tour, we stopped at textile shop where we had a blast buying clothing, as well as linens for the home. Textiles with absolutely gorgeous design and color are one of my favorite things about India, so if you bring me into a store...good luck getting me back out!
The City Palace is a royal residence and former administrative center for the rulers of Jaipur. Construction started in 1727, and shows influence of Rajput, Mughal, as well as European design. The palace was indeed beautiful, and features many precious artifacts. When we were visiting, they were hosting art classes for the community. Lastly, a tour of Jaipur would not be complete without a stop at one of its most Instagrammed places, the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. It's beautiful, iconic and is basically a facade. The many windows of the structure had served two purposes, 1.) to allow the royal ladies to look out upon the street, and 2.) provide many opportunities for the wind to blow through the palace in an attempt to keep it cool.
Day 5 - Rather than the 5 hour car ride back to Delhi, we opted to end our tour in Jaipur, and then to catch an easy flight to Mumbai.
Thank you for visiting the mesmerizing and captivating Golden Triangle with us. Don't forget, this is your sign to visit Incredible India!
Keep Adventuring On,
Julie & Patricia
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