- March 2020
- September 2019
- April 2019
- February 2019
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- March 2017
- December 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- October 2015
- June 2015
- March 2015
- November 2014
- October 2014
- March 2014
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- December 2012
Incredible India
by nikki
Day 1
We met at Terminal 3- Virgin Check in Desk, first treat of the trip was a visit to the Upper Class Wing, such an eye opener to see how the other half live. Fantastic service where thecars get clearance then can drop the passengers off, staff will have boarding cards in hand and go out to the car to meet guests. It is then a quick wizz through a fast track security and made our way to the Club Lounge.
Fantastic facilities including an amazing deli as well as a brasserie menu to choose from and of course the obligatory Virgin Red Carpet Cocktail. There is a small rooftop garden for some fresh air and plenty of space including quiet areas, three separate areas including The Loft, The Den and The Lodge
We travelled on the overnight flight in Premium Economy onboard the Dreamliner, great aircraft, very airy and comfortable, Virgin provided a great inflight service.
Day 2
Arrival at Delhi was easy, immigration fairly quick and soon waiting in the lounge for our onward flight to Jaipur. Domestic airport facilities were fairly limited and I would recommend booking a lounge where possible – Short flight to Jaipur approx. approx. 35 mins Home for the next two nights – Trident Hotel, Jaipur Lovely hotel, a little dated but wonderful staff, nice restaurant with ample buffet, comfortable bar area and large swimming pool. Rooms are good standard with very small balcony.
Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of central Jaipur, with breathtaking views of the Mansagar Lake and Aravalli hills, this hotel is in a beautiful lakeside location. As well as a fantastic base for exploring the famous Pink City.
Day 3
Full day sightseeing in Jaipur, immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the city. First stop, Amber Fort – wow what a beautiful place, magnificent setting on the lake.
We were greeted by lots of hawkers, our guide had given us strict instruction to not even
acknowledge them and definitely not to speak, we all found this very hard, it is normal to just say a polite ‘no’ but apparently this is taken as room for negotiation so you must remain quiet.
There is an option to take an elephant to the top of the Fort, views on this are mixed but Kuoni do not encourage this practice so we walked up. Views on all sides are great and the attention to detail in the buildings is incredible.
We then drove back to the city and past the famous Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal, the main intention of this building was to allow the royal women to view everyday city live without being seen in public.
Last stop was the observatory, Jantar Mantar – I found this fascinating, way ahead of it’s time. Constructed in the early 18th century, it is an open air museum to 20 instruments measuring date, time and astronomical positions. Like a huge playground for grown ups! The accuracy of these instruments was amazing.
Street life in Jaipur is busy – cows everywhere, food stalls, cars, buses, bikes and people covering every inch. There is a lot of litter but every night this is cleared by the authorities even if it does appear again first thing the next day.
Lunch time – 4* Samode Haveli Jaipur Lovely small hotel built within the city walls. Historic property which has been meticulously restored, all rooms are different and give you the impression of staying in a castle or stately home.
This evening we were treated to an Aarti ceremony at Birla Temple – we took our shoes off as instructed and entered the temple with all the locals, a great experience.
Dinner – 5* Jai Mahal Palace – Fantastic exterior, great gardens and outside space, would only give the hotel 4* for rooms however. Nice coffee shop.
Day 4
Early start for our drive to Ranthambore National Park. Although a long drive the time passes quickly in India as there is always something to see. General street life is colourful and you go past endless cows, goats, carts and motorbikes carry numerous people. We saw cricket matches, people going to prayer and men in the roadside barbers.
Check in 4* Vivanta by Taj- Sawai Madhopur, followed by a casual lunch – this 70 year old hunting lodge has hosted many famous guests including Queen Elizabeth II. Slightly date property and rooms and very basic dining room, however the atmosphere and history of the place make up for this.
Afternoon game drive at Ranthambore National Park – Formerly the preserve of Maharajas and their hunting entourages, it is now one of the largest reserves in India. Drive for about half an hour to reach the reserve in an open top vehicle called a ‘Cantor’ these sit around 15 people with a guide and driver. You can hire a more private experience in a ‘gypsy’ which sits 6. After around two hours searching we were lucky enough to glimpse a tiger through the undergrowth. Our experienced guide asked us to be silent whilst he got the driver to reverse a few metres, we sat there for around 10 minutes and were rewarded when the tiger walked right out in front of us, sat down blocking our path. He was with us for around half an hour and it was the most amazing things I have ever seen.
Day 5
Lunch 3.5* Ranthambore Regency Hotel and site inspection – great hotel, rooms very modern and bright, large pool area with plenty of sunbeds. Great buffet restaurant and very welcoming staff.
After lunch we embarked on our long drive to Agra, very soon into the trip we became aware that there was a national strike and all the major highways were closed! This would make our drive much longer. The itinerary had included a visit to Fatehpur Sikri but this had to be scrapped which was a shame. 48 degrees today, high even for India pre-monsoon standards. Next hitch – coach overheated resulting in our poor driver throwing water on the radiator every 20 mins eventually we had to admit defeat and wait for a new bus. Pressing on and driving through a sandstorm, traffic chaos with lorries, goats and monkey all vying for space we eventually – reached Agra 12 and half hours later at 1.30am
5* The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra – This is the ultimate place to stay in Agra. When we looked out from the large balcony the days hassle melted away as we were greeted with a fab view of the Taj Mahal. Beautifully appointed room.
Day 6
05:30 hrs Early start for sunrise visit of Taj Mahal.
Short golf buggy ride to the entrance of the Taj, security screening and the entrance to the grounds. An absolute must for any visit to India this beautiful mausoleum of white marble built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Muntaz.
Back to the hotel for breakfast and a couple of hours by the pool – what wonderful surroundings, fantastic pool area with amazing attentive staff. Before we left we had a site inspection of the hotel, all public areas are beautiful and most have Taj views.
Due to the heat we had a short visit Agra Fort (approx. 15 mins) – Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this massive 16th century sandstone fort built primarily as a military structure was then transformed into a palace for Sha Jahan. From here you get great view back across Agra to the Taj.
Day 7
This morning we started on our sightseeing of Old & New Delhi – including; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, followed by a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of old Delhi, which was great fun, not in the least bit intimidating, then was a 15 minute walking tour of Old Delhi, we were not hassled at all.
Next stop – Red Fort, Parliament Street, India Gate. Delhi surprised me by being so green, lots of wide open tree lined streets where you might forget you are in India until a moped with four Sikhs riding it drives past!
Lunch and site inspection at the 4* Maidens hotel – a heritage hotel with real character is one of the oldest in the city, built in 1903 it has retained its elegant allure. A boutique, old-world charm hotel that retains the feel of a hideaway while still being close to all New Delhi has to offer. Pool area a little tired, staff are great and small restaurant has the most amazing food. Room rates here are very good making it an ideal spot whilst on tour.
Site inspection & hosted dinner at the 5* Taj Mahal Palace. My favourite hotel in Delhi, lovely atmosphere, buzzing and friendly with lots of history, great outside/pool area and fantastic choice of seven restaurants including Chinese, Japanese and Ricks Bar.
Day 8
We bid a fond farewell to India – what an experience!
Return flight was also in premium – thank you Virgin – we were also invited up to Upper Class for a drink which was great, we sat at the bar and chatted to the steward, he explained how the seating worked etc. Maybe one day ………….