It’s been one year since I traveled to India (January 2020) with three friends and traveled around with four – as we were visiting our friend who lives in India. I’ve been thinking about how crazy it is that so much has changed in the world in just one year. Reminiscing about travel adventures has made me a bit nostalgic, especially considering I haven’t been able to really travel since then!
Now let’s just dive right in & take a walk down memory lane…
First full day:
The long haul flight to India was actually quite lovely with Delta – besides some turbulence we encountered. We went to a country club in Mumbai as a calm intro into the country. Later that night we explored some of the bars around the area, which was fun to see. We went to Koko plus one or two others that I’m blanking on (it’s been 1 year!).
The next morning was rough to say the least…many of us did not feel well! But alas, we’re in India! We had to make the most of it anyway so off to our Jeep city tour it was. I highly recommend it (Khaki Tours). Our tour guide was very knowledgable and it was just a unique way to see the city besides foot.
We escaped the city of Mumbai one day and took a day trip to nearby Alibag – a sort of summer getaway akin to the Hamptons & New York City, according to my friend (who we can call A for convenience). The family friend of A’s lent us their house for a day…to say it was remarkable would be an understatement! We spent the day lounging poolside. Also the only way to get there is via boat (forget the good hair day, just embrace it).
Who knew we were ahead of the times when we wore masks in Delhi?
So it was goodbye Mumbai & hello New Delhi! The city’s air quality is not that great hence the masks…
If I had to characterize the two cities we had been in up to that point – I’d say we experienced a more relaxing version of Mumbai while Delhi was go, go, go! And on a practical note, Mumbai was quite warm in January and summery while Delhi was, by no means cold, but more like early spring so I’d suggest bringing a lot of layers.
Luckily we had a guide to show us around the city. Two of the most memorable things include: us riding in an auto rickshaw during crazy (or normal?) traffic – again another great way to sightsee – and walking through Chandni Chowk. How to explain this market, hm?
It is a wild place. Everything moves at lightning speed and if you ever thought New York City was chaotic – this is 10x crazier. I remember feeling adrenaline the entire time we were in the market because if I was ever too slow, a second later I’d be getting run over by a bicycle or a cow – or any other object! Think back to when you first learned to drive. I bet every drive early on felt scary and like you had to be so alert and ready for anything. Well that was what being in Chandni Chowk was like!
To drive this idea home, I found this quote about the famous market online: “Unbelievably busy and comically chaotic, Chandni Chowk may not be an easy place to navigate but is easily one of the most fascinating corners of the capital.”
And of course we had to see the Taj Mahal in Agra (second [New]Wonder of the World with these ladies!). I have to say that when I first laid eyes on the Taj Mahal I gasped and said “oh my god.” It is a stunning place. It was extremely crowded, though, which was the only downside. I’m so glad that we ventured out there because it ain’t like India is nearby.
In Jaipur (the “Pink City”), we got to feed and wash some elephants which to be honest I wasn’t quite sure about ethically. Everyone was excited to go and we had already bought the time. Overall, I think it was OK as it was two elephants with minimal tourists around. I wouldn’t say this is a must do experience, though.
Our final stop was to Hyderabad. an add on. We went for an engagement party for A’s friend from school. This was the engagement party of all engagement parties. ‘A’ had told us that Indian engagement parties are extravagant but you don’t quite grasp how big they are until you see it yourself. This felt like a wedding! There were hundreds of people – again, pre-Covid. It was an honor to be there and experience something that I would have never gone to had our friend not brought us four American girls along. Did I mention we (somehow!) performed a choreographed dance on stage with the soon-to-be bride’s closest friends!? Makes a good story now though.
And that is a wrap on our India 2 week tour! Fingers crossed that we all will have more adventures soon enough…
Living the Good Life 