katie heads to incredible india

Our India expert, Katie H, has returned back from India with enchanting stories and mythical encounters. Read on to hear Katie’s tales from India.

Three years has passed since my last visit to India and still my passion lies as strong as ever, maybe even more so having just got back from 12 magical nights with my mum traveling around the North. We left the mother land with Virgin Atlantic on a Friday night and I settled into my seat with a glass of wine and a film. As soon as I stepped off the plane, the smell of warm spicy heat hit me. I couldn’t wait to leave the airport: horns honking, beggars busking and chilled-out cows. This is Incredible India, a different way of life, a culture full of diversity, a mountain range of history and colours like you have never seen.

A freshen-up at the stunning Aman, New Delhi, then I headed out on a whirlwind tour of Delhi’s amazing properties.

After Delhi: next stop Agra, the city famous for the mighty Taj Mahal. And mighty it was. A magnificent gesture to the Mogul King’s wife, steeped in history and elegant design. A one-night destination that wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the luxurious Amarvillas, naturally…

After sunrise at the Taj, we headed to a hotel that I have been dying to stay in for a long time: Amanbagh. It was more amazing than even I expected. During the day, we traveled through villages, passing cricket players and sacred cows roaming the streets – this is a world all its own. The pace at Amanbagh slowed to that of the camels, carts and lazy bike riders. This is where you go to disappear, explore and delve into what India’s village life is all about.

We were a bit late in the season for Ranthambore but we managed to squeeze in a stay at Vanyavillas to search for the notorious Bengal tiger. On our first game drive the heat was soon forgotten when we stumbled across one famous male; T-6. It was truly incredible to be near such a protected and regal animal. Cooling off from the summer sun, he bathed for about 20 minutes until sloping off into the bushes. After heading back for our own cooling swim, we were off to dinner at the stunning Sherbagh. One word: mouth-watering. Maybe that’s two, but still – it really was.

As we left the tigers behind, the Pink City, Jaipur, called. We passed through more local villages and into the vibrant Rajasthani way of life. Fabric shops, camels and elephants lined the streets with ancient temples dotted around. A whole range of heritage properties were everywhere: palaces, forts and temples with designs fit for the Maharajas and moguls who use them.

From the city we headed off road to what seemed like the middle of nowhere until we stumbled across two mighty elephants that appeared to be guarding something…or maybe we were just in their path. We explored the grounds, passing a 400 year old candlie-lit temple then stopped for a quick G&T. Bliss. To top it off, we were met by the resident tandoori chefs, cooking up a storm. ‘Yum’ doesn’t cover it.

From pink to the Blue City of Jodhpur. Famous for its elaborate textile industry and bazaars. We reached the old town where our tuk tuk took us to the brand new Raas hotel, tucked away behind a large Haveli door in the shadow of Mehrangah Fort. I could experience the sights, sounds and smells of Jodhpur from the hotel’s poolside – pretty incredible. After a spot of shopping (naturally) we headed to the village of Rohet: the highlight of my trip. This is the India I know and love. We dropped off our bags and jumped in the jeep to follow the lives of two fascinating tribes; Brahmin and Bishnoi. We were welcomed into their homes and lives, swapping stories of their past and present. Words can’t justify the experience; you simply have to get here and see it yourself.

Last (there is no ‘least’ in India) I landed in Udaipur. This is the city of lakes, now rather dry until the next big year of rain arrives. We stayed at the iconic Lake Palace which was the ideal end to our trip and gave us a few hours to take everything in.

India is captivating and enchanting. It may not be crystal clear and clean but it is the way of life, culture and colours that truly inspire and excite any traveller who goes. It’s time you had a look if you ask me…