I’m presently “camping” in India with very limited internet access, so my apologies for the lack of updates. Anyway, yesterday morning we visited the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and to say it was spectacular would be the understatement of the year. I’ll have more details with the trip report, though in the meantime here are a few pictures:
This trip to India has been incredible so far. As I mentioned earlier, India really wasn’t at the top of my list of places to see before the trip, though has turned out to be one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. Among people that love to travel that haven’t been to India, I’ve found that when India is brought up at least half of them say “that’s one destination I have no interest in visiting.” Let me simply say you’re missing out. It’s easily among the most spectacular places I’ve ever been.
Most folks seem to either love or hate India - there doesn't seem to be an in-between. I'm glad you're having a great time there!
I have to agree with Seth: India can do the ultra-luxe thing with hotels and resorts, but if you do that, you're missing the "real" India. In some parts (especially the somewhat less touristed south, such as Kerala) there are growing numbers of homestays: basically, someone's house with a few rooms. Kind of like a B&B, but they'll feed you all your meals if you like.
This way, you get a room with close to...
I have to agree with Seth: India can do the ultra-luxe thing with hotels and resorts, but if you do that, you're missing the "real" India. In some parts (especially the somewhat less touristed south, such as Kerala) there are growing numbers of homestays: basically, someone's house with a few rooms. Kind of like a B&B, but they'll feed you all your meals if you like.
This way, you get a room with close to Western standards (i.e., a reasonably clean Western-style bathroom) but get the environment is more homely. You aren't just being served, but interacting with a family.
You folks focusing on the hotels as a metric for the quality of your visit are missing out. I stayed in some incredibly low-end properties ($6/night in Agra; $30/night in Goa) on my last trip to India and my experiences were simply wonderful. We're headed back this Christmas and looking for more amazing opportunities in the south of the country.
I've got photos very similar to those from Ben in this post and have to...
You folks focusing on the hotels as a metric for the quality of your visit are missing out. I stayed in some incredibly low-end properties ($6/night in Agra; $30/night in Goa) on my last trip to India and my experiences were simply wonderful. We're headed back this Christmas and looking for more amazing opportunities in the south of the country.
I've got photos very similar to those from Ben in this post and have to say that, without a doubt, sunrise at the Taj is one of the most impressive travel moments I've ever experienced. It was actually the subject of my very first post when I started blogging and was the catalyst for me to travel more and blog about it.
Ben, its funny you sounds just like the commercials for India. Incredible India!
I've been planning my trip for 2 years and jealous that you beat me there....my turn next week...finally!!
I am glad to hear good things about my country here :) ... and certainly, I haven't been to Bhitorkonica as someone just mentioned!
@Kevin - is that a paid or an award ticket? Just curious...
@TravelHackerr if you go to the touristy places in India, you can find resorts and hotels that are as good as anywhere in the world. The best part of India is its diversity and the unique experience you can get. How about staying in a 5 star house boat floating on a lagoon passing through coconut lined shores? (Kerela) Or staying in a gorgeous palace in the middle of a lake?
If you are more...
@TravelHackerr if you go to the touristy places in India, you can find resorts and hotels that are as good as anywhere in the world. The best part of India is its diversity and the unique experience you can get. How about staying in a 5 star house boat floating on a lagoon passing through coconut lined shores? (Kerela) Or staying in a gorgeous palace in the middle of a lake?
If you are more adventurous, take a trip to Ladakh or take a trip to Bhitorkonica, Orissa to see Olive Ridley turtles spawn. Having criscrossed most of India, I can tell you India can cater to every kind of tourist.
I couldn't get my GF to go back for all the slik and pashmina in Jodhpur, but I would love to go back. All the colors that the Taj exhibits at the various times of day are amazing.
@Kevin -- A350? Did Airbus jump ahead of Boeing? :-)
@TravelHackerr -- I was thinking along the same lines. I've noticed my perception of how well I've enjoied a place depends on where I've stayed. (Even if I don't spend much time in the hotel)
I'm off to India this Saturday, with a side trip to Agra and the Taj. Thanks for the photo - now I really can't wait! I'm taking the 17.5 hour Singapore Air LAX-SIN all-biz A350 nonstop for the first leg...
India offers a lot of diversity and can cater to mostly all the tastes. Each region has some or the other thing to see.
It can be a bit or more chaotic but if you are game for it. Then it would be very interesting.
I made my first trip to India earlier this year (Mumbai and Kolkata). I can't wait to go back, and people think I'm crazy. It's truly a marvelous country to visit.
I've heard Goa, on the West Coast, south of Mumbai, has resorts that rival most other resort destinations globally. And looking forward to visiting the Taj Mahal myself someday. Enjoy the trip!
I am one of these travelers. I can't imagine to go to India, but your pictures look great. But I am not sure, maybe your trip is amazing because you're staying at luxury hotels and you don't see the real face of India.