INDIA REFLECTION
There are many unique countries, in fact most are but not many come close to India! India was without doubt a huge culture shock but it was all love during my visit. Compared to the laidback atmosphere of my home country, Northern Ireland the streets of India are insanely chaotic, something that jumped out at me from the off.
I stayed for a week to do the golden triangle and after a quick night in Delhi I was off to Agra to see the Mini Taj before the headliner, The Taj Mahal. An incredible structure, so good in fact that I felt the need to sit down for 30mins to help me take it all in.
TAJ MAHAL
I have visited every wonder of the world and the Taj Mahal is so far my favourite, it took my breath away!! Having a career in construction and a lover of architecture I could really appreciate it for what it is and without doubt I’ll be back.
You could walk around the chaos of India for months but it’s not until you appreciate and accept it for what it is that you begin to enjoy it. Fortresses and mausoleums are dotted around the country and are really just the cherry on the cake.
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THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY
Yes, India has its problems, namely the attitude of a particular vendor in my next stop, Fatehpur Sikri. Although a little unfortunate I try and not let one experience dictate the rest of my trip! I would feel for others who would be easily intimidated but as part of travelling and as a life lesson, these experiences only do you good in the long term.
After visiting the most insane well we made our way to the stunning Jaipur where I would try my hand in snake charming.
India Reflection
MONKEYS IN PUSHKAR
Monkey business was next on the agenda at Pushkar where we took a hike up to the mountains for a stunning sunset. This was my last night before heading back to Delhi, my final stop.
In Delhi I was given a city tour to visit Humayun’s Tomb, Old Delhi and a host of other attractions to round up a brilliant day!
India Reflection
LOCALS
My heart melted when I met some locals, they were hesitant but curious at first but after I made an introduction they were overwhelming with their kindness and warmth. The kids were especially pleasant and polite at such an age!
RATINGS….
- PEOPLE – 8/10
- BACKPACKING – 7/10
- WEATHER – 8/10
- THINGS TO DO – 7/10
- FOOD – 6/10
- VALUE – 8/10
- CULTURE – 8/10
- AUTHENTICITY – 9/10
India Reflection
SUMMED UP….
- HIGHLIGHT – Having the Taj Mahal to myself
- LOWLIGHT – Getting confronted by a vendor
- MVP – Everyone who welcomed me
- VISIT AGAIN – Yes!
- RATING – 8/10, such a unique experience
FINAL THOUGHTS
India was raw, even with its vast tourism it appears entirely untouched by the west. The Taj Mahal will for sure go down as one of the best things I’ve ever seen, even in years to come.
Since returning I have always said everyone should experience the country, it’s incredible diversity means there is just so much to see and quite literally a new experience awaits at every corner, most notably to Kerala, Varanasi and to revisit the Taj Mahal!
NEXT UP
Back to Thailand for Xmas and NYE! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of the India Series, click to explore
