Unlocking the Mysteries of India

This guest post is courtesy of Krystle Ang, Collette Vacations product manager for Asia and Hawaii, who last week taught us about Taming the Temple Tiger! Today, you will learn the answers to the MYSTERIES OF INDIA.

Why do I want to go to India?

I want to go to India and explore a world of dreams and mystery. I wish to partake in this rich civilization with a history of thousands of years. I want to see stark contrasts in humanity, ponder questions on morality, and reflect on my own place in the world. I want to be surprised by strangers, learn from my preconceptions, and open my eyes to the truth. I want to stand in awe of extreme beauty, shed a tear in gratitude, and appreciate the joys of life. Ok, and I also watched Slumdog Millionaire and really enjoyed the music.

What will I do in India?

When I go to India, I will go to Delhi and tour Old Delhi, ride a rickshaw, and see sites like Qutub Minar, Humayun’s tomb, India Gate, Parliament, and Rastrapathi Bhawan.

I will also travel to Udaipur and take a cruise on Lake Pichola, visit the City Palace, and see Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-Bari. I will then journey to Jaipur where I will see Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.

The next day, I will even ride an elephant to the top of Amber Fort. I will also go to Ranthambore National Park, learn from a naturalist, and go on a game drive to see tigers run free in the wild. I will ride a train to Bharatpur and visit Fatehpur Sikri. I will then travel to Agra and visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. I will also visit Jahangir Mahal in Occhra and the Chandel Temple complex in Khajuraho.

Finally, I will silently reflect as I journey towards the holy city of Varanasi.  I will witness the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony while a scholar explains the meaning of Hinduism to me. I will also cruise on the River Ganges and see people ritually cleansing themselves of their sins, hoping for salvation. I will also visit Vishwanath Temple, Benaras Hindu University, and Bharat Mata Temple. I will then journey on to Sarnath, where Siddarth Gautama, later known as Buddha gave his first sermon. I have arrived.

Where will I stay in India?

When I go to India, I will stay in hotels that are comfortable and luxurious, yet also make me feel I am truly in India.

• I feel like a Prince or Princess (or should it be Maharaja or Maharani?) as I slumber for 2 nights at Fateh Garh Palace in Udaipur
• I can barely sleep from excitement (or jetlag?) as I spend 2 nights at Hilton Janakpuri in Delhi.
• I close my eyes with all the gems I bought surrounding me during my 2 night stay at Trident Hotel in Jaipur
• I check to make sure my doors and windows are tightly shut so tigers do not come in as I sleep in the safety of my room for 2 nights at Dev Vilas in Ranthambore
• I dream of undying love and devotion, and listen to cheesy music for 2 nights straight at Radisson in Agra
• I spend 1 night at Radisson in Khajuraho and do not bother to unpack
• I toss and turn for 2 nights at Radisson in Varanasi as I dread leaving this country I have called home for more than a week now. (Ok, and I have to admit the images I have seen at the River Ganges have been haunting and fascinating me ever since.)

What will I remember when I come back from India?

I will always remember riding up to the Taj Mahal in a horse carriage at sunrise.

Bathed in the glow of the morning light, the Taj Mahal stands in front of me as a testament of Emperor Shah Jahan’s eternal love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth. Ever the romantic, I ponder this great love story as I marvel at this monument that took more than 20 years and 20,000 workers to complete. As Rabindranath Tagore described, it is “a teardrop on the cheek of time.” My eyes well up.

I will also always remember the moments that truly transported me into this magical land. Slowly breathing in and out during a yoga class in Udaipur. Attempting to learn about turban and sari tying, henna tattoos, and bindis in Jaipur. Sharing a simple meal at a home-hosted dinner. Supporting local art and meeting the artists themselves in Ranthambore. Planning my next dinner party menu back home at a cooking demonstration. Playing with and learning from orphans at Mother Teresa’s Charity Home in Agra.

What else can I do?

My journey will not begin or end in India. I can prepare for my passage to India with a stay in Dubai for 3 nights. There I will gasp at the world-famous Burj Al Arab as part of my city tour. I will go on an exciting desert safari, ride over sand dunes, and savor a feast under the stars in the Arabian night. When I leave India, I can also go on a 4-night extension to Nepal and stay in Kathmandu. I will visit ancient temples, stroll around bustling markets, and see local carpet makers at work. I can even fly to the Himalayas and join the ranks of men who have conquered Everest. Afterwards, I will go home, a keeper of the answers to the Mysteries of India.

As you are now privy to the secrets of India, you have been given the responsibility to share this message with your family, friends, and group leaders.

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posted by Guest Blogger

Collette Vacations

Tags: Collette, Collette Vacations, Destination Spotlight, Dream Destination, Escorted Tours, India

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