Going Places – Passage to India | Timi Gustafson, R.D.

A place of mystery and wonder
India has long been on my list of must-see destinations. There is no such thing as a short visit to India. To explore this vast sub-continent, one needs plenty of time. There is not one culture but many, not one language but dozens and numerous more dialects. Respecting these differences while maintaining its identity as a nation is India’s strength and beauty.

Itinerary
Our journey began in Delhi and even here, in India’s capital, you have to spend at least a few days to get a small glimpse of this multi-faceted city. New Delhi is a modern metropolis with all the amenities you would expect in a mega-sized urban setting. Old Delhi, on the other hand, let’s you travel back in time. Taking a traditional rickshaw ride is still the best way to get around here, considering the constant traffic jam that can leave you stuck in a bus or taxi for hours. Sightseeing on foot works as well, but it is not for the faint of heart. Still, if you are ready and willing to dive in and allow yourself to get carried away by an endless sea of colors, sounds and smells that seem to be richer, louder and more intense than anywhere else on earth – then you are in for great treat.

From Delhi we took the train to Agra to see one of the most celebrated man-made wonders of the world: The Taj Mahal. We spent three days gazing at this most beautiful monument, unable to take our eyes off for hours on end. Even from our hotel room at the Oberoi Amarvilas we were able to watch the white shining towers in the sunset glow. It doesn’t get any better than that.

From Agra we continued on to Jaipur in the State of Rajasthan. Due to a delayed flight, we decided to cover the distance by car, which took about six hours but was well worth it. You can’t really experience a country unless you travel on the ground, and India is no exception.

If you have only a week or two to spend in India, I recommend that you choose Rajasthan as your destination. This place is like a romantic fairy tale from another time, filled with amazement and wonder. Instead of staying at an international western-style hotel (of which there are quite a few in the area), we chose the Samode Palace, a magnificently maintained heritage hotel full of rich history.

The city of Jaipur itself is filled with countless historic treasures, such as the Wind Palace downtown, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the Amber Fort up in the hills, where travelers ascend on elephant back.

Speaking of elephants: A short drive outside the city is a polo field, named Dera Amer, where visitors can partake in an “elephant polo” match, as it was played by 19th Century British army officers, complete with bagpipe marching band and followed by an after-dark outdoor dinner, lit by flaming torches.

For the remaining time in Jaipur we stayed at the Oberoi Raj Vilas, a vast world-class resort that skillfully combines traditional hospitality with modern-day comfort.

To view some of the highlights of this trip on video, go to YouTube.com “Travels with Timi Gustafson – India.”