India was unlike anywhere I have ever travelled, vast, vibrant, exhausting, and unforgettable in equal measure. This section of my website brings together the stories, photographs, and reflections from my journey across the country, from the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of Ranthambore, the spiritual heart of Varanasi, the splendour of the Taj Mahal, and the golden glow of Amritsar.
Over the course of the trip, I travelled by plane, train, tuk‑tuk, jeep, and boat; woke before sunrise more times than I can count; and experienced everything from peaceful temples to roaring border ceremonies. I met wonderful people, learned more than I expected, and saw sights I will remember for the rest of my life.
These pages are not just a record of where I went, but of how it felt to be there, the humour, the frustrations, the early mornings, the unexpected moments, and the sheer wonder of seeing India up close. If you’re planning a trip of your own, reminiscing about one you’ve taken, or simply curious about what travelling through India is really like, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed living it.
Location: New Delhi, India
Summary: I arrived in New Delhi before sunrise, navigated the airport queues and biometric checks, met a few fellow travellers, and took a chaotic drive past cows, dogs and monkeys to the Eros Hotel, where a sunset, a beer, and our first group briefing eased me into the start of the India tour.
Location: Delhi, India
Summary: A day exploring Delhi, from walking through Jama Masjid to riding tuk‑tuks through Old Delhi’s chaotic back streets, before visiting Raj Ghat and travelling onwards toward Jaipur.
Location: Jaipur, India
Summary: A day in Jaipur spent recovering from severe food poisoning after leaving Delhi, confined to the Ramada Jaipur hotel while the rest of the group toured Amber Fort and the City Palace.
Location: Ranthambore, Rajasthan, India
Summary: Travelling from Jaipur to Ranthambore while still recovering, settling into the Abhyaran Hotel after a chaotic arrival, and taking the first game drive through Ranthambore National Park, spotting deer, monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and a distant leopard before returning to the hotel for a quiet evening.
Location: Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Summary: Early‑morning safari in Ranthambore with blankets against the cold, spotting wild boars, peacocks, deer and birds before Kirsty spots a tiger in the tall grass, followed by a quiet afternoon and an evening of music, dance and conservation talks.
Location: Abhaneri, Rajasthan Agra → Uttar Pradesh, India
Summary: A day travelling from Ranthambore to Agra with a stop at Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri, watching a colourful wedding procession pass by, lunch at Umaid Lake Palace, and ending with rooftop drinks overlooking the Taj Mahal in the far distance.
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Summary: A sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, a fascinating exploration of Agra Fort, and an evening wander through Mehtab Bagh’s gardens complete with monkeys, tuk‑tuks, and rooftop drinks, a full day capturing the spirit of Agra.
Location: Agra → Lucknow, Utter Pradesh, India
Summary: The trip from Agra to Lucknow was a mix of chaos, humour, and small surprises, from dodging sleeping bodies on the station platform to wondering if my case made it onto the old train. Lucknow greeted me with heavy traffic, beggars calling me “daddy,” a brilliant Mai Tai, and a tuk‑tuk ride through busy alleys and markets. It turned into one of those days that makes travelling India unforgettable.
Location: Lucknow → Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Summary: We left Lucknow after visiting the British Residency and Bara Imambara, exploring their history and architecture before starting the long, eventful journey to Varanasi. Detours, crowds, and closed roads made the trip unforgettable, ending with a late arrival at the Radisson Hotel Varanasi ahead of the next day’s sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
Location: Varanasi & Sarnath, Utter Pradesh, India
Summary: A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges during Kumbh Mela, a visit to Bharat Mata Mandir and a silk shop, followed by an afternoon exploring Sarnath’s temples, stupas and museum, plus a few unexpected photo requests.
Location: Delhi, India
Summary: A flight back to Delhi, a suspicious two‑car accident causing a long traffic jam, and a final evening together at the Pride Plaza Hotel before some departed and others got ready to continue on to Amritsar.
Location: Delhi → Amritsar, Punjab, India
Summary: A long train journey from Delhi to Amritsar, complete with good onboard food, a luggage theft drama, and arrival at the Radisson Blu before an evening visit to the Golden Temple, where the group experienced extraordinary access to the ceremony and warm interactions with local visitors.
Location: Amritsar, Punjab, India
Summary: A full day exploring Amritsar, from the sombre history of Jallianwala Bagh to the Golden Temple kitchens, a superb dinner, and the unforgettable Attari–Wagah border ceremony.
Location: Amritsar, Punjab → Delhi, India
Summary: A day of travel chaos, malfunctioning airport security, missing guides, hotel mix‑ups, and a final night in Delhi marked by delays and a midnight wedding outside the window.
Location: Delhi, India → London, England
Summary: Delhi, an early transfer to the airport, through the last round of security, and boarded the long flight back to Heathrow. I found myself reflecting on the entire journey, the unforgettable sights, the early starts, the mixed hotels, the repetitive buffets, and the friendships that made the trip truly special.
