India hits you the moment you arrive – the colour, the noise, the constant motion. There’s no slow introduction – and honestly – that’s part of the charm.
From the chaos of the old Delhi markets to the royal palaces of Rajasthan, every day brought something new and unexpected.
After a 3am arrival, Delhi was a blur of energy – temples, traffic, food stalls and markets spilling out onto every corner. It was intense, overwhelming, but so wildly captivating as we tasted our way through markets until we couldn’t manage another bite.
From temples feeding thousands of people every day with free meals to prominent squares and architectural wonders that date back centuries, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Delhi.
What struck me most, though, was the rhythm of life – somehow chaotic and perfectly in sync at the same time.
There’s a constant energy that hums through the city that you can’t quite describe, but you feel it instantly.
Next on the list was one of the most famously romantic gravesites the world has seen: the Taj Mahal
Seeing it for the first time was truly something special. It’s one of those places we’ve all seen a thousand photos of, but in person it’s entirely different – serene, magnificent and every bit the architectural wonder it’s said to be.
As the sun rose, shades of pink and orange flickered across the marble pillars and dome, with thousands of semi-precious stones sparkling like stars.
Even surrounded by hundreds of people, standing there and taking it in feels so personal and quiet. It’s a sight to behold that photos don’t dare do justice.
Then Rajasthan unfolds like a dream. Cities painted in pinks and blues, doorways and temples carved with impossible detail.
The architecture is what really got me – every palace seems to outdo the last, whether perched on cliffs, tucked away in deserts, or seemingly floating on lakes.
There’s a mystical air to it all, from a time that once was – it feels like stepping straight into another world.
As we wandered the cobbled streets and twisting market roads, there was this incredible blend of Hindu and Persian influences that made me stop and stare at almost every doorway and ceiling.
The craftsmanship, the colours, the sheer imagination of it all – it’s almost impossible to take in.
We were treated to a romantic sunset boat ride in Udaipur and a truly unique dinner experience with incredible dancers and musicians performing for us on the edge of the desert under a star-lit sky.
Every experience seemed to outdo the one before it – constant delightful surprises that kept unfolding, each seeming to outdo the last. By the time we wrapped up the journey with an evening out in Delhi – local style – it felt like the perfect full circle.
This trip was truly once in a lifetime. With how much we managed to fit into the itinerary, the organisation by Heavens Portfolio and Far and Beyond was impeccable.
Amid the chaos of traffic and the whirlwind of activities, our driver was always there when we needed him. Every connection, every detail, every transition worked together seamlessly to create an experience that felt effortless – even though we knew just how much work was happening behind the scenes to make it so.
On our journey we stayed in some truly incredible places – each with its own story and personality. What stood out most wasn’t just the luxury or the grandeur, but the people.
No matter where we went, we were welcomed with overflowing hospitality and warmth, and always more than well-fed.
Every stop felt like a royal welcome – thoughtful touches, smiling faces and an authenticity that made us feel genuinely cared for. The personalities and kindness we met along the way were what tied everything together and made the trip feel whole.
I think it might be impossible to sum up India neatly, as it is just so different at every turn. It’s a country of contrast and character, and we only explored a tiny corner of it.
But I know one thing for sure: I can’t wait to go back for seconds – and maybe even thirds.
