Planning a Trip to India

Planning a trip to India … I’ve been sitting here staring at those words in the title for the last 10 minutes unsure of where to go from here. I mean; I’m planning a trip to India – that seems like enough news to fill a blog post on it’s own right? 

The Golden Temple (holiest Sikh shrine), Amritsar, Punjab, India{The Golden Temple – Source}

Let me tell you {and me} the big news one more time – I’m planning a trip to India! Well actually, my trip is all planned and I’ve started packing. In a little over a week I’ll be off to India for a whirlwind 10 day adventure. While I can’t spill the beans just yet about the purpose of my visit, I can tell you this – I’m ridiculously excited and anxious at the same time.  This is my first trip back home in about 20 years, and the first time I’m travelling outside of Punjab. 

I’ve been spending almost every night for the last two weeks reading travel blogs and looking up packing lists for India. Even thought I kind of know what to expect, I really don’t have any idea what to expect. When I visited India as a kid/teenager I only ever stayed with family – a sheltered India experience. I was also a very different person then, probably not nearly as emotional about the homeland, and definitely not a food fanatic.  jaipur{Jaipur – The Pink City!}

Our itinerary includes stops in Amritsar, Agra, Jaipur, & Dehli. While I’m over the moon about seeing the Golden Temple, the Taj Mahal, and wandering the bazaars of the pink city, I’m also nervous about how I will process the noise, humidity, and all the people! I expect it to be an overwhelming and fulfilling experience – a perfect oxymoron. 

For now I’m trying to put my anxiety at bay and focus on my shopping wishlist, foodie pit stops and general sightseeing euphoria. I’ve got a list of dishes & restaurants I want to try in every city, and I’m saving ample space in my suitcase for all the kitchen supplies and utensils I plan to bring back. 

If you have any recommendations for places I must see {or eat at} in Amritsar, Jaipur, Agra, or Delhi – I’d love for you to share in the comments! I don’t officially head off until next week but just in case things get a little slow and quite here advance apologies. You can always find me on Instagram where I’ll be sharing my adventures. 

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3 Comments

  1. February 10, 2015 / 8:33 pm

    So excited for you, Raj! Looking forward to following your adventures. Safe travels and have the the most amazing time!
    Dale

  2. Pooja
    February 11, 2015 / 5:53 pm

    Jealous. Enjoy the 20 year hiatus, because you will go running back more often.

    My over all tip, is to be safe. I did the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Tour last year.

    In Delhi, def check out Raj Ghat (The Gandhi Memorial) and Bangla Sahib Temple- I saw it during the day, I heard its even more stunning during the night. Shopping at Palika Bazaar is insane. I would say skip it. However, the street vendors around the park in Connaught Place have some nicely priced goodies.

    In Agra, watch your pocket. Get to the Agra early, for excellent pictures and before the stream of tourists arrive mid morning. Also, before the temps increase. Def buy the “shower caps” for your shoes, you don’t want to go barefoot. Make sure you get some petha, I got ripped off, however, how can you be in Agra and not bring back ‘Agrey da petha’.

    In Jaipur, definitely do the elephant ride up to the Amber Fort. My friend was on the elephant in front and we swapped our cameras so we would have our photos in our camera. During your ride, you will see photographers taking photos, they will try to hunt you down when you are done with the ride. I felt bad and I bought the photos, sucker, I know. Also, the Jal Mahal is stunning during dusk. I picked up Jaipuri umbrellas (for what, I have no clue) and Jaipuri lanterns on the road leading to Jal Mahal, I didn’t see them anyone else. Also check out LMB (a few Indian blocks away from the Hawa Mahal) for EXCELLENT vegetarian food and bhujia, also don’t forget to bring back goodies. The Govind Devji Mandir, is also nice and has a goshalla, you can purchase gur/choley to feed the cows.

    Have lots of fun and avoid the ice!

    • February 11, 2015 / 8:09 pm

      Wow, thanks for all the tips Pooja! I’ll definitely make note and visit some of these places. Great idea swapping camera with your friend on the elephants. I’m travelling with someone who is quite familiar with the cities we are going to, but it’s nice to have recommendations!

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