As I planned my trip, there were many who told me to expect the worst poverty imaginable. There were others who wondered why I would want to go there. And there were still others who applauded my decision and desire to visit India. Because my time was limited, I opted to visit the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Since I have traveled so much, I set about making my hotel and plane reservations, and contacted a driver that some friends recommended to me. Making my own arrangements allows me to go where I want and see the things I want to see, and not have to be bound by others.
First stop: Delhi. My driver met me at the airport and we headed for my hotel. As we drove, he offered me a soda, thinking that all Americans love sodas. I do not drink sodas, but graciously accepted and nursed it until we got to the hotel where I was able to dispose of it. I did let him know that I preferred water and everyday after that he always had water for me! Communication is so important, wherever you are. What a fabulous hotel I had in Delhi: The ITC Maurya is absolutely 5 Star at its best! They made me feel like I was their only guest and took a personal interest in me from the time I arrived until the morning I checked out. Since my room was not ready when I arrived, Sofia escorted me to the 28th floor of their Tower and served me tea and cookies. She discovered I really liked the chocolate cookies. The result was that I had cookies, brownies, tea and fresh fruit in my room the entire time I was there.
Delhi turned out to be a thriving, cosmopolitan city of over 16 million people. Traffic is bad, but no worse than it is in Southern California! Just over 80% of the people are Hindu, 13.4% are Muslim and just over 2% are Christian. Although the country is overwhelmingly Hindu, many of the Muslim customs are alive and well here. For example, many of the women are veiled and covered up completely, despite very warm weather. When my driver picked up the local guides who would show me around, they each seemed to be surprised when they found me sitting in the front seat, as it is not normal for women to ride in the front. How else was I to get the photos I wanted if I was in the back seat??? Also, many of the older women do not work and the men do not want them to work. However, the younger women do work and have studied for careers. One of the Hindu customs that is still practiced even by the young, more modern Indians is that of arranged marriages and the giving of a dowry.
Visits to Humayan's Tomb, the India Gate, Mahatma Gandhi's home and Memorial, and Indira Gandhi's home brought much of the history of this country to life. Driving through the diplomatic enclave and around the city was fascinating. Yes, there is poverty, but it is no worse than in other countries I've visited. I think the big difference is that the very young children are out begging right along side their parents.
After two very full days of sights and sounds, wonderful food and lots of photos, it was time to drive to Agra. While the roads are good, there is a lot of traffic, so the drive took about 4 1/2 hours to go 130 miles. But it was an interesting drive with little villages along the way, lots of animals and farms along the roadside and bright colors everywhere. We arrived in Agra about 2:00 in the afternoon on a Friday and checked into the hotel. The Taj was closed that day for Friday prayers, but by climbing on the roof of my hotel, the ITC Mughal, I was able to get an incredible view of the Taj Mahal! A visit to the Agra Fort that afternoon was amazing and provided much information on the Mughal empires of earlier times in India.
Saturday morning I was the first in line to enter the gates of the Taj Mahal. What an incredible sight as I walked through the opening and got my first look at this gorgeous memorial! The massiveness and the beauty of the Taj are beyond description! It was absolutely breathtaking to behold. As we walked through the grounds to the Taj there was a reverence and a respect that everyone seemed to feel. Up close the marble is simply magnificent! It is lustrous and pure white with beautiful inlay work of carnelian, lapis, malachite, jasper, agate, quartz, amber and other semi-precious stones. The architecture is amazing and beautiful! The entire trip to India was worth standing on the grounds of the Taj Mahal! Over 125 photos provided me with many choices as I put together my photo album of this trip. I just could not get enough of the Taj. But, as with all good things, we finally had to move on.
Next stop: Jaipur. This trip took about 4 hours to travel 145 miles. The road was less congested and wider. Arriving in Jaipur, it was obvious why it is known as the "pink" city. Many of the buildings have a pinkish hue to them. This is a city of over 6 million population and very much a tourist mecca. The Amber Fort outside the city is fascinating and beautiful. The Jantar Mantar Outdoor Observatory is extremely educational and appropriate for all ages. Of all three cities I visited, while I enjoyed my time here, this was my least favorite.
India lived up to my expectations in every way! I would love to visit again and see other parts of this amazing country and, of course, once more to see the Taj!
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