THE ROAD FROM DEHLI TO AGRA (Part 2 in a Series)

Three nights; two very full days ... that was Delhi, a city so vast and diverse that much more time could be devoted.  But with a total of just 10 days in India, one must move on. Prior to leaving, we enjoyed dinner at the Imperial Hotel -- a must see if you're a fan of the classic colonial style from the 1900's. We dined at San Gimignano, offering authentic and delicious cuisine ... sans alcohol due to a mandatory "Dry Day" prior to the impending local elections.   The next day, we boarded our private van for the 3.5 hour drive to Agra. We were told by driver Akbar we were on the fastest and most efficient road in India.  He explained the absence of large trucks as the result of expensive tolls imposed.  The truckers are therefore forced to use an alternate road, which same drive takes six hours! Arriving at the first of several Oberoi properties (specifically Amarvilas in Agra) to be savored on this trip is remarkable in itself, as just outside the walled property is significant evidence of poverty.   We were promised a view of the Taj Mahal from our room (and from many other enormous windows in the property), which did not disappoint save for the less-than-clear air.    From the hotel lobby Afternoon in the main part of Agra -- these are water buffaloes who couldn't care less about vehicles around them. Checking her email??  With barely a day to spend in the area, no time was wasted and we were off first to Agra Fort.   It was hot -- probably 110F -- which required perseverance on my part; not so the hubby and Aunt Judy traveling with us.  The architecture, inlaid marble and sheer size are most impressive.  After an hour or so, it was back to the hotel to switch to a golf cart for transport to the Taj, just a few minutes from the hotel, in time for a sunset viewing. Two photos of Agra Fort above; it's way too vast to do the structures  and grounds justice in a few photos. Security is quite tight, with men and women going through different scanners and pat-downs.  Finally, this iconic sight was upon us -- one of seven or eight Wonders of the World depending upon which list is consulted.  In case you're curious, we've been to five:  Machu Picchu, Pyramids, Colosseum, Great Wall, now the Taj Mahal, and the hubby has been to Christ the Redeemer in Rio.  No Chichen Itza or Petra, Jordan -- yet. It is a remarkable sight, no question.  We had been told in advance that there would be some scaffolding, but that hardly mattered.   And to think that this was built solely as a shrine to a wife (the emperor's favorite) should give most husbands pause! Not much more can be written, but rather photos to be treasured.   View FROM the Taj Mahal of the entrance. Would not have thought of coming to India without this ever-so-brief stop in Agra. Next we are off via train to Ranthambhore and a couple days on safari ...

A GRAND JOURNEY BEGINS IN DEHLI (Part 1 in a Series)

The annual privilege of uttering three favorite words for the hubby and me arrived April 18th: "And we're off!"  And where to?   First (and first visit) to India; southwest to the magnificent Maldives; east via flights through Sri Lanka and Singapore (been there but no time to stop this trip) to Western Australia to visit Perth and exploring the wine area; finally north en route back home with roughly 26 hours in Hong Kong (i.e., plenty of time to do damage).   

 

How was the decision made?  Bucket list?  Yes, in the case of the Maldives (anybody NOT want to go there??).  As for India, that became much more "doable" upon learning that the company used for last year's African adventure -- the sensational andBeyond -- also specializes in India.  As for Perth?  The hubby has a client whose family is in the wine biz there, so voila.  And it's not much further traveling there from where we were than if you were heading west from Sydney (visited in 2010, along with Melbourne, Cairns and New Zealand). I mean, once we were already in the "neighborhood," why not?

As for the India details, we'll concentrate our time in the area known as "The Golden Triangle" shown below.

The hubby and I tend to make the big spring trip just the two of us.  For this one, we're very happy to have Aunt Judy Stone joining us from New York.  This is Judy's first India trip as well. While she and her husband are avid travelers, he is among many who have no interest in India.   Remarkably, Judy's eastbound flight and our westbound flights arrived in Delhi within minutes of each other. Wonders of modern air travel!  We'll have a fascinating 10 days together before she heads home and we proceed on our way.

After a "swift" 23 hours total (LAX-Hong Kong-Delhi), we were transported to the Lodhi Hotel on the border between the old and new sections of the city.  A beautifully modern structure, with a plunge pool standard for all accommodations, we were happy to arrive and greet Judy in the 2-br suite.  The hardest part is acclimating to the local time (+12.5 hrs from LA).  The goal for day 1. is a bit of sightseeing, a trip to the spa, and early night, then progressively gearing up. With the heat index at 110F, that was all any of us were up to doing. But, you know, at least no humidity ... 

Clockwise from upper right:  In the Lodhi Hotel lobby; Humayan's Tomb built prior to the Taj Mahal but also as a shrine to a spouse; War Memorial; President's residence

I love this group of school kids on the grounds of Humayan's Tomb getting in close for a selfie.

Serious stuff in front of the President's palace.

A quintessential experience of India was the visit to the Old Dehli marketplace and Spice Market.  I'm no lover of 100+ temperatures with wall-to-wall vehicles and people, but this was not to be missed.  Our guide told us that, appearances notwithstanding, many of the "stores" have been been in the same family for generations and provide quite a nice living.  

	Clockwise from upper left: En route to Old Dehli in typical traffic; getting ready for prayers at the Mosque; Jalebis which you'll know if you saw the movie Lion (I did on the plane!); Judy & I in necessary coverings at the Mosque

Wires and cables galore in Old Dehli; looking over the hubby's shoulder in traffic so close you can touch the passing vehicle.

At the Lodhi Hotel in Delhi with our incredible trip arranger from andBeyond, Devika Surie, and equally sensational Delhi guide, Gagan Anand.  Off to Agra ...!