India

February 2023

India is a place I’ve always been intrigued by, but never felt a strong enough impulse to explore. There were always places higher on my bucket list or within easier reach, making India never seem attainable or the goal.

In January, whilst in Sri Lanka I was weighing up my options with what to do next. With India only been an hours flight away, it seemed only right to add it on to the trip. I made the decision to fly from Colombo to New Delhi, and explore the golden triangle for just 8 days.

India truly is a place like no other. There’s an engaging and encapsulating atmosphere you can’t explain, and immersive culture you can’t always fully understand. I had my apprehensions before visiting, with the generic understanding of female respect and safety, as well as the general treatment of Westerners. I think as long as you don’t find *intense* staring, eye contact, attention, hassle and interest too overwhelming, you can enjoy everything the country has to offer in relative peace!

I felt very present during my time in India, spending a lot of each day engaged with my surroundings and the environment I was in. A lot of India is just so chaotic, you do not have much choice besides living that way. After taking an hour to myself on a hostel or restaurant roof top, you’re soon left with no time to breathe when you leave the safety of your room or ‘safe space’ for the day. All senses are engaged from the first step outside of your door. An idea that at can at first feel overwhelming, but if embraced can be a thrill.

I arrived into Delhi airport and made my way across the city for the first (of many!) trains, straight to Agra. I stayed in Agra for two nights, of course ticking off the famous and utterly breath-taking Taj Mahal. Next was the train to Jaipur for a further two-nights, Jodhpur for 2-nights, Jaisalmer for 2-nights including 1 night in the Thar Desert, followed by 1 night on a sleeper train from Jaisalmer back to Delhi, and then the final night in Delhi before departing again from Delhi airport the next day. Any time left to breathe? Nope!

Follow the links above for in depth guides and further information, and a very raw experience on each location. India is not for the faint hearted.