India - A week of Wonder, Warm and Unforgetable Moments
After a week traveling through northern India — from the electric pulse of Delhi to the peaceful lakes of Udaipur and the vibrant creativity of Ahmedabad — I’ve returned home with a full heart and a swirl of memories I know I’ll be unpacking for a long time.
Thanks to Roelie’s impeccable planning, our small group of three traveled in effortless comfort with our own private driver. It was a luxury that made all the difference: smooth days, seamless transfers, and the priceless freedom to pause, wander, or linger whenever something caught our attention (which, in India, was often).
Our adventure began in Delhi, where we dove straight into the sensory kaleidoscope of Old Delhi on a rickshaw, joined a joyful Hare Krishna parade, and wandered through the grandeur of Jama Masjid. Evenings were filled with the warmth of a heritage haveli and the best butter chicken I’ve ever eaten — bowl-scrapingly good.
In Agra, we found quiet, almost reverent calm at the Taj Mahal. Seeing the intricate inlay work up close was breathtaking, but equally unforgettable was the sheer delight of locals who insisted on taking photos with us — as if we were part of the attraction.
Jaipur swept us into its regal embrace with rose-hued buildings, a yoga class ending in live Veena music, and the sweeping heights of the Amber Fort reached by jeep. We wandered through the astonishing astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar, admired the Hawa Mahal at every angle, and ended the day with earrings and embroidered shoes in hand — Retail Therapy: Rajasthan Edition. And, yes, the daily street-side OSHA violations remained both alarming and wildly entertaining.
Then came Udaipur, a soft exhale in the middle of our journey. We stayed in another beautifully restored haveli perched over Lake Pichola, gliding across the water on a quiet boat ride and exploring the shimmering interiors of the City Palace. We had intricate mehndi done, and our guide Ruichi welcomed us into her home for a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal.
Finally, Ahmedabad surprised us with its depth and warmth. Wandering the old city’s streets felt like stepping into a living museum of carved doorways and community life.
Our visit to the Shreyas Foundation schools was profoundly uplifting — children learning, creating, and laughing in an environment filled with joy. We wrapped up our trip by spending some reflective time at Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram. Through it all, India dazzled us with its contrasts — chaotic and serene, ancient and modern, overwhelming and deeply grounding. It’s a place where spirituality hums under everyday life, where colors and flavors spark joy at every turn, and where people greet strangers with genuine kindness.
As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude — for the thoughtful planning, the intimate cultural experiences, the laughter shared across long drives, and the beauty of discovering India not just as tourists, but as welcomed guests.
To Roelie: thank you for creating a journey that was seamless, soulful, and truly transformative. I’m already dreaming of the next adventure.
contact us.
After a week traveling through northern India — from the electric pulse of Delhi to the peaceful lakes of Udaipur and the vibrant creativity of Ahmedabad — I’ve returned home with a full heart and a swirl of memories I know I’ll be unpacking for a long time.
Thanks to Roelie’s impeccable planning, our small group of three traveled in effortless comfort with our own private driver. It was a luxury that made all the difference: smooth days, seamless transfers, and the priceless freedom to pause, wander, or linger whenever something caught our attention (which, in India, was often).
Our adventure began in Delhi, where we dove straight into the sensory kaleidoscope of Old Delhi on a rickshaw, joined a joyful Hare Krishna parade, and wandered through the grandeur of Jama Masjid. Evenings were filled with the warmth of a heritage haveli and the best butter chicken I’ve ever eaten — bowl-scrapingly good.
In Agra, we found quiet, almost reverent calm at the Taj Mahal. Seeing the intricate inlay work up close was breathtaking, but equally unforgettable was the sheer delight of locals who insisted on taking photos with us — as if we were part of the attraction.
Jaipur swept us into its regal embrace with rose-hued buildings, a yoga class ending in live Veena music, and the sweeping heights of the Amber Fort reached by jeep. We wandered through the astonishing astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar, admired the Hawa Mahal at every angle, and ended the day with earrings and embroidered shoes in hand — Retail Therapy: Rajasthan Edition. And, yes, the daily street-side OSHA violations remained both alarming and wildly entertaining.
Then came Udaipur, a soft exhale in the middle of our journey. We stayed in another beautifully restored haveli perched over Lake Pichola, gliding across the water on a quiet boat ride and exploring the shimmering interiors of the City Palace. We had intricate mehndi done, and our guide Ruichi welcomed us into her home for a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal.
Finally, Ahmedabad surprised us with its depth and warmth. Wandering the old city’s streets felt like stepping into a living museum of carved doorways and community life.
Our visit to the Shreyas Foundation schools was profoundly uplifting — children learning, creating, and laughing in an environment filled with joy. We wrapped up our trip by spending some reflective time at Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram. Through it all, India dazzled us with its contrasts — chaotic and serene, ancient and modern, overwhelming and deeply grounding. It’s a place where spirituality hums under everyday life, where colors and flavors spark joy at every turn, and where people greet strangers with genuine kindness.
As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude — for the thoughtful planning, the intimate cultural experiences, the laughter shared across long drives, and the beauty of discovering India not just as tourists, but as welcomed guests.
To Roelie: thank you for creating a journey that was seamless, soulful, and truly transformative. I’m already dreaming of the next adventure.
contact us.
