Travel Inspiration
I was fortunate enough to join fellow travel professionals on a recent educational trip to learn about the many amazing experiences India has to offer, courtesy of V Travel Network and our amazing partners at Indian Holiday.
If you’re looking for a holiday packed with surprises, unforgettable moments, and a serious dose of adventure, this is one of my new go-to recommendations.
We kicked off the trip in Delhi, which was a total sensory overload in the best way possible. Think non-stop honking, lots of traffic, bright colours everywhere, and a unique buzz that both excites and moves you forward. It’s intense, but also incredibly exciting.
The team at Indian Holiday had everything planned out perfectly for us. From visiting the spice markets and shopping for local treasures, to taking us all the way out to witness the iconic Taj Mahal.
I must say, the Taj Mahal really is as stunning as they say. Seeing it in person was surreal and learning more about the love story behind it just adds to the magic. It’s one of those places you never forget. I definitely won’t.
Next stop: Jaipur. We covered a lot of ground in a big, comfy, air-conditioned bus (definitely welcome as we navigated through the famous Indian heat). Along the way to the Pink City, we saw cows, water buffalo, and even a guy casually riding an elephant – all sharing the road and all taken in India’s stride.
At one point, we actually got stuck at a roundabout, thanks to a truck parked way too close to the turn (Road rules? What road rules?). Rain was pouring, traffic was piling up, and motorcyclists were getting drenched. However, during all of this, our driver stayed calm and many locals jumped at the chance to help guide us through. This moment really captured the spirit of the Indian people for me: so kind, open and always willing to lend a hand.
Once we were back on our way, we arrived at The Leela Palace Jaipur. The clue is in the name, but I can confirm: it is absolutely beautiful! Honestly, every Leela property we stayed at was stunning, with top-notch service. I highly recommend including this property if you’re looking to treat yourself. It is worth it!
From there, we headed onwards to Udaipur, and wow… it almost felt like we were transported to Lake Como. Our hotel, The Leela Palace Udaipur, overlooked a lake surrounded by breath-taking mountains. The vibe in Udaipur was way more relaxed compared to Delhi. I really loved wandering through the calm, charming markets with barely any street noise, and soaking up the atmosphere of this delightful city. We also explored the palace and museum, which were packed with history and striking artifacts.
Another core memory unlocked: while you are there, a boat ride out to Jagmandir Island is a must! There are gorgeous cafés, restaurants, and the perfect spot to grab a gelato and just soak it all in. It had a surprisingly European feel… yep, that Lake Como vibe strikes again.
As a real “cherry on top” moment, we then headed south to Kovalam. I know I am doing a lot of comparisons with other iconic destinations here, but I could’ve sworn we’d landed in Hawaii! Palm trees, beaches, and peaceful vibes, a perfect place for winding down at the end of our Indian adventure. Most people don’t often think of India as a place for a beach getaway, but the country’s south has totally changed my perspective on this.
India really does have everything even mildly adventurous travellers could ask for: bustling cities, serene beaches, scenic mountains, rich culture, and some of the warmest people I have ever met. I know there’s still so much more to see in this vibrant country and I already feel like going back as soon as I can to experience it.
Huge thanks to Indian Holiday for putting together such an amazing trip and to my fellow travel fanatics for sharing this journey with me. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Happy Travels!
Jeanine
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