India has a way of challenging your expectations and then quietly winning you over.
Our journey began in the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, drifting along on a houseboat surrounded by palm trees, still water and birdsong. It was calm,
restorative and a gentle introduction to a country often described as overwhelming.
From there we briefly visited Kochi, a city I wish we had spent more time exploring.
With its layered history, waterfront setting and mix of cultures, it felt like a place that deserved a slower pace and deeper discovery.
From Kerala we flew north to Udaipur, a city that took us completely by surprise.
With its seven lakes, stunning palaces and our beautiful heritage hotel overlooking the water, Udaipur felt almost cinematic. It was elegant, romantic and full of history.
A quick visit to Jodhpur followed, and then on to Jaipur each city offering its own rhythm, architecture and personality. India, we were discovering, is not one
destination but many.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip came in Agra, with an early-morning visit to the Taj Mahal. Our expert guide knew exactly how to navigate the crowds, meeting at dawn, travelling light, and passing quickly through security with just a phone and a bottle of water. As we entered, he quietly said, “When you first see the Taj, you’ll be blown away but trust me, don’t stop yet. Follow me.”
While most visitors paused in awe and became caught in the crowd, we moved swiftly to the side of the palace and found ourselves with uninterrupted views and the most extraordinary photo opportunities.
People often comment that our photos look as though we were the only ones there.
The Taj itself was beyond words mind-blowing, unique, exquisitely beautiful and truly spectacular.
The contrasts throughout India were constant and fascinating. Mumbai was busy and energetic, a little chaotic at first glance, yet deeply rewarding. A heritage walking tour revealed a quieter side of the city historic buildings still in daily use, and stories layered into streets you might otherwise rush past. Further south in Thekkady, Kerala felt like another world altogether: lush, green and tropical, with tea plantations, spices and coffee growing everywhere.
Some of the everyday moments were just as memorable. In India, the cow is highly respected and quite literally has right of way. On busy city roads, traffic simply slows and parts around them cars, buses and tuk tuks alike.
And then there are the sounds of India: the constant chorus of car and motorbike horns. We laughed whenever we saw roadside signs warning of fines for unnecessary horn use a rule that appeared to be universally ignored.
One of the things that stayed with me most was the people.
Our driver through Kerala, Kumar, was a legend calm, skilled and reassuring despite traffic that often looked impossible to outsiders. We always felt completely safe. Guides were knowledgeable, warm and proud to share their country, and the generosity of spirit
was everywhere.
A particularly moving experience was visiting a Sikh temple in Delhi that feeds up to 35,000 people a day all run by volunteers, open to anyone, no questions asked.
It was humbling and powerful, and a reminder of the deep sense of community that exists alongside the colour and noise.
I’ll admit I had some reservations before travelling. Even after many years working in travel and planning journeys for others, India felt like a destination I wanted to experience firsthand before fully understanding it. Concerns about food, illness, delays and crowds lingered quietly in the back of my mind. But those worries simply didn’t eventuate.
The food was consistently delicious, there was not a hint of “Delhi Belly”, flights ran smoothly, accommodation was comfortable, and the logistics were
seamless.
As we prepared for our flights home, it was clear this was a journey that had exceeded expectations in every way. India isn’t always easy, but it is endlessly rewarding. It surprises you, challenges you, and then stays with you long after you’ve left.
Catherine Barnett is a senior travel consultant at Tewantin Travel who has spent many years designing and escorting journeys around the world.
