Magical India - March 2025 - Hostess Round Up - Denise Moore

Our journey definitely was "Magical India"! We arrived in Delhi early morning and our eyes were out on sticks trying to absorb life in this vibrant, bustling and extremely lively city of approx. 30 million people! Groups of people were washing on the side of the streets using a bucket and a hosepipe, while others were setting up their stalls for a day of trading and all the time, the traffic of buses, cars, rickshaws, motorbikes, tuk-tuks and bicycles sped past us each trying to outdo the other with the honking and swerving!

During our time in Delhi, we visited Temples, Mosques and ancient sites and had a humbling and informative walk and talk with Salman through the streets near Delhi Station, who works for an NGO in Delhi rescuing over 11,000 kids per year from street life - he told us his story of how he and his Mum were rescued and how it inspired him to continue this work.

Jaipur was next on the list and we loved it! Ajay, our guide, completely underestimated our ability to shop! As soon as we saw one or more stall, we were there bargaining like locals. We had a fabulous jeep ride up to The Amber Fort where we marvelled at the architecture and soaked up the magnificent views and yes, we shopped! The outdoor Observatory from 1728 was such a surprise to us all and we thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating visit. The Palace of Winds and The City Palace were also highlights in Jaipur but here the highlight for us was Holi Festival!  We dressed in our "White Suits" and armed with a bag of coloured powder, and off we went wishing everyone " Happy Holi" along the way and donning them with powder while we were also suitably smeared! What a day it was. We were with locals in the morning at the Temple and during the afternoon, we partied and danced and revelled during this joyful and fun-filled day. We calmed ourselves in the evening with a Bollywood Movie ( in Hindi!!) and enjoyed a delicious meal.

Our next stop to Agra was certainly a major highlight! We rose well before dawn and witnessed the sunrise at The Taj Mahal and wow! What an experience. Some were brought to tears, others stood and were amazed by this truly magnificent tribute of love from a King to his Queen. It exudes love, perfection and beauty. Our evening walking Food Tour in Agra was fun ( with a spot of shopping of course!!) and we loved Agra Fort where we chatted with locals and gazed at The Taj Mahal from afar. 

A well deserved slowing of pace was next on the itinerary where we recharged at Chambral Safari Lodge and got a wonderful taste of rural Indian Life. The Chambral River boat ride was tranquil and we saw an abundance of river life including river dolphins and crocs and sipped on delicious chai tea as we gently navigated this mighty river. While in this area, we spent time in Bateshwar, home to approx 40 temples along the river - a very sacred place for the Hindus where they pay homage to Shiva in the temples and along the ghats.

Recharged and revitalised, we made a stop in Kannauj where we learned about the ancient art of Perfume Making and enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by one of the family before we headed to Lucknow for 3 nights. Our accommodation was sensational and we explored Lucknow on foot and in Tuk Tuks and were charmed by this clean and orderly city with its rich Muslim history.

Our final stop took us to Varanasi, the holiest city in India. Every Hindu, at some stage in their lives, dreams of visiting Varanasi to bathe in the healing waters and participate in the nightly Arti Ceremony. Here cremations happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and while it is crowded and chaotic, there is a reverence and spirituality which is felt only by being there. Our sunrise and sunset boat rides on The Ganges were memorable in so many ways and added to the beautiful bond we created within our group.

India brings out the best in everyone - support, kindness and acceptance. I loved every minute of my time with you all and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a fabulous group of women! Namaste!