“It’s not ALL the Taj Mahal”
In 2014, I went on a trip to China. It was my first time in Asia. Oh boy was I nervous about it. I didn’t have the confidence (or self delusion) that I possess now - the feeling of belonging anywhere. It was silly to be so afraid. Everything was great. I had an excellent time. I saw some iconic sights on that trip including the astounding Great Wall.
When I got home I realized that my visit to the Great Wall had now put me at 6 of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. I had already seen the Colosseum, Petra, Machu Picchu, Chitzen Itza and Christ the Redeemer. As a completist, I immediately set my sights on the last remaining wonder - the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is in India, Agra to be exact. If I had been scared to visit China, I was terrified about India. In my mind India seemed too chaotic, too huge, too foreign… I didn’t know if I was ready for it. At that point I was still in my infancy as a globe trotter and not straying too far out of my comfort zone. However, I’m also stubborn and I wanted that “Wonder”. So, I did what I always do, I booked a trip to India and decided to worry about everything else later.
It turns out India IS chaotic and huge and foreign. Not only was I ready for it, I now consider it the destination that every future travel destination has to live up to. India has set the bar.
I also got to see the Taj Mahal and close out my World Wonders. The Taj Mahal is magical and a must see on any India itinerary. However, there were a handful of other places I visited that had as much if not more of an impact on me.
1) Khajuraho
Marvel and blush at the erotic carvings on these amazing UNESCO-listed temples. You’ve never seen anything like it (outside of Pornhub).
2) Delhi
A bustling city, bursting with famous sights. India’s capital hosts the Lotus Temple, India Gate, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. You’ll also find Gandhi memorials , government buildings, crazy traffic, cows and SO many people.
3) Jaipur
I loved my time here. Jaipur represented a romantic version of India that Il had imagined. The majestic Amber Fort - with its elephant rides, snake charmers and mischievous monkeys - was like a window into India’s past. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is a stunning, gorgeous building. The “Pink City” is also home to Jantar Mantar a centuries old astrological park, the wonderful City Palace and Jah Mahal a palace magically floating in the middle of a lake.
4) Mumbai
Formerly Bombay, Mumbai is India’s modern megacity. There are definitely some not to be missed tourist sights like the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (aka Victoria Station). What I found most compelling about Mumbai was observing how each individual person contributes to make such an unwieldy metropolis function. Whether it was the fishermen at the wharf, the shopkeepers in the marketplace, the dabbawalas delivering hot lunches around the city, or the workers of the Dhabi Ghat (a can’t believe your eyes outdoor laundry) washing the city’s dirty clothes - everyone has a part to play in this chaotic urban drama. After you’ve had all of your senses overloaded, you can stop by Mahatma Gandhi’s former home for a moment of peace and reflection. It’s wild to consider that a small, quiet man from such humble circumstances was able to leave this place and end up truly changing the world.
5) Varanasi
When people say that “travel changes you”, visiting Varanasi was that to me. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a moving, thrilling, peaceful, jarring, out of my comfort zone, far from my daily existence experience. It’s the city that made me decide to make travel my life’s project. Varanasi is a holy city. It’s a pilgrimage spot. It’s the world’s oldest living city. It’s a city where people come to die. It’s a city where people mourn. It smells. It smiles. It’s dirty. Its gorgeous.
Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges River. People come to the many ghats of Varanasi (the stairs that lead down to the river) to bathe and perform rituals.
As a visitor you’ll want to attend an evening Aarti ceremony riverside and then take a boat down the river to see the roaring funeral pyres burning. The dead bodies are cleansed by fire and the remains are returned to the holy waters of the Ganges. It’s an unforgettable and moving sight. Take another boat up the river at sunrise and watch Varanasi wake up. You’ll see pilgrims head back to the Ganges for bathing and prayers. Life goes on.
I won’t ever forget it.
I think it would be stupid not to mention some other India assets before I finish - the colors, the artistry, the food, the music, the smells and the people you’ll meet. India is overwhelming…in the best possible way.
Most if not all of the destinations I mentioned would be included in any Highlights of India tour. They’re all worth as much time as you can give them (as is the Taj Mahal). While I was once hesitant to travel to India, now I am dying to return and reintroduce myself to this most special place. I hope to see you there. Namaste 🙏🏼
