Part Five - Trip to North India.
Now, this is part of our India visit that neither Tom nor I were expecting. We were going on a trip to North India. It had been arranged and paid for by Sarvesh and what surprised me, was that we were going with David and Katrina. This was strange! Travelling on the honeymoon with the bride and groom! Anyway, we weren’t alone, we had the young couple from Australia, Jeremy and Joyce, also with us on this surprise trip. I remember reading about a similar trip to this that was taken by a group many years ago. While that trip might have been more extensive our trip but we still covered some very interesting places.
Our flight to North India landed in Delhi. This large city that brings to life the ancient past of India contrasted against India's modern future. It's divided into two parts, the crumbling old city of Old Delhi, and the orderly and well planned New Delhi.
Sarvesh had said, “It would be a huge loss to visit India and miss out on seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra. After all, it's India's most famous monument -- and certainly the most identifiable.”
We stayed one night in Agra, viewing this most beautiful building on the day we travelled there. Back at our hotel, not far from the Taj Mahal we sat eating our dinner as the sun set turning the building to golds and pinks. I thought that was beautiful but there was even better to come. An hour or so later we watched the full moon rise and then used the second part of our ticket, touring it again by moonlight. This was amazing!
What I didn’t like about this trip to North India was people always approaching us, offering special deals and services. This was a constant hassle that didn’t seem apparent in the small town in South India. Amita told me later that word had got around that these overseas visitors were guests of Sarvesh so we were left alone in that town but that this is a problem for tourists, all over India.
After a couple more nights in Delhi visiting local attractions, we were on our way back to South India again. Yes, as I said before it was short but very enjoyable. Thank you, Sarvesh. That was a lovely surprise.