{"id":19950,"date":"2024-12-06T17:06:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T22:06:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/?p=19950"},"modified":"2025-01-25T10:25:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T15:25:22","slug":"india-my-86th-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/?p=19950","title":{"rendered":"India – Ancient Land of Mystery and Diversity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I finally had my chance to visit India! A country known for its rich cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity and celebrated as the birthplace of the major religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. India has a rich history of ancient civilizations, empires, and kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Happy Diwali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After a 15-hour direct flight from JFK, I landed in Delhi, India on Wednesday night October 30, 2024. I traveled with my friend, Sandy. We were scheduled to join a small private tour group on Sunday, so we arrived three days early to rest and get accustomed to the time change and see some of Delhi on our own.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Lobby of the Leela Palace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sandy and I had our own rooms at the beautiful Leela Palace Hotel in downtown Delhi. It was a wonderful place to relax and be pampered. The hotel was a calm oasis from the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Through the hotel’s excellent concierge, we arranged to have a tour guide take us to several historic sights.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Qutb Minar & Alai Gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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12th Century Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Lotus Temple – Baha’i House of Worship<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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India Gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Indian Rickshaws – so much fun!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Chandni Chowk – Old Delhi Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Mahatma Gandhi was Assassinated Here in 1948<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Gandhi’s Room for the Last 144 Days of His Life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On November 3rd, Sandy and I joined nine other over-60s women to begin a tour of the Indian state of Rajasthan in the north-western part of the country. We did a bit more sight-seeing with the group:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Humayun’s Tomb built in 1569 – a UNESCO Site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Isa Khan Niyazi’s Tomb built in 1547<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Early in the morning on November 4th, our group went to the Delhi Airport and we flew to the beautiful city of Udaipur. It is the historic Kingdom of Mewar which was founded in 1559 and is known as the “City of Lakes<\/em>” due to it five artificial lakes. Today, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar is the 77th Maharana (King) of Mewar and he lives in the historic palace.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Tour Group at the Udaipur Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Amet Haveli Hotel on Lake Pichola<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Breakfast at the Amet Haveli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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View from Amet Haveli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n
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The City Palace – the Maharana’s Home<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Jag Mandir Island Palace – the King’s Summer Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The 450 year old City Palace serves as the home of the royal family. The huge complex includes, several palaces, an excellent museum, two large hotels, a post office, bank, and several craft shops.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The City Palace Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Udaipur Old Town Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Old Town Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Hindu Jagdish Temple in Old Town built in 1651<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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View from Jagdish Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Mohammad Yunus Master of Bandhani Technique of Tie & Dye<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On Thursday, November 7th, we drove by bus to Hotel Rawla Narlai – a Heritage Hotel. The beautiful facility was a 17th-century former royal hunting lodge located between Udaipur and Jodhpur. It has been converted into a lovely hotel complex by the royal family of Jodhpur who own it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Rawla Narlai Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Pool and Spa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The hotel is located in the village of Narlai at the base of a huge monolith known as Elephant Hill. Visitors can climb 700 steps up the 350-foot high granite formation to see the elephant statue placed on top and enjoy panoramic views.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Temple Built into Elephant Hill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We visited the Chaumukha Jain Temple in the village of Ranakpur. Construction of the white marble temple began in 1389. It is one of the largest Jain temples with 1,444 exquisitely carved marble pillars.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Chaumukha Jain Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion which teaches nonviolence to all living creatures. Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism is one of the three most ancient Indian religious traditions still in existence. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Interior of the Chaumukha Jain Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the evening, we drove to a site where ox-carts transported us through farmland to a “stepwell” for a special dinner. Stepwells are deep trenches dug in the ground to store water. The walls of the trenches were lined with blocks of stone which created stairs leading down to the water. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Ox-cart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The 18th century stepwell was built to collect rainwater for the local community. It is owned by the royal family and offers unique dinners under the stars. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Lighted Stepwell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Musician Playing the Sitar During Dinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Saturday November 9th: Our next stop was Rohet Garh Heritage Hotel which is a family-run former fort just outside Jodhpur. The lakeside palace was the ancestral home of nobility who served in the local maharaja’s court.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Indian Blackbuck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We rode in jeeps out to a sanctuary to see native animals in this part of Rajasthan. We spotted blackbucks also known as Indian antelopes and several chinkara also called Indian gazelles.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Bishnoi Village<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We also visited a Bishnoi village located on the edge of the Thar desert and we spoke to several people of the village. The Bishnoi community dates to the 15th century when the founder of the sect, Guru Jambheshwar, taught the people how to live employing 29 principals. They worship the Hindu deity Vishnu and are strict vegetarians. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Bishnoi Woman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We also visited another village nearby to watch a potter make pots on a hand-spun wheel. It was amazing!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Making Pots<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On Sunday we went to a weaver’s village called Salawas. The people use primitive forms of weaving to make “dhurries” out of cotton or wool. A “dhurry” is a flat woven pile-less area rug made in a variety of designs and bright colors.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Weaver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Showing the Dhurries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We enjoyed a tasty lunch at the weaver’s family compound and were given a tour of the facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Outside the Front Window of the Bus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Monday November 11th – It was a 5-hour drive through the Thar Desert to the city of Jaisalmer near the Pakistani border. Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in 1156 on top of a hill overlooking the city of Jaisalmer. It is called “The Golden City” due to the local yellow sandstone of the buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Jaisalmer Fort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We checked into the lovely Gulaal Hotel. It looked like a heritage property, but the hotel was recently built in traditional Jaisalmer Haveli architecture in yellow sandstone.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Gulaal Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We rode Tuk Tuks up into the Fort to explore and see the old town. First we visited Chandraprabha Jain Temple which was built in 1509. It is one of seven Jain temples within Jaisalmer Fort.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Chandraprabha Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Jaisalmer Fort is also called Sonar Quila<\/em> or “Golden Fortress” because of the yellow sandstone. The unique architecture of the buildings evolved over the centuries and is a combination of local Rajput and Mughal styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Typical Street in Jaisalmer Fort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Rajput and Mughal Architecture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n
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Golden Sandstone Buildings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Cows, Wires, Scooters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Tuk Tuk Standoff in a Narrow Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At night, we drove into the Thar Desert to watch the sun set and enjoyed dinner in a desert tent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Desert Music<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A Camel Ride<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jaisalmer is also known for its “Havelis.” A traditional haveli<\/em> is a large residence with multiple courtyards, shaded balconies, and ornate decorations built in the 18th and 19th centuries for wealthy tradesmen. We toured Patwon-ki-Haveli which is a set of five houses built next to each other for five Jain brothers.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Patwon-ki-Haveli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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In Front of Patwon-ki-Haveli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Typical Beautiful Colorful Saris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Tuk Tuks Were Sooo Much Fun!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n
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Family Greeting Us<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Stopping Off at a Pharmacy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It was another long drive from Jaisalmer to the city of Jodhpur, but we were rewarded with a stay at the lovely Hotel Ratan Vilas, another Heritage Hotel. Maharaja Ratan Singh (1887-1978) was a Rajput nobleman who built the mansion for his family. The great-grandson of the Maharaja lives in part of the hotel and welcomes guests.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Hotel Ratan Vilas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

My room felt like the guest room of someones home with family photos mounted on the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n

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My Room at Ratan Vilas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

One morning we rode to Meherangarh Fort and took an elevator to the top of the fort. The historic fort, originally built in 1459, is located on a hilltop rising above the surrounding plains and the city of Jodhpur.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Meherangarh Fort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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School Groups Visiting the Fort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Interior Mirrored Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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View of Jodhpur From the Fort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Saturday, November 16th we flew from Jodhpur to Delhi. Our plane was delayed and we ended up spending the day at the Jodhpur airport. We spent one night in Delhi in a hotel near the airport and the next morning we flew to Agra, of course, to see the Taj Mahal.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Our First View of the Taj Mahal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We arose very early in the morning to see the famous tomb at sunrise. Unfortunately, the fog and smog and air pollution were so dense that all the buildings were covered in mist.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Visitors at the Taj Mahal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Despite the unfortunate smog, the Taj Mahal is an incredibly beautiful structure. The craftsmanship of the white marble is very impressive and well worth a visit. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Detail of the Exquisite Craftsmanship<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Several members of our group went on a “Flavors of Agra” food tour of Old Agra. We visited the restaurants of people who were famous for their baking and culinary skills.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Paratha<\/em> Filled With Vegetables & Spices<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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4th Generation Naan<\/em> Baker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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“Puri Wale”<\/em> means Poori<\/em> Expert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Restaurant Famous for its Dosa<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Multi-Flavored Whip-Cream Cart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Tourists Visiting a Local Shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Railway Mail Service<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mail Sorter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Monday November 18 – On our last day in Agra, we went to visit the Red Fort of Agra. The 16th century fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the place where the Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned in 1530. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Entrance to the Red Fort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The present structure was completed in 1565 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who was Shah Jahan’s grandfather. The grandson was the builder of the Taj Mahal.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Red Sandstone Construction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the late afternoon, we went to Mehtab Bagh<\/em>, which means “Moonlight Garden,” across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. It was still overcast but the sun was out and we wanted to try to get a better view of the famous tomb.<\/p>\n\n\n

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View From the Mehtab Bagh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Tuesday, November 19 – It was our last day in India and the end of our three weeks in this amazing country. Most of the group returned to Delhi by bus to wait for their home-bound flights. Sandy and I hired a driver to take us to visit several historic sites before driving to the Delhi airport.<\/p>\n\n\n

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“Baby Taj”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, also called “Baby Taj,” is located a short distance away from the famous tomb and was built for the grandfather of one of Shah Jahan’s other wives. It is said to be a model for the Taj Mahal.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Entrance Gate at “Baby Taj”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Fatehpur Sikri,<\/em> “The City of Victory,” was founded as the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1571 by Emperor Akbar. It was abandoned by Akbar in 1585 when he went to fight a campaign in Punjab. It is a UNESCO site.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Diwan-i-Khas – Hall of Private Audience<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Interior of Diwan-i-Khas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Albar’s Harem Complex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We stopped for lunch at an upscale restaurant near Fatehpur Sikri then continued on the four hour drive to Delhi. We arrived at Delhi Airport about 6:30pm with plenty of time to check in and wait in the lounge for our midnight flight back to JFK. India is an amazing country and I am glad I was finally able to experience it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I finally had my chance to visit India! A country known for its rich cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity and celebrated as the birthplace of the major religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. India has a rich history of ancient civilizations, empires, and kingdoms. After a 15-hour direct flight from JFK, I landed in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[94],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-india"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19950"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19950\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20145,"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19950\/revisions\/20145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}