Getting a closer look at a colourful country and its vibrant culture

A land with over a billion people and thousands of years of history is inscrutable, yet with time, explanation, and able guides, the curious visitor can move from stereotypes and prejudices and get closer to the actual pulse of India. While the major attractions like Delhi, Taj Mahal, Gate of India, Gandhi Memorial and Jantar Mantar captivate the senses, it is only when one walks the less travelled roads a more clear, true picture develops. 

Scenes galore

Each day of the trip was filled with excitement - rickshaw rides through old Delhi, exploring palaces in Jaipur, meeting eager students in a village school, breaking bread in a family hut in the desert of Rajasthan, zipping across the bustle of Mumbai metropolis, enjoying a boat ride in the backwaters of Kerala, witnessing a temple procession with decorated elephants and chanting devotees. Each scene is a sight to behold.

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Deserts and dunes

In Rajasthan, I rode an elephant up to the Amer Fort like a king. Later in the evening, I rode into the sunset on a camel, enjoyed local traditional Indian song, music, and dance with the Holi stick and drum performance while having wine and appetizers – all on the Thar Desert! 

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Kerala - God’s own country

Down south in Kerala, I was paddled in a longboat serenaded by three villagers. The hosts with whom I stayed in Kochi, dressed me in the traditional attire of jubba and mundu during dinner! I got to wear the multi-functional thoruthu, a bath towel part of every household. I marvelled at a demonstration of Kalarippayattu, a martial arts form indigenous to Kerala, and was entranced by the traditional dance – Kathakali - meaning story play. And relaxed with a full-body, four-hand Indian massage!

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Why I travel with Alaya?

Criss-crossing across the country was a breeze, thanks to the well-organized travel arrangements by Alaya team. Although I bought some souvenirs from the street people, tour guides took me to selected venues with quality merchandise. A puppet’s wood hand (circa 1850) in the Arala Hasta gesture, as well as two Kashmir scarves, made their way back home with me from this trip. 

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I learned from knowledgeable guides, stayed in comfortable accommodations, savoured a variety of dishes, and returned smiles and waves to the most friendly people I have ever seen. 

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I was even asked to pose for photographs with some locals which made me feel like a celebrity.

Till we meet again

India is too vast, diverse and wonderful to take in several visits, let alone one. But, thanks to Alaya, I returned home after two weeks with nearly 4000 photographs and a journal full of memories. I appreciated the flexibility and responsiveness of the team to accommodate special requests such as my wanting to see a cemetery! 

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The memories I have will coalesce with time, and the impressions I have of Incredible India will be shared with my family and friends! Thank you again, team Alaya for helping me see India with new eyes. And, it was through the eyes of India’s people that I caught a glimpse of her soul.