A journey through southern and northern India
If you are looking for a trip that will change your perspective on the world, my three week journey through northern and southern India would Bespoke India Travel was it. It was a trip of a lifetime. When I first contacted Himanshu regarding this trip, he began months of working with me without me feeling like I was putting him out. He was incredibly helpful to make this trip happen. I started the trip in southern India. The landscape was a vibrant endless green. It was relaxed and spiritually rich. Drifting through the Kerala Backwaters on a traditional houseboat was absolutely awesome. The views and the food were incredible. The temples were architectural marvels that felt “alive” with tradition. The people were so friendly and helpful. The guide and the driver were exemplary. The depth of knowledge regarding the architecture and history was something else. They were both a joy to be around – patient, helpful, always willing to answer my questions, and protective. The driver navigated the roads expertly, especially given the winding roads and chaotic city traffic. I felt safe as a passenger. The car was always spotlessly, clean and stocked with water. They both were always waiting for me with a smile, often arriving early to ensure that our schedule stayed on track. Being an on-time person I appreciated this. I actually didn’t have to worry about a thing while I was with them. And I left feeling like I had two new friends. They even remembered my birthday having the restaurant staff on that morning bring a cake to my table and sing happy birthday to me. After southern India, I flew to northern India for the next part of my trip. It felt as if northern India was where ancient history met up with a fast paced modern heartbeat. In northern India, we traveled the golden triangle and definitely the spiritual heart of India. The Mughal architecture was incredible. Jaipur was a must see, especially the Amber Fort. In Old Delhi we got masala coffee in little clay cups that was delicious. We went through a spice plantation where a guide told us all about the plants, which was very interesting. We went to tombs and masks where our guide who was incredibly knowledgeable made each of them much more interesting to go through. He explained everything we were seeing for which I was very grateful. The Agra, Fort, Taj Mahal, and city Palace were also much more interesting with his knowledgeable information regarding each. In Jaipur, the Chai masala became my new favorite drink, which we would get at roadside stands freshly made. We followed the Aravili mountains for much of the trip which added to the beauty of india traveling from one place to the next. The guide took us to the. Gataji temple that was built into a mountain that was not on the itinerary and what is one of my favorite places we went. I can’t say enough about Bespoke India Travel as a tour company. I would highly recommend you using them if you want to travel to India. They were exemplary.