India... A chaotic blend of colours, sights and sounds.
I had planned on being in India for a maximum of twenty-four hours. Of all the countries I've ever visited, India was the one where I actually had reservations. Admittedly, I'm not one to pay attention to the media, nor to be put off by what I see in the news. However, India was somewhat different. I was anxious about visiting and for that reason, arranged to visit the Taj Mahal and then return to the airport before heading to my next destination.
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Oh how misinformed I was! It turned out (that due to my bag not arriving for five days), I ended up spending just short of a month in this beautifully chaotic country. Upon the advice of complete strangers, I travelled all across the country to New Delhi, Agra, Rishikesh and Varanasi. It was a noisy, colourful whirlwind adventure, mainly by bus, across this vast and sprawling country.
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There were good times - a yoga retreat, delicious food, swimming in the Ganges; and bad times - the hellish journey to Kathmandu, the lost baggage, the terrifying monkeys. But all in all, it was a magical experience that I can't wait to repeat in different parts of the country: Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai.
New Delhi has plenty to see and do. If you enjoy exploring on foot then set off armed with a tourist map and see what you stumble across. We had no plans and managed to cover almost 100km worth of walking in just a few days. Tombs, temples and tons of people-watching, you won't be left disappointed.
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Saying that, it's noisy and disorderly. I think my six years living in Egypt definitely helped me to quickly get used to the way things work.
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Surprisingly, the subway system is one of the cleanest I've seen in the world!
Rishikesh is the yoga capital of India. Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, it's in a beautiful spot for relaxing.
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With many an ashram to choose from, as well as plenty of activities and markets on offer, you won't be bored.
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I joined a yoga retreat having never done any yoga before and it was quite fantastic - though challenging. Definitely worth the experience.
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Easily accessible by bus from Delhi (or train if you're organised). It is, however, more touristy so if you're looking for somewhere less-populated with the western backpacker then made this isn't the place or you. Fortunately, the yoga retreat I was at had only four students for the week and that was a real bonus. I didn't feel like making an arse of myself in front of hundreds of yoga experts!
Varanasi is absolutely one of the most fascinating places I've ever visited.
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With sprawling streets that loop around in a maze-like way, it's easy to lose yourself and stumble across some hidden gems.
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Follow the river to see all of the different goings-on at the various ghats - namely the Manikarnika Ghat where the burning ceremonies take place.
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Varanasi can be quite a shock to some with its dusty alleyways, persistent locals and busy streets but take your time, embrace it and you'll no doubt have a blast.
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Don't forget to head to Dasaswamedh Ghat at around 6pm for an evening ceremony of celebrations and culture.