Falling in Love—with India
It was, for us, the trip of a lifetime. We fell in love with India, the culture, the people, the colors, the temples, Hinduism, the sites, the smells—you name it!
Mahesh Ramnani was an excellent guide. He is extremely well informed/educated, a lovely human being, a gentle soul, a reverent Hindu, and the ultimate ambassador to India. Our introduction to India was profound, in many ways, thanks to him. Mahesh was friendly and open, sharing perspectives on his personal life and that of his family, as well. It was a great pleasure to travel with him for sixteen days. He was "at our service" 24/7 and yet was not obsequious.
Highlights for us were the following:
• Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and in the late afternoon. We think it is the most beautiful building we have ever seen. The reflection pools were empty, but it was still a magnificent place. The view of the Taj from our balcony (The Oberoi Amarvilas) was breathtaking and the sounds, smells, and lights of the night were intoxicating.
• Being rowed out in a boat on the Ganges River under the stars, with the three classical Indian musicians playing and singing; lighting lamps, praying and placing them in the river; experiencing life and the sounds at the ghats; learning about the holiest of holy places in India. Experiencing the Ganges at sunrise was wonderful as well.
• Going to the museum at the university in Varanasi to see the fabrics and miniatures (painting).
• Sarnath and Khajuraho—fascinating historically and artistically. One of my art professors in college, who'd lived in India, talked about Khajuraho 35 years ago and I had always wanted to see the site.
• The Jain Temples at Ranakpur—captivating, beautiful. A holy man prayed with us in one of the nearby temples, transporting us to another world.
• The Imperial Hotel (New Delhi), the Oberoi Amarvilas (Agra), and the Rambagh Palace (Jaipur) were our favorite hotels. Each divine in its own way.
• Our last night, enjoying the elegant and delicious dinner at Veda (New Delhi), was the icing on the cake. It was just a perfect way to end a perfect trip.
India is a jewel. What a nice gift. It is a fantastic book. Thank you so much Niki (Nicole Beattie, Cox & Kings USA) for everything you did to make our time in India memorable and special.
We have had the great privilege of traveling internationally for decades and this was one of the most wonderful experiences ever. We would love to return sometime and share this experience with our children.
Mahesh Ramnani was an excellent guide. He is extremely well informed/educated, a lovely human being, a gentle soul, a reverent Hindu, and the ultimate ambassador to India. Our introduction to India was profound, in many ways, thanks to him. Mahesh was friendly and open, sharing perspectives on his personal life and that of his family, as well. It was a great pleasure to travel with him for sixteen days. He was "at our service" 24/7 and yet was not obsequious.
Highlights for us were the following:
• Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and in the late afternoon. We think it is the most beautiful building we have ever seen. The reflection pools were empty, but it was still a magnificent place. The view of the Taj from our balcony (The Oberoi Amarvilas) was breathtaking and the sounds, smells, and lights of the night were intoxicating.
• Being rowed out in a boat on the Ganges River under the stars, with the three classical Indian musicians playing and singing; lighting lamps, praying and placing them in the river; experiencing life and the sounds at the ghats; learning about the holiest of holy places in India. Experiencing the Ganges at sunrise was wonderful as well.
• Going to the museum at the university in Varanasi to see the fabrics and miniatures (painting).
• Sarnath and Khajuraho—fascinating historically and artistically. One of my art professors in college, who'd lived in India, talked about Khajuraho 35 years ago and I had always wanted to see the site.
• The Jain Temples at Ranakpur—captivating, beautiful. A holy man prayed with us in one of the nearby temples, transporting us to another world.
• The Imperial Hotel (New Delhi), the Oberoi Amarvilas (Agra), and the Rambagh Palace (Jaipur) were our favorite hotels. Each divine in its own way.
• Our last night, enjoying the elegant and delicious dinner at Veda (New Delhi), was the icing on the cake. It was just a perfect way to end a perfect trip.
India is a jewel. What a nice gift. It is a fantastic book. Thank you so much Niki (Nicole Beattie, Cox & Kings USA) for everything you did to make our time in India memorable and special.
We have had the great privilege of traveling internationally for decades and this was one of the most wonderful experiences ever. We would love to return sometime and share this experience with our children.
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