A tantalising mixture of wildlife and culture, Carola left India with more than a few items checked off her bucket list.
“Following a brief snapshot of Delhi (we later returned for more), it was time to enter safari mode in Kahna National Park. After arriving at our home away from home, Kahna Jungle Lodge, we were escorted to a secluded riverside setting where we learned to make chai over a fire. Dressed in beautiful saris, we were shown some dance moves, before enjoying a delicious, lantern-lit dinner.”
“After entering the park at dawn, we spotted our very first tiger, which was sleepily cleaning itself before disappearing into the bamboo. In no time at all, the echoing calls of monkeys let us know that another approached. With birdlife flitting overhead, we tucked into a very tasty ‘bonnet breakfast’ as the sun rose like a ball of fire over the grasslands.”
“A short visit to Pench National Park offered us a different safari experience with lots of unique wildlife – and we had the chance to visit the nearby village, meeting the local people and learning about their lives.”
“The vibrant Mumbai was up next, where we wandered through the spice market (I wanted to buy everything!) and took part in a fun cooking class. We enjoyed our time at the Taj Mahal Palace, with its stunning interiors and lovely views over the water. That night, we were whisked off to Ekaa restaurant for a sublime culinary and art experience – one of the most amazing dinners I’ve ever had and I’ll never forget it. P.S. Leave lots of space for all the food if you go!”
“A whirlwind tuk tuk ride marked our arrival in the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur, where we did plenty of exploring, from the bustling Sardar Market to the iconic Merahangarh Fort. The Raas was a fantastic base including a pool big enough for proper laps and incredible views of the fort from its rooftop patio – the perfect setting for sundowners. We also enjoyed dinner at the home of a friend made during the trip, sharing traditional dishes with their family.”
“Venturing into Rural Rajasthan, we found ourselves at the superb Sujan Jawai, a luxury tented camp on the edge of a vast wilderness. Led by members of the Rabari community, we wandered the hills on foot, revelling in the silence. Later on, it was time for a game drive, where I saw my first leopard ever – majestic and alert as anything on its rocky perch.”
“In Udaipur, we sailed across the water towards the Taj Lake Palace, where we arrived in a flourish of smiles and colourful umbrellas. We awoke the next morning to serene lake views, and the sounds of birdlife mingled with the calls to prayer drifting over the water. Before venturing into the city, there was time for yoga and a morning plunge. I truly didn’t want to leave.”
“Our Indian adventure ended back in Delhi with rickshaw rides through the city, plenty of delicious street food and a bottle of tailored perfume to take home. After a visit to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib – a longheld dream of mine, an evening of music was a perfect way to finish off. I’ll certainly be back!”
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