Wrapping it all up!

 

By the time this post hits the web we’ll be on our way home with the holiday all but completed. As such, this will be the last post in this blog. Overall, the trip was a great success, but there are also lessons learnt. Below are some of our insights.

What went well?

1. Accomodation meant our expectations and the timing meant that there were some good deals available.
2. Using local guides in each city worked well.
3. Not trying to visit too many places (unlike my original itinerary)
4. Great food and friendly people

What could have gone better?

1. The transport company didn’t alway communicate inclusions clearly, so we weren’t always sure what we should have been getting.
2. It just takes longer to get from one place to another than we expected.
3. Drivers some time need help to find specific locations. Thanks to Google Maps we managed OK.
4. Shopping was unfulfilling, because the guides direct you to the foreigner experience rather the local experience.

Deb’s Favourite Things

1. The dinner under the stars at Jaisalmer
2. Getting close and personal to the elephants in Jaipur
3. Finally seeing the Taj Mahal

Rob’s Favourite Things

1. Staying at SuryaGarh (Jaisalmer)
2. Observatory and the palaces in Jaipur
3. Golden Temple in Amritsar

Observations

1. You’re unlikely to see any of the river life in Varanasi in September due to the monsoon causing flooding
2. The Indian people are amazingly friendly and welcoming, with great concern for customer service (which can become tiresome at times.
3. Often the food was customised for western palates (not too spicy)
4. Butter Chicken is readily available.

In closing, we have both thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  We saw some wonderful historical landmarks, but also got a real sense of India, a place of great diversity where the different religions have found ways to co-exist for a very long time. It is however a country with huge environmental challenges and finding a balance between good environmental practices and traditions will be key to meeting these challenges. Our hope is that the next generations will continue to value and restore the past rather than chasing the corporate dollar.

Lastly a big thank you to everyone who followed the blog and made comments. Without you it wouldn’t be as rewarding… so Thank You! Hope you all enjoyed it.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have other questions or are considering a trip.

 

Until next trip!