A sneak peek of India magic
Now it’s India’s turn…
A country that can’t be summed up in words and definitely not explored in just a few days. I would’ve loved to see so much more, but truly doing India would take months, maybe years. Still, this first taste left me completely fascinated.
We started in New Delhi, the massive, chaotic, magnetic capital. With over 20 million people, it’s a city of intense contrasts, ancient temples and colonial buildings next to modern malls and buzzing rickshaws. Life moves fast, the culture is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and yet the food is incredible and the people even more so: kind, warm, always ready to help.
The next morning, we started our day at the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan (yep, the same guy behind the Taj Mahal), this mosque is simply stunning with massive domes, red sandstone minarets, and a peaceful courtyard. Walking barefoot inside, following local custom, was a new and humbling experience for me.
Next stop: the Red Fort , an architectural beast. Once the residence of Mughal emperors, this UNESCO World Heritage site is all grandeur and history. Its red sandstone walls stretch endlessly, and every archway tells a story of empire and tradition. It felt powerful, majestic… unforgettable.
Then we headed to Qutub Minar, a breathtaking minaret standing 73 meters tall. It’s the tallest in India, surrounded by ruins, old carvings, and beautiful green gardens. Watching planes fly overhead while walking through structures that are centuries old felt surreal, a perfect blend of ancient and modern.
We moved on to Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal and you can absolutely see the resemblance. With its perfect symmetry, Persian-style gardens, and serene energy, this place is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a hidden gem in Delhi.
Next up: the Lotus Temple, a modern wonder shaped like a blooming white lotus flower. It’s a Baháʼí House of Worship, open to people of all religions. Inside, it’s completely silent, a peaceful contrast to the chaos of the city. Locals go daily to pray, meditate, or simply reflect. And the kindness of people in line was something elseeve, an offering to take photos for us with a smile.
We also visited the India Gate, that classic film landmark seen in every Bollywood movie ever made. I loved the atmospherestre, et vendors, kids playing, families picnicking. Some locals even asked to take pictures with me, which was hilarious, I don’t look remotely like a gringo, but I guess Latin travelers are still rare around here!
From there, we headed to Agra to see the Agra Fort, a slightly more intimate version of the Red Fort in Delhi. With royal courtyards, white marble halls, and riverside views, it once housed emperors and still holds centuries of stories.
The next morning… it was time for the Taj Mahal. What can I say? It lives up to the hype and then some. A monument to love, entirely made of white marble that shifts color with the light. Elegant, majestic, flawless. A place that genuinely leaves you speechless.
Next, we traveled to Jaipur, the famous “Pink City.” Our first stop: the Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” known for its intricate honeycomb façade with 953 tiny windows. Built so royal women could observe the streets without being seen, it’s architectural poetry in pink.
Then came the Amber Fort, perched high on a hill with epic views. Its mirrored halls, royal chambers, and elephant motifs make you feel like you’ve stepped into a grand historical film. We went up by jeep, but walking is just as rewarding.
Just when I thought the monuments couldn’t get more impressive, we visited Jantar Mantar an 18th-century astronomical observatory. The massive, otherworldly structures are used to calculate time, track celestial bodies, and predict eclipses. Absolutely mind-blowing.
Then we made our way to Bundi, a lesser-known treasure in Rajasthan. There, we visited Raniji ki Baori, a beautifully carved stepwell built in the 17th century. It was originally designed to collect water, but it looks more like a sunken temple, full of history and art.
We also stopped by Sukh Mahal, a peaceful lakeside palace where, according to legend, Rudyard Kipling wrote parts of The Jungle Book. The surroundings felt magical and calm, perfect for quiet reflection.
Next came Jodhpur, the Blue City. The first thing we laid eyes on was the jaw-dropping Mehrangarh Fort, towering over the city from a rocky cliff. One of the largest forts in India, it’s packed with royal artifacts, ornate rooms, and panoramic views that’ll steal your breath.
To wrap things up, we visited Pushkar a small, spiritual town with a sacred lake, colorful bazaars, and a unique vibe that’s equal parts laid-back and mystical. We loved every second of it.
India was an unforgettable experience.
A place I’d return to a thousand times and still discover something new with every step. The warmth of its people, the depth of its culture, and the flavor of its food made this trip something truly special.
Highly, highly recommended. Namaste, India.
