.png)
One lesson from India: Visitors are gods
I must say, I write this blog as a way of storing travel-related anecdotes while relating them to my personal experience as the owner of Casa Descalza. Although it is mostly read by my close friends and family, I believe it’s also an opportunity for guests—both new and returning—to understand our (my wife’s and my own) beliefs and energy when it comes to travel.
So this time, writing from the “comfort” of an economy L-class seat on the first leg of our journey back home—a 17-hour Delhi–Newark flight, followed by two shorter flights before finally reaching our hometown in Mexico—I felt like sharing a bit about our “Rajasthani” expedition. My 3-year-old is napping stretched across two seats, my 7-year-old is starting his third movie of the flight, and my wife is also stretched across two seats—the perks of being petite!
For starters, most friends—and above all, my brother—said we were crazy to bring the kids to India for our 15th-anniversary holiday trip. But we never thought otherwise. Nor did we have much of an option: it was either a family trip or no trip to India at all.
So we packed our biggest-ever med kit full of children’s remedies… which is now returning home, fortunately, untouched.
During our 15-night stay, we only caught a glimpse of the Indian subcontinent. We mostly traveled through the major sights of Rajasthan. Starting from Delhi, we went west to the border town of Jaisalmer, and then returned to Delhi—mostly by car—stopping in many of the “…pur” cities: Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur, leaving Agra and the Taj for the very end. Yes, a trip to India involves many hours sitting in a car, but the views from the window are far from ordinary. Where else, if not in India, could you spot countless cows, monkeys, camels, wild pigs, peacocks, goats, deer, and even elephants fighting for right-of-way with cars, bikes, and countless rickshaws? It certainly helps pass the time, even at low speeds.
That alone is delightful for kids to watch—but the cities offer their own unforgettable sights that I’m sure my children will remember for years: a succession of palaces, temples, lakes, forts, cenotaphs, and tombs, each with its own charm, each looking as if it had emerged from a storybook. All surrounded by color and sound, and surprisingly often by the smell of flowers… or, in certain cases, less pleasant things.
For foodies, India is an irresistible destination—a cuisine that must be explored. The challenge of navigating a mostly vegetarian country powered by spices turns into an opportunity to taste amazing dishes. Experiencing a Thali dinner with the proper guidance. Having sambar and pathar for breakfast. Paneer masala as a snack. Daal-based curries for most meals. My wife and I loved every single dish. For the kids, butter naan always saved the day.
And for hotel lovers, India is a treat. We tried different types of accommodation to explore what Rajasthan offers: Havelis (traditional inns) are a must in the old parts of town—museum-like mansions adapted to all the comforts you expect; charming boutique hotels, which are the best place to meet fellow travelers and get insider tips from the staff; and five-star resorts full of unexpected surprises. India is truly devoted to hospitality. Bravo.
Was it a challenging trip? I won’t deny it. But we are all returning home—parents and kids—with cherished memories, plenty of learning, and, why not, a few purchases that stuck with us along the way.
Above all, what made everything so memorable was, I would say, the Rajasthani hospitality-welcome that translates into an idea like: “our guests are gods.”
Applause to Indian hospitality and warmth. We want to offer the same to our guests. And perhaps this is where sharing our trip in this blog makes sense: every guest who stays at Descalza is, in a way, helping us continue this project. We cherish this house as an earthly paradise—our beachfront temple where we disconnect to reconnect. And every guest who walks through its doors becomes a friend.
If there’s one lesson we’re bringing home from India, it’s the idea that visitors are gods. We want to honor you with that same spirit. Without visitors, there would be no temple—no sanctuary to share.
Dhanyawad (thank you) to everyone who helps us keep Descalza an earthly paradise.
Below, I’m sharing our India travel agenda, and I’m more than happy to share insights with any reader interested in exploring this fantastic destination.
Days 1 & 2: Old Delhi.
Sitting on the plane, and chatting to my Indian seat neighbor (a finance guy with residence in DC) he told me it had been years since he last visited Old Delhi. He did mention it was a beautiful, but extremely chaotic. He found it “fun?” that we had chosen Old Delhi as first stop.
The first sightings on the morning were monkeys roaming around in this enormous city. We were heading to Chandini Chowk, where we would be making our way to visit the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. A couple of nights prior to our arrival India had celebrated the Diwali festival, one of the biggest Indian Holidays, which meant masses of Indian visitors in every stop we were heading to. After literary having to squeeze our way to the sights, we stopped for lunch at a Haveli (old Indian mansion) located a stone’s throw from Jama Masjid, in the intricate labyrinths of the area. Later that day, to treat the kids, we journeyed from Old-Delhi to Connaught Place to visit an Illusions Museum. That included a stop at starbucks to have a cup of hot chocolate and some coffee to fight off the jet lag. I am by no means a fan, but even thought a big western brand, it does emphasize on local specialties… cold brew was amazing, and the kids got a couple of barista teddy-bears dressed in Diwali costume… a good west-meets-east take home present.
The next day, we started off (after an amazing –and spicy- breakfast of Gobi Paratha) at Humayun’s Tomb, a predecessor of the Taj, it is one of Delhi’s major sights… and worth well a morning visit to protect from the inclement Indian sun, even in October). That took most of our morning, followed by a short ride to the Art and Crafts Museum, which has an amazing restaurant on site. The museum is worth a visit and exploration of the bazaar shops in the back. After lunch, and a spectacular coffee, we “ubered” to the local’s hangout of Hauz Khas Village, but the kids are too worn out that shortly after arriving we need to head back. Too bad as I saw many records shops I wanted to explore. Maybe on the last day I will give myself some time to come back.
Day 3. Indian Railways
Early start… 7am breakfast followed by a short ride to the Old-Delhi railway station. I wasn’t sure I had chosen wisely to make an 18hr trip by train in India, but there we were bound to Jaisalmer, a border town with Pakistan located in the Thar desert. Taxi driver helps us negotiate with a “coolie” to help us with our bags, and most importantly, to locate our train and coach number… We’re there 30 min before our expected departure. He brings us aboard to our 4 bed cabin, where, except from the desert dust, we found a rather comfortable cabin… The squat bathrooms at the end of the car are clean, which was one of my biggest concerns. We brought lunch on board, as there was no restaurant car… nevertheless, after digging in further, Indian trains have an efficient food-ordering system where you can request meals on specifics stations.. We didn’t use the service, but only learned about it onboard. We had a long journey ahead of us, but with the breakfast we had, and the sandwiches and snacks (and the Whisky bottle that accompanied me on the trip) we made do.
The journey –west bound, commenced through the Delhi slums, where you can witness an image that could have been used for the “Wall-E” movie… piles of trash, as long as the eye can see… make a truly disappointing sight, but it is one of those aspects of India that you need to “accept” if planning to visit. After a couple of hours, you start to journey through more natural habitats, and I have to say I was surprised by the timeliness of the train. We arrived to Jaisalmer station by 230am. Hundreds of people were sleeping on the floor on the station, waiting either a Delhi or Mumbai departure. Either East or South. Lots of Military activity due to the closeness of Pakistan. Our drivers finds us quickly (not another westerner on sight, leave along one pushing a stroller) And he drives us to Nachna Haveli, where we’re quickly shown to our room, and were greeted with a sight from our window of the amazing Jaisalmer fort, which we were due to visit the following morning.
Day 4. Jaisalmer
Morning breakfast: rice and paratha, the traditional “Rajasthani” breakfast (I guess). The kids gulped down an amazing pancake, and some scrambled eggs before we set out to visit the Bazaar Labyrinths outside the gate of the fort, where our Haveli is located. Cows, dogs, cats, and the sound of rickshaws and bikes, all honking to signal they’re coming and you have to move. The quantity of domestic visitors is outstanding… You can barely walk on the alleys, but still, the marvelous detailing of the town’s Havelis, and the fort, is impressive. We have lunch and coffee at Kuku’s café inside the fort, and head back to our hotel where we schedule a driver to take us to enjoy the sunset at the close-by Cenotaphs (a Hindu “cementery”… they don’t bury their dead, but instead used to build those cenotaphs as place of remembrance for their loved ones.) We’re back to our hotel for dinner and spectacular views from the rooftop.
Jaisalmer alleys.
Day 5. Thar desert
We head to the Thar desert to enjoy Camel riding with the kids. The drive here takes us through a road that I found odd that measures only a car and a half. Being a two way road, it meant that every time you encountered another car, both of them had to drive half their car on the dirt shoulder. Unless you encountered a bigger truck or tractor, then you need to pull out of the road completely. Of course, the speeds are kept from moderable to high, and the seat belts are not working on the back seat. We come to terms with it as we know the rest of the trip will be much alike.
When we arrive, of course, kids and adults alike are treated immediately to the camel ride, and then we’re shown to our tent. We showered off the dust and then head to the courtyard to enjoy some Indian folk music and dancing. I am delighted by the dinner appetizers: Paner Masala (cheese cubes in spicy sauce - very popular in the region) and Chicken Tikka, this time paired with a really cold beer.
Day 6 and 7. Jodhpur.
We started early with the kids running around in the dunes. The sand feels cool and the kids have a blast. I am trying to take great photos, the rising sun helps with the setting. We have a long drive ahead of us to reach Jodhpur that same day… around 6 hours by car. The driver stops on a dates farm, and we purchase a bag. Amazingly fresh and tasty. We arrived in Jodhpur shortly before sunset. We experience the usual Indian chaos of traffic, while entering the old clock plaza, right in the heart of the old city where our Haveli is located. We’re shown to our room – which falls no short of being a museum of antique furniture. Time for shower and dinner, with a gracious sight of the Jodhpur fort. I am surprised at the size of the bats flying above us. Quite a sight!
The next morning we start by visiting the fort. A rickshaw ride uphill to the fort entrance, from where you can see the “blue” city. Far in the distance, you can appreciate the Palace (now converted to luxury hotel) Umaid Bhawan. We will drive by it tomorrow to explore. Most of the morning is spent on visiting the palace within the fort. On the way to India we tried to read a bit about the Maharajas which co-ruled India along with the British, after the decline of the Persian (mogul) empire rule in India. 580 (or so) kingdoms throughout India, with many of those rulers only battling to be the richer, the most exotic, or to have the bigger “zenana” (the part of the palaces which used to house the wives of the Prince). While the Rajas were kings to their people, their titles were “downgraded” to Princes since there was only one King in the British Empire, and that is, the King of England. For the afternoon, we visited the temple complex of Mandore. As in many places, we had to push our way into the ticket counter. My kid learned that monkeys are not very friendly after trying to feed them, especially if you’re offering a fake reward! Sundown gave us the opportunity to take great pictures, and it also paid off as we were rewarded with a light show projected in the temples.
Day 8. Driver picked us up after breakfast and we rode right in front of Umaid Bhawan… The guards asks us to please steer off the private driveaway. We caught a glimpse of the massive 1920s palace, one of the last to be built in India (and from what I’ve read, one of the most impressive). I kind of regret not having booked a table for lunch. They offer that option for non-resident guests. We just couldn’t fit the stop. I start making promises we will be back, and we still have many trip days ahead of us. We have been fascinated by what we have seen.
We’re off to Ranakpur, a some-what half way stop between Jodhpur and Udaipur. While in Ranakpur, we visit the Jain temple, which is one of the most important of the Jain religion. Truly a masterpiece. I thought about Frida Khalo saying that Mexico is surrealist… I have to say India is surrealist² (to the square). It felt good to overnight in the countryside.
Day 9 starts again with a car ride, probably around 3 hours to arrive to Udaipur City Palace. It is raining, strangely for the season. We grab lunch at the hotel, overlooking the lake Palace, and set out to visit Jagdish temple where we enjoy the sounds of a Kirtan, a magical moment of music when the devotees gather to sing as means of praying. Someone, who says he works at the temple, shows us around, and briefs us on the Hindu deitys. Of course, as we’re trying to exit, he insists we should come along with him to his brother shop. I would normally run away from those situations, but he is not your regular hawker… he gave me a good gut feeling, and besides, is on the way back to the hotel. He makes us stop at an artist studio, a 2m x 2 shop selling miniatures paintings. We spend over an hour at the shop. Yes, we bought a few paintings. Nothing to go crazy. But the talk and chai we shared with them was amazing. And the kids were entertained at watching him paint on super-small scale.
Day 10. A day in the hotel.
Not everyday you get the chance to wake up in a palace, so we decided not to rush and have a more relaxed day. We’re all needing it. The room we’re staying in is not the best we have had in India… we had assumed otherwise when we booked a pricey ticket to stay within the palace. However, nowhere did we had the chance to read that some of the rooms, the less expensive, are actually housed in what used to be the staff quarters. Bummer. Nevertheless, once the kids woke up, and after an incredible breakfast buffet, we headed down to the hotel pool, stunningly set in a courtyard overlooking the lake. We swam and ordered some drinks. We were the only guests in the courtyard. We had the opportunity to chat with the server. He is the 4th generation of his family serving in the palace. I really suggest anyone travelling to India to read Javier Moro’s Pasion India before setting foot in the continent. This could help to understand how was life in the palace less than a century ago. After a lazy morning, we visit the palace museum and then we rickshaw to Saheliyon ki bari gardens. After a speedy visit, we’re back in the palace to board the hotel’s boat to explore the lake, and it takes us Jagmandir Island Palace. Gracious sights from the boat and from the Island. I truly believe Udaipur is one of the most lovely cities I have ever visited. As the boat is coming back to the dock, we get to see the nightly fire show happening lakeside at the hotel, a religious ceremony that is a thrilling tourist sight, as many hindu traditions are for foreigners. We book a table at the hotel across the lake, which will give us views of the palace from the distance. Kids fall sleep on two chairs while we linger thru our meal, and our bottle of white that is coming from the south of India. Tomorrow we have an early start (4am) as we’re heading down to the aiport and on to Jaipur. Yes. I need to come back to Udaipur.
Day 11. A house in Jaipur.
Off to an early start. We jump in the car that will take us to Udaipur’s airport. It is a quite some distance, and when we arrive, we find an airport that is undergoing construction. The driver proudly tells us the airport is being expanded because a new service from Heathrow will arrive soon to Udaipur. The hotel sent us a lunch bag with breakfast sandwiches and fruit, and we munch away on them while we watch the world cricket competition and wait for the plane. By 10am we land on Jaipur and the driver picks us up and drives us to our hotel while we stared out at landmarks seen from the big and green boulevards in the city. We arrive in time for a late breakfast at 28 Kothi. Guidebook was right about this place. The staff is wonderful and being a 5 bedroom hotel it makes you feel in a very intimate setting, as if you were visiting relatives, the kind of relatives you look forward to visiting. They recommend an elephant nursery we should visit, and off we go. On our way back we stop by to grab a beer and soda overlooking Jaigarh Fort. Kids are tired from the day, so we go back to the hotel were an amazing rajasthani thali dinner in the garden is waiting for us adults. The kids go to bed and we go down to enjoy a marvelous food fest, guided by our server who teaches us how this indian fare should be eaten. All with the hand, including the lentils.
Day 12. Jaipur Palace.
After an amazing breakfast, we took an uber to the Jaipur city palace area. Uber in India works great, but the traffic is still hectic, so at some point we had to get down of the car and walk. As we were doing so, we met a young solo traveler from Britain. She was majoring in Arts, and had decided to visit Jaipur to learn more about the crafts from the region. We walked alongside her, being careful of the many rickshaws and motorbikes that zipped past us in the alleys around the palace. Finally we arrived, but we made a pit stop at the palace shop, with air conditioner, to cool ourselves. It is an amazing shop, definitely worth visiting, and we started with a few goodies to bring back home, but not before asking if they could guard them for us while we visited the palace. Once shopping was done, we first step outside to visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomy grounds that the former Raj built next to the palace. Amazing to learn how some of the old Rajas were truly scholars and devoted themselves to study (as opposed to many of them who only loved to splurge and enjoy themselves). After that, we visited the palace where we had lunch in the restaurant inside, a very western-style restaurant, but still amazing to sit in the courtyard and linger that with a cold beer, pizza, and the sights of the monkeys playing in the rooftop. We purposely waited for the day to start cooling down with the descent of the sun, and then we set out to walk to our last stop of the day, the palace of the winds, the Hawa Mahal. It is adjacent to the palace, on a very transited boulevard. Here, we all get one of the sights that could define a trip to Jaipur. Amidst the many rickshaws, cars, and people in the street in front of the Hawa Mahal, a mahout is conducting his elephant back home, thankfully in the same direction the cars are going. We all agreed it is very exciting to be looking out your car window and get the sight of a big elephant stomping his way next to you. After a few photographs, we jumped in the rickshaw to go to a boutique for some more shopping, before calling it a day. My wife buys crystal glasses to bring back home, beautiful pieces that will be a challenge to fit in our packs.
Day 13. Jaipur to Agra
We woke up to breakfast in the communal table. A couple from Toronto is watching game 7 of the World Series, which I truly enjoy and due to the time difference we are in time to see the last inning, where the Jays get beaten by the Dodgers. I don’t tell him I’m a Dodger fan, and our conversation drifts away to some of the most remarkable sights we both have seen while in India. While we’re at it, we get joined by a girl from New Zealand, who tells us she is there in India in a scouting trip…. She has had her agency that is dedicated to bring Aussies and New Zealanders to India for the past 20 years. She asks what is our next stop, and when we mention we’re heading to Agra, she suggest we should stop in a well that is en-route to Agra. I looked up my guide and there is no mention of it, but I feel confident about her recommendation and we ask the driver if we could fit the stop. Of course we can. We say goodbye to the wonderful staff, almost with tears in our eyes due to the great hospitality they offered, and off we go to visit the staircase well called Chand Baori. I wonder of people who don’t like India… what is it there not to love? You can get fascinated in the turn of every street… It is truly remarkable the quantity of places that are waiting there to impress you. As this was not a stop I had in mind, it is even more fascinating… You cannot find this place in the guide, and yet is a wonder… I guess you cannot fit all of those majestic sights in one single guide… We brought sandwiches to eat and we stop in a place to have chai, beer, and the waiter brings a parrot for the kids to play with it… They put the parrot on their shoulders as if they were pirates and we snap a few great photos of the kids… Off we go to continue our way to Agra.
The rest of the road by car was not uneventful. Once we steered out of the rather OK highway that connects Agra with Jaipur, we arrived in the city only to verify what the city is known for: a chaotic Indian city with no charm at all. Streets were busy & muddy, and hadn’t been for the driver taking the wrong lane (that is, driving on the side of the road that is driving towards you, as if you were in a PS game) we would have been stuck in traffic for much longer… but we’re getting close to the gem of India, and also to the end of our trip.
We splurged on our next stop: The Oberoi. Overlooking the Taj, it has an unbeatable location and views. As you expect when arriving to any hotel in India, you’re treated like royalty upon arriving. We’re welcome with a Bindi (Red dot) ceremony, given fresh flower collars, and offered tea and milkshakes for the kids. While we’re being led to a terrace to do our check in, we spot the Taj in the nearby distance. My wife broke down crying. We have arrived.
Day 14. Taj Mahal
Surprisingly, and thanks to the American Express benefits, we’re free to check out at 5pm. That doesn’t mean we will stay in bed until late. The best time to visit the Taj is during sunrise. Our buzzer goes on around 5am. Thankfully, we were in bed early and we’re about to find out if the kids share our great enthusiasm. We wake them up to show them the Taj out of our window. It is still dusk but you can still clearly see the whiteness of the Taj silhouetted in the darkness. My girl remembers I had promised cookies and milk in the lobby after wake up. So we go down to the complimentary coffee bar which is already seeing many guests transiting thru it. After coffee (and yes, cookies), we jump in a golf cart that will take us to the Taj gate. They remind us to fill in the form and pay our fees before arriving. No prob, we get that done while cruising to our destinations. Screenshot to the tickets, all that is needed. We show up to the gate, buzzing with visitors already before 6am, and split up, girls with girls, and boys with boys. We’ll catch up after the security process. Camera (and water) ready, once we regroup, we walk out in silence. After a grand courtyard, you can spot the wonder of the world. Yes, it deserves its place on the list. Tension starts building up, you need great photos, but we’re still far… I urge the kids to keep going to the fountains in front of the Taj, we need to be closer, and while there’re many visitors, the place is so big that you don’t feel crowded. Its rare to have the kids collaborate with photos, but I feel they understand this time it is different. We get some great family pictures, while we try to explain to them the little or much we know and have read about the place. My son cannot believe the Raj wanted to build another black mausoleum for him in front of the Taj, of the same dimensions. And he is in awe to discover his son had to lock him up in the prison of the fort to prevent him from doing it. We step into the Mausoleum. It is grand, all the different stones laid into the marble. The dimensions of the characters… a person’s height! Another one my son doesn’t buy! We walk around, take photos, and see many people taking photos. Couples in traditional dresses all looking to have a great portrait with them starring it.
At some point (it is still early morning) we decide to leave and head back to the hotel for breakfast. Of course, from our table in the terrace, the Taj still sits there for us to stare in awe. We make the plan to linger for the rest of the day in the hotel. Kids run to the room to get their swimming suits and jump in the amazing pool. We order extra coffee and some biscuits and go down to join them. Our car is booked at 5 which will drive to our last stop, the Imperial in Delhi.
Day 15. Last day in Delhi.
We wake up and took turns to head to the gym while the kids were still sleeping. Tonight we’re heading home at 11pm and some physical exercise will help having a better flight, besides, staying in the Imperial, we have to explore everything the hotel has to offer.
Shortly before breakfast closes, we show up and wait for a table in the restaurant’s veranda. It is to be our last breakfast of the trip, and we’re ready to enjoy our last Paratha, our last Idli & Sambar, gulped down with Lasi. We’re treated to a fest. And while we’re at it we have to plan our day ahead in Delhi. We’re looking into doing some shopping and my friend from NY has given me advice on some stores. I had also made some research on music stores, as I am looking into bringing some vynils back home with me.
We start our shopping by heading to Khan Market. We step into Anokhi and have a hard time selecting what not to buy. Beautiful fabrics for table linen and clothing, at very affordable prices measured against “western standards”. It is not the same case in Ahujasons. There the Kashmir is beautiful, but pricey. So we settle for only a few gifts for our parents and siblings. We visited more stores, and decide we need to plan another future trip to India, only for shopping. I want to head to the record store, but it is about an hour away, so we grab a quick bite together and my wife heads back to the hotel with the kids. They will linger in the pool while I make my last shopping.
I pass by the boulevard exit that 2 weeks ago we had taken to Hauz Khan Market, but this time the uber takes a left turn instead of right. He drops of me off at an apartment block and I need to continue by foot. I don’t have much time to linger hence I dedicate myself to find the store I had read about in the Time Out Delhi virtual magazine. I get to the point in the map it should be, but it is not in the landing, so I walk up the stairs of the apartment to see if I find it in any other floor. I soon discover it is on the second floor, and I had to knock on the door as the store is closed. The door gets open and I ask if it is ok to come in. Of course, where are you from? The tender asks. I told him I was coming from Mexico, and was looking into buying some records to bring back home. We get some nice talking going about music that I like, this way he could suggest something. He starts spinning records on his turntable. This is when a couple more customers knock on the door. Two fashionable Siks walk in. The ambiance in the store is grand, but my time is limited. I grab 5 records, including his Bollywood suggestion. I do not grab Ravi Shankhar, he suggested me an alternative Sithar player. I also take the Colonial Cousins, and two more albums that are more experimental. We had talked about Massive Attack and he instantly suggested a couple of upcoming indian artists: (incluirlos). I am happy with my purchases and is time to head back.
Back in the hotel I still find time to plunge in the pool with my kids, where I found them, and we use the gym restrooms to shower and have early dinner in the amazing hotel restaurant: The Spice Route. The driver is ready at 9 to drive us to Delhi airport. Kids are happy and they’re asking me if they can watch movies all night long. Of course they can, as many as you wish champs. My wife and I are already discussing to be back and explore more of what India has to offer.
Closing thoughts.
It is summer and I am only sitting down to review and finish this post. I started in the plane flying back (in October), and I am finishing it in a boat in the Bahamas (in July). So much has happened since and yet I find myself still so enthusiastic about this past trip. I had recently read Steve Rick’s Hippie Trail and I have to agree with him that India is one of the most fascinating countries on earth. It is by no means a destination for all. The contrasts of the trip can be a deterrent for many. Food is marvelous at every stop, yet, many stomachs won’t hold it. Architecture is magical, yet so much dirtiness will surround it. People are fascinating, yet there is so much poverty that westerners get afraid. Even Nature is at every corner, with countless animals roaming the streets, yet pollution hurts the eyes of the visitors. My suggestion is, as always, to take in only the best, and learn from what you don’t like. It is a country you need to study before visiting. Reading ahead has always been my suggestion for people visiting a country they know little of. You don’t have to become an expert, but at least you get the basic facts, and those will help you thru your trip. Traveling in our times (the smart phone times), has almost become (my POV) a competition to visit places and post on IG. It feels almost like crossing of items from a checklist. My invitation to readers is to venture farther than that. The checklists items are sure to be amazing, but never hesitate to add your own items to that list. Those only you can explore. And to that I would also add that checklists should also give it a try to have the readear to try and acknowledege which sentiments he or she will likely feel. Travel guides don’t usually include that. I could never have crossed of the item of seeing my wife being overcome by emotion and crying when seeing the Taj, or my own of overcoming my fear of stepping barefooted on dirty (and wet) carpets, to sit down and enjoy a Kirtan prayer session on a Hindu temple, where I quickly got lost to rhythm, music, and my own thoughts of gratitude. Traveling with kids also helps discovering those sentiments. It forces you to make your own stops, and to be creative. A standard travel guide will propose itineraries so packed that you must be aware kids won’t be able to manage. This invited us to make stops such as a dates farm stop on the highway, an illusion museum in Delhi, an elephant nursery, and the list can go on.
Memories are made while traveling, so my suggestion is to include your kids in your own memories. This is what we encourage our visitors in Descalza, to come and enjoy nature, family, yourself, and to create those grand memories. Thank you for reading.
Hotel List. (In the order we stayed in).
· Old Delhi – Maidens Hotel - (https://www.maidenshotel.com/)
· Overnight Train – Runicha Express
· Jaisalmer – Nachana Haveli
· Thar Desert – The Bordi
· Jodhpur – Pal Haveli (https://www.palhaveli.com/)
· Ranakpur – Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat
· Udaipur – Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
· Jaipur – 28 Kothi (https://www.28kothi.com/)
· Agra – Oberoi Udaivillas Agra
· Delhi – The Imperial Hotel
Comments