Adventure Through India

From “Should We?” to “We’re Going!”

It was 2017. We hadn’t exactly planned to go to India. It wasn’t a bucket list destination or something we’d dreamed about for years. It was one of those spontaneous moments, over wine, no doubt; where someone said “what if we just went?” and before we knew it, we were booking flights with our closest travel friends (the same ones we later walked the Camino with).

We had no idea what we were in for—and that was half the fun.

First Impressions of Delhi

We landed in Delhi in the pitch-black early hours, and even then, the city buzzed with energy. Stepping out of the airport was like walking into a warm wall of spice, sound and headlights. Delhi is chaotic, yes, but also strangely beautiful. Once you tune into the rhythm, it wraps around you like a sari in motion.

Our first full day was unscheduled, which gave us a chance to soak it all in before jumping into the madness (and magic) of Old Delhi.

A Foodie’s Playground: Our Delhi Food Tour

One of the best things we did on the whole trip was a food tour through Old Delhi with Urban Adventures. We wandered through twisting alleys, past sizzling street carts, and into hole-in-the-wall places we’d never have found alone.

We tried dishes we couldn’t pronounce and learned how to eat safely from the street—pro tip: always follow the locals and avoid anything sitting out too long and check their water source-bottled only! The food was incredible, but the real joy came from the people. Our guide was full of insight, and at one point, our friend actually took over and drove a rickshaw through the streets. No one seemed surprised. India has that effect on you, it says yes to chaos and lets you join in.

Road Tripping in Rajasthan

From Delhi, we hit the road in a private car, as part of our guided (but still private) Wendy Wu Tour, a decision I’d make again in a heartbeat. Not only did it save us from the intensity of public transport, but it gave us the flexibility to stop whenever something caught our eye. And in India, that happens often.

We watched the landscape change from city to farmland to desert, passed trucks hand-painted like works of art, and waved at school kids who lit up when they saw us.

Jaipur: The Pink City

Jaipur was a highlight. Dusty and romantic with bursts of colour and the echoes of royal India. We explored Amer Fort, where pink sandstone and white marble glowed in the sun, and wandered through City Palace, still partially lived in by the royal family.

A Love Letter in Marble

Next stop: Agra. You don’t go to Agra without seeing the Taj Mahal, and let me tell you, nothing prepares you for it. We arrived early to beat the crowds and found ourselves completely silenced. It’s one of those rare places that lives up to the hype.

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj is both grand and intimate. You feel the love in every carved detail.

We also visited Agra Fort, an enormous red sandstone fortress that once housed emperors and now holds stories in every arch and corridor.

Back to Delhi (and a Little Bit of Peace)

Our last day took us back to Delhi for one more dose of history, including Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, and Humayun’s Tomb, a quiet, graceful place that felt like the perfect exhale after a fast-paced trip.

India in a Word? Unforgettable.

India wasn’t always easy. It was hot, loud, and messy. But it was also warm, generous, and alive in a way I’ll never forget.

It gave us stories, flavours, friendships and a whole new appreciation for travel that challenges and delights at the same time.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

Mish xx