India - Take 2...
Well, another trip is brewing and after the fabulous time I had the last time I went, I've decided to go again. However, this time I decided not to do it on my own and take a friend. Believe me, I don't want to be brimming with commentary and not have anyone to share it with... Plus, despite all the people it does get lonely on the road.
The trip starts back in Delhi... this time I am a bit older and wiser. I won't be staying at argubly the worst value for money = (0 service + 0 comfort + 0 cleanliness)/ Bloody expensive = the Airport Hotel next to Delhi Airport. Won't make that mistake again, no this time we're staying at the best youth hostel in town next to the Bazaar. Let's see what the airport pick-up is like and then we'll quickly know what to expect.
After a day or so in Delhi, we're headed over to Aggra to see the big and little (yes, Dad) Taj Mahal. A good friend has already warned me of the tourist throng that awaits us, but I still think seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise is something you have to do as a right of passage. I'll have the camera with me, so watch out for some quality shots!
After the Taj, it's off to Jaipur, the city of pink sandstone. The pictures look amazing and there is some serious hiking to be done. I've been told that you can ride elephants while you're there and assuming that I don't end up like those endless YouTube clips, it should be fun.
The second half of the trip leaves the North far behind and leads us to Kerala. After landing in Cochin, we'll make our way by rail, road and houseboat down through the state to Kovalam and the beaches in the South. There we'll have a few days in the sun before flying to Mumbai for a day... so much for finishing the trip relaxed... although hopefully the hotel will provide some buffer from the craziness that is that city.
All in all, 16 days of Indian delight... I've packed my camera, swim suit and plenty of Immodium. What could possibly go wrong? We'll see soon enough as India is always full of surprises...