Natalie Watts from Connelly & Turner Travel Associates recently toured India with Abercrombie & Kent, one of the world's leading luxury tour operators...
My trip began in the South, when we landed in Kochi, India's oldest European settlement. We went onto enjoy two relaxing days at the Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort with a day aboard our own private houseboat for a cruise discovering the back waters of Kerala. I would recommend first time visitors to India do start down South.
Next we travelled via Mumbai up to Rajasthan where our first stop was the famed and gorgeous Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur. Owned by a Maharana and leased by Taj Hotels this unique hotel is exquisite and our personal suite was pure luxury. Due to lack of rain, the Lake was quite dry however my disappointment disappeared when I glanced out the window and saw locals playing cricket, their national sport, on the dry lake bed.
Then it was off to Jaipur, where we stayed at the Oberoi Rajvilas and explored the Pink City, enjoyed an elephant safari and visited Amber Fort. A visit to India and Rajesthan is incomplete without seeing the Taj Mahal. We stayed at the Oberoi Amarvilla, the only hotel with views of the Taj Mahal from every room. The excitement of our first vision from our private balcony just grew and grew the closer we got. This architectural masterpiece is so much more impressive than the photos suggest and really is a must see. This monument to love is faultless and makes even the worst cynic believe.
Our last stop was the impressive Delhi, with its wide tree lined streets and gorgeous parklands which contrast to the intensity of old Delhi Town. We stayed at the Imperial Hotel, one of the most distinguished in Delhi.
I had the pleasure of travelling with Abercrombie & Kent for this trip and their tour was truly wonderful. From the moment we stepped off the plane in Kochi to our departure from Delhi their local guides and representatives were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, professional and amazingly patient. The trip was seamless and we were taken care of the whole way so able to concentrate on enjoying incredible India, a country of extraordinary palaces, ancient forts, diverse cultures, a spiritual atmosphere and tumultuous history.
