Journey with travel advisor Anna Maria Andaloro as she recounts her transformative adventure through Northern India with G Adventures. From exploring iconic landmarks in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra to forging meaningful connections with locals, Anna Maria's firsthand account offers an intimate glimpse into India's rich cultural tapestry.

My Magical Week in Northern India

Day 2: From Old Delhi to Agra

Today was a whirlwind of sensations! I met my guide, a young man whose life was transformed by the City Walk project. His personal stories of growing up on these very streets gave me a perspective I never could have gotten from a guidebook. Together, we wound our way through Old Delhi's labyrinthine lanes, the air thick with the scent of spices and incense.

Our guide for the city walks used to live on the street and is now studying at university. City Walk helped him get the education and funds to achieve this goal.

The Jama Masjid Mosque left me breathless – its sheer scale is something photos simply can't capture. What touched me most was visiting the Sikh temple, where I watched volunteers preparing meals for thousands of people regardless of their faith or status. By afternoon, I was on my way to Agra, watching the Indian countryside roll past my window and hardly believing I was really here.

Day 3: Meeting the Taj Mahal

No words can truly prepare you for your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal. I arrived early, watching the sunrise paint the white marble in shades of pink and gold. Standing there, I couldn't help but feel moved by this incredible testament to love. The intricate inlay work, the perfect symmetry – every detail tells a story of devotion.

Later, I explored what they call the "Baby Taj," which felt like finding a hidden gem. The Agra Fort surprised me with its massive scale – walking through its red sandstone corridors, I tried to imagine the lives of the emperors and empresses who once called this place home.

During our lunch we had the pleasure of hearing stories from woman survivors of acid attack. Women were attacked by family members, and some by strangers near, or even in, their homes. Now these women are working full time in a café raising aware, sharing their stories, and assisting their community.

Day 4: Journey to the Pink City

The drive to Jaipur became an adventure. Fatehpur Sikri was our first stop – a ghost city with tales of emperors and saints. But what really captured my heart was our visit to Abhaneri village. Standing at the edge of the Chand Baori stepwell, I marveled at how their ancestors engineered such beautiful solutions for water conservation.

The highlight of my day was meeting the women of the Anoothi Project. Their strength and creativity shone through as they taught me the art of block printing. I left with my own hand-printed scarf, a treasure that means so much more than just a souvenir.

This evening, we joined a local family in their home to cook and enjoy a meal. We got hands-on with ingredients and learned how to prepare Pakora, a vegetable dish, and Indian bread such as chapatis and puri. Once the hard work was done, we got to enjoy the fruits of our labor, we savored the flavors of our creations with the addition of other vegetable dishes, dal, and raita, and finished the meal with a sweet treat.

Day 5: Royal Jaipur

Today, I felt like royalty exploring Jaipur's grand palaces. The Amber Fort took my breath away – I chose to walk up rather than take the elephant ride, and the views were worth every step. The Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) was like something from a fairy tale with its delicate honeycomb windows.

In Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” we met with a local historian and sociology scholar to learn about India’s complex social fabric and traditions, and discuss a range of topics from the country’s belief systems to its architecture.

Day 6: Village Life in Pachewar

Trading the city's bustle for village tranquility, I found myself in Pachewar, staying in a heritage home that felt like stepping into another era.

Day 7: Farewell to Rajasthan

As I headed back to Delhi, my heart was full of memories and my camera roll even fuller. But the real souvenirs were intangible – the warmth of the people I met, the stories I heard, the moments of connection that no guidebook could have prepared me for. India, you've changed me in ways I'm only beginning to understand.

Want to experience the magic of India? Contact  Anna Maria for more information!