Ashley Gallo

India has always been at the top of my travel bucket list, and in May, I finally had the chance to visit. I was fortunate to travel with Abercrombie & Kent on a nine-day educational journey through some of the country’s most captivating destinations. From ancient temples and palaces to colorful spice markets and vibrant city streets, India delivered an experience I’ll never forget.After a long day of travel, I arrived in Delhi early in the morning and was greeted by my private driver, who took me to the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel. After a few hours to decompress, I met the group I’d be traveling with for the next week and a half. That evening we visited the stunning Leela Palace for a hotel inspection and dinner at Megu. Before the meal, we participated in a traditional ceremony of light—a beautiful and spiritual welcome to India.The next day, we explored both Old and New Delhi. Our first stop was the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. We then took a rickshaw ride through the narrow, bustling streets of Old Delhi and drove past the Red Fort. In the afternoon, we visited New Delhi’s highlights, including Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, and the President’s Residence. The day ended with a welcome dinner back at the Taj Mahal Hotel.On Sunday, we took a three-hour drive to Agra. After lunch at the Taj View Hotel, we visited the Agra Fort—an important Mughal stronghold. Later, we made our way to the Taj Mahal at sunset. Despite seeing countless pictures, nothing prepared me for the overwhelming beauty of this architectural masterpiece. Built over 22 years by 22,000 laborers and over a thousand elephants, its intricate detail and scale took my breath away. We ended the day with a traditional Thali dinner at the Oberoi Amarvilas.The next morning, we returned to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The peaceful energy and soft morning light created a completely different atmosphere from the night before. We toured the mausoleum and admired the intricate marble inlays. Afterward, we began our journey to Jaipur, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri—a fascinating 16th-century abandoned red sandstone city. That evening, we arrived at the luxurious Leela Palace Jaipur and enjoyed a magical candlelit dinner at Mohan Mahal.In Jaipur, we had a full day of sightseeing. Our first stop was Amber Fort, an ancient capital full of stunning Mughal architecture. We lunched at the Oberoi Rajvilas and then visited the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, and the iconic Hawa Mahal, known for its pink sandstone façade. We ended the day with a visit to the exquisite Rambagh Palace, once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur.Next, we flew to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes.” Our day began with a tour of the Royal City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola. Inside, we visited the museum and the dazzling Crystal Gallery. We also explored Saheliyon ki Bari with its lush lawns and fountains. A highlight of the day was visiting a local family’s home, where we learned to cook a traditional Mewari meal before sitting down to enjoy it together. Dinner was served on the rooftop of the Taj Lake Palace—an unforgettable evening. The following day was devoted to temple visits. We began at the 8th-century Eklingji Shiva Temple, followed by the beautifully carved SahastraBahu Temple in Nagda. Afterward, we toured the Oberoi Udaivilas and enjoyed a delicious multi-course lunch. That evening, we were welcomed into our guide’s family home—a heartfelt and memorable cultural experience.On Friday, we flew to Mumbai, India’s buzzing financial and entertainment hub. The vibe was instantly different—fast-paced and cosmopolitan. We visited the Gateway of...