Updated October 2021 We officially declared today a “blob out” day – government buildings and monuments were still closed and we had some packing to do. Feeling a bit under the weather today, I had breakfast and then went back to bed until just before the 12:00 check-out time.  We really just kicked our heels today and went and did some...

Updated October 2021 Manish, our host from Friday’s meeting, had agreed to take us sightseeing today but our plans were significantly disrupted due to the death of Jaipur’s last maharaja, Bhawani Singh, who was 80. The Rajasthan state government announced 2 days of state mourning and that all government offices and buildings would be closed until Tuesday. Unfortunately, we didn’t find out...

Updated October 2021 I think we were spoilt in Delhi and Agra.  The breakfasts, in the otherwise delightful Shahpura House Hotel, have been pretty average, to say the least!  I knew today was going to be a full day. We’d agreed to hire Mehmoob (the rickshaw driver we used yesterday) for the day rather than enduring the energy sapping haggling required...

  Updated October 2021 I freely admit to being a “Jaipurite”.  And it was the perfect place to spend with my son. I’d arranged an early morning rickshaw (we’d given our driver the day off) out to Amber Fort so we could take an elephant ride to the top of the hill.  I’d done the same trip in 2008 with a business...

Updated October 2021 We thought that we’d struck lucky this morning.  In an area of more than 1,110 square metres and with less than 40 tigers roaming, we were excited to see fresh tiger footprints. Following a different trail to yesterday afternoon’s safari, everyone was excited as jeeps were racing everywhere after Sambar Deer distress calls were heard.  Guides were very...

Updated October 2021 We had an early start this morning as we had a 6 hour road trip for an appointment on an afternoon safari to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger.  Arriving just after 12:00 from a very bumpy road trip (our driver found every pot hole between Agra and Ranthambore) we were thankful of a quick swim at the...

Updated October 2021 Wow, wow and triple wow.  That sums up today. It was Rhys’ 17th Birthday today and we would be hard pressed to top this.  I can’t remember what I did for my 17th! We arrived at the Taj Mahal at about 05:45.  Yes, I know what you’re thinking – how cruel I am for getting Rhys up so early! ...

Updated: August 2021 This morning I had mixed feelings.  On the one hand, I would have liked to have stayed in Delhi longer (as it exceeded my expectations) but on the other hand we were off to Agra today. Goodbye Delhi After packing (Rhys displayed all of the finesse of a bull in a china shop) and a good breakfast, our driver...

Updated October 2021 I wasn’t sure what to expect today as it was a Sunday and I know from previous trips to India how busy Sundays are in India. With my body screaming “give me a break from so much food” I resisted a big breakfast and went for tea and toast – needless to say, Rhys didn’t follow suit and...

Updated October 2021 After a healthy breakfast of fruit and juices (honestly!) our driver collected us just after 8am to start a full day of sightseeing in Old Delhi.  First stop was the very impressive Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque which overlooks the Red Fort. As shorts were not allowed inside, Rhys and I had to don a Muslim “sarong” before...