A Sensory Journey Through India: Colour, Culture, & Majesty with Y Travel’s Tracy
Y Travel’s own Tracy Wilson recently embarked on a long-dreamed-of journey through India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, & Jaipur) and beyond - a region steeped in history, adorned with vibrant hues, and brimming with cultural riches. Joined by a small group of fellow travel industry colleagues, Tracy's adventure was a symphony of sensory delights, curated meticulously by Abercrombie & Kent, in conjunction with Oberoi Hotels, and Cathay Pacific Airlines. Tracy returned to the Y Travel office brimming with stories of wonder, cultural immersion, and the beauty, hospitality, and spirituality of this land of contrasts, and we are thrilled to share her journey with you.
DELHI: A CITY OF CONTRASTS
Tracy and her fellow travellers began their Indian adventure in Delhi, the country’s bustling capital, where centuries-old architecture harmoniously blends with contemporary life. As their Cathay Pacific flight touched down, the group was welcomed with true Indian hospitality by the Abercrombie & Kent team, and made their way through the chaotic traffic of the world’s second most populous city to the opulent Oberoi Delhi. A beautiful oasis of luxury amidst the city's dynamic heart, the Oberoi provided the perfect introduction to the contrasts between India's timeless culture and the fast pace of modern life in this city of over 33 million people and provided a symbolic representation of the extravagant sensory feast that lay ahead. Exploring Delhi was a kaleidoscopic experience, led by expert guides from Abercrombie & Kent. Tracy and her peers explored the labyrinthine laneways of Old Delhi on cycle rickshaws, (holding on for dear life, while still managing to take in the spectacle of the masses of people, animals, and cars cramming the narrow streets), before immersing themselves in the saris and spices of the bustling Chandni Chowk bazaar, one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. The Jama Masjid's towering minarets offered glimpses into India's storied past, while New Delhi's Rajpath, or ‘Royal Path’ leading to the stone arch of India Gate commemorates the nation's modern history with poignant elegance.
AGRA: THE ETHERIAL TAJ MAHAL
From Delhi, the group ventured south to Agra, home to the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. A visit to the majestic Agra Fort, its red sandstone walls echoing tales of Mughal grandeur, was a precursor to the real gem of the city, and as the late afternoon sky turned pink, Tracy’s first glimpse of the Taj Mahal was a breathtaking travel dream fulfilled. Struck by the scale and beauty of this iconic monument, the experience proved that even the most seasoned traveller can still find awe and wonder in the world. Staying at the elegant Oberoi Amarvilas, the only hotel in Agra to offer uninterrupted Taj Mahal views from its elegant dining terrace and suites, Tracey enjoyed the culinary delights of the Mughal-inspired cuisine of the hotel’s Esphahan restaurant, followed by a nightcap in the gorgeously decorated, (and appropriately named) ‘The Bar’.
JAIPUR: THE PINK CITY’S TIMELESS CHARM
Continuing their overland journey, Tracy and her companions left Agra behind to arrive in Jaipur, the 'Pink City' renowned for its majestic forts and vibrant bazaars. The Oberoi Rajvilas, a former royal ‘haveli’ turned luxurious retreat - complete with peacocks leisurely roaming the hotel’s meticulously maintained serene gardens - welcomed their guests with traditional Rajasthani hospitality. As the largest city in Rajasthan, beautiful palaces, forts and colourful bazaars speak of the Pink City's glorious regal past. Exploring Jaipur is a journey through time—from the towering Amber Fort and the opulent City Palace to the astronomical wonders of the Jantar Mantar Observatory. For Tracy, a highlight of her stay in Jaipur was the experiential immersion into local customs and flavours - a private blessing at Raj Vilas' onsite temple, a visit to the Hawa Maha (‘Palace of the Winds’), sampling Rajasthani delicacies during a cooking demonstration at the Leela Palace hotel, and a visit to the iconic Rambagh Palace hotel, where the Abercrombie & Kent team had gone to the effort of arranging beautiful traditional Indian Salwar pant-suits for the group to wear (and keep as a memento). The entire Jaipur experience was a fabulous and unforgettable mix of our Y Factors of Taste, Culture, and the Unexpected.
UDAIPUR: VENICE OF THE EAST
As the final stop on Tracy’s Indian odyssey, the Rajastani city of Udaipur was a fittingly serene conclusion to the sensory feast that each of the group’s previous destinations had provided. A short flight from Jaipur, Udaipur is known as the Venice of the East, with its peaceful lakes and understatedly elegant palaces. The Oberoi Udaivilas, accessed via a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola, offered the group a royal ceremonial welcome, surrounded by opulent Rajput architecture. Exploring Udaipur included visits to the sprawling City Palace, the ornate Jagdish Temple, and a private boat ride at sunset—a perfect conclusion to their Rajasthan sojourn.
Y REFLECT:
As their Indian journey drew to a close, Tracy and her colleagues returned to Delhi, spending their final evening at The Oberoi Gurgaon, a contemporary designed hotel which symbolically leaps from the heritage of India’s past into the pulsating present of ‘New India’ in the heart of the burgeoning business, commercial and retail area of Gurgaon, and in close proximity to Delhi’s international airport. Here the group reflected on their whirlwind adventure and new-found friendships, with each moment curated to perfection by the team from Abercrombie & Kent. From seamless pre-arrival hotel check-ins, to insightful and culturally sensitive local experiences, incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating local guides, and of course luxurious regal accommodations, every detail was designed to bring to life India's rich historical and cultural tapestry. Tracy's self-proclaimed 'bucket list' trip exceeded all expectations, and was filled with a diverse collection of "Wow" moments at every colourful turn. As the group departed Delhi on their Cathay Pacific flight, the memories of India's people, tastes, architecture, history, and culture remained etched in their hearts—a testament to the region's timeless allure and unique sensory experiences.