This travel route offers a robust taste of Indian culture. The beauty of India is more than her ancient roots, uncountable villages and endless Gods and Goddesses. It is the inextricably woven culture that expresses itself through a unique set of sensory experiences in each corner of India. The Classic Tour has its own flavor.
I recently traveled the Classic India Tour with Status Quo. We were coming from south India in August where the heat and intense sunlight were challenging. Delhi was a relief in comparison. India is truly a study in comparisons; the experience of what the art world calls positive and negative spaces. Unintentionally, India fills your senses with presence and absence. In planning your exploration of India, Status Quo takes advantage of this juxtaposition. They combine the presence of the ‘must see’ spots with the more understated hidden experiences. Your travel becomes a dance between you and the itinerary. If your travel partner is not considering this magic in his planning, you are missing out.
High on the must see spots in India, Varanasi, is a story in comparisons. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the oldest city in the world. How could one miss out on that experience? It is also true to say that Varanasi is one of the most challenging cities in India. The sensory impressions can be an assault on tamer sensibilities. Unfolding Varanasi requires an astute awareness for the intersection of traveler and location. There are no words for the presence of the Mother as the Ganga Maa. One can only stroll her banks and sit on her still waters, hoping to glimpse her fullness. In a city where there is a constant din of activity, stillness remains the most powerful connection. Experience Varanasi as much in what you don’t do as what you do. Status Quo recognizes the truth in the saying, “Less can be more.”
Our Agra experience will remain one of my most memorable Indian moments. Our local Status Quo guide asked us to rise early to visit the Taj. This guidance proved invaluable….we were the ONLY guests in the Taj for a full twenty minutes as the day unfolded. The light spilled across the marble and illuminated the inner spaces of the Taj Mahal. We literally welcomed the day into the Taj. It was extraordinary. In comparison we also visited what is often called the ‘Baby Taj’. Commissioned by Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir, for her father, this sweet space was a complementary experience to the Taj Mahal. As explained to us by our guide, we began to understand the complex history and lineage of this area.
From the haunting sounds of the Islamic morning prayers we travelled next to the unique state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan could easily be a different country. In contrast to the white marble of Agra, Rajasthan is the state of colors. Brilliant and vibrant colors expressed in the architecture, shopping stalls and regional clothing, Rajasthan feels like the palate of the rising and setting sun. Exuding the graciousness of royalty of times past; the palaces defy imagination. And of course, the required elephant encounter in the most exquisite elephant camp. My daughter breathed a sigh of relief when she witnessed the affection and deep connection between the camp owner and his three rescued elephants. I have been told that elephants are empathic and sensitive. They can build deep human bonds. They have distinct personalities and express themselves through their manner.
Our last stop was Udaipur. The lake city. From our vantage point in the heritage City Palace Hotel, Upaipur floats alongside the lakes and waterways. I spent one afternoon strolling along the neighborhood shopping stalls feeling the rhythm of the locals. One of my favorite exhibitions throughout India was the Crystal Gallery collection at the City Palace. Thousands of crystal pieces with an interesting history…not to be missed.
I am a temple gal, in search of temples of all sorts. In addition to the palace history, Rajasthan has its share of historically significant temples. I was taken by the 10th century Eklingji temple outside of Udaipur. A series of smaller shrines surround the working temple where I could not resist simply sitting in the corner of the small open space and imbibing the unrecorded life that has tread on this holy ground.
Ah Mother India… there are not adequate words to bring her to life….it is in the fullness of ones sensory experiences throughout India that she comes to life. If you are willing to risk tidiness for juiciness, the unclaimed as the discoverable and absence as presence, you will find India will get under your skin and begin to live in you in extraordinary ways.
