Kerry's Indian Odyssey with Wendy Wu

DAY ONE

DEPARTURE

We met Sandra Foreman (who was hosting the trip) at 0400 Manchester Airport and the rest of our group of 10. We travelled with Air France via Paris for our 1.5-hour and 8.5-hour flights to Delhi. The Air France flight was comfortable, and the choice of movies, etc., was good, but the food was lacking in choice, and most people were not impressed.

We arrived in Delhi at 0100, absolutely shattered. After collecting our bags and a straightforward immigration and visa control, we met MK Jain, who was to be our guide for the rest of the week.

India, even at this time in the morning, was everything and more than I was expecting. The smell of spice, musk, and food rolled into one is the only way I can explain it. Before our arrival, there had been fasting for the previous days, and as of Midnight, the celebrations began. On our transfer to the Suryaa Hotel, the roads were packed with families and people of all ages, eating from the hundreds of stalls along the roadside. The traffic and noise were incredible.

We arrived at the Suryaa Hotel Delhi at 0200 (the transfer takes around 45 minutes) and eventually went to bed.

DAY TWO

DELHI

Breakfast at 0730 was at the Suryaa Hotel, which was a delightful surprise. There was lots of choice, from Omelettes cooked to choice, curry and rice, pastries, etc. The food was excellent. The Suryaa is a good choice of hotel: 4 stars, clean and comfortable, with a nice pool and a lovely restaurant. Most hotels have a small shopping centre, selling jewellery, pashminas, clothes, etc., which is good value for money. Bartering, as always, is expected.

We then went on a Rickshaw ride, which was a fantastic experience. It was like a Hollywood set where the director had just said action. Around every corner, there was a new experience: cows pulling carts, bikes, and scooters driving past, wires hanging down, stray dogs running around, and we even saw a funeral passing by. It was a truly indescribable experience.

Lunch was at a restaurant Wendy Wu chose, which I highly recommend. It is very similar to an Indian restaurant that you would expect in the UK.

After lunch, we passed the Official residence of the President of India - Rashhtrapati Bhavan and visited the Tower of Victory - Quatab Minar. I went back to the Suryaa Hotel for an evening meal and collapsed into bed.

DAY THREE

JAIPUR

0645 wake-up call, breakfast and leaving for Jaipur (250km and 6 hours ). There are more amazing sights: cows on the central motorway, camels, cows, monkeys, mad driving, people riding on the top of buses and even a man delivering a Whirlpool Freezer on his bike.

We arrived at the Ramada Jaipur Hotel. Jaipur is the Capital of Rajasthan, otherwise known as the Pink City. After lunch, we passed the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the world's largest stone and marble-crafted observatory.

Our next stop was the Maharajas City Palace, part museum and part Royal residence for the King, who drove past us while we were there.

Then we went to a night market, which was an incredible experience. After bartering and purchasing a few items for those professional shoppers amongst us, we went on to a cookery demonstration, which took place in a local home. The home was more like a Villa. We met the whole family: grandpa, grandma, mother and father, 6-year-old son, and, most importantly, Oscar, the dog. The family-owned a successful restaurant, and after the cookery demonstration, they invited us to stay for our evening meal, which was provided with local entertainment and ended with fireworks—yet another fantastic day.

DAY FOUR

AMBER FORT

Another early start for our Visit to Amber Fort, a historic sight and marvel.

We then visited the textile factory, where we witnessed the manufacturing process of rugs and fabrics.

It was a relatively quiet night tonight, with an evening meal at a local restaurant with live music and traditional dancing.

DAY FIVE

RANTHAMBORE SAFARI

Today, we left Jaipur and headed south for a 4-5 hours drive to Ranthambore National Park.

On arrival, after check-in and lunch, we proceed to the Centre for our 1st Tiger Safari. What an experience! Our three-hour Safari was brilliant. We saw lots of wildlife, but eventually, after a couple of hours, we saw our first Tiger. She had been asleep and was waking up and grooming herself. She was so beautiful.

After many photographs and following her as she walked in the Jungle, we searched for more Tigers. We saw another Tiger; this time, she was so close you could practically touch her.

We returned to camp at the Sher Garh Resort, a fantastic Hotel/luxury tent resort.

DAY SIX

AGRA

0445 start for our 2nd Safari at 0530

Although this was just as great as yesterday, we were in a different zone in the Jungle, and unfortunately, we didn't see any Tigers today. It was a little disappointing, but still a good morning.

Our next adventure was going to Agra, Home to the Taj Mahal. En route, there was a man on his elephant. The coach pulled over, and we could take photos and stroke the elephant—another tick on my bucket list. India is full of surprises.

5-hour drive to Agra with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri - built by Emperor Akbar in 1569.

Then, we stopped at the Marble factory to witness the artisans making the designs and learn about the construction of the Taj Mahal.

The last Hotel stop is Clarks Shiraz AGRA.

DAY SEVEN

TAJ MAHAL

The earliest start was 0400, but no one minded as this is the sight most of us have been waiting for all our lives - The Taj Mahal.

The gate opened at 5:00, and we went to the central photo opportunity and Diana's seat. We took photos, but Wendy Wu also arranged for a professional photographer. This was another WOW moment and another tick off my bucket list.

After this, it was a long drive back to Delhi to check in for our return flight home.