But, it’s ultimately worth the time, effort and sensory overload to see one of the most diverse, maddening, stimulating, frustrating, and vibrant countries on earth. Whether you ultimately end up leaving with a good opinion of the country or not is a question that can only be answered by each individual based on their own experiences andperceptions. But, one thing is for certain, it will be one of the most memorable trips you'll ever take.
The following are a few of the places and things that I enjoyed - and there are an equal amount that I didn't - during my travels in India:
MUMBAI (Bombay)
- Mahatma Ghandi Museum - the actual house Ghandi lived from 1917-1934, which is now a small, but interesting museum that chronicles his entire life and not just the portion during which he lived there. Well worth the effort to find it on the quiet, little street where it's located.
- Gateway of India - an imposing monument standing on the shores of Mumbai's bay. While it served to welcome thousands to British-ruled India after the Brits built it, it also served to usher the final battalion of British forces out when India won its independence.
- Taj Mahal Palace & Tower - not the Taj Mahal (that’s closer to Delhi), but famous in its own right. Allegedly built by a wealthy Indian who was refused entry to the top Britons-only hotel at the time. He then built the Taj hotel to surpass that one in prestige, service and beauty. His hotel still stands and no one can remember the name of the other one. It's also worth checking out just for its opulence alone, plus the cafe overlooking the bay serves a tasty lunch.
- Victoria Terminal - you have to look through the layer of dirt and soot, but the building is a remarkable example of British colonial architecture. Inside it's worth checking out the bustling station as Indians pack (like sticking out of windows and doors packed) the commuter trains heading to and from work.
- Backwaters (near Alleppey) - one of the best experiences and most scenic landscapes in all of India. A leisurely drift through the maze of linked waterways is as relaxing as it is fascinating to watch the small, quaint communities go about their daily business on the small strips of land that divide the waterways.
- Munnar - India’s own version of Napa Valley or Tuscany, but with tea plantations instead of vineyards. Miles of picturesque tea plantations amid a pleasant mountain range and a series of quaint small towns that are all postcard perfect.
- The Lake Palace - by far the best attraction in Udaipur, prominently positioned in the middle of Lake Pichola and lit up at night. Unfortunately, it’s an exclusive hotel that shuns non-resident visitors, but a reservation for dinner or drinks provides access to the grounds which are worth a look. Otherwise, it’s more than adequate just to admire from the Udaipur shoreline.
- City Palace - a behemoth of a palace set right on the edge of Lake Pichola almost perpendicular to the Lake Palace. A tour of the interior reveals a maze of floors, hallways, rooms and courtyards that keeps it interesting. Plus, there are great views of the city from the higher levels of the palace.
- Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel - a haveli (an opulent former residence of a wealthy merchant) that’s built like a mini-palace provides a Lake Palace-esque experience at a more reasonable price. It’s built right on the edge of the lake looking out toward the Lake Palace and the surrounding mountain range that makes it a perfect place for sunsets. Rooms are very reasonably priced and spacious. The restaurant is fantastic for it’s views alone, not to mention that the food’s good too.
- Meheranghar Fort - an unmissable landmark in Jodhpur, perched on the city’s highest hill. It’s a massive complex with a very interesting audio tour that’s well worth taking (it’s also included in the admission price). A good selection of artifacts from the fort’s working days as well a good views of the city and it’s famous blue-painted homes in the area nearby.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace - not necessarily the most authentic of palaces in the historical sense as it was just built in the 1940s, but definitely a beautiful design. It's now a hotel, but I have no idea what the interior is like as it was closed to the public the week I was there for a few weddings.
- Jaisalmer Fort & Palace - the fort looks like it should be in a scene from India Jones, Lawrence of Arabia or The Arabian Nights. It's a living fort with over 3,000 people occupying residences inside which provides an interesting glimpse into what life must've been like there centuries earlier.
- Amber Fort/Palace - the palace is the main attraction as the fort sits much higher on the steep hill. The palace is undergoing much needed restoration, but most parts are in decent shape. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is the labyrinth of hallways and tunnels that connect parts of the palace that don't seem like they'd be connectable and also lead to hidden rooms and terraces.
- City Palace - there’s not a whole lot to the palace grounds themselves, but it’s worth going inside to get a good view of the pink-colored walls that remain in immaculate form inside the palace courtyard (whereas they’re rather dingy in the surrounding city area).
- Jas Vilas - a great value hotel in a good location with good sized rooms, great service, decent food and free wireless internet. Plus there’s a nice pool and it’s relatively quiet and cheap for what you get.
- Fatehpur Sikri - one of the best restored forts that I visited in India. Interesting architecture and history in that it was only occupied for 16 years - after it took 4 to build it. It’s well worth visiting even if you’ve grown tired of forts and palaces by the time you reach it.
- Taj Mahal - arguably the major attraction in India and it lives up to all expectations. Sunrise is the best time to see it as it changes colors from beige to cream to sparkling white as the sun rises higher in the sky.
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