Asia Travel - Part 8

Hidden Gems of Istanbul

-“Istanbul was Constantinople; now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople; been a long time gone, Constantinople; now it’s Turkish delight on a moonlit night.” Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – many lives, one soul. The only city in the world straddling two continents (Europe and Asia), like an emperor straddling its pan-continental horse. It’s where Arabian nights fell in love with the West – and vice versa. Its 2500-year-old awe-packed history emits the collective unconscious, giving away glimpses of its well-kept secrets. Istanbul is an ancient mystery veiled in modern outlines and shapes while sublimely preserving its ancestral heritage. It’s where tradition salutes expansion, and expansion bows its head to tradition. It’s a perfect symphony. This Euroasian diamond greets around 5 million tourists (15 million before the COVID-19 era) each year. The funny thing is, they all seem to follow the same itinerary – and where’s the fun in that? These are the hidden gems of Istanbul. Merhaba.

Balat District

Dating back to 1492, this UNESCO World Heritage site has somehow managed to stay off the tourist-itinerary radar. Remaining relatively unknown (and under-visited!), this little hidden gem is where you want to be. Initially a Jewish quarter, this enchanting cobblestone labyrinth has taken a cosmopolitan persona over the centuries. This beautiful neighborhood exudes inclusivity and diversity, from the Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate basilica to Byzantine churches and synagogues. It’s my go-to place whenever I have the time to wander the city. Preserved, colorful ottoman houses are home to anything from hip cafes and restaurants to galleries and venues. It’s where the past meets modern for matinées.

colorful stairs in Balat depict one of the hidden gems of Istanbul — It’s where you want to be.

The Museum of Innocence

As much as I enjoyed visiting Dubai, Istanbul is still my jam, with the Museum of Innocence still being one of my forever favorite go-to places. It’s where your feet involuntarily lead you when your emotional apparatus craves new stimuli (and shedding a tear or two is mandatory). Created by novelist Orhan Pamuk, this 19-century house serves as the author’s tangible counterpart to his novel (also called “The Museum of Innocence”). Set in the 1970s (when Istanbul was becoming more westernized), this hidden gem displays artifacts of a heartbreaking love story. If the mere idea of materialized pages fascinates you, this place is a must-see.

Women’s Bazaar

Yes, I know, you were probably expecting Grand Bazaar – and, you’re correct, it’s absolutely magnificent, but our focus today is on finding some of the finest, well-hidden gems of Istanbul. So. Kadinlar Pazari (also known as Women’s Bazaar) originated in the 1940s as a venue for local housewives and their homemade produce. To be completely honest, it’s no Juliet’s Verona; I wouldn’t recommend it to the timid, as sheep bodies swing in the subtle breeze, and cheese can get a bit hard on the nostrils, making the experience a little less fragrant than expected. Still, this is any foodie’s paradise for the brave hearts out there – from peculiar produce to some of the best spices, dried fruit, and nuts.

drfied fruit — Women’s bazaar is one of the finest hidden gems of Istanbul.

Çukurcuma neighborhood

I just love this one (home to Orhan Pamuk’s museum!). Why do I love it so much? Antique wonderland. You don’t have to be an avid collector; you don’t even have to be curious – it will change your mind without breaking a sweat. From Ottoman antiques and vintage clothing to biscuit boxes and some of the world’s finest embroidery, the streets of Cukurcuma and its 100+ antique shops will steal your heart (and your wallet, too). When my feet start feeling heavy, Çukurcuma Köftecisi is my go-to eatery. Great food, fantastic atmosphere. It’s not all antique this, antique that – Cukurcuma neighborhood is very much connected to its contemporary side. Don’t miss out on some of the finest art galleries Istanbul offers.

Before you embark on your journey

I travel a lot and never really know when I’m coming back home. So, to all you voracious travelers out there, here’s my advice – if you’re busy introducing yourself to the world – rent a storage unit and have your items protected. Not today, breaking and entering!

Belgrad Forest

We’re hitting the trails. I rarely see any tourists when I go out for a hike. Fifty-five thousand hectares of protected woodland. Sounds good? You bet. The Belgrad Forest is one of the most favorite retreat spots for locals, especially during weekends. My special place would have to be the Ataturk Arboretum (I’m a sucker for plants, what can I say), with over 2000 plant species (indigenous and imported) to feast your eyes on. Have you ever witnessed a wild boar preying on a snake? Yes, it’s a thing. The wildlife of Belgrad Forest is, well, WILD. If you’re looking to escape the heat of the city, come on down for a picnic.

forest trail — Let’s get lost in the wilderness.

Old house restaurant

I’ve enjoyed visiting Greece and its historical sites, but I just seem to have an unbreakable bond with Hagia Sophia. It’s just pure magic. And that’s precisely why the Old house restaurant is on my hidden gems list. This family-run place in Sultanahmet is the locals’ best-kept secret (mine, too). Its rooftop overlooks Hagia Sofia and all its glory – without the tourist swarm distracting you from enjoying it. It’s eye-to-eye contact with one of the most breathtaking architectural pieces a human being can witness. Oh, and let’s not forget the food. With the Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine being their forte, you’ll be drowning your taste buds in sea bass and grilled lamb like there’s no tomorrow.

Cağaloğlu Hamam

Pronouncing it might present a challenge, so I would just Google it. My worshiped go-to spot for cleansing. Dating back to 1741, this is one of the last-standing Turkish baths in Istanbul today. Conveniently located near Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar (yet hiding in plain sight!), stopping by after your sightseeing tour and treating yourself to a royal spa experience is mandatory. It’s worth the money, trust me.

Scratching the surface

Discovering hidden gems of Istanbul is very much like scavenger hunting but on a colossal scale. Two-continent scale, to be exact. I hope you find your sweet spot. Güle güle.

About the author:
Myron Paine is a freelance writer, currently working under the Four Winds KSA wing. He travels the world but finds himself hurrying back to Istanbul. And too often. History and bodies of water fascinate him.

Intramuros, The Walled City in the Philippines

The Philippines is not just any country in Southeast Asia. This archipelagic country is made up of more than 7000 islands, the largest of which is Luzon. Its capital city, Manila, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. And smack dab in the middle of this chaotic and overpopulated metropolis lies a remnant from a different era – Intramuros, The Walled City.

Intramuros is a district in Manila that used to be enclosed by massive walls. This was built during the Spanish colonial period. It served as the seat of government and center of religion in the Philippines until 1945 when it was destroyed during World War II. Today, Intramuros is a popular tourist destination because of its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.

Some of the most fascinating historical sites in the Intramuros that will take you back in time:

Manila Cathedral

The first stop was Manila Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church built in 1581 during the Spanish colonial period. It has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and war damage – most recently after World War II when it was completely destroyed except for its facade. The cathedral is beautiful from the outside, but even more so from the inside. The stained-glass windows are stunning and the ceiling is adorned with gold. There is also a large pipe organ that was built in the 1800s.

San Agustin Church

The next stop on our tour of Intramuros is the San Agustin Church. This imposing church was built in 1571 by the Spanish Augustinian friars and is considered to be one of the most prominent religious buildings in the Philippines. It is also one of the oldest churches in Asia as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Many interesting features distinguish this church, including its architectural style, which draws inspiration from European Renaissance and Baroque styles. It also has Filipino artisans who were involved in its construction at that time.

Plaza de Roma

We then moved to Plaza de Roma, which is a plaza located in front of the San Agustin Church. It was built by the Spanish in 1599 and is named after Rome, the capital of Italy. The plaza is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and take in the beauty of Intramuros. It’s also a pleasant place to meet up with friends or just people-watch (Filipinos are known to do this a lot).

Fort Santiago

Next on our list was Fort Santiago, which is one of the most famous historical sites in the Philippines. It is a fortress built by the Spanish in 1571 to protect the city of Manila from attack. It was used as a military base and prison during the Spanish colonial period. It was also used as a prison during the American occupation and World War II. Today, Fort Santiago is a popular tourist attraction. The fortress contains the Shrine of San Diego de Alcala and the Rizal Park. This park bears the name of an important Philippine national hero, José Rizal. There are also several museums located in the fort complex.

Casa Manila

Another stop is in Casa Manila. This reconstructed Spanish colonial mansion is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, and for a simple reason – it’s beautiful. The architecture and decor are straight out of old-world Spain, making it a unique and interesting place to explore. Plus, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Casa Manila, so be sure to ask them for some interesting facts.

Baluarte de San Diego

After Casa Manila, we made our way to Baluarte de San Diego. Another attraction in Intramuros that shows the picturesque facade of this walled city. This fort was built by the Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno in the late 1580s and served as a drowning chamber during the Spanish era. Today, it is surrounded by lavish gardens with lush plants, pathways, and fountains. There are many special occasions held there, such as weddings, parties, and other big events.

La Cathedral Cafe

Our final stop is La Cathedral Cafe, the most convenient place to refuel after a day of sightseeing. It is known for its delicious pastries and coffee, which are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or leisurely dining. The atmosphere inside La Cathedral Cafe is very laid-back and tranquil. The cafe is inspired by Spanish architecture, with white walls adorned with paintings in various styles. It also has a small balcony where you can enjoy your meal while gazing at the surrounding views of Intramuros.

Start planning your trip

Intramuros is a place where history and culture meet. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just someplace new to explore, this old city has something that will suit your needs. If you’re a vlogger, you could create a YouTube video about this place and promote it as it is engaging and would make relevant content for your audiences that love to travel. Additionally, if time permits, don’t forget about all of Manila’s offers – there’s plenty here worth seeing and doing.

About the author:

Hannah Angni is a passionate content marketer from VEED with an insatiable appetite for travel and adventure. Her passion for travel and learning different cultures helps her share them with others as an expert content creator.

Photo Credit: Image By Sheila Mae Capul from Pixabay

Thailand’s Most Thrilling Motorcycle Adventure

by Philipp Meier

‘Look at this view,’ an enthusiastic traveler from Latvia said to me, showing me a photo of Krabi’s mind-blowing limestone region.

This Baltic girl and I were sitting on the veranda of a bamboo hut in Koh Phangan. She was harking back to that moment with her arms spread atop Krabi’s Dragon Crest Mountain, 565 meters above sea level. And I, well, the word Krabi alone brought back memories of feeling the wind in my hair on the back of my bike.

The ‘South Turn’, as Thais call the 133-km-long highway between Surat Thani and Krabi, has always appealed to me. Scarcely used by tourists, this well-maintained route 44 that seems to stretch forever has provided me with hours of solitude and the freedom of the open road.

So why not plan a trip to Dragon Crest Mountain and enjoy Highway 44 again on the way to Krabi? I figured. I was bored with Koh Phangan, an overcrowded island in the southern Gulf of Thailand; this mountain came right on cue.

The Motorway Between Surat Thani and Krabi

While the South Turn is 133 kms long, the distance of the entire ride from Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani to Krabi’s ‘Checkpoint Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park’ – where Dragon Crest is located – is 218 kms. Obviously, this hasn’t always been doable in three hours.

Building Motorway 44 was a huge project that cost 109.67 million USD. Before it had been completed in 2003, getting from Thailand’s east to west coast on earth roads must’ve taken locals days. Much as I like adventures, I was glad I didn’t have to race across rough ground.

The Ride from Surat Thani’s Don Sak Pier to Krabi’s Dragon Crest Mountain

Tourists spilled out of the ferry, lugging large suitcases that wobbled back and forth. They were rushing to buses that were billowing black clouds of diesel exhaust, and the sun beat down mercilessly in the midday heat. Tour guides were shouting, trying to collect their clientele.

It took a load off to leave that all behind. I was desperate to do something exciting off the well-trodden tourist trail, and set off for a thrilling solo two-wheeled journey.

In Surat Thani’s sub-district of Phlai Wat, I turned left after the green sign that read ‘Krabi’ below some squiggly Thai hieroglyphics, with the number 44. Ahead of me was the road that cuts through the scenic countryside as straight as an arrow.

Hot humid air blew in my face as I traveled along the familiar road, taking in the palm tree surroundings. And a moment later I was wondering how cool the atmosphere had become in an instant. Temperatures changed like the sea’s undercurrents, and draughts varied like the ocean’s vagaries.

Passing jungles and rubber trees, I caught the pleasant scents of fresh, oxygen-rich woods. I was marveling at perfectly aligned rubber trees stretching away over millions of acres of exotic deep green woodland – flourishing forests that looked like cemeteries of inverted chicken legs, aside from the verdant color.

Less appealing were the stores along route 44: garden shops selling soil and various decorations. Human-sized plastic roosters, dwarfs clay figures and pinwheels weren’t quite what I was looking for. My Garden of Eden was the road and the myriad of limestone rocks that make Krabi’s region so spectacular.

Besides, I was hungry. A street vendor sold tangerines, fish crisps and rice snacks for 30 to 50 baht ($0.97-1.58), but that was about it.

As if he could sense my disappointment, a Thai who’d just bought some tangerines approached me. This gentleman wearing glasses and a black, long-sleeved shirt said to me, ‘There are a few small grocery shops along the way, but hardly any restaurants. There’s Nong Deng Deng and MungKornYim, though they’re fairly close to Surat Thani. You’ve passed them already.’

‘What about resorts? I’m starving.’

‘I know Phetmanee Resort, which is about a third of the way. Anyway, you’ll find some shops at the petrol station. There’s one more.’

‘Thanks. You speak good English. Can you tell me something about this highway? I know that you call it South Turn.’

‘That’s right. Some villagers also call it ‘Landbridge Road’ or ‘Economic Bridge Road’. This was a big project that was supported by JICA, the Japanese Assistance Program.’

Further down the road, I didn’t mind the reek of farm slurry. I was relishing the peace and quiet on Highway 44. Rivers had become stagnant ponds, and beheaded palm trees were as brown as the skinny buffalos grazing calmly on great plains. Barely visited by tourists, the landscape sights and stalls had all remained typically Thai here.

As though the heavens also wanted some attention, clouds were rising to the sky like smoke emitting from a forest fire. If I hadn’t ridden my motorcycle down Highway 44 many times, the billowing clouds would’ve fooled me into thinking these were just fair-weather clouds, but I knew that foul weather was in store.

Innocent white clouds turned into a dim wall, glumly darkening the landscape. Even the red soil appeared dark. The sky’s murky shadow dominated under the patchy blanket of thick, grey-black clouds, and small black birds flying low and flapping their wings hectically were reminiscent of a Hitchcock film.

The temperature had dropped considerably on the wet road. I could smell the fresh rain and was hoping the downpour that had just hit had finished.

Then, fat drops started battering down, teaching me the hard way that the cheap raincoat I’d thought would last more than 10 minutes didn’t compare favorably with proper biking gear. I may just as well have used a useless umbrella. The tropical downpour soon tore my water-repellent coat to pieces as it was pouring cats, dogs and nails.

Pelting rain whipped my skin, stabbing my arms, legs and chin. I cursed myself for not investing in a proper raincoat and a full-face helmet. But the streets that occasionally ran uphill and downhill comforted me, reminding me that – like life in itself – there are always highs and lows.

After 15 abominable and cold minutes in the driving rain and wailing wind, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

Towering limestone rocks appeared on the horizon as I got closer to Krabi.

I was in exuberant spirits and couldn’t help taking pictures of everything and everyone: headscarf-wearing women riding self-made tuk-tuks, mystical trees with branches that reminded me of a tousle-head, and magnificent limestone cliffs that I simply gaped at.

Eager not to miss out on the splendid views that the mountaintop offers, I now sped through the fairy-tale scenery, approaching Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail with lightning speed.

This trail that’s open daily from 8am – 3pm is the one that leads to Dragon Crest. I was nearly there.

The Summit – Khao Ngawn Nak aka Dragon Crest

The emotions you’re going through when you hike on Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail are as various as visitors’ fitness levels: ecstatic when you start; mesmerized when you hear the screeching cicadas; startled when you’re stepping on crackling leaves; wary when you climb over fallen trees and roots that look like poisonous snakes, and intrigued in the Auburn Zone where the trees are otherworldly red.

You’ll be desperate when the alleged 3.7kms to the summit feel like miles; hopeful when you see the sign that indicates 1km to go; weary when you passed that sign ages ago; invigorated when you breathe the fresh cool mountain air; peaceful when you listen to the quiet jungle near the top; and eventually, ebullient when you spot the blue finish bubble.

And then, the magic happens.

It’s impossible not to be lulled into an entranced state up here at the top of Dragon Crest. The mountaintop is on a frequency of its own, set apart from the frenzied world of mass tourism.

It was eerily quiet, as if nature was meditating. I didn’t even hear an Asian Koel pipe up from a tree – Thailand’s noisiest bird that I can usually catch from a kilometer away.

Limestone rocks were marching through the gorgeous scenery like trampling mammoths. They made me aware of how infinitesimally small we are. And the very ledge I was sitting on, it seemed, was the dragon’s tongue, sticking out at Krabi vacationers with selfie-sticks.

Look at this view, I thought to myself as the silent wind was disheveling my hair, freedom is just a ride away.

If You Go:

Carry at least two litres of water per person, and remember that the trail to the top of Dragon Crest is tremendously steep. You’ll need a good fitness level to hike two hours up and 1.5 hours down.
Know the best time to start trekking: if you set off at 2.30 pm, chances are you will have the view on the mountaintop all to yourself.

Start Searching for Hotel Deals in Thailand! Click Here!

About the author:
Phillip Meier is a Travel Writer, Content Writer, Copywriter, Translator. with a passion for Thai culture and travelling off the well-trodden tourist trail in the Land of Smiles. His work has been published at BootsnAll, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure Magazine. Bookaway, YourLifesATrip, BeaFreelanceBlogger,and others. writerphilippmeier.com. Email: pm@writerphilippmeier.com.

Photos by Philipp Meier

India: Three Days in Rishikesh

by Shweta Bharadwaj

I recently made a trip to Rishikesh – the yoga capital of the world. It is located in the foothills of Himalayas in the northern part of India. A town in Dehradun district, it is surrounded by the Shivalik Range. After a very long time I could manage this trip away from the hustle bustle of city and we were lucky to find a comfortable hotel in the ‘Tapovan’ area. The choice of finding an accommodation in ‘Tapovan’ was that it was near to the river bank and was only 1.5 km from the Lakshman Jhula.

Since this place is as famous for adventure sports as it is for religious and spiritual reasons. We saw lot of shops, almost in every nook and corner offering river rafting, bungee jumping, trekking and boat rides etc.

Coming from the polluted life of the cities our bodies could easily feel the difference in the environment here. The difference was due to the cleaner air and water that our body was taking in, starting the moment we reached there. During my stay of three days at this place I ate a lot more than the usual and walked up and down the hills feeling invigorated with no sign of tiredness at all. I wanted to explore as much as I could. Interestingly the 2-3 km stretch that we walked in the evenings we did not see a single medical store. Something fanciful for city dwellers!

Looking at the various café, hostels, meditation retreats and ashrams I could easily conclude that people here just eat, trek, meditate, either learn yoga or teach yoga and just chill. Like locals we also preferred taking long walks to wherever we wanted to go and tried various café & food joints. Cuisine savoured was delightful, whatever we ate it felt as if food paired together with air and water created a kind of verve in me during my stay.

Getting to the riverbank, which is famously called ‘Ganges Nim Beach’, before the sunrise was an experience in itself. It was after a very long time I felt that I connected to that one supreme power who we sometimes refer to as God. (at least that’s what I thought) I mean sitting there on the rocks for some time you could feel your senses acknowledging and responding to the vibes around.

As per Hindu mythology River Ganges is the purest and the supreme river in India. It is said that if you take a dip in Ganges you are free from all your sins thus far. Well! to be free of my sins I could only sprinkle some water on my head and could sit for a while on one of the rocks by dipping only my feet in the water for some time. Yes! The water felt cold for a city dweller like me 🙂 Plus, I was more interested in sitting quietly for some time while trying to connect with nature- making my prayers and absorbing in the powerful play of energy that was happening in that area at that time.

You would always feel a powerful serenity a sense of peacefulness near a furiously flowing river Ganges.

I went to the beach for two consecutive mornings. During this time I noticed a sadhu who wore only a cotton cloth, orange in colour more like a lungi (skirt like garment worn by men in south India mostly) and bathed in the holy river Ganges while doing his rituals of pooja (worship) and recitations. He seemed like a Sanyaasi (practioner of meditation) who after bathing disappeared into the hills. Observing him I couldn’t help but realize that there must be many like him in these mountains who must have left their comfortable homes and are practicing meditation and yoga to achieve moksha in these mountains.

There I was covering my head with the shawl all this while (as the wind was chilling and I was freezing to the bones) and wondering what kind of a life this person might have had. In the evening we went to ‘Lakshman Jhula’. It is a suspension bridge across the river Ganges that connects two villages. It’s a pedestrian bridge where motorbikes were also allowed earlier.

‘Lakshman Jhula’ is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh and was built in 1927-29. It is said that Lakshmana (younger brother of lord Rama) crossed the Ganges on jute ropes where the bridge stands today. L’ll shaky but fun! One gets a good view of river Ganges while walking on the bridge.

At one of that ghats (flight of steps leading down to the river) we witnessed the evening Ganga Aarti (a Hindu ritual of worship in which songs are sung in praise of goddess Ganges and light is offered as well) and sat for at least an hour. That powerful sound of the river flowing next to you puts you in a deep quietude. It forces you to introspect on the supremacies of nature.

After the aarti we headed towards the German bakery and café. It was a perfect place to sit and have a quiet view of Lakshman Jhula with river Ganges flowing beneath it. If you are in Rishikesh you must visit this place for two reasons: one mouth-watering bakery items secondly, if you are a book lover then there is a book shop next to this bakery.

Yes, adjacent to this bakery is a bookshop which has a huge collection of books on Hindu scriptures, Yoga, astrology etc. One can spend an entire day here and I bet you will come out of the bookshop with at least one book in your hand. That is irrespective of the fact whether your interest lies in all these scriptures or not.

The ambience of the bakery is good and peaceful. They have their own baked cookies – a must have treat in case you visit.

We finished our trip with a dinner at a garden restaurant and pizzeria with a beautiful view to the river.

If You Go:

Rishikesh is roughly 225 KM from Delhi on road. The drive from/to Delhi lasts around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Spiritual Haridwar And Rishikesh – A 3 Day 2 Night Visit From Delhi By Private Transfers

About the author:
Shweta is an HR professional from India who loves to write about places that she visits, people that she meets and everyday things that touch her.

The Beatles: Following Their Footsteps in India

by Tom Herstad

Back in 1968, music sensation The Beatles visited an ashram in Rishikesh, India. During their time there, they wrote over 50 songs and brought Eastern influences to the mainstream like never before.

Fifty years later, in September, I had the chance to visit some of the same sites as The Beatles on a tour called India – A Fusion of Colour, Music & Soul.

The adventure was led by Paul Saltzman, a two-time Emmy Award-winning film and television producer-director. Paul actually spent time with The Beatles during their original visit to Rishikesh and has now visited India more than 60 times.

Our goal was to retrace The Beatles’ footsteps, experience the culture and sites of India, and learn more about the intersection between East and West.

First impressions of India

Our adventure began with a flight to Trivandrum, on the country’s southern tip.

Our first night welcomed us with dinner on the beach. What a way to start a vacation! Listening to waves crashing behind me in the darkness and savouring conversation with this high calibre group was an exciting and inspiring experience.

My first impression of India came on the second day as I made a trip to the local shopping mall. Upon entering the mall, I immediately realized I was the centre of attention. My blue eyes and silver hair made me the focus of many stares, something I had to adjust to very quickly.

Experiencing the beautiful backwaters of Kerala

As our tour continued, we made our way up the western coast via bus, landing in Alleppey. Here we embarked on a boat cruise through the rice fields and waterway villages, with wide eyes and complete attention. It’s hard to believe that the small homes clustered in bunches along the water’s edge are only accessible by boat.

That night, we stayed on old rice harvesting boats that have been converted into houseboats, complete with on-board kitchen and staff. The very same boats are featured in the James Bond film Octopussy.

In my opinion, the cooks on these boats served the most authentic food experience I have ever had. The dishes of fish, rice and vegetables were unlike any I had tasted before. The love the cook had for their job was evident in the food.

One fresh morning on these boats, I made my way up to the upper deck. From here, at daybreak, I witnessed the lightest rainfall I’d ever seen. The rain was obvious as the droplets hit the water, but I could not feel it on my face. It was as though there were thousands of invisible butterflies with sore feet landing on the water surface all around me.

Private Backwater Tour – Day Cruise with Lunch on Kerala Houseboat with transfers

A taste of Indian traffic

As our trip continued, we made our way up the coast. With my seat at the front of the bus, I was in the perfect place to witness the cultural driving strategy of India.

When your taxi or bus enters a roundabout, you may look around and say, “Oh my, we are not going to get through this intersection for an hour.” But like fish swimming upstream during their spawn run, the vehicles, large and small, all come together. Like a slow moving dance with inches to spare, all make it through in far less time than you would ever have imagined possible.

Our next stop was Mumbai, the financial capital of India, with even more hustle and bustle. As you get off the bus, you literally feel like you are at the centre of a rock concert, finding your way through the mass of humanity.

A highlight of our Mumbai experience was a visit with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, considered to be the foremost Bansuri flute player of his generation. Chaurasia toured and recorded with The Beatles’ George Harrison during the 1960s. After his solo performance, we watch him teach a class of students. One at a time, he worked with each of his students until he was happy with their progress.

Finding a dream retirement destination

From Mumbai, we flew to Udaipur, where we stayed at the incredible Taj Lake Palace. This hotel is in the middle of a scenic lake and is only accessible by boat.

I remember Paul expressing to me before the trip that if he could retire and live in only one place, it would be this hotel. After having experienced it for myself, I can say that I wholeheartedly agree with him.

What makes the location so tantalizing? The exotic locale, the detailed stonework, the extravagant garden courtyard, the inviting piano bar and more all combine into a one-of-a-kind experience. Two famous Indian experiences Our journey continued on to Jaipur. Here, we had the chance to experience the infamous hucksters of India on our ride up to Amber Fort, a magnificent construction of sandstone and marble. These hucksters are some of the most relentless selling machines on the planet! They speak many languages and I believe the word, “No,” to them means, “Maybe!” Though exhausting, these sellers are all part of the Indian experience.

Up next was Agra. Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise is now number two on my best experiences list (after the Grand Canyon).

This pinnacle of architectural artistry has a vibe you can feel as you walk around the property. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife of nine, who died during the birth of their 14th child.

In Agra and throughout the tour, Paul’s passion for India was obvious and compelling. As he would take his perch at the front of the bus, he would share intimate details of his own experience in this vast country.

He would also share with us Indian folklore. One story that stands out is that of the Taj Mahal. A historical rumour about this structure is that the architect who build the Taj Mahal had his hands cut off by Shah Jehan to ensure he never built an even more beautiful structure. I found the history of this area of the world absolutely fascinating.

2-Day Private Tour of Agra from Delhi including Taj Mahal at Full Moon

Exploring the country’s capital

As we continued to Delhi, Paul shared with us the famous Akshardham Temple complex, an amazing world of Indian Hindu culture. Lavishly decorated with 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and exquisite carved pillars, the complex sprawls over 100 acres of groomed property. This complex took two billion dollars to build and five years to complete! Once in Delhi, we visited the city’s vibrant and chaotic markets. A rickshaw ride of a lifetime took us through the narrow streets. At times, the pathways seemed too tight for even just our rickshaw to pass. But somehow, two vehicles seemed to be able to pass one another in a strategic dance!

It was in Delhi that we visited Mahatma Gandhi’s last residence and the garden where he was assassinated. Here, they have traced Gandhi’s individual footprints on his last walk from the house to the garden archway.

As we stepped off the bus, we could feel that this is a special and sacred place. Our group went quiet without any direction to do so. We found ourselves wanting to whisper if we had to say anything at all.

A spiritual experience in Rishikesh

From Delhi, we boarded our first train ride on the vast railway system that holds some 25 million people at any one time. Travelling first class allowed us enough space to relax and process our travel experiences.

The train ride ended at Haridwar, from which we made our ways into the foothills of the Himalayas. The roads can be brutal, extremely narrow with many potholes, but it does not matter, as this part of India starts to crawl into your soul. There is an internal knowing that you are going somewhere sacred. Everyone can feel it, but it offers no conversation.

When we arrived in Rishikesh on the River Ganges, or as they call it, “The Mother Ganga”, the violent river mist whispered into the air that this was “the place.”

We had the opportunity to visit an ashram on the river bank and took part in a group meditation. Our class leader was Sadhvi Bagawati Saraswati, who visited the town of Rishikesh 25 years ago as a last minute add-on with friends while finishing her post-graduate schooling. The moment she touched the river with bare feet, she enjoyed a spiritual awakening and has never left. Originally from Beverly Hills, LA, Saraswati titles her story, “From Hollywood to Holy Woods.” The experience at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram facility was stimulating and inspiring, providing a perfect end to our trip.

I realized many years ago that life, for me, is an understanding that there are things we know and things we don’t know, but there is much more that we don’t know, we don’t know. I try to go there as often as I can. This India tour was a powerful way for me to expanded my perception of life.

Enjoy life and travel now, not later.

If You Go:

lonelyplanet.com/articles/5-tips-for-india-first-timers

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_in_India

A Spiritual Trip to Haridwar- Rishikesh By Train and Private Car

About the author:

Born and bred in Toronto, Canada, Tom has been an avid hockey player, coach, and passionate outdoor adventurer. He is the entrepreneur, marketing expert and lighting designer behind Regal Lighting Designs Inc., appearing on shows like HGTV’s “Decked Out” and “Ultimate Garage.” Herstad is also the author of Love, Care and Share, an inspiring autobiographical memoire about his late mother Margie which is now being turned into a movie. Learn more at www.tomherstadbook.com.

Richikesh photo by Val Do / CC0

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