When most people think of exotic places there are very few that are higher on the list than India. An exotic language, beautiful people, and fantastic food serve to illustrate how exotic it really is. One of the most amazing parts of India is the fact that adventure is never very far away…… Its on the streets, in the markets, around the temples, and abounds in the forts and parks!
The trip started off easy… an airplane, a sign with my name, and a car into the city. Immediately there is a realization that New Delhi has a lot of people living in it. A lot… 21.75 million to be exact. As with most other third world countries there is a lot of honking to communicate on the roads. The driving was wild and sporadically broken up by horses, camels, goats, and cows. Not to mention all the people on the streets. New Delhi has a lot to offer, but not the things you might think. Most people assume that the Taj Mahal is there, but it isn’t. However if you want to get a feel for India you need to get out of New Dehli.
Udaipur – A beautiful town with many things to offer. The ‘city of lakes’ offers a beautiful palace (City Palace) that has amazing stained glass, beautiful architecture, throne rooms, and an amazing view of the lake and city. There are also celebrations there but you need to make reservations early! The city also offers a lake palace which is beautiful and amazing. It has a small restaurant there and offers celebrations and rental facilities. Just in case you wonder, there are no crocodiles in the lake as when the lake was last low they moved them all out. HA HA I had to ask. There is also a square right in the center of town where the Jagdish Temple is located. The temple itself is something to behold, with carvings all around the outside. If you happen to be in town for Holi (usually at the beginning of march) get down to the city square and make sure to bring some throwable chalk and wear disposable clothing. Don’t be upset when little kids walk up to you and smear chalk all over your face! Just do it back!
Luni – Luni is a very small town with a really fun fort. Although this town is VERY SMALL it does have one amazing thing to offer: an experience with the local population of a small town. Fort Chanwa offers some nice accommodations in an older fort. The food is acceptable, but the staff makes the place amazing. Ask if the head guard can show you his city. Friendly and fun, he grew up in the small town and he and his father both worked at the fort. The real gem here is walking around in town with him as he introduces you to his friends, show you his home and his family’s homes… Truly a wonderful and memorable experience.
Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada are two don’t miss sights. Jaswant is an amazing tomb, built near the fort. The white top of the building reflects the morning or evening sun spectacularly. But the real sight is the fort. It is giant. To truly experience it you’re going to need half a day at least. Inside the fort are throne rooms, living areas, kitchens, banquet halls, smoking areas, cannons, temples, and so much more. There are a few special things to see here. Zip-lining isn’t the most amazing thing you’re ever going to do, but the environment that you do it in is fun. The garden isn’t to be missed in the spring and summer. The temple that is out at the end of the wall is beautiful and worth the walk. There are eagles all around the fort too. In the evening every day he same man who’s farther did it and who’s father did it before him comes out and feeds the eagles. Its quite a sight to see as they soar down and grab the food from the man. There are two places to watch from, one is below the wall near the garden and another is at the very top so you can see them soar overhead. There is also a fun market in town to visit and enjoy some local fair.
Jaipur – Jaipur is a very large town. Located here are two very amazing things… and one thing just outside of town. The city palace and Jantar Mantar are something to see. The instruments used to keep time, watch the stars and keep track of seasons are impressive to say the least! And the palace is beautiful too, although not the most amazing one. It is pretty cool. Amber Fort however is very impressive. Taking the elephant ride to the top is super fun. There is an opportunity to paint the elephants ahead of time which shouldn’t be missed. Make sure to book that! Plan to spend at least half a day at this fort as it is MASSIVE. 
Totally worth your time to wander around and explore every inch of it though. Its simply stunning. Be careful about the snake charmers around this area. Do some research on snake charming before you go to decide if that’s something you want to support. Near Jaiphu there is also something that you should absolutely go and see: Bahangarh fort. Considered one of the most haunted places in Asia people are known to see ghosts, spirits as well as disappear only to wake up in the local village with no memory of what happened. It is so bad that the government has banned visitors after dark. Very few foreigners visit this historic site which has an amazing ruined city, giant ruined fort and several beautiful temples. Click here to learn more and read about our experiance there at Bahangarh Fort.
Ranthambhore – WOW. what else is there to say. The town itself is small and interesting but nothing special. HOWEVER the park is something not to miss. THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO AND SEE WILD TIGERS! Now before you get too excited please understand that no matter how many safaris you take there is no guarantee that you’ll see a tiger. As a matter of fact the chances are that you won’t. But the opportunity to see one is …. incredible. Perhaps one of the most amazing experiences that you will ever have. 
These amazing animals are disappearing from the world at an alarming rate. Just the chance to see one is worth it, but when you witness this giant cat live and in person it can be a life changing experience. Seeing the ripple of the orange fur as he walks right by you without glass, bars, or cages is …. breath taking. If you go, make sure to ask WEEKS OR MONTHS ahead of time which zones are the best and ONLY BOOK THOSE. Take the jeep safari and not the canter as a more personal experience is preferred (5 people in the jeep vs 25 in the canter). DO NOT MISS THIS EXPERIENCE
Agra – Agra is a city of 1.5 million. Not large by Asian standards. But big enough to feel large. However Agra is a don’t miss city. There is one place that you can’t miss, and one that you want to see. The Agra Fort is impressive. Large enough to keep your time occupied but not so large it’s overwhelming. From the fort you will get a nice view of the other place you simply must visit: Taj Mahal. Without going into it too much this is a place that everyone must visit. The amount of people that visit this place every day is overwhelming. But it is still worth your time. Pictures, words, even emotional descriptions cannot express the shier beauty of this incredible monument. Its stunning. And the closer you get the more you realize that everything you’ve read, everything you’ve heard its all true, and none of it an exaggeration. Its a must see if you’re in India.
Overall India can be a very overwhelming place to visit. So many places to see, experiences to have, and people to meet. But the people are kind, the food is amazing, and places can change your life. In this article we didn’t even touch on the religious experiences, the yoga opportunities, or the trekking, sporting, food, or cultural things to do and see! Don’t pass an opportunity to visit this amazing country.
Make sure to mention Far From Local when you contact them!