



September - Arriving into Delhi just at the end of the
l
Did Delhi look ready to welcome her international visitors? NO!
Sure enough on our return a week later, en-route to Shmila, what a
different place it looked, or was that just the sun?
Onto Agra for the Taj. As daybreak arrived it promised to be a beautiful
day (the rains had gone for this year).
Jaipur or the ‘Pink City’ never disappoints and surely a highlight for
everyone was the elephant ride up to the amazing
Travelling deeper into the countryside of Rajasthan, the lush farmlands
are dotted with women workers dressed in the most stunningly bright
coloured saris.
Back in Delhi we board the Shatabdi Express to Kalka, a journey of 4 ½
hours, then on the famous Himalayan Express (more fondly known as the
Toy Train) to Shimla a further 5 hours high into the Himalayas.
During the time of the British Raj, Shimla was the seat of Government in
the hottest months and has the feel of a mountain holiday resort.
Travelling even deeper into the Himalayas, to the alpine meadows of Fagu
with it’s 360˚ views of the snow capped higher mountain ranges. From the
dry heat of Rajasthan the cool mountain air was delightful and the views
spellbinding.
A few intrepid golfers struck out to play 9 holes on the 100 year of
Naldehra golf Course. With its breathtaking mountain location and troops
of monkey’s wandering the greens, the whole experience was memorable, I
understand the 19th hole was the most enjoyable!
What can I say about India - with a population of over 1.17 Billion
people, it’s a land of contrasts, of modern and ancient, the very rich
and the very poor, astonishing historical buildings and fascinating
religious beliefs. A place that stirs your senses.
Wendy

