Amy shares her experience on a luxury tour of India

From the delicate sandstone lacework of the Hawa Mahal to the vibrant swirl of bustling city lanes and the serenity of the Lower Ganges River, India is a land where the ancient and electric breathe side by side. 

Travelling through India offered an enlightening immersion into a world of sensory richness, reflects Amy Monster-Temple from APT’s Asia team, who recently returned from a 17-day journey between Delhi and Kolkata, “Nothing could have prepared me for how colourful and loud it was, from the vibrant clothing everyone was wearing, to the sounds of horns constantly honking.”  

The vibrant sprawl of Delhi offers a fitting gateway to this sacred country — a chance to step directly into the pulse of modern India while tracing the deeper rhythms of its soul. From historically significant cities to tucked-away rural villages, the journey unfolded as a rare and intimate discovery, offering what Monster-Temple describes as “a thoughtful balance of sites that revealed the spirit and rhythm of authentic India.” As her odyssey progressed, she found joy in exploring “some of the most renowned attractions in India,  as well as relaxing and experiencing local life along the river during the Ganges cruise.” Whether listening to a soulful Sufi performance, visiting the residence of the imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, or enjoying a refined afternoon tea at Kolkata’s Glenburn Penthouse, each experience revealed a new and compelling facet of India. 

Wrapped in centuries of devotion, the Taj Mahal stands as one of India’s most beloved and resplendent monuments. A masterpiece among the New Seven Wonders of the World, it captivates with its ability to mirror the sky and awaken a quiet sense of wonder. “I was there for both sunrise and sunset and it was amazing to watch how the marble changed colour,” Monster-Temple recalls. 

Fatehpur Sikri draws all who visit into another time and place, where the air is thick with history and the whispers of a grand civilisation. As you wander through its ancient ruins, echoes of the past seem to come alive. "Fatehpur Sikri is an old city outside of Agra. Listening to our guide Anwar talk about how the caravans entered, where the markets were set up, where the ladies lived and seeing the pools and elephant memorial — I was able to picture the city in its heyday." 

Tucked away in the quiet village of Ajabgarh, Amanbagh offers a serene haven in rural Rajasthan — where Mughal-inspired architecture meets the stillness of the Aravalli hills. “It truly felt like a desert oasis, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle of the big cities and a wonderful opportunity to experience a different side of India.”“The private courtyard, sunbed and a bath carved from a single piece of stone” are a testament to the property’s exquisite design. The atmosphere was quietly unforgettable, culminating in a starlit dinner accompanied by a sitar player and a cosy firepit — a moment Monster-Temple recalls as one of the finest dining experiences of her journey. 

To the casual observer, Holi may seem to be merely a lively festival where people joyously throw coloured powder and water at one another — but beneath its playful surface lies a profound cultural and spiritual significance. It is a living expression of connection and renewal. Monster-Temple experienced this firsthand during her Ganges cruise. “The ship’s crew organised a party on board, and we enjoyed an afternoon excursion to Kalna and the terracotta temples, where members of the local community came up to us, gleefully celebrating by adding more colour to our faces.” It was a heartfelt celebration that blurred the lines between traveller and local, transforming a festive moment into a lasting memory. 

“From the food and the culture, to the people and the landmarks, there are so many reasons why India is a truly enriching destination.” This is a place that resonates deeply,  a country not only to be seen, but felt.  

Words by Amy Monster-Temple and Annie Gray