Stimulating All the Senses in India

How one traveler used her first blog to bring her family and friends along for the ride

Six-time traveler Kathleen Brose, of Seattle, Washington, was ready for a new adventure. She couldn’t believe the looks on everyone’s faces when she shared with them her plans to travel to India for three weeks with OAT in October of 2009—alone. (Her usual travel companion—her mother—opted not to join her for this trip.) “When people asked me who I was going with and I said I was going alone, they were even more amazed,” Kathleen explained. “But those who know me know that I am a very social creature and very comfortable talking to anyone.”

With her husband tending to their business at home, Kathleen packed up her video camera and camera phone and set a goal: To keep her very first blog so that her friends and family could stay updated with her adventures along the way.

Here, she shares some photos and impressions of her Heart of India adventure and post-trip extension in Kerala & Cochin.

Greetings from the “Pink City” of Jaipur—whose pink color can be seen throughout the buildings and architecture. This photo was taken in the City Palace. Jantar Mantar, an astronomical and astrological observatory, is located here; it features the largest sundial in the world.

This is part of the ruins of Ranthambore Fort (and one of the reasons I came to India), built more than 1,000 years ago. There are many monkeys here. As I was taking a picture of one, he bared his teeth at me and then went off to see something else.

Here’s a shot from our ride through Ranthambore National Park. We did not see any tigers, but we saw many different animals, including this monkey in a banyan tree. The only sounds we heard were crickets and bird calls—quite a dramatic change from the noisy, crowded cities of Delhi and Jaipur. Our park guide, who has worked with the National Geographic Society, said the sounds the animals make are like a symphony. It was a wonderful day!

This is a view from my veranda at the Nahargarh Palace, the hotel where we stayed in Ranthambore.

This is an ancient ninth century stepwell. The stepwell, located in Abhaneri, was an important part of the caravan route in India.

Here I am in front of the Taj Mahal. The sun was very intense and squinting or sunglasses were required. Our group came at dawn to see this famous sight to avoid the intense heat of the day.

Almost every Indian meal consists of rice, vegetables, and chicken—sometimes lamb or deep-fried fish is also included. Many of the dishes have well-seasoned sauces. I enjoyed all of it, especially the Indian bread, naan. Kingfisher beer was a hit with our group as well. One night, I bit into what I thought was a raw green bean: It turned out to be the hottest pepper you could imagine! My traveling companions got a big kick out of my reaction.

Here is one of the ninth century temples in Khajuraho. There are erotic carvings on these temples and it’s also where the Kamasutra originated. Since this was a family blog, I censored the many photos I took of the carvings …

This houseboat was on a canal near Cochin in South India, where our post-trip extension began. We had good food and service on this seemingly rustic, but modern boat. I enjoyed seeing the people living along the canal. Cows mooed, goats bleated, and I saw my very first fireflies dancing among the coconut trees.

We visited a preschool, where the children sang a song for the group.

I purchased several bags from this colorful vendor in Mumbai. It was fun haggling with local merchants. When they first meet you, they ask for a large price—but the closer you get to the tour bus, the lower the price becomes.

I wasn't expecting to see such a magnificent specimen of Victorian architecture as the Victoria train station in Mumbai. It is all part of the British legacy. The network of trains, built by the British, is the largest in the world.

The Gate of India in Mumbai is the last place in India that the British handed over after India’s independence in 1947. There is some great architecture (especially Victorian) in this city. India will stimulate all your senses when you visit her. You can even touch India when you feel her silk, put your hand in the Holy Ganges, and feel the heat of the cremation fires. I shan't ever forget her.

Travel to the “Pink City” of Jaipur, seek out wildlife in Ranthambore National Park, or enjoy local delicacies on our Heart of India adventure.