My India Vacations

For most international tourists a Golden Triangle, India tour is the safest and best option to explore India on their first visit to the country and I was no exception either. And since a few of my friends at the Columbia University were of Indian origin, I kind of blindly followed what they suggested. And I nearly felt like one of the luckiest souls on earth when I learned that one of my classmates- Shalini was visiting her parents’ family back in India around the same time. I booked one of those golden triangle tour packages with a travel agent that seemed to be having a good network, and boarded the flight.

Normally the golden triangle tours, as I learned, cover Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. However, Shalini was about to reach India two days after me and she joined me. Though she was staying at her relative’s place and not at the hotel the agent had booked for me. However, with a cousin of hers at hand, the tour turned out to be more fun. With the payment of some more money, we got a vehicle completely to ourselves and ensured the total freedom of movement. Apart from the stunning Mughal architecture, the one thing that had me wanting for more was the food. By God the food was awesome. And trust me it was as good in the roadside joints as it was in the posh restaurants. We had Kebabs and Tandoori chicken at a place called Gol Market in Delhi. The reshmi kebabs are chicken nuggets wrapped up in spice and roasted served with a pinch of lemon and chat masala- would melt in your mouth.

The drives to Agra and Jaipur spanned for a few hours and came with a host of food joints commonly known as Dhaba on the sides of the road. There are a few Dhaba staples- Dal Makhani, Tarka, Lassi, Parantha, Tandoori chicken again, Dal fry, chicken butter masala, butter chicken, tandoori roti and complementary onions and green chillies and lemon slices. Heavily larded with spices, butter and ghee, these items are mouthwatering alright, but needs to be had in oblivion of your waistline. I surely came back home two and half kilos heavier. But that would for no part deter me from going back to the country, and doing a Golden Triangle once again. In fact I am already planning a trip of the South Indian temples and beaches along with a trip to the Maldives this winter. Let’s see how things work out.