Our fam trip to India changed my outlook on life

I was extremely lucky to be invited along with some wonderful New Meridian group organisers to join Glen Thomas and his boss (who we nicknamed the other Glen -  a funny guy and so very kind and generous) on an amazing familiarisation trip to India. This was my third visit; I had already taken a group of 40 some 14 years ago. We had toured the Golden Triangle and had a wonderful time but this time was even more special.

India has more English speaking people than any other country in the world. We found them to be helpful, kind and forever smiling. 

My highlights were the Holi Festival, the train ride to Shimla, feeling I was on a film set in Shimla and most of all the boat trip on the river Ganges.

We began our experience in Delhi, a city of many contrasts and I saw a vast improvement from the last time - we even spotted a dog ambulance! Dehli, like New York, never seems to sleep. It is rich in history, architecture and has a busy and bustling energy. We were told that the locals believe that what goes around comes around, and then comes around again and not to worry about missed opportunities.

On day four we travelled from Delhi to Shimla on the Shatabdi Express to Kalka. It was another great adventure, especially as we then went on board the narrow-gauge mountain railway, known as the Toy Train. We stayed in a charming resort in a beautiful hotel with stunning views of the Himalayas surrounded by pine forests and oak trees, and the best cocktails.

Day five continued in Shimla with its panoramic views while day six saw us experience another memorable train journey back to Delhi and our favourite hotel.

We were all covered in every colour imaginable, my hair took five washes and a trip to my hairdresser Jo. 

Day seven was the the highlight for me as we headed to Varanasi for the Holi Festival. On the first evening in this colourful place we had a rickshaw ride through the ancient lanes and alleys to the banks of the River Ganges. Here we experienced the ceremony of Ganga Aarti, watching priests perform intricate rituals and chants.

We were up early the next day for a cruise along the river to view the ghats at sunrise. With the sitar player and guitarist serenading us, the scene was set perfectly. It’s a time in my life I will never forget.

I can only describe the Holi Festival, or Festival of Colours, Love and Spring, as a kaleidoscope of colour bombs. We were all covered in every colour imaginable, my hair took five washes and a trip to my hairdresser Jo. 

My highlights were the Holi Festival, the train ride to Shimla, feeling I was on a film set in Shimla and most of all the boat trip on the river Ganges, just our group, the musicians and the two boatmen. All deep in our thoughts and planning when we would come back to share this wonderful experience with our own groups.

Thank you to Glen and Glen, to Wendy Wu for making our dreams come true, to my wonderful fellow travellers Judith, Mary, Lin, Olivia, Jane and Micky and the wonderful people of India.