Words by Anne Ford
India is one of those destinations that polarises people. “I’d love to go to India, it’s top of my bucket list”, you’ll hear one friend say. “Nah, it’s not for me” another will say.
Well, I was fortunate enough to discover what India has to offer for myself, on a recent Phil Hoffmann Travel tour to North and South India. I could truly spend days, or weeks - as I have since I returned - talking about the magic of experiencing India, where I hosted 17 wonderful, open-minded and curious travellers, on a 20-day, awe-inspiring PHT Hosted Group Tour.
Our magical adventure began with 11 days exploring North India in Rajasthan, famously known as the "Golden Triangle." This enchanting region is home to iconic landmarks including the Taj Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, and the Amber Fort. From there, we spent two captivating nights in Mumbai, immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of the city. Finally, we ventured south to Kerala, where we spent seven days wandering through its lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and charming towns, soaking in the beauty and serenity of this tropical paradise. I could talk endlessly about the incredible UNESCO sites we visited, but a quick Google search can give you all the details on those. What truly stood out were the unique experiences – the moments that no search engine or even AI could ever capture!
And isn’t that what travel is all about? Experiences... like the gentleness, kindness, and generosity of people, getting up close and personal to the Marwar horses at the Pushkar Camel & Horse Fair, walking the floorboards in Gandhi’s home that he also crossed; Tuk Tuk races through the bazaar, devouring a delicious home cooked meal, where the plate is a banana leaf; participating in a Hindu blessing, with the fragrance of marigolds and roses in our hands, thinking of those we love, and just simply being a spectator as new friendships are formed. This is what makes group travel with Phil Hoffmann Travel so truly special.
I absolutely loved every moment of this journey. India is a destination that challenges you, excites you, and rewards you in ways you never expect. While there were moments that tested me, the vibrant chaos, breathtaking landscapes, and the deep sense of history and culture made every experience unforgettable. India is a place that captivates all your senses—where the colours are brighter, the flavours are richer, and every turn holds a new story waiting to be discovered.
"Can there be anywhere else in the world that is such an assault on the senses? Those who know the country of old just go about their business. But nothing can prepare the uninitiated for this riot of noise and colour. For the heat, the motion; the perpetual teeming crowds."
The above quote by Judi Dench in the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sums up India to a tee.
So if you’ve been to Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, east Africa, China, Nepal and you enjoyed it - or rather, you’ve dreamed about any of these incredible destinations - do yourself a favour, and on your 2025 vision board, put a pin in India!
