Oh, India, how I miss you! It seems appropriate during one of the happiest holidays in India, Diwali, that I recap a bit about our trip: the people, the places, the food, and the culture. Many months ago when we began to plan this trip, I worried that it was too big of a leap – that India was too foreign of a place for me to feel comfortable, or that the culture would be too insular to be able to understand as a visitor.
I am so happy to report that from the minute we began our incredible Indian adventure, we threw ourselves right into the mix and we can’t stop thinking/talking/dreaming about how incredible the trip really was.
Our itinerary began in Delhi, navigating the bustle of the polluted city streets by tuk-tuk (top right) and on our feet. Through markets, temples, and authentic restaurants, we slowly gained our bearings and practiced how to merge into oncoming traffic as pedestrians. We reveled in the modern touches of the city, like the metro system, but could barely stand being outside for long stretches of time because of the high temperatures and humidity that had our conservative outfits clinging to our bodies.
Excited to see more and leave the pollution behind, we traveled to Jaipur, “the Pink City,” to explore the Amer Fort and walk the night markets. I found the views to be incredible, and was constantly interested in the people – the sadhus (holy men who dress in white), the women in colorful saris and salwar kameez, the men wearing pants and button up shirts in the hot weather, alongside dogs and cows that roamed the streets.
A constant for us was recognizing the mutual respect found between strangers, and seeing how a country of 1.25 billion people has lasted so long among pressures between religion, politics, and external forces.
We spent nights in the villages of Tordi Sagar and Alipura on both ends of traveling to Agra in order to see the great Taj Mahal. The snippets of real life in rural India are the moments that I think I will savor the longest: old men leading their bulls through the village, children peeking at us through windows and from rooftops, and the constant sense of community. Noah and I spent a lot of time reflecting on how we can better appreciate friendships and make community in Denver, after feeling so easily welcomed by others.
We continued our journey through other small towns, like Khajuraho (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Orchha, stopping at temples for ceremonies and reveling at architecture that reminds the world how old India is, taking a cooking class (inspiration for my eggplant curry dish!), and admiring fabrics and spices at every turn along our walks.
We ended our northern India adventure in Varanasi, the holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, and to die. Riding on a boat at sunrise on the Ganges River was a highlight considering how many people have lived off of that river for centuries. We flew south to Mumbai for one night before flying home – spending 36 hours exploring all that we could, including the largest outdoor laundry (above, bottom right), the industry in one of the largest slums in the world – Dharavi, and eating street food.
Now, this really couldn’t be a recap of India on a food blog without remembering that Indian food is incredibly delicious! We kept our bellies happy the whole trip with lots of veggie curry dishes with rice and naan, delicious chicken, and sweets. While mangoes weren’t in season, I also had a few lassis to quench my insatiable thirst during our trip. Pictured above: pani puri (top left- a crispy street food in Mumbai stuffed with a spiced chickpea mixture and topped with yogurt), mixed vegetable curry (top right), a jalebi (similar to funnel cake), and our last meal – a huge spread of curries and chicken shared with our tour guide and driver.
I could say so much more and add so many photos, but the main feeling I left India with was one of wonder. I love that I have seen a country on the rise to better industry and entrepreneurship while maintaining a strong sense of self through culture, religion, and food. I love that I felt challenged everyday to push myself to explore and be open to conversations with strangers.
While coming home felt exciting, and returning to a routine is inevitable, I am more conscious of the importance of community. Largely thanks to my travels, I continue to hold onto the idea that we are exploring the places we live everyday, and that those experiences should be shared and celebrated with others.
With that, I seriously wish I could have you all over for dinner tonight. I’m going to enjoy this fall weather with some cornbread and chili – happy weekend!
Marisa
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
Wow. Honestly speechless. I thought of you while watching “Million Dollar Arm” last night – such an amazing story!
Marisa says
We just watched the trailer – definitely going to see it! Next time you’re coming with us on another adventure 😀
Chantel says
Hi Marisa! I was SO excited when I saw the title of your blog post this morning! My husband and I are traveling to India over Thanksgiving for a wedding. Super excited to see and experience a part of the world that I never thought I would see. The wedding is in Udaipur and then from there, we’re taking an organized tour through Jaipur, Agra, and ending in Delhi (though I don’t think we’re seeing much of Delhi). Any tips or suggestions?
Marisa says
That sounds like an incredible adventure, Chantel. Enjoy every crazy minute in India – I’m sure your tour will take great care of you, so let them do the organizing and just soak in the environment. And eat lots of delicious curries!
Jessi says
So crazy excited that you loved your adventure – you are the cutest and I can’t wait to see your face next week <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So amazing!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
sounds like an awesome time in India!!!
Lauren says
Wow, this was a wonderful write-up of your trip and I love that it inspired you to create more of a community back home.
GiGi Eats says
Taking a cooking class in India = EPIC!!!!
Sara La Rue says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Cassie says
This makes me want to go to India even more than I wanted to go to India. I wish I could have traded lives with you for Sept… or better yet, tagged along!
Marisa says
Wanderlust is a wonderful thing – hopefully you can make it happen sooner rather than later!
Laurel Schmitt says
Beautiful photos and thoughts, Marisa! I’m glad you and Noah decided to take the leap. Keep the Indian recipes coming. I will try my best to recreate them…with a touch of Jordanian style 😉
Marisa says
Thanks love! I can’t wait to hear about some of the wonderful things you’re eating with your host family.
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
First, you two are so cute. Second, this is weirdly bringing back Thailand memories (must be the tuk-tuk). Third, I NEED to go to India. Fourth, YES YES YES about the importance of community. I’m actually writing in my grad school personal statements how Thailand really taught me the power of community. It’s amazing.
Marisa says
Tuk-tuks are everywhere.. loved it! And that is incredible that you’re writing your essay on that. Please come inspire me to work on my applications…!
Thomas Andrews says
Wow!!!
A BIG Wow!!!
Marisa And Noah Were at Taj Mehel??
I visited Agra years ago..
India is Awesome… One of the most memorable experiences of my entire life 🙂
Marisa says
How exciting Thomas! Glad you enjoyed your trip to India as well!