It was a trip of many firsts for me. My first time in India – I’d been obsessed by the colours, the textiles, and the architecture since my art student days. My first time travelling solo – long-haul trips away from the family had been impossible when my daughter was small, but now it was my chance for a mini-adventure. And my first trip with Wild Frontiers - a company with values I’d admired for a while. 

My chosen trip was the comfortably paced Classic Rajasthan tour, covering the golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but in true Wild Frontiers style, heading away from the madding crowds at just the right times, exploring Bundi, Bijaipur and Udaipur. And the icing on the cake was that we would be there during Diwali, a big pull for me.  

My expectations of India itself were high. My senses were on alert, ready to absorb the heat, the flavours, the vibrancy, the aromas, and the hustle and bustle of a place I’d always dreamed of visiting. My expectations of what it would be like travelling alone with a small group of total strangers?  I must confess I was apprehensive as I landed in Delhi.   

But from the moment we were all introduced by our guide Unni in the Claridges Hotel, it was clear this was going to be a formidable team. Eleven women and one man (he managed this magnificently), over half were also travelling alone, having left family at home. It was a colourful mix – senior medics, a CEO, an accountant, a judge, a film costume designer, some working, some retired, and aged between 35 and 73. There was instant connection and camaraderie – we were all in this together, and support for one another was quickly established.  

On the coach heading to Agra, we started our alliance, sharing stories (past trips accomplished), anxieties (getting ill) and advice (what to wear, what to buy) with plenty of laughs along the way. Our guide Unni had a great approach of asking us what we wanted to discuss each day – be it Hinduism, the Caste system, Diwali, engineering and design of the palaces, politics – so we learned about India as well as each other. 

One of our first stops - a heart-stopping moment for me - was getting up close to the Taj Mahal in time for sunset. 22 years to build. 22,000 men to build it. All for the love of a woman. We were all moved, and a few tears were shed. The marble used is one of a kind – Unni told us it sparkles at night when the moonlight hits the mother of pearl and the coral Lajwad stone. Of course, we all wanted ‘that’ Princess Di shot. The girls and I had decided to wear our brightest colours that would stand out against the building, and even our sole man had sweetly purchased a bright shirt to join in with our wishes. The photo came out brilliantly.   

Another highlight for me was on the third day when we stopped at Castle Kanota for afternoon tea. This stunning building was used as the Viceroy Club in the film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and we were greeted by amazing splendour, as it was set up for a Diwali party later that evening for special guests.  Just at that moment, the Prince arrived to check on the arrangements straight from his polo match! With gentle persuasion from our guide, he opened up the library and gave us his tour, introducing us to his grandfather’s diaries which were extraordinary and immaculate. A moment to remember! 

There was so much beauty on our visits to exquisite temples and palaces, but it was the engineering feats that took me by surprise. The Royal Court Fatehpur Sikri was a hidden treasure - and a sustainable architectural master plan. Water-filled channels ran through the rooms under the floors, providing cooling effects during the hot summer months. Using natural resources to fight humidity in the summer and cold winter nights – a real feat!

A rickshaw ride around Jaipur with the Pink City Rickshaw Company was special for all of us. I was delighted to find out that Wild Frontiers' Foundation supports this initiative. which enables local women from low-income communities to earn a good living. The ladies took us to some of their favourite places, where we shared chai and met their families – humbling and joyous at the same time – before leaving the city behind. 

The heritage hotels we stayed in during the trip were all old buildings restored to offer comfort without taking away their charm. I was thankful to have avoided the gin palaces I’d read about. My favourite was Castle Bijaipur, a 350-year-old castle nestled in the countryside. Peaceful, relaxed and the ideal place to recharge for the final leg of the journey. A sunrise yoga session was worth the early wake-up call!