Before Bhutan’s stillness and spiritual calm, there was India—vibrant, layered, and unforgettable. Just three days, split between Agra and Delhi, yet enough to remind me why India leaves such a lasting imprint on everyone who visits.



I spent one night at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, and quite simply, there is no better way to experience the Taj Mahal. From the moment you arrive, the Taj is ever-present—framed perfectly from the gardens, terraces, and many of the rooms. Seeing it at sunrise was quietly emotional: the marble shifting from blush to ivory as the light changed, the crowds still thin, the atmosphere reverent.

The Taj Mahal’s story is well known, but standing before it adds a different weight. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is both an architectural masterpiece and a deeply human expression of love and loss. Perfect symmetry, intricate inlay work, and that luminous white marble—no photo truly prepares you.

Back at the Oberoi, the contrast was striking: India’s energy just beyond the gates, and inside, total serenity. Impeccable service, calm pools, and an almost sacred sense of place—Oberoi does “sense of arrival” better than just about anyone.

From Agra, I traveled on to The Oberoi, New Delhi for two nights—an urban oasis in the heart of the capital. Recently redesigned, the hotel feels sleek and contemporary while still deeply rooted in place. Floor-to-ceiling windows, excellent dining, and service that anticipates your needs before you voice them. It’s a perfect base for exploring a city as complex as Delhi.

Delhi itself is a study in contrasts: ancient and modern, serene and chaotic, all existing at once.

Some highlights from my guided experience around Delhi:



• Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site and architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. Set within lush gardens, it feels peaceful and grand, offering insight into Mughal design and Delhi’s imperial past.

• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the Sikh temple that left one of the strongest impressions on me. The atmosphere is calm and deeply welcoming. Volunteers quietly serve meals to thousands each day—an extraordinary expression of service, humility, and community.



• And then, Old Delhi by rickshaw—a complete sensory immersion. Narrow lanes buzzing with life, spice markets, textiles, street food, horns, voices, color everywhere you look. It is loud, chaotic, overwhelming—and absolutely thrilling. A true feast for the senses, and one of the most authentic ways to experience the soul of the city.

India in Three Days

India is not a place you simply “see.” You feel it. It challenges you, delights you, and stays with you long after you leave. These three days were the perfect introduction before heading into Bhutan’s tranquility—proof that sometimes the contrast is what makes a journey truly memorable.

If India has ever been on your list—whether as a short introduction like this or as a deeper, multi-city journey—I would love to design an experience that balances luxury, culture, and authenticity in a way that feels just right for you.



More from Bhutan soon…