Throughout my time in India, I was fortunate enough to travel to three other states beyond Maharashtra: Gujarat for a wedding, Rajasthan to visit the desert, and Uttar Pradesh to see the Taj Mahal and the Himalayas. Each adventure was a whirlwind of culture, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable experiences.
A Wedding in Gujarat: Tradition, Colors, and Chaos
Our trip to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, had been planned long before we even left for Mumbai. Hayley, Adam, and I were lucky enough to be invited as plus-ones to a wedding by one of my classmates from the University of Auckland. The journey started with a near disaster when our flight boarded unexpectedly early—cue us sprinting through the airport. But once we made it on board, we knew we were in for a weekend like no other.
Saturday morning kicked off with some last-minute wedding outfit shopping before we visited the awe-inspiring Akshardham Temple. The temple’s intricate carvings and grandeur left us mesmerized. From there, we headed out into the countryside for the Mehndi ceremony, where we got beautiful henna designs, indulged in delicious food, and took in the vibrant festivities around us.
The next morning began with an incredible hotel breakfast before we made our way back for the Haldi ceremony—a lively event filled with traditional games, dance, and, of course, more mouthwatering food. Although we had to leave before the main wedding events, we were beyond grateful for the opportunity to witness such a rich and beautiful tradition firsthand. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Rajasthan: Sand Dunes, Sunsets, and Unexpected Adventures
Our second weekend trip took us to Jaisalmer, a city unlike anywhere I had ever been. The golden fort, the bustling markets, and the warm desert hues made it feel like stepping into another world. Our time in Jaisalmer was packed with adventure—we explored the fort, stumbled into yet another wedding (at this point, we were professional wedding crashers), and witnessed some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets.
After two nights in Jaisalmer, we ventured out to a desert camp for our final night in Rajasthan. We rode camels through the rolling sand dunes as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of orange and pink. That night, we fell asleep to the distant sounds of wild dogs fighting—perhaps not the most peaceful lullaby, but an authentic experience nonetheless. At the crack of dawn, we jumped into jeeps and sped across the desert for an exhilarating sunrise ride, a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.
Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand: A Chaotic Yet Magical Weekend
The final weekend was another whirlwind journey that began with a flight to Delhi. We arrived late, exhausted but eager, and immediately fueled up with some incredible biryani recommended by our host. An early start the next morning had us heading straight to Agra to see the legendary Taj Mahal—but not without a few unexpected twists.
Our first stop was Agra Fort, where we got our first glimpse of the Taj Mahal in the distance. After a quick lunch break, we were ready for the main event—only to find out that the gates were temporarily closed because Rishi Sunak had also decided to visit that day. When the gates finally reopened, a chaotic stampede ensued, with everyone scrambling to get the best view and perfect photo. Despite the madness, standing before the Taj Mahal was an experience like no other—it truly lives up to the hype.
But the adventure didn’t end there. After racing back to Delhi (yes, this is still Sunday in the story), a group of us caught an early morning intercity train to Haridwar, where we enjoyed a rooftop lunch, visited a temple, and took a gondola ride. From there, all eight of us squeezed into a single rickshaw—yes, eight people—for the 40-minute drive to Rishikesh, a place highly recommended by my coworker. And wow, was it worth it.
Our 24 hours in Rishikesh were nothing short of magical. We began with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, but the real highlight came the next morning. In a spontaneous decision, a few of us booked a sunrise adventure. Before dawn, we were driven up a mountain, where we watched the sun slowly rise over the majestic Himalayas. As we hiked back down, we took a refreshing dip in Neer Waterfall—a moment of pure serenity.
Just when we thought the adventure was over, we realized we had time for one more thrill: white-water rafting in the Ganges. Expecting a gentle float down the river, I was in for a shock—the rapids were intense, and the experience was absolutely exhilarating. It was the perfect way to cap off an already incredible weekend.
Looking back, these weekends away were some of the most unforgettable moments of my time in India. Each journey was filled with adventure, surprises, and memories that will stay with me forever. India, you truly never cease to amaze me.