overthehildablog@gmail.com

Over The Hilda

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Lifestyle & Leisure
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Style & Beauty
  • Rants & Random Thoughts

Adventure Holiday in India with TDactive – part 2

indian parade
0
Hilda
Wednesday, 16 January 2019 / Published in Home, Lifestyle & Leisure, News

Adventure Holiday in India with TDactive – part 2

So we are half way through our trip to India with TDactive and I hope you continue to vicariously enjoy the journey. Thank you for all your lovely comments on Part 1.

From Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, we took an express train to Jhansi en route to the incredible medieval Orccha fort complex that houses a number of palaces and temples. From there it was on to Khajuraho, an ancient city in the Madhya Pradesh region of northern India.

KHAJURAHO

It was an oasis of calm following a rather long coach journey on very bad roads but totally worth it to see the remarkable temples which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its claim to fame is that the temple walls feature erotic rock carvings, known as the Kama Sutra. Our local guide had a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyed pointing out the racier ones and explaining the background to some of the sculptures! I decided not to give you any close-ups as I do not want to offend anyone!

 

We stayed in a rather nice hotel here (part of the international Ramada group) with a big swimming pool, and where many of us indulged in massages. We also enjoyed a pleasant lunch and then dinner later on at the Raja rooftop restaurant.

If the road to Khajuraho was bad, the one to Varanasi was apparently so appalling that an internal flight was deemed the most appropriate mode of transport for the next leg of our trip.

VARANASI

Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city is crazy, with Hindu pilgrims making their way from all over India to the Ganges to bathe in its holy waters (below)

and to perform cremations and funeral rites throughout the day (and night) in the ghats at the riverside (below).

We had two fascinating trips on the Ganges, firstly at daybreak (including a dead cow floating by) and later at dusk, and saw the city at its craziest. Opinion was divided on Varanasi although I loved it and found it fascinating (particularly the ritual of the Aarti ceremony, performed every evening to respect the goddess Ganga, see below), whereas others found it overwhelming. Some of our party had succumbed to the dreaded Delhi Belly, so that possibly coloured their experience.

It is true that you see far more beggars here and the poverty can be distressing, while the suffocating crowds of people on the way to the waterfront in the evening made the journey a bit more difficult. Nobody got lost though. An enterprising young local decided to adopt us and kept shepherding us along after our guide. We were perfectly alright, but rewarded him anyway for his efforts.

 KOLKATA

An overnight train trip brought us to our final destination. Trains are seldom on time in India and ours had been on the go for two days and one night and we were joining it on the second night of its journey. So, yes it was not on time; in fact, it was several hours late. The station was packed, people were asleep anywhere they could find a patch and seats were few and far between.

We talked to one couple who had been waiting 10 hours and as there theirs was now not arriving until the following day, decided to sleep elsewhere.  We took their seats, but soon discovered that we were target practice for a parade of pigeons on the ledge overhead. We passed some of the time singing Irish songs, much to the amusement of our fellow travellers.

Now the train journey deserves a post all on its own. If you dislike being in close proximity to other people, I suggest you fly. Because we were joining the train near the end of its journey, we had to take beds vacated by others, (you did get clean sheets) which meant we were split up. Some of us were in what was termed ‘first class’ with two-tiered berths. But it was a lot better than the far more crowded three-tier berths and therefore far less comfortable ‘second class’. It has to be said that some of them were not happy.

Getting into the top bunk on the corridor (above) in two-tier ‘heaven’ was a struggle, only successful because the gallant William Wallace (one of our group of six) gave me a helping hand. We discovered rungs to step up on the following day! Surprisingly, I slept quite well and the night passed without incident; yes, there was snoring and strange noises, and  I did wish I had some earplugs, which would have drowned out some of the sounds.

Next day, as we sat on our bunks, we made friends with our fellow travellers and had really interesting conversations about India. Among the people we met were a dress designer, a boutique owner and a family whose son hoped to study medicine in Dublin. At every station, enterprising food and drink hawkers climbed on board to peddle their wares and it was lovely to stretch your legs without going too far from the train. I won’t put a pic of the toilet facilities here but if you are on Instagram and go to my India highlights, you can see it.

KOLKATA…is not that old. Founded by The East Indian Tea Company, it was India’s capital under the British Raj from 1773 to 1911. This cultural city was totally different and far more westernised – for example, we saw no cows roaming the streets here – and the effects of colonisation are still very much in evidence. The highlights here included a visit to the vibrant Flower Market near the famous Howrah Bridge (below).

St John’s Anglican Church has a memorial to the infamous event known as The Black Hole of Calcutta incident where the local nawab (ruler) took over the city and locked 143 British men and women in a room…only 20 survived.

It was a little surprising and rather shocking to see hand-pulled rickshaws still in use in certain areas, a legacy of British rule, although apparently there are plans to replace them with battery-operated modern vehicles.

The imposing Victoria Memorial (above) built by the British in the early 20th century seems out of place and the statue of a grumpy Queen Victoria dominates the front entrance. A perfect example of British and Mughal architecture, it is a homage to the British Raj empire and now houses a museum (below). Beautiful gardens with lakes and water features surround it, and it was filled with visitors and locals enjoying themselves the day we were there.

What intrigued me was the difference in culture between one area and the next, and Kolkata is so modern in contrast to the others.  As in the other cities we visited, there is poverty and a burgeoning middle class, but here you will see far more of a western influence. Modern shopping centres, with western companies like Starbucks (I admit I did succumb to a few coffees, though at home I would not cross the threshold) and Marks & Spencer are more prevalent.  Though this was my least favourite part of the trip, possibly partly coloured by the hotel being below par, I am still glad we got to see it.

And so it was time for home and, boy, had we done and seen a huge amount in our sixteen days. You need stamina for a holiday like this and you need to be able to adapt and go with the flow. If you would like to go to India, but feel that the early starts etc. would be too much for you, I know that Travel Department do a shorter 5-star version, which I believe is fabulous. We did toy with it briefly, but decided to go for the adventure instead and what an adventure it was!

Now I need a holiday!

Thanks again to Bill Wallace and David Carbery for their photographic contributions

 

 

Tagged under: adventure holidays, Ganges, India, Kama Sutra, Khajuraho, Kolkota, TDactive Holidays, travel in India, Varanasi, where to go in India

What you can read next

Wrinkles, wrinkles everywhere and not a cure in sight!
The Coffee Fix
Drink Lemon, Water and Ginger to stay Healthy

12 Comments to “ Adventure Holiday in India with TDactive – part 2”

  1. Loretta says :Reply
    January 17, 2019 at 2:30 am

    Wow, what an adventure, indeed. I’m not sure I could handle all of those places…the ones so crowded. You are the adventurous one, Hilda!

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      January 17, 2019 at 3:45 pm

      Yes you could Loretta. It makes the calmness back here all the more wonderful.

  2. Marijke Doldersum says :Reply
    January 17, 2019 at 11:36 am

    Such a colourful dazzling vibrant country. One day I will visit!

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      January 17, 2019 at 3:44 pm

      Thank you Marijke, it really is.

  3. jodie filogomo says :Reply
    January 19, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    Gosh., Hilda.This is truly incredible. I bet this is one of those times you are thankful for where you live and what you have.
    But the colors, and the rituals are just something you don’t see everyday.
    I”ll have to check out your highlights on IG….
    You didn’t say anything about the food. Was it great or do you get the same quality at home??
    OXOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      January 19, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      Absolutely Jodie. But India is a fascinating country and I am so pleased that I got to see even such a small part. x

  4. Sandra Stanley says :Reply
    January 20, 2019 at 10:33 pm

    What a marvelous adventure! I love all the details. The doves cracked me up! Just when you thought you had found relief! I love how travel demands a sense of wonder and an openness to whatever may come. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      January 23, 2019 at 10:41 am

      Thanks for reading Sandra. xx

  5. jacqui berry says :Reply
    January 27, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    Another exciting instalment Hilda, what a memorable trip this must have been for you. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      January 27, 2019 at 11:27 pm

      I hope you will share your skiing holiday. I can’t ski anymore because of my back, so I envy you. x

  6. Jan Wild says :Reply
    January 29, 2019 at 11:48 am

    I clearly remember a journey in a 4 berth sleeper and having to share a berth with my friend. So crowded, so hot.

    1. Hilda says :Reply
      January 30, 2019 at 11:02 am

      We did have air conditioning….luxury..

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sign up here to receive updates straight to your mailbox
Loading

DELIGHTED TO BE IN THE TOP 15!

Fashion Over 50

overthehilda

overthehilda
Porto held surprises around every corner. On stori Porto held surprises around every corner. On stories you can see the azulejo tiles recreating events from history. But I also loved the street art commissioned by the city. This feline caught my eye!
Pop over to the blog. Link in bio for more on our trip to Porto with @travel_department 

#presstrip #travelsafely #travelblogger #loveporto #over60blogger #citybreak #guidedtravel #streetart #wallart #discoverporto #traveltips #cityexplore #exploreporto #overthehilda #breakaway #midweekbreak #bestcitiesofeurope
Animal print deserves the red carpet treatment, I Animal print deserves the red carpet treatment, I think!
Sharing the full outfit from the beautiful wedding of Jen and Dave last Monday.
So delighted to share their special day.

 The dress is @fabiennechapot @arnottsdublin. Purchased last year but first outing! Shoes are years old @clarksshoes....so comfy.
Bag borrowed from @courtneysmithstyle is from.@tkmaxxie 
Sunnies @quayaustralia from.@charisma_fashions_ 

#over60blogger #weddinggueststyle #nevertooold  #ageisjustanumber #agelessstyle #animalprintdress #mystyle #fashionpost #wearwhatyoulike #over50style #midlifestyle #over60style #notpastmyexpirydate @bestbeforeenddate
#stylewithasmile  @thestylesplash
#chicandstylishme @mummabstylish 
#lovingfashionandstyle @nannylovesabargain #discoverunder10k
Went a little overboard on the animal print yester Went a little overboard on the animal print yesterday at the fabulous wedding of Jen and Dave @ballymagarvey_village 

#over60style #over60blogger #nevertooold #iwillwearwhatilike #sassystyle #animalprint #fabiennechapot #bebold #boldstyle
#standout #statementdress #daretodress
Porto you are stunning. Loving our trip with @trav Porto you are stunning. Loving our trip with @travel_department and still the best part of two days left to explore. Would you believe we walked 14 km yesterday and some of it was up and down hills like this? Boy did we sleep well last night! Porto has surprises around every corner.  And it is a very accessible city. Cannot wait to tell you all about it. Have you been? Looking for  a recommendation for a restaurant for tonight or tomorrow lunch time. We are in the Boa Vista area but can taxi.

#over60blogger #presstrip #travelgram #instatravel #traveltips #over60travel
#guidedtravel #cityexplore #citybreak #traveldepartment #weekendbreak #exploreporto #loveporto #porto #travelblogger #travelsafely
What I wear out walking! Love my sales purchase @s What I wear out walking! Love my sales purchase @selectedireland. Is it a gilet? I have no idea. But it is perfect for our Irish weather. Love how it dips at the back too.
Plenty of room to layer up underneath. Leggings are my old favourites @peachyleanofficial. And my runners are @asics. I find they give super support.

#over50style #over60blogger #casualstyle #walkingoutfit #gilet #walkingstyle #casualvibes #stayingfit
#over60style #walkforhealth #stayfit
Hard to believe the trench is about 40 years old. Hard to believe the trench is about 40 years old. Classics never date do they? And in Ireland it is always advisable to have a coat of some kind, whatever the season. 
Happy Friday everyone. Looks like being another beautiful Spring day here.

#trenchcoat  #wearwhatyoulove #over60blogger #midlifestyle #stayingstylish #oldclothes #discoverunder10k #fashionablyfriday
#cherryblossom #over50style #over60
#fashionpost #shopmycloset
Made the most of the lovely weather to get this pi Made the most of the lovely weather to get this pic for this month's 'Style Not Age'.
The theme is 'This Old Thing'. The mac was my mother-in-laws and is at least 40 years old. Check out my stories for more pics and the full post is on the blog. Linnk in the bio.

Check out my friends @is_this_mutton_  @annasislandstyle @mummabstylish and @thestylesplash 

#stayingstylish #midlifestyle #agelessstyle #feelgoodfashion #wearwhatyoulove #thisoldthing
#springlook #shopmycloset #shoppingmywardrobe #outfitinspo
#retrolook #over50style #over60blogger
#irishover60blogger #realstyle #stylishsisters #vintagemacintosh
Post up on what makes me happy. Lots of different Post up on what makes me happy. Lots of different things in fact. But in this post I focus on grandchildren, the safe arrival of my new grandaughter and the joy I get from reminiscing on past holidays and looking forward to new.
This pic was taken when we were in Morocco a few months before the pandemic struck. We had a wonderful trip @tdactiveholidays. And so glad we were guided as we saw so much more and were well looked after.

#holidayspam #grouptravel #guidedtravel #travelblogger #travelagency #visitmorocco #over60travelblogger #beautifulmorocco #holidayideas #wheretonext #wheretogonext #over60blogger #happythoughts #holidayplans
Skincare meets makeup. The new No 7 Restore & Ren Skincare meets makeup. 
The new No 7 Restore & Renew Foundation might just become my new favourite. 
I do not like heavy foundation on me and prefer a lighter, more natural look. But at my age, I need something that adds radiance, evens skin tone and does not emphasise wrinkles. Plus it is full of skin-loving ingredients. Win win!
#prdrop
#bootsireland
#No7
#restoreandrenew
#skincare
#makeup 
#foundation
'More is More and less is a Bore'! Inspired by st 'More is More and less is a Bore'!

Inspired by style icon Iris Apfel, my Style Not Age friends and I dig out our beads and bangles and go maximalist on the blog. Our theme coincides with the launch of her collaboration with H&M.
So head over to my friends and see how they interpreted the theme!
@is_this_mutton_
@mummabstylish 
@annasislandstyle 
@thestylesplash 
My dress and feathered cardigan can be found  @studio124dublin.
For the rest I shopped my wardrobe and the attic. More on stories.

#stylenotage
#irisapfel
#moreismore
#irisapfelstyle
#wearwhatyoulove 
#dressup
#anythinggoes
#havefunwithfashion
#nevertooold
#notpastmyexpirydate @bestbeforeenddate
#colourmecrazy
#greenisthecolour
over60blogger
What I might have worn on St Patrick's Day if Covi What I might have worn on St Patrick's Day if Covid had not finally got me. Luckily I was not sick at all and the only symptom I had was a touch of sinusitis. When I get sick I nearly always have sinus problems.
Hope you have been enjoying the beautiful weather because Spring has definitely arrived in Ireland.
Top and skirt from @studio124dublin in Malahide. 

#feelgoodfashion
#greenisthecolour
#over50style
#over60blogger 
#stayingstylish 
#fashionforall 
#fashionover50
#overthehilda
Have been wearing #playtex lingerie for several ye Have been wearing #playtex lingerie for several years now. They are so pretty and most importantly very comfortable.  And with #underwear comfort is key! 

This latest set is from their top selling 'Flower Elegance' range. It comes in many colours and I chose this lovely greyish blue set. This is #gifted but happy to buy others because they fit me so well. 😍
My first bras were Playtex and in my 60s I have returned to this iconic brand again. Everything comes full circle!

#gifted
#lingerielove
#over60style
#over60lingerie
#over60blogger
#whatiamwearing
#lingeriesets
#over50style
#bras
Load More… Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Style & Beauty
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Lifestyle & Leisure
  • Rants & Random Thoughts

Recent Posts

  • Porto

    Porto with Travel Department

    Porto is the perfect city for a short break. We...
  •  Joining The Beauty Spotlight Team

    When ‘The Beauty Spotlight Team’ asked me to jo...
  • Rain coat

    This Old Thing and ‘Style Not Age’

    ‘What, this old thing? Oh, I have that for year...

OVER THE HILDA

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Lifestyle & Leisure
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Style & Beauty
  • Rants & Random Thoughts

Copyright © 2021 overthehilda.ie | web by cloud nine

TOP
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT