Discover the Magic of India in Just Two Weeks and Why It Could Be Perfect for You
- tgandco2
- 12 minutes ago
- 11 min read
India: Not for Everyone… But Unforgettable
Let me start by saying that calling India “not for everyone” is an understatement. That’s not meant as criticism—travel is personal. But if your idea of a perfect vacation involves a month in Florida, two weeks at a Caribbean resort, or leisurely days strolling through Paris or Florence, India might come as a shock to your system.
That doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it—India is extraordinary—but your sense of adventure needs to be switched fully on, and your ability to adapt to things that are very (read: very, very) different needs to be strong.
As in my other posts, at the end, you will find links to other related posts for this vacation, along with a list of things we did in India that you may want to consider.
How India Entered the Plan
In my first blog post about our seven-week journey through India and Japan, I mentioned that the original plan was five weeks in Japan. We’d scheduled a week in Kyoto for Teresa’s four-day Ikebana course—the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. This was to be our third visit to Japan, and we were eager to explore new places while revisiting a few favourites.
Then came an unexpected twist: our son-in-law’s parents invited us to join them in India for two weeks.
It was an opportunity too good to pass up. I’d always wanted to visit India, but organizing a multi-city trip there on our own felt daunting. We’re not big on group tours, so it was a dilemma—until Rita and Vijay’s invitation solved it perfectly.
Travelling with them was incredible. Being with someone who spoke the language, knew the customs, and even owned a home there made all the difference. Even better, our daughter Lauren and son-in-law Ash joined us, so there were six of us travelling together. Rita and Vijay were the ultimate hosts, welcoming us for the entire two weeks and making it an unforgettable experience.
Arriving in Mumbai
Since returning, I’ve learned to be careful when describing India. The sheer intensity of the country—the heat, crowds, poverty, traffic, and infrastructure—can make travel challenging. Add in the vast cultural differences from Canada, and you have a recipe for sensory overload. But that’s also what makes India so fascinating. It’s chaotic, yes, but also vibrant, alive, and endlessly surprising.
I’ll never forget our arrival in Mumbai at 2:00 a.m. The humidity hit like a wall, the airport was a swirl of people, and the taxi pickup was—let’s say—“creative.” Thankfully, Rita and Vijay met us and guided us through the madness. I can’t imagine navigating that scene on our own. The ride to the hotel was our first taste of Indian traffic: cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, mopeds, and even carts pulled by animals—all competing for space. It’s something you never quite get used to.
Mumbai – Poetry, Markets, and Colonial Echoes
We stayed at the Krishna Palace Hotel, which offered an excellent breakfast with both Indian and Western options. Because of our late arrival, we’d booked the room for the night before—no chance of early check-in at 2 a.m.!
That first morning, before breakfast, I decided to find an ATM. Google Maps didn’t exactly cooperate, and my sense of direction didn’t help either. I wandered the neighbourhood for quite a while, passing the same shops multiple times, standing out (no doubt) in my Canada t-shirt and hat. Still, it was a fun first glimpse of local life as shopkeepers opened for the day. I eventually found the ATM—ironically, the second closest one on Google’s list.
After breakfast, we met up with Rita and Vijay for our first outing: the Bombay Poetry Crawl.
Teresa and I rarely join tours, but we love the occasional city walk—especially something creative. One of our favourites was a Haunted Walk in Ottawa, which we did with our five children when they were younger. I wasn't quite sure about this activity when I booked it. Would Rita and Vijay enjoy a walking tour of a city they had visited many times before? I am sure my son-in-law Ash, got tired of me asking him if he thought the idea was ok.
The Poetry Crawl, led by Saranya Subramanian, was a fascinating mix of literature and history. She designed a custom tour just for us, blending poetry with the story of Mumbai’s former textile mills.
Saranya was energetic, funny, and deeply knowledgeable—an activist with just the right edge. Rita, who studied fashion design in India, loved the textile focus, and she and Saranya had great side conversations that went well beyond the usual tour. It was the perfect start to our trip.
Afterward, we explored Lalbaug Market, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Crawford Market, before calling it an early night. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Station) was our first glimpse at India and Canada's shared British Colonial history. The station reminded me of buildings in Victoria, Toronto and Ottawa.
What an amazing first day in India!
Markets, Monuments, and Mumbai Life
The next morning, took us to the Gateway of India, another grand reminder of the British colonial era. From there, we explored Colaba Market, where bargaining isn’t just expected—it’s an art form. Thankfully, Rita handled negotiations, sparing us the “foreigner premium.”
We also visited the Hanging Gardens and ended the day at Girgaon Chowpatty Beach. While it doesn’t rival the beaches of Australia, it was fascinating to see how locals enjoy city life by the sea—with food stalls, family picnics, and a skyline view.
Mumbai to Ahmedabad – The Overnight Train
Our final Mumbai adventure was a ferry trip to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. A guide brought the carvings and stories to life—money well spent. As an India travel tip, most tourist sites have local guides available who are affordable and knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend getting a guide, as it definitely adds to the experience.
That night, we boarded an overnight train to Ahmedabad. Calling it an “experience” would be an understatement. The station was pure mayhem, and without Vijay, we’d never have found our car. Our first-class cabin, which was 4 bunk beds, was certainly not the Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada or the Shinkasen (bullet train) in Japan, but it was certainly more comfortable than many of the cars we passed, which seemed to be standing room only or shelf-like structures. We didn't get a lot of sleep as the train rattled and banged, but again it was a full-on experience.
Khambhat – Countryside, Family, and Heartwarming Moments
Once we found our driver in Ahmedabad, which in the chaos was an adventure itself, we were off to Khambhat, where Ash grew up and where Rita and Vijay still own a home.
The drive through the countryside was fascinating. It felt like everything was either being built or torn down—nothing ever fully finished. On the road, cars, trucks, motorbikes, cows, and carts all shared the same lane. Our driver often pulled into oncoming traffic to pass—and stayed there—expecting everyone else to adjust. Unsettling at first, but you learn quickly to just roll with it.
Two experiences in Khambhat stood out as trip highlights.
First, staying in Rita and Vijay’s home. They had already been wonderful hosts, but being in their home offered a new level of warmth and authenticity. Unbeknownst to us, many of Ash's relatives would ask Rita and Vijay what it was like travelling with these two people from Canada who had never been to India before. Rita's response was to tell a story from our first night in Khambhat. It was close to 40 degrees Celsius, and their home has air conditioning primarily in their large front room. Because it was so hot (and not cooling down), Rita suggested that Lauren and Ash sleep in the front room to be cooler. She then suggested that Teresa and I do the same. I then suggested it seemed kind of unfair that Rita and Vijay sleep in a hot room, so we all slept in their front room. This clearly was six people getting along and enjoying their travels together.
Second, the party they hosted for Lauren and Ash—a celebration for friends and relatives who couldn’t attend their wedding in Toronto. It was such a joyful night. The energy, the music, the food—it all felt like a festival of love and connection. Meeting Ash’s grandmother for the first time was an emotional highlight we’ll always remember.
Jaipur – The Pink City
After a couple of relaxed days, we returned to Ahmedabad for another overnight train—made memorable by a complete traffic jam near the station that forced us to walk the final stretch with our luggage.
Jaipur, the “Pink City,” was worth every bit of effort. We spent a day and a half exploring its treasures: the Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Centre, Amer Palace and Fort, the Walled City, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and the City Palace.
Amer Fort was a standout—massive, detailed, and beautifully preserved. Jaipur’s architecture and history made it one of the most photogenic stops of the entire trip.
Agra – The Crown Jewel
From Jaipur, we headed to Agra. Even from our hotel rooftop, the Taj Mahal was visible in the distance, gleaming through the haze. Seeing it up close the next day, though, was breathtaking.
I’ve always said that Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Temple in Kyoto, is the most beautiful temple I’ve ever seen—but the Taj Mahal is its equal in grace and emotion. Standing before it, you can’t help but be moved by its scale, symmetry, and story.
We spent hours with our guide, soaking it all in, taking endless photos, trying to capture the feeling of being there. You could fly to India just to see the Taj Mahal—and some people do—but if you go, make time for the rest of the country too. The Taj is unforgettable, but it’s only one piece of India’s magic.
Delhi – Capital Energy
Our final stop was Delhi, India’s capital. It felt like returning to Mumbai—crowded, noisy, alive—but somehow more organized and polished.
We visited the India Gate, Red Fort, Jama Masjid (my first mosque visit), and the Prime Minister’s residence and gardens. In two short days, we managed to see an incredible amount and get a sense of the city’s mix of modern power and ancient tradition.
Reflections – Two Weeks That Felt Like a Lifetime
And just like that, our two weeks in India were over. In some ways, it felt like we’d been there for months—so much had happened, and we’d experienced more than I ever thought possible. Yet the time flew by.
From our chaotic arrival in Mumbai to our final day in Delhi, India challenged and amazed us at every turn. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. I want to just say thanks to Rita and Vijay one last time for hosting us on a trip we will remember forever.
Next stop: Japan—a flight to Osaka, a train to Kyoto, and five more unforgettable weeks of travel.(You can read about that part of our journey in the links below.)
Links to related posts:
Japan 2020
India and Japan 2025
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Questions or comments? Email me at thethirdperiod.ca@gmail.com
Krishna Palace Hotel - Mumbai - 4 stars - centrally located, great breakfast and friendly staff
Bombay Poetry Crawl - Mumbai - 5 stars - not just a walking tour but rather a curated experience. You get a walking tour, a history of the city and in our case, insight into the history of the textile industry in Bombay. Highly recommended.
Lalbaug Market - Mumbai - 4 stars - one of many markets we visited while in India. All a little different and fun. Negotiating is an art form; fortunately, Rita managed that for us.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - Mumbai - 4 stars - Cool to see the similarities between India and Canada in terms of our colonial past. Formerly Victoria Station, this reminded me of Union Station in Toronto and other grand buildings (built or influenced by the British) across Canada
Crawford Market - Mumbai - 4 stars - another great market to visit in Mumbai
Hanging Gardens - Mumbai - 3 stars - I would connect this with your tour around the city. Probably not worth a solo visit, but rather as part of your day itinerary.
Girgaon Chowpatty Beach - Mumbai - 5 stars - The rating is not just for the beach, but rather to me, the whole area gives you a glimpse into life in Mumbai. This is a place where families go to escape the chaos of the city.
Gateway of India - Mumbai - 4 stars - Another great example of India's colonial past
Elephanta Caves - Mumbai - 5 stars - I think this would be on the must-visit list in Mumbai. As a fascinating site to visit, with the bonus of taking a scenic ferry there and back.
Jaipur Blue Pottery Art Centre - Jaipur - 3 stars - A beautiful pottery shop that, if it is on your route worth stopping at.
Amer Palace and Fort - Jaipur - 5 stars - A must see when you are in Jaipur. Make sure you get a guide to get the most out of your time.
Walled City - Jaipur - 4 stars - If you are visiting Jaipur, you will definitely stop here in the center of the city for some exploring
Hawa Mahal - Jaipur - 4 stars - another can't miss site in the city center. Great opportunity for photos
Jantar Mantar - Jaipur - 4 stars - We missed getting a guide here and as a result didn't get the most out of the site (it was the end of the day and we were tired). So, get a guide to make your visit more worthwhile
City Palace - Jaipur - 4 stars - We did get a guide here and thoroughly enjoyed the tour (and got a lot out of it). One of the interesting things in India that happened often here is that Indian nationals would come up to (primarily) Teresa and Lauren and ask to have their photo taken with them. Kind of weird in the beginning and annoying when it was happening a lot, but all part of exploring the world (this also happened to some of the women we were with in China).
Taj Mahal - Agra - 5+++ stars - Rivalling Kinkaku-ji as the most amazing religious site I have ever seen, this is THE must-see site in India. Make sure you get a guide and allocate lots of time. You don't want to rush, and you want to ensure you see everything from all angles. Totally amazing!
India Gate - Delhi - 4 stars - Make this part of your walking tour around Delhi. Beautiful.
Red Fort - Delhi - 4 stars - Forts always seem to be an attraction around the world
Jama Masjid - Delhi - 4 stars - My first visit to a mosque, which I will always remember. Make sure you climb the turret to get the view from the roof.
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