This was my first time flying with Singapore Airlines and I was genuinely impressed from start to finish. Online check-in is definitely worth doing in advance as it gives you access to a much quicker queue. We flew Sydney to Singapore on the Boeing 777 and then onwards to Delhi on the A380, with return sectors the same way. Both aircraft were comfortable, with good entertainment and attentive service. Connection times through Singapore were smooth and well-timed, making the journey easy and stress-free.
Arriving into Delhi late in the evening was seamless, with a quick transfer to the The Lalit New Delhi, a well-located 4.5-star hotel offering comfortable rooms, a good-sized pool and gym, and a buffet breakfast with plenty of variety. It was a great base for our first introduction to India.
Our time in Delhi included a mix of Old and New Delhi highlights. We explored the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, visited Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial), Humayun’s Tomb, and one of the city’s beautiful Sikh temples. One of the standout dining experiences was a local dinner at Masala House, recommended by our guide, absolutely delicious and a real highlight.
From Delhi, we travelled by road to Agra, stopping to explore the impressive Agra Fort, a grand red sandstone structure that once served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. We stayed at the ITC Mughal, Agra, which was a beautiful property with excellent facilities and a very comfortable stay.
Of course, the highlight here was the Taj Mahal, truly breathtaking and even more impressive in person than any photo can capture. Our guide was outstanding, bringing the history and love story behind this monument to life, and helping us navigate the crowds with ease.
Next came a long but scenic journey to Ranthambore National Park, where we stayed at the palace-style Nahargarh Ranthambhore. The drive is quite lengthy, so an extra night here would be ideal. The property itself is stunning, designed in a traditional style with marble detailing and a beautiful pool. The safari experience was a real highlight, setting off early in the morning in search of Bengal tigers and being rewarded with sightings of around six tigers in the wild, along with monkeys, deer, peacocks and even a leopard. It was an unforgettable experience.
From there, we continued to Jaipur, the Pink City, staying at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur for two nights. The hotel was comfortable and well located. A standout evening was dinner at a rooftop restaurant with live local entertainment, fantastic food and a great atmosphere.
Jaipur itself was full of colour and culture. We visited the incredible Amber Fort, perched high on a hilltop, with the unique experience of travelling up by elephant and returning by jeep. We also had time to explore the local markets, filled with saris, spices, jewellery and handicrafts, perfect for a bit of shopping and soaking up the energy of the city.
An early morning flight took us to Varanasi, one of the most spiritual places in India, where we experienced a very different side of the country. We visited Buddhist sites including Sarnath, then witnessed the powerful evening Aarti ceremony on the River Ganges followed by a boat ride at sunset. It was deeply moving, spiritual and unlike anything else on the itinerary. We stayed in a local riverside hotel and enjoyed dinner overlooking the river.
Our final morning included a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks, locals bathing, washing clothes and beginning their day long before sunrise. It was fascinating and incredibly memorable.
From Varanasi, we flew back to Delhi with Vistara, which was a comfortable and efficient service, before connecting onward to Sydney.
Overall, this journey was exceptionally well organised by Swagman and Trans India. From guides and drivers to accommodation and logistics, everything ran smoothly and we felt well looked after throughout. India is a destination that truly stays with you, full of contrast, colour, history and unforgettable experiences.