I just returned last month from a 16-day whirlwind trip through North India, the impetus of which was the celebration of milestone birthdays for both my sister and our dear friend. I’ve always touted “experiences over things” and birthdays are a great opportunity to explore a new destination or go back to a special one.
We had collectively decided (which was no small feat given 4 differing opinions and travel styles) on 3 cities: Mumbai, Jodhpur and Rishikesh with a day or two in Delhi before our flights home. It was an attempt to mix the energy of a big cosmopolitan city with the desert palace experiences of Rajasthan and then end with a mellow reflective stay at an internationally- acclaimed wellness resort called Ananda in the Himalayas.
Let me frame the experience by sharing that one of the biggest draws to India for me is the level of hospitality. The philosophy of “Guest as God” which permeates through each encounter in the country, truly leaves you feeling pampered and well cared for. Whether you're in a 5 star hotel or a friend's home, the warmth and genuine hospitality just can't be beat. People can't seem to do enough, going above and beyond to make you feel nurtured. As a working mom of 3, there’s no better definition of luxury than having my own needs catered to and being able to fully relax and relinquish all responsibility!
We had collectively decided (which was no small feat given 4 differing opinions and travel styles) on 3 cities: Mumbai, Jodhpur and Rishikesh with a day or two in Delhi before our flights home. It was an attempt to mix the energy of a big cosmopolitan city with the desert palace experiences of Rajasthan and then end with a mellow reflective stay at an internationally- acclaimed wellness resort called Ananda in the Himalayas.
Let me frame the experience by sharing that one of the biggest draws to India for me is the level of hospitality. The philosophy of “Guest as God” which permeates through each encounter in the country, truly leaves you feeling pampered and well cared for. Whether you're in a 5 star hotel or a friend's home, the warmth and genuine hospitality just can't be beat. People can't seem to do enough, going above and beyond to make you feel nurtured. As a working mom of 3, there’s no better definition of luxury than having my own needs catered to and being able to fully relax and relinquish all responsibility!
Arriving in the wee hours of the morning, we were exhausted but also excited to start our adventures in India. We were met by our local host and escorted by luxury van to the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, an iconic historic hotel opened in 1903 as a retort to British-owned hotels which permitted all guests except “Indians and dogs”. Suffice it to say that Mumbai and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel hold a lot of historical significance in the country.
Upon arrival, every hotel has their own version of a welcome experience which includes Aarti where diyas (oil lamps or candles) are waved in a circular motion in front of the guest as prayers are silently chanted for the guest’s well-being along with the presentation of a garland of some sorts (usually marigolds or prayer beads depending on the resort) and a ceremonial red tikka (dot) which is made up of crushed petals and sandalwood. It’s a way to honor the guests and welcome them to the hotel. We arrived at 7am to a very quiet lobby and were immediately greeted with the aarti and a refreshing welcome drink, efficiently checked-in and shown to our rooms. After a hearty breakfast and showers, we took the rest of the day to explore the area on foot given the hotel’s central location to shops and restaurants.
Upon arrival, every hotel has their own version of a welcome experience which includes Aarti where diyas (oil lamps or candles) are waved in a circular motion in front of the guest as prayers are silently chanted for the guest’s well-being along with the presentation of a garland of some sorts (usually marigolds or prayer beads depending on the resort) and a ceremonial red tikka (dot) which is made up of crushed petals and sandalwood. It’s a way to honor the guests and welcome them to the hotel. We arrived at 7am to a very quiet lobby and were immediately greeted with the aarti and a refreshing welcome drink, efficiently checked-in and shown to our rooms. After a hearty breakfast and showers, we took the rest of the day to explore the area on foot given the hotel’s central location to shops and restaurants.
South Mumbai
During our time in Mumbai, we did a fantastic walking tour of South Mumbai where many of the historical landmarks from the Gateway of India (directly opposite the hotel) to Dalal Street (the Wall Street of Mumbai) to University of Mumbai can be found. It’s fascinating to contrast the gothic architecture of the old buildings to the art deco apartments behind Oval Maidan where local cricket teams practice and play. We visited Dhobi Ghat, an open air laundry system from 1890 where workers still hand wash clothing and linens on large stones for local hotels (excluding the luxury 5 star properties of course) and hospitals.
Bandra
We then crossed the Worli Bandra Sea Link, which was reminiscent of the new Bay Bridge in the San Francisco Bay Area, into Pali Hill and Bandra for lunch. Bandra has an area of Portuguese influence where you can still see homes painted in pastels with ornate stained glass and gorgeous carved balconies. This is a direct contrast to the mega mansions of Bollywood celebrities and the infamous Antilia , the Ambani family’s (richest man in Asia) home which rises 27 stories above the slums below at an estimated cost of $2 Billion! India is a land of contrasts and there’s no better example than driving through the streets of Mumbai seeing the dichotomy of the social classes.
We ended the day by returning to the comfort of our hotel, ok I should say specifically to the historic Harbour Bar (liquor license 001 in India), to settle in and enjoy the famous 1933 Harbour Cocktail. This is presented in an elaborate manner, complete with storytelling of the naming of the signature drink and the flambe of the liquor with its neon blue hues emanating as it’s poured into your glass. Harbour Bar is where we returned nightly after exploring the city to chat about the day and debate about whether we would eat in the restaurant or order room service that evening. The cuisine throughout India is spectacular and given that the country's hospitality is rooted in the offering of food as a gesture of love (you will never leave an Indian home hungry), we ate until we couldn't possibly stuff another bite into us!
Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
You’ll want to save some time to truly get the full experience of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Mumbai. This is the place of celebrities and dignitaries, so take the heritage walk with the docent (formerly the hotel chef) and hear stories about all of the iconic guests who have graced its halls. There are mementos showcased throughout the hotel and the grand staircase speaks to the architecture and history of bygone days. It’s been host to many a photo shoot, including the most recent Max Factor ads with Priyanka Chopra.
**We have a wonderful relationship with the management team at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai and can offer an elevated experience at this historic hotel. Amenities include daily breakfast for 2, lunch or dinner once during stay ($100 value), room upgrade based on availability, early check in/late check out based on availability.
**We have a wonderful relationship with the management team at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai and can offer an elevated experience at this historic hotel. Amenities include daily breakfast for 2, lunch or dinner once during stay ($100 value), room upgrade based on availability, early check in/late check out based on availability.
With varying interests, we left ample time to explore the area on our own, meandering through the streets behind the hotel into local boutiques and cafes. We also set out on a boating experience from the Gateway of India. I always like to experience a city from its waterways, and Mumbai was no exception. As our guide led us out on the sailboat and gave us an overview of the city and how the infrastructure which was built to support a few hundred thousand now is home to over 21 million residents, we watched the sun set and the city glow in the evening light across the water. This also turned out to be one of our most adventurous endeavors as we got caught in a storm and had to be rescued in a wooden dinghy and taken back to shore. This is how travel stories are born and we certainly had something to talk about that evening over cocktails and to share with our families when we returned home.
Next stop- Jodhpur in Rajasthan!
Next stop- Jodhpur in Rajasthan!
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