India: A Journey Beyond Expectations
I’ve traveled full-time for the past two years, visiting 26 countries (and counting), so it takes a lot to push me out of my comfort zone – but India did just that. It was my first time in Asia, and I knew it would be an intense cultural shift. I had butterflies of excitement as I prepared for this trip, but that’s exactly why I chose it! Under30Experiences’ 9-day trip to the Golden Triangle of India is everything I look for as a traveler – adventure, new experiences, and the challenge of stepping into the unknown.
However, as my departure date approached, my excitement slowly turned into nervousness, thanks to the input of others. Every time I mentioned I was heading to India, I was met with similar responses:
- “Are you sure it’s safe for women?”
- “India is so dirty!”
- “You’re going to get sick.”
- “Be careful!”
To top it off, as a woman with light blonde hair and blue eyes, I knew I would stand out in India. I’m always a little more anxious when I travel to countries where I can’t blend in with the locals. As I packed my bags for India, I reminded myself that U30X always does extensive research, finds the best local guides, and crafts exciting yet safe itineraries. As a solo female traveler, I’ve turned to them before when I wanted the added security and community of a group.
Read more: What to Pack for India’s Golden Triangle.
Small Group Travel in India
When I arrived, I realized I wasn’t alone in my initial trepidation. Our group of nine women had all heard similar preconceived notions about India. What I found fascinating was that we were a group of extremely well-traveled women – two had been to over 70 countries, another was visiting her seventh Wonder of the World, and one was on her 10th U30X trip. Yet, even with all this experience, we all felt more comfortable exploring India in a small group.
Traveling in a group on a guided tour gave us peace of mind, instant friends, and a shared sense of adventure. We laughed, supported one another, and tackled India together – we had a blast!
By the end of our trip, we all agreed India was nothing like the expectations we had before arriving. It’s complex, diverse, chaotic, and breathtakingly beautiful. We knew we had to go home and spread the truth about this incredible country.
India: Expectation vs. Reality
Expectation: India is Overwhelming
Reality: India is Vibrant, Colorful, Diverse, and Different
India is an assault on the senses, and you need to embrace it. There is no dipping your toe in India. You need to throw yourself in headfirst and enjoy it all. A person could spend months exploring the country. Going from city to city, they would find that each part has a unique character. U30X did a great job showing us four different sides of India. We saw chaotic Delhi, Agra with its ancient wonders, the wild serenity of Ranthambore National Park, and thriving Jaipur – but these are just a sampling of India's rich, culturally diverse places.
On the second day, we experienced one side of India as we wandered through Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest markets, and were met with:
- Smells - spices, incense, street food sizzling on open flames
- Sounds - the constant blare of horns, vendors shouting, music drifting from temples
- Sights - vibrantly colored saris, towering mosques, cows walking through traffic
Delhi is loud, busy, and different from Western cities but that’s the beauty of it! For some travelers this may be your first experience with bartering in crowded markets, using a squat toilet, or being adventurous with street food, but stepping outside your comfort zone is worth it. I promise you’ll find unexpected treasures.
On our fifth day, we saw an entirely different side of India when we went on safari. In contrast to the bustling cities, driving through Ranthambore National Park was remarkably quiet and tranquil. Searching for tigers and spotting wildlife was a highlight for all of us.
Throughout the trip, our group was in awe of India’s diverse architecture. Of course, the Taj Mahal was breathtaking, but the majesty of India didn’t stop there. The City Palace Complex of Jaipur, Qutub Minar in Delhi, and Agra Fort in Agra were all stunning and so unique.
Book Recommendation:
To gain some background on how the different parts of The Golden Triangle have been connected throughout history and gain appreciation for the impressive buildings you’ll walk through, consider reading A Princess Remembers: The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur. In her memoir, Gayatri Devi will introduce you to the places you’ll see and people you’ll hear about. You’ll end the trip by walking through the royal family’s palace and seeing the clothing, weapons, and decorations they used.
Expectation: India Is Dirty
Reality: India Is So Much More Than What You Initially See
Yes, India is dusty, crowded, and at times dirty. The air quality can be poor due to pollution and farmers burning crops. The air quality was low enough one day to trigger a warning on our weather apps suggesting a gas mask. While we laughed at that suggestion, we all agreed that wearing an N95 mask was a good idea. It’s definitely not the country to break in your new white sneakers.
However, India is also a place of stunning beauty. It is a country with interesting juxtapositions: opulence next to poverty, ancient history beside modern innovation, and yes, dirtiness next to cleanliness.
India recognizes the serious issues around waste management and is taking steps to prevent and protect against further uncleanliness. From making visitors wear disposable booties to protect the pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal to preserving wildlife sanctuaries like Ranthambore National Park, India is improving.
Importantly, all of the accommodations and restaurants included in the itinerary were very clean.
Expectation: The People Will Stare and Make You Feel Unwelcome
Reality: The People Are Kind, Warm, Funny, and Curious
Did people stare? Yes. But it wasn’t hostile—it was curiosity. Everywhere we went, people wanted to talk, laugh, and share their culture. We took a Bollywood dance class, learned about Jaipur’s famous gemstones, and enjoyed live music demonstrations. Everyone was eager to get us involved and show us a more personal side of India.
Our guide, Mahaveer, introduced us to fascinating people and helped translate when we wanted to learn more. Maha was the best trip leader I’ve ever had. He balanced history, humor, and logistics while making us feel completely at home in a country so different from our own.
Expectation: You’ll Get Delhi Belly
Reality: The Food in India Is Insanely Good (And Delhi Belly is Avoidable)
I was so worried about this. As someone with a few food intolerances, nausea and I are close personal friends. I learned that I was not alone in my fear. Delhi Belly was one of the first topics our group discussed, with some awkward laughter on the first day.
It turned out we had no reason to be worried. While Delhi Belly is real, it’s avoidable with the right precautions. Our guide also handled everyone’s dietary restrictions with ease. I think cows should be a sacred animal everywhere if it means I get as many delicious vegetarian options as I did in India.
The food in India was unreal! Every meal was served family-style so we could try a wide variety of Indian cuisine. We couldn’t have been happier than when food was put down in front of us. So delighted, we coined the phrase, “This is why we do it,” whenever something new was presented to us. Our group had such a ferocious appetite that we even bit into serving dishes a few times, thinking they were edible.
We went “nom, nom, nom on the naan, naan, naan” (T-shirts coming soon) and drank Masala Chai every chance we got. We all agreed this trip ruined our local Indian restaurants forever.
Favorite Foods We Ate in India:
- Aloo Gobi - Spiced cauliflower
- Palak Patta Chaat - Crispy fried spinach topped with chutney
- Banana Lassi - A yogurt-based smoothie
- Paneer - A soft, mild cheese
- Chole Bhature - Spicy black chickpeas served with fried bread, red onions, and potatoes
- Murgh Makhani - Butter chicken in tomato curry
Expectation: Is India unsafe for women?
Reality: U30X Creates a Safe, Empowering Experience
India still has work to do on women’s safety and equity, but change is happening. India is already taking steps in the right direction with women-only communities, women’s helplines, and increased female employment initiatives paving the way for progress.
U30X included two opportunities to support India’s women's empowerment movement. Supporting these women-led businesses was a trip highlight of mine:
- Lunch at Sheroes Hangout - A cafe run by women who survived acid attacks. This was a really powerful moment on our trip. Hearing their stories, I was moved by their resilience and bravery.
- A rickshaw tour with Pink City Rickshaw - An all-women driver rickshaw company in Jaipur.
Both businesses give women the chance to earn independent income and build a community with other women. I encourage everyone to think about what you would like to talk to these women about. Their perspective was fascinating.
As guests in the country, we were aware of the treatment toward women but never felt unsafe. Traveling with other women and always being with our trip leader, we didn’t experience any harassment.
Book Recommendation:
To better understand the societal expectations of women in India, consider adding (M)otherhood by Pragya Agarwal to your pre-trip reading. The book discusses societal, historical, and scientific factors that drive how we think and talk about motherhood but it also shares Pragya’s personal story as a woman in India in an arranged marriage and her struggles with the societal expectations that India places on women to get married and have children. It covers how women’s bodies are monitored in South Asian countries and her struggle for independence. It’s eye-opening and will give you more perspective when speaking to the amazing women at Sheroes Cafe and the drivers of Pink City Rickshaw.
Expectation: India is a Place for Spiritual Enlightenment
Reality: You’ll Get A Glimpse of India’s Spirituality, But Not an Awakening
If you’ve ever read Eat, Pray, Love or scrolled through social media, it’s easy to believe that you’ll meet a guru in India and embark on an introspective journey. While India is deeply spiritual, you won’t magically find yourself in nine days. That being said, we had some incredible moments at religious and spiritual locations.
We visited Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh shrine, to learn about the Sikh religion, listen to the spiritual chanting, and participate in the bread-making for the community kitchen. We also explored one of India’s largest mosques, Jama Masjid, and encountered many Hindu places of worship. On our final day in Jaipur, our group had a crazy experience with a horoscope expert at the astronomical observatory. The man told me blue is my lucky color and if I wear it, I’ll live to be 120 years old. (Guess what color all my souvenirs are?)
Hint: Look up exactly what time you were born before this activity.
Why You Need To Visit India’s Golden Triangle
India surprised me, challenged me, and left me wanting more. I knew I had to change people’s preconceived notions of India and share the beauty of this complex country.
I also left India with eleven new friends! This trip was filled with so much joy and laughter. I’m so thankful that traveling with U30X allowed me to meet more solo female travelers. Women whom I have no doubt I’ll travel with again soon.
If you want to experience India in the best, safest, and most exciting way possible, book with U30X. Your visit to the Golden Triangle of India will not be one you forget!
