Final thoughts

India is a beautiful country full of contrasts - rich & poor, beautiful & filthy.

India is also full of many happy and tolerant people that I feel richer for having met.

Day 9 - Agra

I got up early so we could see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal - another highlight!

We then shot up to the beautiful Agra Fort & battled with some street vendors!

Brunch was on a hill overlooking the Taj Mahal, then it was off for a tour of Dehli and the flight home.

Day 8 - Agra

We travelled to Agra to see the stunning Taj Mahal. Words can't do justice to describe the magnificent shrine.

In the evening we dressed up & attended an Indian styled wedding.

Day 7 - Jaipur

Another day in the amazing palace! We had a business session in the morning where we heard some interesting facts about the market, what makes success, the human body and a local business called www.freeset.com .

We had lunch at another palace! An adviser joked with some other visitors that he had just popped in for a sandwich after we were led by a fancy procession!

We hit the markets again and rode a camel.

Today was Holi Day where the locals celebrate harvests and throw paint at each other. It's a crazy place.

Dinner was great with entertainers & vendors.

Day 6 - Jaipur

I decided to experience the markets rather than see the Amber Fort. It was a crazy but interesting, unforgettable experience.

I toured the palace and then we headed off to play elephant polo in the Maharajah's back yard. This was another huge highlight that was a lot of fun.

I also went along to the local elephant festival where there were some amazing painted elephants and loads of people.

Dinner was lovely and the bed was divine.

Day 5 - Jaipur

I got up at dawn to watch the fisherman returning with their catch. I then joined in the yoga class which I really enjoyed & want to do more of. The resort planted a tree as a memorial to our stay which was very memorable.

We flew to Mumbai & then on to the opulent Taj Rambagh Palace. This is one of the finest places to stay anywhere in the world - I felt like a billion dollars!

Day 4 - Marari Beach

Had a delicious breakfast on board the boat before heading off in a convoy Ambassador cars (they look like oxfords) to the beach resort. We saw paddy fields and lots of friendly locals. At the resort we had a spa, cooking class, played volley ball & dipped our toes in the Arabian Sea.

In my travel diary, I wrote "Life is truly good & I feel immensely blessed..."

Day 3 - Alleppey

We hopped on a bus & travelled to our houseboats. I felt like a million dollars the moment I boarded. The cruise was interesting and insightful as we cruised the back waters.

We joined the locals in a snake boat race. These boats are huge!

Day 2 - Cochin

It was an easy start to the day, then a boat trip to the welcome lunch via the chinese fishing nets which are still being used. We were greeted my management dressed traditionally which was a nice touch.

After lunch we were taken for a tour in a convoy of motor scooters (called tuk tuks).

Dinner was delicous and the show that was put on for us was amazing.

Day 1 - Cochin

Singapore Air certainly know about customer service. They looked after us really well & when we arrived at the beautiful Taj Malabar, we were treated to a warm welcome.