Hello friends,
As you know, I usually only share recipes here. But from time to time, I like to tell you about my travels or encounters — always with food in the background!
So here’s a glimpse of my trip to India!
An unforgettable trip
I had the pleasure of going to India, specifically Rajasthan and Delhi, in October 2024. It’s high time I told you about it.
Food as a common thread
But before telling you more (and especially showing you a few shots of this wonderful country), here are some Indian recipes already available on the blog:
- cheese naans
- red potato curry
- tikka masala chicken
- tandoori chicken
- express tikka masala chicken (can also be made as meatballs)
(more to come of course and they’ll be available here)
The first stage of my trip to India
I arrived from Paris to Delhi late at night, waited a bit more and then caught a flight to Jaipur!
Nicknamed the “Pink City,” Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan in northwestern India. It charms travelers with its majestic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant colors. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur offers a captivating mix of history, tradition, and modernity. Here are some must-see sites to visit during your stay.
Hawa Mahal
The Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) is one of Jaipur’s iconic landmarks. This pink sandstone façade, pierced with 953 small windows, allowed royal harem women to observe city life without being seen. Its honeycomb structure is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort, located about ten kilometers from downtown, sits atop a hill overlooking Maota Lake. This majestic fort is a gem blending Hindu and Mughal styles. You can reach it by elephant or jeep, and inside you’ll find courtyards, gardens, and palaces like the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors.
Stepwell
The stepwell at Amber Fort, located near the famous fort in Jaipur, is a fascinating structure — both clever and impressive. It was used to store water and allowed fort residents to access water by descending several levels, depending on the water table. This type of well was common in India’s arid regions. With its multiple levels of stairs, it’s not only an engineering marvel but also a picturesque spot, drawing many visitors fascinated by its unique design and ancient history.
City Palace
The City Palace, located in the heart of Jaipur, is a large complex that still houses the royal family’s residence. It includes several museums, inner courtyards, art galleries, and historic buildings like the Mubarak Mahal and the Chandra Mahal.
The streets of Jaipur
Wandering the lively streets of Jaipur was another highlight of my time in the Pink City. I love feeling the pulse of a city by following my instincts — and my camera…
Jaipur is an enchanting city, blending royal traditions and contemporary energy. Every visit is a sensory immersion in the heart of Rajasthan.
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The second stage of my trip to India
Back to Delhi (or New Delhi) and this time I’m leaving the airport to spend a few days exploring the wonders of this incredible, immense city, bustling and full of surprises!
Capital of India, Delhi is a city with many faces, where millennia-old history meets the buzz of modernity. Divided between Old Delhi, with its traditional charm, and New Delhi, more modern and airy, the city is filled with iconic monuments, sacred temples, lively markets and majestic parks. Here is an overview of must-see places to visit.
The Red Fort is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan, this red sandstone fort once housed the imperial residence. Its imposing walls, inner palaces and gardens evoke all the splendor of the Mughal era.
Qutb Minar
First stop: Qutb Minar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a 73-meter-high tower built in the 12th century to celebrate the Muslim victory over the Rajputs. Its Indo-Islamic style and delicate Quranic inscriptions carved into the stone make it a historical masterpiece.
India Gate
India Gate, the triumphal arch of New Delhi, pays tribute to Indian soldiers who died during the First World War. Located in the heart of a vast park, it is especially beautiful at dusk, when the monument is illuminated.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, a forerunner of the Taj Mahal, is a sublime Mughal mausoleum surrounded by Persian gardens. It’s a place of calm and architectural beauty well worth visiting. I was charmed by this site and the incredible colors of the buildings. It must be said that the light in India is warm!
Dilli Haat Market
A stop to bring back some souvenirs for family and friends, a must-do in all my travels… Mission accomplished here!
The Streets of Delhi
“Getting lost” in Delhi was also a moment I particularly enjoyed. You leave the tourist spots and see real Indian life. It’s amazing!
The final stage of my trip to India
How could you go to India without seeing the Taj Mahal?? Impossible!
A childhood dream
The Taj Mahal has been a childhood dream for me. As a little girl, I cut out many pictures of the Taj Mahal from an issue of Géo magazine and decorated my room with them. It always symbolized travel, escape, beauty! And I was not disappointed—far from it!! A powerful emotion overwhelmed me during my visit, something I had never felt before!
The Taj Mahal, located in Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is undoubtedly the most iconic monument in India. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. This architectural masterpiece is much more than just a mausoleum: it is a universal symbol of love and beauty.
The origin of the Taj Mahal
Built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child. Devastated by this loss, the emperor had this grand mausoleum erected to celebrate their eternal love. The entire complex bears witness to the artistic and technical excellence of Mughal artisans.
The Taj Mahal is built of pristine white marble from Rajasthan, inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, and coral. It stands majestically on a terrace by the Yamuna River, and is beautifully reflected in the central pool. At dawn, it blushes gently under the rising sun, while at sunset, it glows with almost unreal golden hues.
The central dome, over 70 meters high, is surrounded by four symmetrical minarets. Inside, the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal rests in the center, while that of Shah Jahan was added after his death, slightly off-center to preserve the original symmetry. The actual tombs of the couple lie in a crypt below.
A place full of emotion
The site also includes a mosque, a guest house, and vast gardens inspired by Persian style, representing paradise as imagined in Islam.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the Taj Mahal impresses with the emotion it evokes. It embodies the idea that love can transcend time, death, and history. When visiting India, the Taj Mahal is a must-see, both for its rich history and the awe it inspires.
My culinary discoveries during this trip to India
Like a common thread, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article… cuisine is always present! I discovered and rediscovered some iconic Indian dishes. A burst of flavors for my taste buds, a delight for my eyes—this Indian week was an incredible culinary journey!
I do hope that after reading this article you’re ready to grab your passport and to go to India, a country I can not wait to go back to!!
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