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Travel Report India by Ullrich H. Angersbach: Colors, Contrasts & Sacred Traditions

Why India?

India is not a country—it is a world. A mosaic of languages, religions, landscapes, and traditions, it challenges and fascinates at every turn. I – Ullrich H. Angersbach – traveled through Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi, following part of the famous “Golden Triangle” and venturing to the sacred Ganges.

What impressed me most was the intensity: the sounds of street markets, the colors of saris, the rituals at riversides, and the layers of history visible in forts, temples, and mosques.

For US travelers: India requires a tourist visa for entry. The easiest option is the eVisa, available online for stays up to 30 or 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Always print a copy of your eVisa for arrival.

 

 

 

 

Arrival & First Impressions

Most flights from the US arrive in Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM). The first shock is the scale—crowds, traffic, honking, and vibrant energy.

Costs (USD approx.):

  • Coffee in Delhi: USD 2
  • Street food snack: USD 1–2
  • Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: USD 10–15 per person
  • Mid-range hotel: USD 60–120 per night
  • Domestic flight (Delhi–Varanasi): USD 40–80

Tip: Carry small bills. Credit cards work in hotels and big restaurants, but markets and taxis are cash-driven.

Delhi – past and present side by side

India’s capital is split between the Mughal-era Old Delhi and the planned avenues of New Delhi.

  • Red Fort: massive sandstone fortress, UNESCO site.
  • Jama Masjid: one of the largest mosques in India.
  • Chandni Chowk Market: chaotic, aromatic, unforgettable.
  • Qutub Minar: towering 12th-century minaret.
  • India Gate & Parliament: colonial and modern icons.

Agra – the Taj Mahal & Mughal legacy

Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, the marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. Seeing it at sunrise, when the marble glows pink, is unforgettable.

  • Taj Mahal: entry fee ~USD 15 for foreigners.
  • Agra Fort: another Mughal masterpiece.
  • Mehtab Bagh Gardens: best sunset view of the Taj.

Jaipur – the Pink City

Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, is known for its rose-colored old city walls.

  • Amber Fort: overlooking hills, with ornate halls and courtyards.
  • City Palace: blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
  • Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): intricate façade with hundreds of windows.
  • Markets: textiles, jewelry, handicrafts—Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise.

Varanasi – sacred city on the Ganges

Varanasi is India’s spiritual heart, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities.

  • Ghats of the Ganges: pilgrims bathe, priests perform rituals, funeral pyres burn.
  • Boat ride at dawn: the river reflects chants, bells, and rising sun.
  • Evening Aarti ceremony: lamps, music, and devotion on the riverbanks.

Note: Varanasi can feel overwhelming, but it is deeply moving and unforgettable.

Health & Safety for US Travelers

  • Vaccinations: The CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine shots. Depending on itinerary, also consider Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised in rural areas.
  • Water & food: Drink only bottled or filtered water. Avoid raw salads; stick to cooked foods and fruits you peel yourself.
  • Medical care: Excellent hospitals in big cities, limited in rural areas. Travel insurance essential.
  • Safety: Crowds, scams, and pickpockets possible in tourist areas. Use hotel taxis or ride-hailing apps for safety. Women should dress modestly.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Best seasons: October–March for pleasant weather. Summers (April–June) are hot; monsoon (July–Sept) brings heavy rains.
  • Transport: Domestic flights are cheap. Trains are iconic but busy; book early. Private drivers are a comfortable option for long trips.
  • Language: Hindi is official; English widely spoken in tourism.
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). USD not accepted directly—exchange or use ATMs.
  • Power: 230V, Type C/D plugs—bring adapter.

Conclusion: India is unforgettable

India is overwhelming, challenging, and beautiful. For US travelers, it demands patience and openness, but rewards with unmatched cultural depth: the Taj Mahal at sunrise, prayer chants on the Ganges, and meals shared in family-run restaurants. It is not just a trip—it is an experience that lingers long after you return.

Recommended Reading (English)

  • Lonely Planet: India – detailed and practical.
  • William Dalrymple: City of Djinns – history and anecdotes from Delhi.
  • E.M. Forster: A Passage to India – classic novel on colonial encounters.

More Travel Reports by Ullrich H. Angersbach

Disclaimer

This report reflects my personal impressions of India. Visa rules, health advice, and train schedules may change—always confirm before traveling.

About the Author – Ullrich H. Angersbach

I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, am drawn to places where tradition and modernity coexist. India overwhelmed me, inspired me, and challenged me in equal measure. I write for US travelers who want to see not just monuments, but the rhythm of life itself.

Copyright

© 2025 Ullrich H. Angersbach. All rights reserved. No part of this text may be copied or reused without written permission.