India is all about colour – be it the saffron robes of the monks, the red turban of the grain merchant, or the sun setting on the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
When did you first visit India?
50 years ago, in 1974.
What is one thing you would tell someone that had never visited the country before?
It’s changing fast – so go now
What is one thing that every traveller to India should do, a must-eat or must visit?
Masala chai served in a clay pot on the side of the road.
How would you describe India in a single sentence?
India is all about colour – be it the saffron robes of the monks, the red turban of the grain merchant, or the sun setting on the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
What would a tour there with you look like?
My next trip is a 16-day tour of Rajasthan in late October. Starting and finishing in Delhi, it includes the main heritage sites such as The Taj in Agra; Amber Fort, and Jantar Mantar Observatory in Jaipur; the Mehrangath Fort in Jodhpur and the Palace in Udaipur, as well as stepwells and religious sites. It includes Diwali in Jaipur and time at the Camel Fair in Pushkar, and accommodation is varied and includes modern rooms, traditional heritage buildings, a place labelled a palace and places selected for their special location. A daily food experience is promised: as varied as visiting local markets, having a cooking class, eating with locals, and eating at selected restaurants.
What were your first impressions?
Colour and taste. New Zealand food in 1974 was very bland – or typically British –whereas in India it was truly local food. All ingredients were sourced locally and herbs and spices were widely used for flavour – not just salt and pepper and Wattie’s tomato sauce
