February 19, 2026
“India will astound you, and Nepal will enchant you!” said many an experienced traveler when I told them I was going to India and Nepal on my first-ever adventure to that part of the world. My frequent travel companion since our college years, Judy Yozzo, joined me in choosing Odysseys Unlimited’s Mystical India with Ranthambore Tiger Preserve and opting for the post-trip extension to Nepal.
Though we had never traveled on an Odysseys Unlimited itinerary, we had both perused many an enticing catalog, adding to our excitement. And when we met our group of 11 from all parts of the US, we knew we’d enjoy the coming days even more than anticipated.
The Sikh temple in Delhi. Photo: Odysseys employee Melissa H.
Our first three days exploring New Delhi and Old Delhi lived up to expectations: the legendary Red Fort, the understated yet touching simple black stone slab that memorialized Mahatma Gandhi, and the rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, where the excitement of one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets left us with an array of images bursting with color and life.
Most moving of all to Judy and me was the visit to a remarkable Sikh Temple, where all were welcomed to learn more about the traditions of this religion that few Americans are familiar with. Impressively, all who visit will be fed for free, whether they are impoverished or wealthy. Groups of 2,000 are nourished with a healthy plate of food, cooked and served by volunteers, with a new group seated on the floor every 20 minutes through the day and into the evening.
As visitors, though we didn’t partake of the meal, each of us who wanted was given one of the sweets that concluded the meal, then toured the kitchen where soups steamed in giant kettles and fragrant bread was baking in large ovens.
A tiger stalks through Ranthambore. Photo: Melissa H.
The next day’s trip to Jaipur, where we spent three intriguing days, showcased the beauty of the region and its many architectural and agricultural accomplishments. Then it was on to Ranthambore National Park, and one of the most thrilling experiences of all for me, a life-long animal person. Staying at a lovely lodge just outside of Ranthambore for two nights, our group embarked on three game drives. On every one, we spotted TIGERS, a total of 10! I had hoped for at least one sighting, so this was a true bonanza.
Peggy with local schoolchildren in Gadoli
Our next stop was Gadoli and the Clement Retreat, with a stop at a wonderful school, where students from six to 10 were eager to show us their work, practice their English, and join us for selfies (most taken by the children, who were far more expert than us!). At the Retreat, which produced much of the delectable food we consumed, we had a chance to try cricket (with mixed results…), and the women in the group had hands and feet individually decorated with spectacular henna designs that lasted until the end of the trip, and beyond.
The magnificent Taj Mahal. Photo: Melissa H.
Then to Agra and the spectacular Taj Mahal. Thousands, perhaps millions, of words have been written about this true wonder, so I won’t attempt to surpass them. Just one word will do: our first view was literally breathtaking – an indrawn gasp at its unmatchable beauty. Among our group, literally hundreds of images were taken, but no photo can capture the splendor of this remarkable sight.
Peggy on the shores of the Ganges
Next, Varanasi, where we began our first full day with a private yoga class. Our time in Varanasi coincided with the festival of Holi, so we joined in the local tradition of throwing colorful flower petals and colored flour at each other, clad in garb – initially pure white, but soon multi-colored – provided by our local Odysseys Unlimited guide, who was a gem throughout.
That evening we cruised on the sacred Ganges, to observe the traditional funeral pyres that blazed in several spots along the bank. Returning next morning, there were many family members of the dead washing in the river; modesty-preserving changing shelters were provided for women after their ablutions, but many were content to change on the banks or steps.
A private sitar performance was the highlight of our final afternoon in India, before another wonderful meal and hugs all around as our new-found friends began departing for home. As we walked through the streets to the musician’s home studio, cattle brushed past, paying us no more mind than they would a statue or a lamp post.
Cattle in the marketplace in Varanasi
Peggy and Judy with their guide Sanjay in Kathmandu
Judy and I – and a couple from Hawaii – continued to yet another adventure: four days in Nepal, including the thrill of a flight along the Himalayas, and the sight of majestic Everest. Each of us had two seats, so no one would miss a sighting or a photo on this beautiful day above the clouds.
The mountain lodge we stayed at in Nagarkot provided amazing views, and nearby trails lured us down the slopes. On one memorable outing, we stopped at a private home, where two toddlers were awaiting the school bus to take them to their Montessori preschool. Hand-crafted metal singing bowls, prayer flags and chakra pennants filled our remaining suitcase spaces as we reluctantly packed for home.
A local mother and child wait for school in Nepal
Each wondrous day was filled with remarkable experiences at every turn, including two home-hosted meals (one of which included a cooking lesson). We spent our nights in some of the best hotels and lodges in the country, many of them part of the Taj hotel group.
Judy with the group's Tour Director Shailesh
Our leaders-guides in both India and Nepal were fountains of knowledge, helping explain the long and varied histories of these lands. And Judy remarked again and again how the trip was eased by having almost every expense covered by the tour fee (with the exception of gratuities for our primary guides, so we could express our thanks personally).
Bottom line: on Day 3 of this superb tour, I knew I would return, and soon!
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