The Red Fort
One never forgets their first arrival into India - especially after traveling for almost 24 hours around the world and arriving at the airport at 3 o'clock in the morning. The sights, sounds and smells around me triggered a heightened awareness that I was in a new land and about to recalibrate my senses on a whole new level. It was a whole new world out there on the streets of Delhi and I was ready for this new life experience.
I arrived into Delhi with a friend to celebrate his 40th birthday on the Palace of Wheels. This magnificent train reminiscent of the days when Maharajahs traveled the country in their own private rail cars is perfect for the first time visitor who wants to see the vast region of Rajasthan in one week. The trip starts in Delhi and makes it way to the great cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and ending with a stop in Agra to see the Taj Mahal.
India is a beautiful country of contrasts with a rich history. Its powerful economic base in manufacturing, services and high technology is the engine behind the nation's unprecedented growth. The infrastructure of the country is continually improving and growing in leaps and bounds. The hospitality industry in one segment of the economy that is seeing impressive growth with new hotels, restaurants and other tourism related industries.
