A Journey Through India – Reflections from Elize Morkel

2024-10-16T12:56:54+00:00

*Before departing for India, I was warned about the chaos, the poverty, and the possibility of getting sick. I couldn’t have anticipated the joy and richness of the experience that awaited me. From the moment we landed in Delhi, I was swept away by the beauty, hospitality, and vibrancy of India.*

Our Live the Journey tour began with a warm welcome in Delhi—colourful garlands around our necks and smiles from our Indian guide, who quickly felt like family. Driving through the wide avenues of New Delhi, lined with stunning gardens and flowers, I realised this was just the beginning of a beautiful adventure.

Typically, I’m a lazy tourist, more inclined to rest than rush off to excursions. But in India, I didn't want to miss a thing! We visited palaces, forts, temples, and mosques, each adorned with ancient works of art, marble inlays, and precious stones. It was like stepping into a photographer's dream.

One of my fondest memories was our visit to the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, where a renowned ornithologist guided us. The calm of nature was a perfect counterbalance to the bustling cities, and watching the sunset over the Betwa River in Orchha was magical. It was Easter weekend, and this tranquil village, filled with coral-coloured flowers, offered the perfect moment of reflection.

Though shopping isn’t usually a priority for me, India was a delightful exception. From hand-blocked printed textiles to intricate jewellery and silk scarves, I couldn’t resist the beauty and craftsmanship on display. Each piece told a story.

The people of India are just as fascinating as the sites. I marvelled at the women, with their vibrant saris and graceful presence. Our group was often asked to pose for selfies, which led to spontaneous conversations with locals. On my birthday, while sitting next to an elderly woman in a beautiful sari, I was reminded of my mother and how connected we all are, no matter the distance. Live the Journey also gave us a unique insight into Indian life by arranging a meal in a local family's home, complete with a cooking demonstration. We even got to participate in Holi, the Festival of Colours! Decked out in white, we spent a joyous morning throwing plant-based paint, dancing, and savouring good food.

I can’t forget the food! Every meal was a culinary adventure, with fragrant sauces, rich vegetable dishes, and delicious breads like roti and naan. And then there was the ice cream—an indulgence that quickly became a daily necessity, as our guide would say, "for physical and mental health."

India is a land of contrasts. The chaotic traffic, with tuk-tuks weaving through the streets, cows wandering peacefully, and vendors bustling—it’s all part of the charm. Even our train journeys were pleasant, with dedicated seats and porters piling our bags high on their heads, straight out of a colonial-era movie.

One of the most moving parts of the trip was our visit to Varanasi, where we witnessed the morning and evening prayer ceremonies along the Ganges. The reverence and devotion of the Hindu pilgrims left a lasting impression. Live the Journey handled these cultural intersections with grace, bridging differences in faith and background. Throughout the trip, every detail was handled with care. We stayed in luxurious hotels, traveled in comfort, and our small group of 10 was treated to a personalised experience. My birthday was celebrated with cake, and everyone’s needs were met with sensitivity and kindness. Live the Journey’s passion for India shone through in every moment.

Some of my personal highlights were the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, Gandhi’s last residence, and the temple where he was assassinated. The historical and cultural depth of this country is something you can only fully appreciate when you’re standing in the midst of it. I had hesitations about traveling alone in a group, but I needn't have worried. I made wonderful new friends and left India feeling deeply connected to my fellow travellers and our local guides. We also left behind two special friends in India - Manoj, the dear tour organiser who gave each of us a carved wooden elephant and our "larger than life" tour guide - we’re already planning to reunite for the South India tour in 2025!

Elize Morkel’s experience is just one of many stories from our India tours. We invite you to join us on our next adventure and create your own unforgettable memories. Whether it's North or South India, this vibrant country is waiting to capture your heart.

If you’re feeling inspired by Elize’s reflections, reach out to us today to find out more about our upcoming India tours. Explore the colours, culture, and charm of this incredible country with a group of like-minded adventurers!

What our guests say

2018-10-05T12:13:08+00:00

We are grateful for all feedback received from our guests. Here is a selection from recently completed tours.

The tour we had from Lüderitz to Walvis Bay was one of the best experiences my husband and I ever had. I have never camped in my life before and went with an open mind. Well, to say I was blown away by the journey is an understatement. The Namib Desert took my breath away. Our guide Len explained the ecosystem and history in such detail. He was outstanding. From driving to handling challenging situations (and guests) and cooking. He made me feel safe and brave. And can Len recover a vehicle almost without breaking a sweat! Luciano and Miles did all the hard work. They were neat and clean and tidy. They presented the meals stunningly. I will definitely buy their Live the Journey Uri camping cookbook. Luciano's coleslaw recipe is a must. I must also complement Miles on always having a hot shower ready when I needed one (everyday). These boys were super hosts! What a pleasure. My husband and I travelled alone and met the most amazing people on this trip. I feel richer and blessed by getting to know the characters that crossed our path in such a small timespan. We had a blast! Thank you Live the Journey for creating the opportunity so that we can experience one of the most precious places that God created on this earth. We are definitely planning to see you in the future.
- Melissa and Anton Knoetze, Lüderitz to Walvis Bay, September 2018

The more I have to tell people about our trip, the more I feel that we have only been there in a flash of a moment. Suddenly things here are overrated and too much. We had more enjoyment with the basics there than with the luxuries here. I felt more connected to all of you there than I now feel towards some of my lifelong friends here. This trip is forever burnt in my memories and one of the most fulfilling experiences ever. Thank you to all of you who has been part of this amazing journey.
- Leatitia De Lange, Mongolia 4x4 Guided Self-drive Adventure, August 2018

Len, Luciano and Johnny were extremely professional, yet humble, friendly, and SO MUCH FUN. We enjoyed every moment with them. Len's calmness diffused many a stressful situation and the team's sense of humour made what could have been an enjoyable tour, an unforgettable one. They are on top of their game with regards to knowledge of the area and the different vehicles on tour, and their teamwork is outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they handled each guest (youngest 7 years, oldest 79 years) with the utmost respect, ease and care. Look after those three guys - they are worth their weight in gold!!!!
- Guest Feedback, Faces of the Namib, August 2018

Absolutely enjoyed every moment of the tour!! We had a good group with us and André and team did an exceptionally well job (I would request that he be my tour leader for any upcoming events), the food was great and especially my Elephant poop Birthday Cake (wasn’t hungry at the time so didn’t have slice ) Thank you for your assistance with everything, Jeanette, you have been fantastic!!
- Ryan Otto, Kunene River Mouth, July 2018

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A Journey Through India – Reflections from Elize Morkel

What our guests say