Staff Stories: Talking India with Wayne Szczambura
From unforgettable animal encounters to the finest Golden Triangle sights, our Northeast Account Manager, Wayne Szczambura, lifts the lid on his recent trip to India.
If you’ve followed our blog for a while, you’ll know that we adore all things India – from the ancient Hindu temples and winding backwaters of the south to Ranthambore’s tiger-rich national parks, there’s a lot to love. We can talk all day about reasons to book a wish-list trip to the Indian subcontinent, but nothing does this enchanting destination justice quite like a first-hand account from one of our most recent tours.
Our Northeast Account Manager, Wayne, was fortunate enough to join one of our wish-list escapes to Northern India and we’ve been keen to chat to him about his experience. From his first impressions of the country and favourite sights to a foodie’s insight into the culinary delights on offer across the tour, here’s what Wayne had to say:
1. Was this your first time in India and, if so, what surprised you most about it?
First time! I’d been to Sri Lanka before and loved it there, so was super excited to be visiting another one of my wish-list destinations. My biggest surprise? I loved the people, being greeted by happy faces and seeing the locals so proud of their culture and homeland was truly a great unforgettable experience. I have travelled to many countries but have to say India was by far one of the friendliest countries I have ever visited.
2. Given there’s a fair bit of travel between destinations, how did you find the overall running of the tour?
I loved the flow of the tour, there was always something to look forward to and even during the travel between destinations, all you had to do is look out the window and be mesmerised by the sights and scenes - it really felt like a movie from the coach window! With the tour manager highlighting many traditions and funny stories along the way and of course waving at the locals along the way!
3. India obviously has a number of really well-known sights – were they just as impressive in person?
Absolutely! Of course, I’d seen the Taj Mahal all over social media and on travel documentaries. But to stand right next to it and go inside was unbelievable and truly a breath-taking experience! I enjoyed being surprised by the things I had no idea about before the tour. Like the stepwell in Chand Baori. I actually gasped when I saw it and got goosebumps! To see it up close was really memorable and trying to work out how the local people built it all those years ago is mind blowing.
4. Were there areas you visited that you think should be celebrated and visited more?
Hard to say one as I would happily go back and see them all again. I loved Jaipur, it wasn’t on my radar as much as Delhi and Agra, but I fell in love with the pink city! I just loved the buzz of it and what it had to offer including the Jantar Mantar there. Even now back home, I still have no idea how they made the sundial and other contraptions so precise at this astronomical observation site. I’d go back there in a heartbeat!
5. How’s your spice tolerance usually? Did the food meet/ exceed your expectations?
I was super excited on trying the food. I am a foodie tourist and to have some cooking demonstrations featured on the tour was perfect for me. Of course, there was spice everywhere but it’s up to you on how much you try as most places offered international foods too. I just loved trying what I call the ‘real deal’ – the local curries were absolutely delicious. My personal favourite was the fresh naan with every meal – it beats the supermarket versions any day of the week!
6. Are there any tips you’d give to first-time travellers to India?
Embrace it! The tour managers are fantastic at introducing you to the local culture and they are really good at explaining how and why they do many different things to us. There are quite a few differences compared to the UK, and I believe that’s why going in with an open mind helps you make incredible memories.
7. If you had to pick one particular highlight, would it be?
Too many to say! I know that’s a cop out but it’s true. As mentioned above, I love the buzz of Jaipur. Getting to see the Taj Mahal in person and of course the search for tigers really added the cherry on top of the cake!
8. What would you say to the others who might be on the fence about travelling to India?
It’s not what you think - of course the way of life is different, but when you’re in the thick of it creating memories, you truly see this destination through a new pair of eyes. I just loved the culture and all the thrills of seeing new things!
9. Maybe most importantly of all: did you manage to see any tigers?
Yes, we did! We’d been out and about for a long time seeing many animals but just couldn’t find a tiger. After a while, the naturalist asked us if we wanted to head back to the hotel or try another final 15 minutes as our time was almost up, so we gave it one last try. Not long later, we spotted a tigress on the hunt - she had no luck so decided to sit herself next to a lake to relax only a few feet to the side of us! I loved this moment and to get so close was phenomenal.
10. And if you had to sum up your whole experience in three words, what would they be?
Surprising, fun & unforgettable!
Witness the wonders of Northern India with Newmarket Holidays
If you’re after an animal-spotting encounter with the local wildlife or are dreaming of India’s seeing India’s iconic landmarks for yourself, our friendly holiday planners are eager to help you live your travel dreams. Give them a call to get the ball rolling on your Indian escape, or to simply chat about which wish-list tour is right for you. For our full itineraries, you can visit our dedicated India webpage or check out our full range of destinations.
