(Click on the links for detailed info on the sites, and additional interior and incredible photos.)
Namaste,
Marina Bay Sands Building
My husband and I planned this trip 2 years ago, as soon as the cruise itinerary was posted. We had traveled extensively but a journey to this part of the globe would have been our first. The plan was to fly into Delhi/India to visit the Baha’i Temple and Taj Mahal. Next, fly to Singapore, where we would take a 31-day cruise. After spending two days in Singapore exploring the Marina Bay Sands building and enjoying Singaporean chilli crab (I must add, my recipe tastes better), we would start our cruise.
Radhika of Sinsations Cakes invited us for dinner at her home in Singapore. This was my first time visiting one of the fellow Bloggers in person. Unfortunately, we did not take any photos. Radhika warmly greeted us. We were pleased to meet her husband and both of her parents as well. It was a wonderful first meeting and we were treated to varieties of Indian vegetarian appetizers and main dishes. Yum! Thank you Darling Radhika.
We began our cruise to visit 9 countries (12 ports of call) we had never been to, including a stop at Mumbai/India.
I will start with magical India, land of colorful saris, aromatic spices, and spirituality.
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While in Delhi, notable places we visited:
The Baha’i Lotus Temple is one of the remarkable architectures of The Baha’i Faith. It is located at Kalkaji in
New Delhi. The temple looks like a lotus flower and is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. It provides an immaculate environment for meditation, peace and wisdom. The Baha’i temple was completed in 1986.
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Humayun’s tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site, built 1565 ~ 1572) Hamida Banu Begum, his grieving widow, built Emperor Humayun’s mausoleum. Precursor to the Taj-Mahal, it stands on a platform 12,000 square meters and reaches a height of 47 meters. The earliest example of Persian influence in Indian architecture, the tomb has within it over 100 graves, earning it the name, ‘Dormitory of the Mughals’. Built of rubble masonry, the structure is the first to use red sandstone and white marble in such great quantities. The small canopies on the terrace were originally covered in glazed blue tiles, and the brass finial over the white marble dome is itself 6 meters high.
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Akshardham (Delhi) Besides showcasing 10,000 years of Indian architectural heritage and culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, the sprawling Akshardham temple complex, built in 2005 on the banks of the Yamuna boasts several attractions. These include, The hall of Values; giant screen theater, Yagnapurush Kund and musical fountain, India’s largest stepwell; a fascinating 15 minute boat ride experience of the Indian heritage.
(Photography was not allowed outside or inside. These two photos are downloads from the internet).
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Taj Mahal (Agra), UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Who doesn’t know about this “Crown of Palaces”, Taj Mahal (from Persian)?
It is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “The jewel of Muslim art” in India, a style that combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles, and is one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. The Taj Mahal area is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen, many from Persia, to incorporate the Persian skills of inlaid stone tiles.
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A Must See: In this 5 minute video, you will see more than what we saw in person (with story!). 
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Mumbai:
When visiting a destination as a port-of-call of a cruise itinerary, touring time is limited. The best way is to choose one of the excursions offered by the ship, to make sure you get back to the ship secure, safe and on time. Since we had already visited an adequate number of temples and spiritual places elsewhere, in Mumbai, we took an excursion to see the ‘day-to-day life of people’. We toured the city and then took a commuter train to the famous, world’s largest outdoor launderer, Dhobi Ghat. We also experienced Crawford Market and later saw how thousands of dabbawala (lunch boxes) were distributed near Churchgate Railway Station and the Gateway of India Monument.
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In summary…
This was a long overdue destination on my bucket list. Our main goal was to see the Baha’i Temple, as well as the Taj Mahal and be able to mingle with people.
We accomplished even more. India is fascinating and complicated. Everyone we spoke with was anticipating the upcoming election. People were frustrated with the present social and economic situation. The nation definitely needs changes, which the people are most willing, ready and capable of making happen.
What were highlights of my visit and images most imprinted in my mind?
The resilience of the children and extremely charming, beautiful women in their ever-so-colorful, radiant saris, ghagra choli, shalwar kameez, and intricate jewelry, especially that worn by newlyweds, all dressed up in their ornate, national ensembles, broadcasting the beginning of their affection and love union. Namaste!
P.S. Let’s not forget about the Indian food! Check out my Chicken Biryani (which still is a great recipe without the chicken… for the vegans/vegetarians, just replace with veggies!).
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Hi, Fae! It’s Tammy from the Ocean Princess Cruise. I just discovered your blog on Ian’s FB page and will visit it frequently! Love the recipes I’ve seen so far and of course the memories of our cruise! Take care, Fae, and tell Hubby “Hi!” for me!
Hello Dear Tammy, What a pleasant surprise!!! Thank you so much for making contact. I noticed that you have ‘Liked’ me on FB too. So far, I have exchanged e-mail communications with Ian and Rae. I write the very basics on the travels, but very detailed recipes. You might find something in my Recipe Index that would be to your/your family’s liking. Please visit me again through FB, blog and/or privately through my Contact page.
Fae.
Fae, this travel post is lovely and thank you for sharing your trip with me. Be well, Tracey
Welcome back dear Fae. What an incredible trip! Great photos and I actually squealed when first reading that you and Radhika met in person – how amazing and awesome is that! But as I mentioned on Radhika’s site, how could you guys possibly not have taken even one picture? We ARE bloggers after all. In any event, thank you for the wonderful travelogue and look forward to now catching up with the rest of the posts. xo
Guilty as charge, dear Azita.
Welcome back to you too! 
I have posted 3 so far, and I have 2 more to post to finish my travelogue.
My best friend and I have always wanted to visit India and from your gorgeous photos, I really want to go now!
Travelling with a friend is wonderful. It is even better if you have someone there to visit too.
What a lovely place to start! Welcome back!
Thank you, Erika!
Welcome back, Fae! Your trip sounds amazing, and I’m not surprised your recipes are tastier than some of the dishes you sampled! Your photos are lovely–thank you for sharing with us. And how great that you met a blogger friend while you were at it!
Thank you, Patty. Meeting Radhika in person was really special.
Wow sounds like an amazing trip, Fae! Thanks for sharing it with us. Welcome back! We missed you 😉
Thank you, Abby!
Your trip to India sounds really good, interesting & you visited a lot of different places,etc!
xxx
Thanks for this fun traveling post, dear Fae & welcome back!
Thank, dear Sophie, I’m posting the next destination soon.
Hi Fae! Glad you had a great trip! Beautiful photos! 😀
Thank you, Samantha!
Hi Fae, What an amazing trip! The photos are amazing. The pic to the Taj Mahal is beyond amazing… Thank you for sharing
Thank you, Tina!
Hi Fae! Great photos …the architecture is amazing! I look forward to reading more about your trip! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Thank you, Ari. Next segment is coming up soon.
so great post and pictures as well! India is also on my bucketlist, i’ve a frind that invite me some while ago, and i think i’ll take the chance to visit these places! Beautiful Blog! Cris
Oh Cris, visiting a country, when you also have a friend there, is how you get the most out of your visit. Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Fae. Welcome back. What a wonderful journey. I love looking at all the photos. While I know about the Taj Mahal I had no idea that there are other palaces there. I love all the amazing architecture, designs, and details.
Oh, there are more, and with stories to go with it. Thanks for the visit and welcome home to you too!
Lovely to know that you had a great time in India
Thank you. It truly was wonderful.
Dear Fae, welcome back! 😉 We missed you, but it seems you had a fantastic time!! The pictures look amazing, definitely places I hope to visit too one day! Thanks for visiting my blog already 😉 Really nice to have you back, hugs, Sylvia
Thank you, Sweet Sylvia. I have more stories and recipes coming up.
Welcome home! What a lovely post and what a marvelous itinerary. How cool is it that you met a blogging friend in India!!! I love bloggers! Cheers to you my friend and I look forward to reading more about your trip. My grandparents, mother and daughter have all traveled extensively in India. Andrea, my daughter, vounteering in a drug resistant TB ward. I must go!!! Your pics are enticing!!
Oh Cindy, You must go while your daughter is still there. Being there for a while, she will show you things from different perspective. I can only imagine the photographs you will be taking.
Thank you for sharing your photos Fae – looks like Mumbai was quite the experience! The temples are quite stunning and how lovely that you got to meet Radhika. Welcome back; you have been missed!
Thank you, thank you. You can imagine it is more than what I can present in a post, just enough to keep the reader interested and get the idea. I am working on my next stop/presentations.
Wow Fae! What an incredible journey. Keep posting about your trip! I’m looking forward to hearing more and seeing your lovely photographs.
Thank you! My next post is going to be delicious too. 😀 )))
Hello dear Fae, welcome back! What a lovely trip. I love India–the people, sites, food, dress, culture… complex and fascinating indeed! I’m sure you have more to tell, looking forward to it!
I thought of you when I was going through the spice market. Your blog is full of fascinating stories and experiences. I have more to share!
Thanks for thinking of me Fae! I so wish I could have walked through the spice market with you! Oh the colors we’d see, the aromas we’d smell, and the spices I would buy!!!
Oh yes, and yes, and yes, Martine!
Wow what an amazing trip and the pictures are outstanding, there’s a whole other world out there!
There sure is. I’ll share everything I see/saw!
Welcome back! Your trip must have been truly memorable.
Yes, and I am sharing more!
)))
Reblogged this on SINSATIONS- Cakes to drool over! and commented:
It was wonderful meeting Fae in person!
Dearest Fae, it was equally wonderful meeting you and Michael! Wish you’d had more time in Singapore!
Radhika
You, your husband and parents were most kind. Thank you so~ much for the wonderful memory.
Welcome back, Fae! You were sorely missed. What a fascinating country India is. I love the cuisine, and the people more. What a trip it must have been for you! Looking forward to hearing the rest of the travels. XOXO
Have I said that you are a Joy?
Hello Fae I really wish I could meet you when you were in india, it would have been so amazing but pls next time when ever you think of visiting I insist you be our guest and you can explore all the palaces and basically do whatever you want to and go where ever you want to everything will be at your disposal. We would make all the arrangments for you, come and spend as much time as you want to and explore the country be oue guest. Love maulshri Xx
Sweet Maulshri, You are so~ kind and generous. I will engrave your thoughts for me in my heart. I wish we will meet someday in person. Love, Fae.
Welcome back, Fae! Thanks for sharing about your India travels–looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip!
Thank you, Nancy. There will be more to come.
Wow! Thanks for sharing these photos! Bienvenido de regreso!
Thank you, Amanda.
Wonderful pictures
Namaste, Fae. You have captured the essence of India with lovely photographs. Welcome back, I look forward to more posts about your cruise.
Thank you, Apsara. I will try my best to pass along what I have experienced in our journey.
Happy Travels Fae and Michael:) The photos look amazing! India is def on our bucket list as well and I can’t wait to experience it first hand:D xo
Hello Sweetheart! There is so much to see in India, and we have only scratched the surface. Thank you for your note and regards to Sam, your Mom & Dad!
Oh Fae, you’ve revived done find memories here. We did this trip just before I fell pregnant. I can see that you had a fabulous trip and hope that you will share more stories and recipes x
Hi Deena, How wonderful that you have done the same trip to India. I will try my best to present a worthy recipes to represent places we visited.
Fae, you have a really good time there, enjoy every moment!
Sweet Mochi, I am back. Now I am sharing best of what I have experienced.
Yay, look forward to see and welcome back!
Wow – what a great trip!
Hi Afra, I have more to tell you. Stay tuned.
Namaste to you too Fae & welcome back! Looks like it was an amazing trip 😀
Hi Naina, I was in your hustle and bustle Mumbai! We saw mountains of mangoes and had some too! Yum! 😛
Aww, Fae, I dont miss the hustle and bustle, but I do miss the mangoes terribly! Glad you liked them 😀
Great photos. Thanks for sharing and welcome back!
Thank you, Ronit. I have more coming.
Brings back so many memories and all that womderful food on top !
Yes, and yes, and yum!
India is one place I hope to see before I leave Earth. Thanks for giving us the highlights of your adventure.
Namaste,
Linda
Oh Linda, When that time comes to visit, allow a plenty of time to explore. We had to rush everything to see as much as our time allows.
It’s nice to have you back Fae! Can’t wait to study all of your photos!
Thank you, Mimi. When there are quick stops of destinations, it limits the number of photos one can take. I share what I have, with narratives of what I experienced.
What a wonderful trip and how wonderful you got to meet Radhika! The photo’s are incredible I have never been to India, have always wanted to visit.
Thank you, Suzanne. Meeting Radhika was as monumental to me as was seeing all the landmarks.
))) First I met her, and them to her country.
Welcome back, Fae! Your kind soul has been missed. I have to admit I’m green with envy. What a great trip!
Thank you, Francesca.
Welcome home Fae. You must have so much to tell after your amazing trip. I looks forward to hearing about your experiences and impressions. You know I love India, i’m always glad when others take a look at this amazingly complex culture
Hi Sandra, As a matter of fact, I thought of you while travelling in India. Of course, I did not see as much as you have seen and savored. I have many Indian friends and only one lives in India (in Bangalore), too far from where we were. I love to see India mingling with my friend and friends of friend. Experience living Indian.
fabuolous, Fae! and welcome back! you’ve been missed xxx
Sweet Ms Marzipan, Thank you for the welcome. I will visit you soon, to see what you are up to.
How beautiful! Have you read “A Suitable Boy” by Vikram Seth? I believe he is one of the greatest writers of our century, and this book in particular illustrates the diversity and complexity of life in India, with the different religions, social classes, and influences from beyond, it is a great read. A bit long….but enjoyable.
Hi Kathy, No, I had not heard about the book. I briefly check out about it, and at 1349 pages and 591,552 words, the book is one of the longest novels ever published in a single volume in the English language. Wow! I can only imagine how detailed it must be, yes, about complex India.
Yes, it is long. I was in college, no money, and shopping for the most book for the money. I did not know it was that long, but, it’s a lovely story and I still read a few chapters now and then.
Welcome back Fae! Looking forward to all the wonderful food and stories from your fabulous trip.
Thank you. Stay tuned, there will be more.
Great to have you back!! Looks like an amazing trip!!
Thank you. At the end of my series is Cape Town!
Welcome back, Ms. Fae !
Darling Ren, So happy to see you. What are you up to these days. Your Japan trip coming up yet? I am going to Japan in mid Sept for 6 weeks.
Welcome home lovely Fae, so lovely to hear from you xx the temples are absolutely stunning!!!
Thank you, Elaine. There will be more.
Welcome back and I look forward to reading more of your wonderful travels.
Thank you, Kay. I will write more about our travel. Stay tuned.
You are finally back! What a magnificent break that you have had!
Hi James! You were gone for a while, and by the time you came back, I was gone. So good to see you, and stay tuned for more stories to come.
Some great photos, looks like it was a brilliant trip
Thank you, Paul. It sure was an eye opening and educational trip. I have more coming up. Stay tuned.