Six days in India

Agra Fort
Agra

When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.

First the monkeys, now parrots have at it.

Taj Jai Palace Hotel
Jaipur

Again decided to save money and not spoil Jr. No Oberoi today, but the very, indeed comically dated Jai Palace. In retrospect, probably not the best decision. On the other hand, wonderful staff with the best restaurant of the week, Cinnamon, where we ate twice.

On our drive from the train station to the hotel, we passed this wedding procession. They were on the way to the Jai Palace and celebrated into the night.

Unfortunately, our room was close to the festivities, the 1am clean-up, frequent middle-of-the-night train horns and 4:30am prayers.  Changed our room for the last two nights with an upgrade 2 bedroom suite for a nominal up charge.

Jet Airways (9W) 2056
Jet Konnect
JAI-BOM
737-800 BSI
7:55A-9:30A (sked)
8:25A-10:10A (actual)
February 9, 2013

With a 7:55A departure, our driver picked us up at 6:15A. Fifteen minutes later, we arrived at quite possibly the smallest airport serving a city of 3 million. Tight security as at all Indian airports. Armed military in force outside the terminal, as only pax were allowed in the terminal.

Once inside, the 9W counter is on the left. Only a few pax checking in, and there was a blue carpet priority lane for Business pax. No priority security but this was not an issue this morning as there were only a handful of pax in the queue in front of us. Pleasant and seemingly efficient staff.

Our gate was the nearby bus gate, marked 1A and 1B. We arrived at the gate with plenty of time, about 6:45A and then waited more than an hour to board the bus.

Although the flight was delayed (late inbound) there was no communication from any 9W staff about the fight delay. That didn't stop dozens of pax from queuing as early as 7:20A. Seriously, bus gate lice? Why on earth would anyone queue for a bus, especially when the first ones on are usually the last ones off?

Didn't know what to expect from 9W on a domestic flight, but the seat, service and food were excellent, far better than any front cabin offerings on any similar 90 minute NA or European domestic flight. Only two rows in J on this plane. Spacious cabin with comfortable seats including foot rests. Row 2 was fine but row 1 had a ton of legroom and no one in front to recline into your space.

Mumbai

After dropping our bags in the room, we headed out for a brief guided tour of Mumbai followed by lunch. After Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, what a contrast Mumbai is. Modern and spacious, reminiscent of London, but with much better winter weather.