When we heard the destination Gujarat, we were at a loss as to the significance of this region nor where it is located within India. We learned that it is bounded by the Arabian Sea, Pakistan and located just north of Mumbai. It turns out that this is where Mahatna Ghandi, The Father of the […]
India 9 – Varanasi 2 – City of Light
In addition to being known as the city of Death, Varanasi is also called the City of Light, and renowned as a city of learning for centuries. In ancient India, its name is derived from the Sanskrit verbal root Kashi, meaning “to shine”. The city has 8 universities imparting traditional religious education. Also, many come […]
India 8 – Varanasi 1 – City of Death
Varanasi is considered the religious capital of India and the mecca for Hindus. This is where many Hindus come to die and where they want to be cremated, since those who believe in reincarnation believe that it will free them from the cycle of rebirth and lead to salvation. Imagine not having to return in […]
India 7 – Taj Majal & Agra
When you think of India, the image of the Taj Mahal emerges near the top. A UNESCO World Heritage Center and one of the new seven wonders of the world, the tourists line up starting around 5 AM. It’s considered the greatest love monument ever constructed. Taj Mahal, Crown of the Palace, is an ivory […]
India 6 – Ranthambore Bengal Tiger
Seeing a Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild, a fantasy or reality? At the Ranthambore National Park Tiger Reserve near Jaipur, we spotted our first wild tiger by sheer luck and Mehmet’s lucky bangles. After three 3-hour game drives, we had all given up since the park closed in 30 minutes. Our guide got a […]
India 5 – Jaipur, The Pink City
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and holds the distinction of being the first planned city in India. It is also called the “Pink City” and is a destination for romance. This metropolis combines the advantages of a new city with the charm of an ancient heritage city. It has magnificent palaces, forts, temples, parks, […]
India 4 – Jodhpur, The Blue City
Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and popularly known as the Blue City of India, for its blue painted buildings in the old districts. Jodhpur is also filled with forts, temples, palaces, murals, friendly people, havelis(mansions with historic and architectural significance), and located in the arid Thar Desert. It is a strategic military […]
India 3 – Amritsar – Golden Temple and Border Ceremony
One of the highlights of our trip to India was seeing The Golden Temple in Amritsar. Amritsar is the center of Sikhism, and the Harmabdir Sahib (aka the Golden Temple) is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. It is the chief pilgrimage destination of the Sikhs living abroad and outside the city. Amritsar is the heart […]
India 2 – Old Dehli
The sounds of honking motorbikes, tuk tuks (auto rickshaws), and cars were incessant in Old Dehli. We were told that if a vehicle honks its horn and there’s an accident, then the driver is not at fault, since he warned the other person. People say to the other party that they’re sorry and move on […]
India 1 – New Dehli
In 2019, we passed through Dehli, enroute to the Holi Festival. At that time, we stayed in the Old City and took a culinary tour tasting the Indian Street foods at hole in the wall eateries where much of the food was deep fried. On this current photographic scouting tour with Mehmet and his Fantastic […]
