WHY INDIA?
Riches of Past, Present and Future
India has a deep, rich history as a people and a nation, offers multitudes of diversity and extraordinary contrast to our Western way of life. I have travelled to Ancient sites around the World and am interested in travel to places rooted in History, but are emerging into a Renaissance. India is the epitome of this. It is one of the fastest growing economies and considered an Emerging Superpower, as well as being rooted in the most colorful, magical and mythical origins. The style of dress, the aroma of curries steeping, the hustle and bustle of people piled up and squeezed on top of eachother-- it stretches the conceptual framework of what it means to be ALIVE. Sacred cows, mischevious monkeys... donkeys, camels, cats and dogs-- oh my! Just crossing the street is a death-defying stunt in Delhi. Being there is being totally immersed in The Moment. It's ELECTRIC!
THE TRIP
Cities I visited
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city along the sacred Ganges River at the Foothills of the Himalayas. It is a pilgramage town for Hindus and is considered "The Yoga Capital of The World." Tourists, yogis and seekers from every corner flock here.
STATE
Uttarakhand
What I like:
I like strolling through the winding, cobblestone streets here. It is nested in the valley of the Himalayas, so it has an enclosed, enclave vibe. Crossing the two pedestrian bridges over the Ganges is an exhilarating experience as they sway in the mountain breeze. There are many temples, ashrams, markets, MONKEYS and COWS.
Learn More
Vrindavan
Vrindavan is an important city for the Hindu faith. It is said that Krishna spent most of his childhood here. It is a revered pilgrimage site and hosts more than 5,000 temples to worship Krishna and his feminine counterpart, Radha.
STATE
Uttar Pradesh
What I like:
You can get chai in the streets here, as there are many
vendors selling fresh-brew in Clay cups. Also, exploring the
Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir Temple (ISKCON Temple), one of
the main temples built for Krishna. You can stay at MVT
Guesthouse, est. by Swami Prabhupada-- founder of the "Hare
Krishnas"
See the temple
here
Jaipur
Known as the Pink City for the color scheme of its architecture-- it is a World Heritage City. A city of gold, jewels, textiles and the 10th most populated in the country. Home of the Amber Fort-- definitely worth a visit.
STATE
Rajasthan
What I like:
Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. India is known for it's
textiles, embroidery work and jewels, of course. You can get
all of this and more in Jaipur. In terms of sites-- the Amber
Fort, Jantar Mantar (Sun-dial park) and Moti Dungri (Ganesha
Temple)-- especially during the HOLI, Festival of Colors time.
Offer sweets to Lord Ganesh!
See the fort
here
GALLERY
Photos from India
