Because of all the different cultures, populations, the caste system, differences between urban and rural areas, extreme poverty and a rich past India is a country full of contradictions. A visit to the country is almost always intense. It is perhaps the most outer-worldly country to be found on earth. Of course there are tribes and populations that seem to be further away from our way of living, but none has such a complex and different historical, architectural, cultural and visual richness as India.
Besides that there is the difference in landscapes ranging from the Kerala coastline to the plains of the Ganges to the deserts of Rajasthan and to the Himalayan plateau. These and more habitats have resulted in a diversity of the population that gives the country yet another dimension.
Amritsar
Amritsar is the capital of the Punjab province and the most important town of the Sikhs. And the golden temple is at the hearth of their religion. Thousands of pilgrims visit the templa everyday. A
Darjeeling & the Toy Train
In the colonial era the hill station of Darjeeling was a favorite summer-get-away from the heat of the Indian planes. Terraced thee gardens and for railway enthusiasts the famous toy train are also
Delhi
Delhi has it's attractions, like the Red Fort, filled with palaces built by the Mughal emperors, the Qutb Minar and the great mosque. But as much as there are monuments in Deli there is also street
Goa
Goa is a small state on the westcoast of India. A coastline with beaches. some nice countryside and a distinct history, like many places in India, but this one really special. In 1510 the Portugues
Himachal Pradesh
The road from Ladakh to Delhi or Amritsar passes Manali and Mc Leod Ganj the part of Dharamsala where the Tibetan government in exile is situated. Also on the way are suprising little gems Mani fea
Khajurao
Khajuraho, known for it's erotic temples, is the star attraction of the province of Madhya Pradesh. As usual getting there (or away) is half the fun however
Ladakh
Ladakh, a region that is accessible by road for only a few months per a year, belongs to the Tibetan world. Mountainous and isolated it is sometimes called Little Tibet.
Orchha & Gwalior
The cities of Orchha and Gwalior make interesting stops between Khajurao and Delhi. An imposing fort, a huge palace, temples in all sizes, colorful markets and ofcourse the people. Everything India
Shekawati-Jhunjhunu
The district capital Jhunjhunu admittedly has fewer havelis in good condition than other places in Shekawati, but is a miniature of the region with havelis, chatri's, forts, a few temples and mosqu
Shekawati-Mehansar & around
Mehansar is a small village in Shekawati. During my visit to this region I based myself there, in Jhunjhunu and in Nawalgarh, visiting other towns as daytrips or on the way.
Shekawati-Nawalgarh
Nawalgarh, is a small town in Shekawati. During my trip through this region it was one of the places I stayed. A good choice since the town has both typical Shekawati attractions like brightly pain
Sikkim
Sikkim, a tiny mountain state in the east of India, is home to the third highest mountain in the world, the Kangchendzonga. It was actually a separate kingdom until 1975 when it became part of Indi