The steep journey up to the top of Amer Fort is by Elephant ($20) and possibly the most expensive thing you will do in India, but fun, I think… maybe, more accurately, in hindsight: once I was actually on the Elephant – I was terrified, and would have begged to get down but could not … Read More
Hawa Mahal is a magnificent orange-pink facade in the middle of a busy street dating back to 1799. Ornate lattice work and honeycomb patterns are reminders of the Islamic architecture mixed with Hindu styles often used in this time period and though out the Jaipur region. Today is ‘student election day’ which makes for fun shots … Read More
The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. It is modeled after the Mughal capital of Delhi. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these. It has been inscribed on the World … Read More
On the highways in India there are many surprises: spirited colorful decorated trucks, buses, tuk-tuks, rickshaw, cows, camels, goats, bull, buffalo, donkey, elephants, and of course, people – walking and hauling loads with these animals. Drivers will, if it suits their purpose, drive in the opposite direction down the highway. Buses will be filled to … Read More
Gurgaon, India is a quick 20 minute drive from Delhi Airport. Amidst the busy India streets, stands a cluster of modern buildings bearing a variety of brightly lit tech company logo’s from Google to IBM. Staying at the newly completed Oberoi, Gurgaon proves to be an interesting experience. Enthusiastic staff watches your every move to ensure that … Read More
It’s been four years since I was last in India. Wow. I can feel the difference. The emerging nation and bustling economy has led to mass construction projects–everywhere. Having driven from Shimla to Delhi, and viewing the endless highway construction. The beautiful new Bangelore Airport is perfect compliment a city that is considered India”s Silicon Valley. … Read More
The destination is Wildflower Hall www.oberoihotels.com located at an altitude of over 8000 ft. After landing in Delhi I’m taking a short connecting flight to Shimla and then a 90 minute journey further into the mountains. There is one problem with the plan: it’s Monsoon season and a flight hasn’t landed in in Shimla in 26 … Read More
The road to Taj Mahal is a long one, whatever route you take. Most often is to leave from Delhi: By train could take 8 hours as they don’t run on time and you may or may not get a seat. The hotels quite often offer a driver service to take you, which is nice, but … Read More
A friend of mine invited me to a Yoga retreat in San Francisco. Adorned with Lululemon and mat in hand I headed off. I arrived at a local community center, greeted warmly by people in white tunics, removed my shoes and entered a large room of people sitting cross legged on carpets. It was ‘meditation’ … Read More
People have many reasons for why they are drawn to India. It is one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching countries I have ever been. Before my arrival, I had read way too many Indian etiquette books, and had many rules stuck in my brain…like women should keep their shoulders covers, its impolite to eat … Read More