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Reflections of India

January 20th, 2015 4 comments

Taj Mahal Reflections

As I prepare for a second trip to India, I’m reflecting back on memories from my last trip when five friends and I toured the “golden triangle”: Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. We visited palaces, forts, tombs, markets mosques, and temples.

Here are a few of my favorite photos—which unfortunately can’t quite capture the awe I felt.

2 Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and known as the “Pink City” of India. Above is the iconic Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds.

Jaipur Festival of Literature 2014

The Jaipur Festival of Literature was our primary purpose in Jaipur. We were six women from a Dubai-based book club, ready see Jhumpa Lahira, Reza Aslan, Cheryl Strayed and more. Here is my post on the Jaipur Lit Fest 2014.

 Jaipur Amber Fort

Jaipur offered much to see, including the gorgeous Amber fort.

Jaipur Elephant Ride Amber Fort

The ideal way to visit the Amber Fort is by elephant.

Agra Taj Mahal Archway

Next we drove overland to Agra to see the Taj Mahal—without a doubt, the most beautiful building in the world.

Agra ~ Oberoi Hotel, Room with a View

We stayed at the Oberi Hotel, which is possibly the most exquisite hotel I’ll ever stay in. This was the view from my balcony. Yes, that’s the Taj Mahal.

Agra Taj Mahal ~ Diana's Seat

I took hundreds of photos. Here’s one of me sitting on the so-called “Diana Seat” where Lady Diana famously posed. I’m trying to channel Lady Di. Is it working?

Delhi ~ Old Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India, where we experienced the bustle and color of Old Delhi, pictured above, as well as stately New Delhi.

Delhi ~ The Imperial Hotel

We stayed at the Imperial Hotel, which had a colonial, art deco, Raj-era vibe—basically amazing.

Delhi Jama Masjid

We toured the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India

Delhi ~ Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid holds 25,000 worshipers for Friday Prayer and towers over Old Delhi.

Delhi ~ Gandhi Memorial

The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial was simple but poignant.

Delhi ~ Qutub Manar Archway

The Qutb Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. (You have to see it to fully appreciate it.) The complex where it stands dates from the onset of Islamic rule in India.

Delhi - Detail First Mosque

Above is a detail from the first mosque in India.

Delhi ~ Street rickshaws

Admittedly ours was a pampered tour of India. However, we did visit Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi where we shopped and rode rickshaws.

India

During this trip we traveled by bus from Jaipur to Agra and from Agra to Delhi. We saw sights of countryside, people, little towns and shops like this.Jaipur Amber Fort ~ The End

Question: What were your favorite sights of India?