The colours of India: New Delhi

The colours of India: New Delhi

Welcome back to our photo journey through India. So far, we’ve stood in wonder at the Taj Mahal, explored the spirituality of places like VaranasiPushkar and the Golden Temple at Amritsar, braved borders in Wagah, and met a colourful people along the journey.

Now, we take a brief look at Delhi, our original landing point and introduction to India. Unfortunately, we didn’t have too much time to stroll around Delhi but we did manage to visit Humayun’s Tomb and the Tomb of Isa Khan, Lodhi Gardens, The Lotus Temple, and the Gate of India, a wondrous start to what proved to be the journey of a lifetime.

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The colours of India: It’s not the destination, it’s the journey…

The colours of India: It’s not the destination, it’s the journey…

Greetings readers and welcome back to this photo journey through India. Up until now, we’ve visited places like the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple, Wagah, Pushkar and Varanasi, all with specific attractions – ancient wonders, sacred rivers, and mystical temples – that draw tourists from near or far. One of the things I learned in India however – and the reason for which I chose to venture away from my wordy stories while telling this particular tale – is that despite the incredible experience of visiting a famous landmark or stepping into a city steeped in tradition – the unexpected is what sticks in your mind and is what often shapes the memory of your visit. From a cup of tea shared with a wise man selling scarves, to eating street food by the water’s edge in Bombay, nothing takes you out of the guide book and into your own adventure quite like small joys found throughout your travels, which are often the circumstance of  spontaneity.

The pictures below were taken en route from one place to another and captured some of my most vivid memories of the Indian people. The beauty, and the colours of a people so diverse that no story, no one history and certainly no blog written by a wandering giraffe can possibly do them justice. So, instead, here is a sample of my (informal) encounters with the people of India as seen en route from one destination to the next…

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The colours of India: Wagah

The colours of India: Wagah

This is the continuation of a photo essay documenting my travels through India! Grab a cup of chai and join me on my journey… don’t forget to visit the Taj Mahal while you’re here!

Following my visit to The Golden Temple in Amritsar, I was told that there was one other thing I should experience before heading on my way. I was told, I had to see the border ceremony at Wagah.

Wagah, a short and beautiful drive (I arranged a pick-up from a familiar taxi driver beforehand – ask your hotel/hostel manager for fair pricing) from Amritsar, is where you will find the only open road border crossing between Pakistan and India. Early evening, tourists and locals alike gather at the border to witness the ceremony that takes place daily, marking the importance of keeping an open border between the nations. Tourists are offered VIP seating, basically a seat with a view and a guarantee that you’ll be, well, seated.

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