The tag “India” is a big one, is attributed as most romantic, exotic as well as connected to unique religious as well as cultural values. India can be incredible but also most extreme at the same time and regarding all aspects of life. The mighty subcontinent puts Non-Indians to the test as it can be pretty rewarding but also back breaking. The following is a reflection of thoughts and hints as well as experiences made on trip from Calcutta to Rajasthan and Punjab, travelling through entire North India like the Indians do »»

Vārānasi, the metropolis at the Ganges River, is one of India’s oldest towns and central sanctuary of Hinduism. No other India picture is as famous as the Hindu pilgrims praying and washing themselves in the waters of Ganges River at the so called Ghats. There is no better reflection of the Hindu society than this river. For most of them Vārānasi is definitely the holiest spot on Earth, though for some of them this means some enormous exploitation potential they are taking advantage of with utter disregard. »»

In Jodhpur muezzin’s call to prayer is getting louder and Arabia coming closer. The city Jodhpur is a very interesting interface between Indian and Arabic influenced cultural areas. The countless picturesque lanes with its historic buildings, Haveli called, are crowded with day life. Though from almost everywhere a glance at the massive Mehrangarh Fort is possible, doesn’t matter how narrow a lane is. The Fort is appears like a massive battle ship anchoring in front of the city gates. The city centre is the Clock Tower being surrounded by the Old Market, a place so diverse that it wouldn’t come as big surprise when bumping into a stall selling already chewed chewing gum »»

India and Pakistan aren’t really big friends, everyone knows that. At the border post between Attari and Wagah every evening both nations are coming a little closer though, when on the occasion of a border closing ceremony they are striking their flags and locking the border gate. The whole racket is a Love Parade like spectacle flavoured with a dash of nationalism and can be watched by Indians, Pakistanis as well as foreign tourists »»

Retina tickling pink is traditionally Rajasthan‘s colour of hospitality. To the Rajputs this symbolic colour is so much important that their capital’s Old Town once got a Barbie-like coat of paint. Jaipur is like a panther on the jump: graceful, but full of energy that is waiting to get released. It is the buzzing and bustling home of more than 2 million people as well as university city, industrial town and a shining light for all things called culture. Maharaja Jai Singh II. formed Jaipur and built impressive monuments like the Palace of the Winds, the Palace of Water or World’s biggest solar clock; all got framed by imposing fortifications like picturesque Fort Jaigarh or massive Fort Nahargarh »»

For gourmets and gourmands the Indian subcontinent can truly be the Promised Land, in particular when it’s about chicken, fish, lamb or vegetarian specialties. In Punjab state for example you can get yourself in touch with the original version of world famous Chicken Tandoori, while in the west Bengali food will give you how adorable a fusion of Indian and Thai kitchen can taste like. Also North Indian cuisine can be pretty hot, in particular when a hellish ingredient is coming into affair, an ingredient that is used by Indian military to give its teargas the last finish, which is the extremely hot Bhut Jolokia chilli »»

Being located just an hour drive away from world famous Taj Mahal, the town of Fatehpur Sikri is providing an in-depth insight into India’s history as from 1571 to 1585 it has been the capital of Great Mogul Akbar’s empire. Quite a long time ago, though its buildings and chambers are looking still like as its inhabitants were checking out yesterday only. Actually the complex of ancient buildings consists of two cities, which is the holy town Fatehpur and the royal enclosure Sikri. Nowadays tourists are walking awe-inspired over mosaics set in red sand stone and white marble of highest quality »»

Cows, elephants, rivers and even monkeys; in India literally everything you could bump into can be something sacred. One of the most interesting obeisances paid can be witnessed in Deshnok, a small desert town in western Rajasthan being the stage for a religious building dedicated to Karni Mata. Around this sacred patron of the Rajputs and reincarnation of Goddess Durga, the souls of the dead are gathering in the form of four-legged rodents at the Rat Temple »»

The Chand Baori step well at Abhaneri is everything but a staircase wit. Its unconventional architecture guarantees to the Rajputs, who are usually living in a dry region a water supply being usable throughout the whole year. Due to being surrounded by dozens of stairs, people can access the well from literally every side and when having a closer look at its structures and design, you will easily find yourself not only stuck in a maze of thousands steps but also able to see Shiva’s beauty »»

What is the most important part of the body of someone living in Calcutta? Correct, the honk. It doesn’t matter if a car, motorcycle, rickshaw or bicycle: without it nothing is going on, whether it’s hand-driven or with an echo effect. Calcutta’s traffic, or to be precise the way people are behaving is beyond every experience “enjoyed” thus far. It takes no three seconds until the next high frequency noise is drilling its way through the ear to your brain. It’s a sheer miracle that people aren’t deaf yet… Its horrific traffic as well as unbelievably dirty and unhygienic circumstances are definitely the most dominating elements of the city, making Calcutta being hell’s small forecourt. Fortunately it had a guardian angel, a little woman from Albania: Mother Theresa »»