Delighted Journey

Rajasthan – North India

Known for its rich history, colorful culture, and impressive architecture, Rajasthan is located in northwest India. Jaipur: the capital of Rajasthan, is often called the “Pink City.” This is because many of the buildings in the old city are painted pink. The City Palace, the residence of the former royal family, and the Hawa Mahal, a palace with an ornate facade reminiscent of a beehive, are among the main attractions. Udaipur: Famous for its picturesque lakes and opulent palaces, Udaipur is often called the “City of Lakes.” Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Udaipur City Palace is one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Ranakpur: A small village, is famous for its impressive Jain temple. Built of white marble, the Ranakpur Temple, also known as the Chaumukha Mandir, is a masterpiece of Jain architecture. Located amidst the Aravalli Mountains, Ranakpur is a place of peace and spirituality that attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Jodhpur:  the second largest city in Rajasthan, is also known as the “Blue City” because of the blue color of many of the houses in the old city. Jodhpur’s landmark is the Mehrangarh Fort, which stands majestically on a hill above the city. On a trip to Rajasthan, you will experience a fascinating blend of royal history, impressive architecture, and vibrant culture. Known for its rich history, colorful culture, and impressive architecture, Rajasthan is located in northwest India. Jaipur: the capital of Rajasthan, is often called the “Pink City.” This is because many of the buildings in the old city are painted pink. The City Palace, the residence of the former royal family, and the Hawa Mahal, a palace with an ornate facade reminiscent of a beehive, are among the main attractions. Udaipur: Famous for its picturesque lakes and opulent palaces, Udaipur is often called the “City of Lakes.” Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Udaipur City Palace is one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Ranakpur: A small village, is famous for its impressive Jain temple. Built of white marble, the Ranakpur Temple, also known as the Chaumukha Mandir, is a masterpiece of Jain architecture. Located amidst the Aravalli Mountains, Ranakpur is a place of peace and spirituality that attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Jodhpur:  the second largest city in Rajasthan, is also known as the “Blue City” because of the blue color of many of the houses in the old city. Jodhpur’s landmark is the Mehrangarh Fort, which stands majestically on a hill above the city. On a trip to Rajasthan, you will experience a fascinating blend of royal history, impressive architecture, and vibrant culture.

Bharatpur – Keoladeo National Park

Bharatpur is an Indian city in the state of Rajasthan, located 55 km west of Agra, the hometown of the Taj Mahal. Founded in 1733, the city is now particularly impressive due to the nearby Keoladeo National Park, which provides a wintering site for many different and rare bird species. The park became famous for the extremely rare and endangered Siberian cranes, which used to spend the winter there. Nowadays this bird species is rarely seen there. The bird sanctuary was declared a protected area in 1971 and later declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Apart from this, Bharatpur is also known and famous for its sweet dishes, which are served in many places. Keoladeo National Park Keoladeo National Park is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan and covers an area of ​​29 square kilometers. The city of Bharatpur was known for its bird park. Bird lovers should not forget to visit here during their India tour. Over 328 different bird species have been spotted in this large bird sanctuary. One-third of the birds are migratory and come from China or Siberia. After duck hunting was banned in 1964, now over 80 species of ducks live in the area. The area was declared a national park in 1981 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is the months of October to February. During this time, the maximum number of migratory birds can be seen and observed there. Large parts of the bird sanctuary consist of flat marshland and it is possible to view the animals from a boat. Bharatpur is an Indian city in the state of Rajasthan, located 55 km west of Agra, the hometown of the Taj Mahal. Founded in 1733, the city is now particularly impressive due to the nearby Keoladeo National Park, which provides a wintering site for many different and rare bird species. The park became famous for the extremely rare and endangered Siberian cranes, which used to spend the winter there. Nowadays this bird species is rarely seen there. The bird sanctuary was declared a protected area in 1971 and later declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Apart from this, Bharatpur is also known and famous for its sweet dishes, which are served in many places. Keoladeo National Park Keoladeo National Park is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan and covers an area of ​​29 square kilometers. The city of Bharatpur was known for its bird park. Bird lovers should not forget to visit here during their India tour. Over 328 different bird species have been spotted in this large bird sanctuary. One-third of the birds are migratory and come from China or Siberia. After duck hunting was banned in 1964, now over 80 species of ducks live in the area. The area was declared a national park in 1981 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The best time to visit Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is the months of October to February. During this time, the maximum number of migratory birds can be seen and observed there. Large parts of the bird sanctuary consist of flat marshland and it is possible to view the animals from a boat.

Jaipur – Rajasthan, India

Jaipur is the fastest-growing city in India. Today the city has more than 4,309,000 inhabitants and is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is located about 265 km southwest of Delhi and about 250 km from Agra. Jaipur is known as an industrial city, among other things, jewelry and textiles are also manufactured there. You also don’t have to miss visiting universities, theaters, cinemas, or the zoo, as well as various art monuments. The city has excellent transport infrastructure with railways, airports, and roads. The city of Jaipur is also called the Pink City because the houses in the old city were painted pink to emphasize the hospitality of the city. The reason for painting the houses pink in 1853 was anticipating the visit of Prince Albert of England, husband of Queen Victoria. Due to its trade and economic center, Jaipur is a prosperous city and one of the most modern and advanced centers in the world. There are many first-class and good mid-range hotels available for overnight stays, which are very well equipped and the hotel staff is extremely hospitable. Prices can vary greatly, so it is worth comparing. It should be mentioned that the price-performance ratio is considered very good in most cases, not least because of the excellent offers and very good facilities. A visit to the bazaar is also highly recommended to experience and enjoy the atmosphere. The city of Jaipur offers a lot to tourists, especially due to some very impressive and breathtaking views. Every year many travelers stay a few nights in Jaipur to see the city. On Indian tours, such as those proposed by various tour operators, a tour of this city should not be missed. Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) The Palace of the Winds, or Hawa Mahal, is a world-famous landmark in India. It was built very uniquely and elaborately and is located in the old city of Jaipur. Also, it is an architectural attraction of the city of Jaipur that attracts many tourists every day. This five-story palace was built in 1799, has countless small bay windows, and was made of pink sandstone. It was originally built to allow ladies-in-waiting to participate in urban life. So that they would not be visible in public, they could stay in the palace and look out from the many windows. Depending on which floor you were on, you could see the whole city from above or enjoy the bustle in the streets of the old city. The entrance to the Palace of the Winds is somewhat hidden. Today this palace is open to tourists. There is an entrance fee, but it is worth paying. So you can watch the bustle of the streets and see, for example, snake charmers or camel drivers. If you are in the city of Jaipur, then definitely visit Hawa Mahal. The palace is open daily. One of the special things about this palace is that it also has a novel written on it named “The Palace of the Winds”. It was written by Mary M. Kaye in 1978, it is said that this novel was not based on reality and only shows different parts of the story. More than 15 million copies of the book have been sold. The novel takes place in the 19th century and tells the story of love, adventure, and war. Apart from the novel, a film was also made on the story and a musical based on the material of the novel was also released in 2005. If you have visited the palace, you can also read the novel. Amber Fort Amber Fort is a huge fort and was the capital of the Kachchwaha for more than six centuries before Jaipur was made the capital of Rajasthan. In the 16th century, the fort found several rulers, the most famous of which was Raja Man Singh, but also Raja Jai ​​Singh I and II are among the many sightseeing places in Jaipur that you should visit if you have city stops in this area. It is therefore advisable to spend several days visiting Jaipur, as you have many places to visit in this city, with interesting places worth seeing. Amer Fort is located about eleven kilometers north of the city of Jaipur. There is a palace complex here that stands on a hilltop and tourists can visit it. The fort is an imposing building, and its past has been very well preserved, there is hardly any damage to complain about, so the Amber Fort can be found almost as it was. It was built in Mughal and Hindu styles using materials of red sandstone and white marble. You can also visit a small military museum. Among many other objects, the wheeled cannon should also be noted, as this cannon is said to be the largest cannon in the world. The fort of Amber Fort has a small temple which was named Kali Mandir in honor of Goddess Kali, who was considered the protector of many battles at that time and the temple wanted to thank her for the victory. The huge entrance gates of the temple are made of silver and there is also a picture of Goddess Kali hanging inside. The fort is surrounded by a high wall, which serves as protection from intruders, from which you can see who is coming towards the fort. Jantar Mantar ‘Observatory‘ The term Jantar Mantar translates as “magical instrument” and refers to 5 historical astronomical observatories that Maharaja Jai ​​Singh II had built between 1724 and 1734 in the cities of Delhi, Ujjain, Jaipur, Varanasi and Mathura. The largest and most famous of them is the one in Jaipur. It consists of 14 constructions based on astronomical aspects. This system was used, among other things, to measure time, observe the orbits of the planets, predict solar eclipses, or determine astronomical altitudes. The largest of the 14 structures belonging to Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the Emperor Jantar, a sundial that reaches a

Jodhpur – Rajasthan, India

Jodhpur, founded by the Rajput dynasty in 1459, is now a rapidly and constantly growing city in India. In its early years, the city was a hub, as it was located on a busy and sought-after trade route. It was opium, copper, and dates that led to the founding of the city: the city was built through the income from the trade of these goods. Traditionally, Jodhpur is still called the Blue City. In the past, as it is now, houses in this city were painted blue, which indicated membership of a certain caste, the Brahmins. This paint is now used for its mosquito-repelling properties. Mehrangarh Fort A special attraction during a tour of India is always the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, which knows how to impress its visitors with its centuries-old history, rich culture, and countless impressive sights. Mehrangarh Fort is one of these attractions. Situated on a 123-meter-high cliff, this fort rises majestically above the city of Jodhpur. The construction of Mehrangarh Fort began in 1459 and was built by Roa Jodha. From a distance, this architectural masterpiece looks like an insurmountable wall, but if you look at it closely, you can see many small and large details in the façade, which gives the whole building something artistic and gentle. And it is this contrast that attracts so many visitors year after year. Jaswant Thada The architectural landmark, Jaswant Thada mausoleum, is located in the heart of the city of Jodhpur in India. This magnificent monument consists of white marble and was built in 1899. Ornate arches, polished stones, and a touch of nostalgia await you when you visit the monument. Surrounded by a beautiful zoo and idyllic lake, Jaswant Thada invites its guests to go on a journey to the past. The state of Rajasthan is located in northern India and has innumerable ruins dotting the landscape. Rajasthan is known for its diverse birdlife. There is so much to discover when you travel to North India. A visit to the Ghateshwar Mahadev Temple is also worth it. It once served as a barrier against enemy invaders. Visit Mount Abu and enjoy the beautiful nature on a long hike. Here you can admire Hindu temples and marvel at the unique architecture. Experience a casual vacation in Jodhpur. Jodhpur, founded by the Rajput dynasty in 1459, is now a rapidly and constantly growing city in India. In its early years, the city was a hub, as it was located on a busy and sought-after trade route. It was opium, copper, and dates that led to the founding of the city: the city was built through the income from the trade of these goods. Traditionally, Jodhpur is still called the Blue City. In the past, as it is now, houses in this city were painted blue, which indicated membership of a certain caste, the Brahmins. This paint is now used for its mosquito-repelling properties. Mehrangarh Fort A special attraction during a tour of India is always the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, which knows how to impress its visitors with its centuries-old history, rich culture, and countless impressive sights. Mehrangarh Fort is one of these attractions. Situated on a 123-meter-high cliff, this fort rises majestically above the city of Jodhpur. The construction of Mehrangarh Fort began in 1459 and was built by Roa Jodha. From a distance, this architectural masterpiece looks like an insurmountable wall, but if you look at it closely, you can see many small and large details in the façade, which gives the whole building something artistic and gentle. And it is this contrast that attracts so many visitors year after year. Jaswant Thada The architectural landmark, Jaswant Thada mausoleum, is located in the heart of the city of Jodhpur in India. This magnificent monument consists of white marble and was built in 1899. Ornate arches, polished stones, and a touch of nostalgia await you when you visit the monument. Surrounded by a beautiful zoo and idyllic lake, Jaswant Thada invites its guests to go on a journey to the past. The state of Rajasthan is located in northern India and has innumerable ruins dotting the landscape. Rajasthan is known for its diverse birdlife. There is so much to discover when you travel to North India. A visit to the Ghateshwar Mahadev Temple is also worth it. It once served as a barrier against enemy invaders. Visit Mount Abu and enjoy the beautiful nature on a long hike. Here you can admire Hindu temples and marvel at the unique architecture. Experience a casual vacation in Jodhpur.

Delhi (New & Old Delhi) – Visit The Capital City of India

Delhi – a history spanning thousands of years and dazzling personalities make the region a colorful and impressive area. The capital of India impresses with its residents, its sights and backdrops, which are utterly unique. The history of Delhi stretches far back into the past. The latest research has confirmed that Delhi was founded under the name Indraphrastra as early as 1200 BC. The birth of modern Delhi is dated 736 AD. Over the years, more than seven cities have been founded in what is now the urban area of ​​Delhi. Delhi has been the capital of India since 1911. The metropolis combines a cultural center and an important transport hub to create a never-sleeping, always active and prosperous city. Delhi is also India’s number one economic center and thus the most important trading region in India. Universities, museums, theaters – Delhi has a lot to offer and attracts thousands of tourists to the capital of India every year. Delhi is also an important hub for many students. Five of India’s most important universities are located in Delhi, so it also functions as an educational center. In addition to tourism, the economy plays a major role. The textile and electronics industries in particular, as well as the manufacture of motor vehicles, have helped India achieve economic prosperity. In the area of ​​handicrafts, traditional works give an impression of India’s cultural heritage. The surrounding landscapes are also used economically in Delhi, and the landscape is flourishing. As an important transport hub, Delhi’s infrastructure has been developed to meet both national and international demands. However, public transport is not sufficient to meet the constantly increasing population numbers. In addition, the cities that are emerging around Delhi are growing too quickly to be optimally integrated into Delhi’s transport network. Climate: In hot periods, temperatures can easily reach 45 °C in Delhi, and there is heavy rain during monsoon season. In terms of tourism, a travel period between November and April has proven to be favourable. Qutab Minar Qutb Minar has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The minaret is a 71-meter-high red sandstone tower and the largest in India. Construction most likely began around 1200. The minaret serves as an elevated point for the muezzin at a mosque to call the faithful to prayer. In the Muslim faith, the call to prayer is made from minarets five times a day. Minarets also served as watchtowers and orientation points for caravans. The Qutb Minar is no longer accessible after numerous earthquakes and damage caused by time but is a tourist attraction. Friday Mosque Jama Masjid The largest and, for many, the most impressive mosque in India is the Jama Masjid in Delhi, also known as the “Friday Mosque” or “The Mosque that Looks at the World”. It was built between 1650 and 1656 on the orders of the great Mughal Shah Jahan and involved about 5,000 artisans in its construction. The courtyard of the mosque alone is 90 meters long and provides space for about 20,000 believers. The prayer hall is adorned with 260 columns and faces west towards Mecca. This magnificent building stands at a height of nine meters in the center of Delhi’s old city, which Shah Jahan called Shahjahanabad and is still called that today. The Jama Masjid is not only the largest mosque in India but also one of the largest mosques in the world. This architectural masterpiece, largely made of sandstone and marble, is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the metropolis of Delhi and should not be missed when visiting the city. Red Fort of Delhi One of the most famous landmarks in India, along with attractions such as the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple and the Palace of the Winds, is obviously the Red Fort in the Indian capital, Delhi. This impressive fort got its name due to the distinctive red color of the sandstone used in its construction. Between 1639 and 1648, during the Mughal Empire, the vast and opulent palace and fort complex was built for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In 2007, UNESCO declared this architectural masterpiece a World Heritage Site. The Red Fort is not only incredibly impressive from the outside, but it also amazes its visitors from the inside, as it is home to famous buildings such as the Drum House, the Pearl Mosque and the Khas Mahal. The latter were the private apartments of the former Mughal emperor and are lavishly decorated accordingly. Just to the south is also the Mumtaz Mahal, known as the “Palace of Jewels”, but it no longer houses jewels, but an archaeological museum. Unfortunately, not all of the things from the former Red Fort are still there today. Starting in 1858, the British destroyed part of the mighty complex to build their barracks there. Nevertheless, a visit to the Red Fort is highly recommended and is a must on a tour of India or a city tour of Delhi, not only because of the historical significance of the building, but also because of its stunning beauty. Government Buildings Delhi, the vibrant capital of the impressive subcontinent of India, enchants its visitors with its impressive buildings, many lively, colorful bazaars and its inhabitants. A tour of the country is not complete without a stop in this breathtaking metropolis. A must-see in the city is the Government District, where not only the world-famous India Gate is located, but also the impressive Presidential Palace Rashtrapati Bhavan, both of which are real tourist attractions. The Presidential Palace was built between 1921 and 1929 and is one of the most magnificent stately buildings in India. For many historians, the Government District in Delhi represents the tomb of the British Empire, as soon after the capital was moved from Calcutta to New Delhi and the construction work was completed, India gained independence. The Government Buildings, like many other buildings in the city, is another witness to the eventful history of Delhi and the entire country.

Dharamshala – McLeodganj

Dharamshala is located in northern India, on the heights of the Himalayas. The city existed before the arrival of the British and holds great spiritual power for many Indians. One reason for this special status of Dharamsala is the name of the place, as “Dharma” means law, customs and religion. The full name of the city also means “pilgrim’s hostel”. The Dalai Lama, who had to flee his homeland Tibet in 1959, also lives here. This place is divided into Upper and Lower Dharamsala. Above, at an altitude of over 1,800 meters in the Indian Himalayas, the Upper town is located. Many exiled Tibetans also live here. Lower Dharamsala is the economic artery and is located 500 meters below the Upper town. Many hiking trips start from here, where you walk along the winding mountain paths and enjoy the natural beauty of the Silk Road. Dharamshala is located in northern India, on the heights of the Himalayas. The city existed before the arrival of the British and holds great spiritual power for many Indians. One reason for this special status of Dharamsala is the name of the place, as “Dharma” means law, customs and religion. The full name of the city also means “pilgrim’s hostel”. The Dalai Lama, who had to flee his homeland Tibet in 1959, also lives here. This place is divided into Upper and Lower Dharamsala. Above, at an altitude of over 1,800 meters in the Indian Himalayas, the Upper town is located. Many exiled Tibetans also live here. Lower Dharamsala is the economic artery and is located 500 meters below the Upper town. Many hiking trips start from here, where you walk along the winding mountain paths and enjoy the natural beauty of the Silk Road.

Gangtok – Capital city of Sikkim

The capital and largest city of the Indian state of Sikkim is the city of Gangtok, located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of about 1,800 meters and is home to about 40,000 people. It is also the most economically important place in the state. It is believed that the name Gangtok means something like “excellent hill”. There are many places of interest in Gangtok that make a visit to the city worthwhile, including Mahatma Gandhi Road, Lal Bazaar, Himalayan Zoological Park and Enchey Monastery. A special attraction is the colorful and impressive Rumtek Monastery, located just outside the city. Do-Drul Chorten, a stupa built in 1945, also enchants its visitors, especially with its unique and unusual architecture. Rumtek Monastery About 24 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim, is the Buddhist monastery Rumtek, also known as Dharma Chakra Center. Currently it is the largest monastery in the state. It is already a very impressive building and its picturesque surroundings make it even more attractive. The colorful facade creates a wonderful contrast with the dark green forests that surround the monastery. In front of the actual coaster is the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, which is used for Buddhist studies. The monastery itself can witness a very eventful history. After being built and ruined over the centuries, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and his entourage fled Tibet to Sikkim in 1959, settled in Rumtek Monastery, and have been teaching Tibetan Buddhism here ever since. Enchey Monastery The city of Gangtok is located at an altitude of 1780 meters in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Sikkim in northern India. Located almost between Bhutan and Nepal, this place was annexed to India only in 1975. During a trip to this fascinating country, you should visit the center of Tibetan Buddhism and visit the Enchey Monastery. This nearly 200-year-old monastery houses 90 monks. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist centers in the city and is also its oldest monastery, built in the Baroque style. Enjoy the calm and almost contemplative atmosphere that surrounds Enchey Monastery, especially in the morning. Many religious objects and images of deities can be seen here, and the artistically carved and painted windows are also worth seeing. If you wish, you can climb the hill to reach Enchey Monastery and then immerse yourself in the calm atmosphere. The capital and largest city of the Indian state of Sikkim is the city of Gangtok, located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of about 1,800 meters and is home to about 40,000 people. It is also the most economically important place in the state. It is believed that the name Gangtok means something like “excellent hill”. There are many places of interest in Gangtok that make a visit to the city worthwhile, including Mahatma Gandhi Road, Lal Bazaar, Himalayan Zoological Park and Enchey Monastery. A special attraction is the colorful and impressive Rumtek Monastery, located just outside the city. Do-Drul Chorten, a stupa built in 1945, also enchants its visitors, especially with its unique and unusual architecture. Rumtek Monastery About 24 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim, is the Buddhist monastery Rumtek, also known as Dharma Chakra Center. Currently it is the largest monastery in the state. It is already a very impressive building and its picturesque surroundings make it even more attractive. The colorful facade creates a wonderful contrast with the dark green forests that surround the monastery. In front of the actual coaster is the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, which is used for Buddhist studies. The monastery itself can witness a very eventful history. After being built and ruined over the centuries, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and his entourage fled Tibet to Sikkim in 1959, settled in Rumtek Monastery, and have been teaching Tibetan Buddhism here ever since. Enchey Monastery The city of Gangtok is located at an altitude of 1780 meters in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Sikkim in northern India. Located almost between Bhutan and Nepal, this place was annexed to India only in 1975. During a trip to this fascinating country, you should visit the center of Tibetan Buddhism and visit the Enchey Monastery. This nearly 200-year-old monastery houses 90 monks. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist centers in the city and is also its oldest monastery, built in the Baroque style. Enjoy the calm and almost contemplative atmosphere that surrounds Enchey Monastery, especially in the morning. Many religious objects and images of deities can be seen here, and the artistically carved and painted windows are also worth seeing. If you wish, you can climb the hill to reach Enchey Monastery and then immerse yourself in the calm atmosphere.

Haridwar – Uttarakhand

The city of Haridwar is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It is one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism and its name means “gateway to God”. Haridwar is a pilgrimage site and the site of the Kumbh Mela, which attracts devotees, tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Nature lovers will also get their money’s worth on a tour of northern India. The area of ​​​​Rajaji National Park is surrounded by dense forests and one can still see untouched nature and wildlife here. A visit to the Mansa Devi Temple is a special attraction. It is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi and is located on a hill. If you don’t want to go on foot, you can take a cable car to the temple and enjoy the picturesque view of the city from above. You should not forget a visit to the Har-ki-Pauri bathing place. In the evening, pilgrims throw floral decorations and incense into the water in memory of their dead ancestors. The city of Haridwar is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It is one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism and its name means “gateway to God”. Haridwar is a pilgrimage site and the site of the Kumbh Mela, which attracts devotees, tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Nature lovers will also get their money’s worth on a tour of northern India. The area of ​​​​Rajaji National Park is surrounded by dense forests and one can still see untouched nature and wildlife here. A visit to the Mansa Devi Temple is a special attraction. It is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi and is located on a hill. If you don’t want to go on foot, you can take a cable car to the temple and enjoy the picturesque view of the city from above. You should not forget a visit to the Har-ki-Pauri bathing place. In the evening, pilgrims throw floral decorations and incense into the water in memory of their dead ancestors.

India – Visit to Gujarat

Gujarat is a very interesting state to discover the Jain religion (5 million followers worldwide), but also the Muslim religion, very present with mosques everywhere. Located in the west of India, Gujarat offers varied landscapes, excellent roads, and… very few trains. I don’t know why, there is a railway network, but very few trains run there. So travel is by bus with, for me, added fatigue. English is very little spoken in this state; however, I always found someone who spoke it. And fortunately, because all the information is in Gujarati (the local language)… Vadodara 316 km from Mandu, it took me 12 hours to reach my destination, with 3 buses and 1 train! My fear was confirmed: I beat my record for slowness in transport in India, despite reduced waits at each change. Left at 8:15 in the morning, I put my bag down at 8:15 p.m. Long day of transport and especially tiring with the buses. And again, I ended up by train instead of taking one or two additional buses. First thing to do: find a place to stay for 4 nights. As always at this time, it is much less obvious than before 6 p.m. After being refused several times in hotels even by moving up a category, I managed to find one for only… one night at a reasonable cost considering the range (1100 rupees all the same). In fact, all the accommodations are stormed because of the vadfest (Vadodara festival) for a week and it so happens that I arrive right in the middle of it… In order not to waste time, instead of going to bed, here I am in the street at night looking for accommodation for the following days, without success. One thing is sure, no question of spending hundreds of rupees to sleep. At worst, I leave the city. The next morning, being next to the new bus center, I took the opportunity to find out about my next destination. The new bus center is in fact a brand new mall on 5 floors with more than 300 spaces for small shops (3/4 are still empty). A real Western-style shopping center. It is also, I am told, the largest bus center in India with 16 platforms for buses (the catch: everything is in Gujarati for the timetable)!!! And the most surprising, 2 large dormitories on the second floor: 1 for men, opened 1 month ago and 1 for women under construction. Still little known, it is almost empty, so this is where I stayed for the next 3 nights. Phew, here I am settled. Another surprising thing, on the third floor a large closed hall with an Italian-style decor for eating. Here several counters offer varied cuisine as part of a cooking competition. Then the meal is taken in the hall with from time to time a projection on a white wall in the style of the Festival of Lights of Lyon. All this, only during the festival. Needless to say, I took the opportunity to eat something other than Indian dishes. And for those who are bored, right next door, there is a video game room… During the davfest, the cathedral was closed and all the masses were in the sanctuary. Blessed davfest, thanks to this I discovered a sanctuary dedicated to Mother of the abandoned (the Virgin Mary), hidden in small streets. Mass in the morning and… in the evening, with crowds and a special animation during the festival. What happiness. On the eve of the march for life in Paris in January, I took the opportunity to entrust to Mary, our sick France and also the whole world, which kills its (future) citizens. Mother of the Abandoned, welcome under your protection all those whose lives are threatened by men and bless those who give death as well as those who give the order so that they can discover how precious life is and that it is a gift from God. Amen. Vadodara is a city that does not exist in tourist guides, because there is nothing interesting to visit that would be worth stopping there. Well yes, maybe to discover the new mall 2 steps from the train station and the small sanctuary of Mother of the Abandoned 3 km away (Mother of the Foresaken in English). In fact, I stopped there to have Sunday mass and because it is a gateway to visit Gujarat. The second reason was to visit Pavagadh nearby. Pavagadh Located about sixty kilometers east of Vadodara, Pavagadh is a hill station with a Hindu temple at the top (Kalika Mata temple), perched at an altitude of nearly 800 meters. The site is located in a 10th century archaeological park. To get there, the journey can be done entirely on foot, or by jeep followed by the cable car. To avoid taking too long to climb (and avoid driving), I took the jeep to do the first 5 kilometers and then I finished the journey by climbing more than 1500 steps in a little over an hour. Here it is impossible to die of hunger or thirst, there are shops all along the steps. The advantage: there are tarpaulins that provide shade (to protect the goods), the disadvantage: you don’t enjoy the landscape much. Once at the top, there are also shops right up to the foot of the temple. But then how do we transport the astronomical quantities of goods knowing that there is no road or heliport? On the backs of men? Well no, on the backs of donkeys. Here, dozens of donkeys regularly go up and down (as well as their shepherds) the 1500 steps (some of which are quite steep) to satisfy our desires for consumption… The reward, once you reach the top, is to enjoy the landscape and the Hindu pilgrims happy to go and worship at the temple (some come from far away). In itself, the temple is small and is not architecturally interesting. On the

Tiger Safari in North India – Kanha National Park

The Kanha National Park Tiger Safari, which also has the status of a national park, is one of the 50 tiger reserves in India. In December 2016 I went on three safaris in this reserve with Delighted Journey, a specialist in travel to Asia, in the hope of being able to observe the tiger and the barasingha, a deer endemic to central India. Kanha Tiger Reserve The Kanha National Park Tiger Reserve is the second national park that my wife and I discovered in India, after Pench, in the south of the state of Madhya Pradesh. From Pench to Kanha Earth Lodge where we will sleep, we will drive 5 hours to cover the 200 km of road that separates the two lodges. An important hunting site for the British at the beginning of the 20th century, the Kanha Tiger Reserve is the largest sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh in the highlands of central India with its 1949 km² which include the national park (940 km²), the buffer zone and the Phen. reserve. It is said that this is the region that inspired Kipling for The Jungle Book. Kanha is made up of two main valleys: Banjar in the west and Halon in the east. Covered in forests The lodge is located about 30 minutes from the Khatia Gate. The national park has two others, Mukki and Sarhi Gate, which were too far from our accommodation. For our three safaris we will therefore enter exclusively through the Khatia Gate and stay in the Kanha and Kisli areas. The return of Barasingha Before planning my trip to India, I had never heard of the barasingha. It is an imposing deer that measures 1.30 m at the shoulder and can weigh up to 200 kg. It is also called Duvaucel deer or swamp deer and is found exclusively in India and Nepal. In Kanha National Park, only the subspecies Cervus duvauceli branderi is found. The Barasing almost completely disappeared from Kanha in the 1970s. Its population dropped from 3,023 animals in 1938 to 66 in 1970. What was the reason? Although the barasingha is a deer that is not very fearful and easily vulnerable since it likes swamps and large wet meadows, its decline can only be attributed to its predators, the tiger and the leopard. Other factors seem to have prevailed: Today, thanks to the efforts of the national park and the reintroduction of 500 barasinghas, the deer have considerably increased without me knowing the population estimate. Among the herbivores we will also observe the axis deer, the sambar and the gaur. A mess of birds With nearly 300 species of birds recorded, Kanha National Park is a beautiful birding destination, although it is not easy to observe (and even less to photograph) in December due to the density of the vegetation. Here are some of the species observed: the black ibis, Vieillot’s cormorant, the Alexandrine parakeet, the brown shrike, the Schach’s shrike, the Indian lapwing, the Gray’s crab-eater, the Bacha’s snake-eater and the Indian roller. The Langur Semnopithecus entellus and the wild boar are probably the two species that we encountered the most with the axis deer. Tiger in sight! The tiger is the king of the jungle in Kanha National Park. Today, its population is increasing but remains fragile, particularly due to poaching. At the end of 2016, the body of a male was discovered with its legs cut off, as revealed by Hindustantimes. According to my guide, there are now about 90 adults and about twenty tiger cubs. Surveillance cameras are now used to count the tigers in Kanha National Park. I saw the tiger in Kanha, furtively but I saw it. Here is how this encounter happened. It was in the morning during my second safari. While the sun had just risen and the atmosphere was still peaceful, I photographed this very special atmosphere where the sun’s rays tear through the space. When the cry of an axis deer resounds. In less than two seconds, the driver restarts the Maruti Gypsy towards the alert. 200 meters in front of us, a tiger crosses the track and goes into the forest. When the 4×4 reaches it, it is still 10 meters away from us. The Gypsy has not yet stopped, the tiger turns its head, I shoot. It goes behind a huge trunk and leaves for good. The encounter did not last more than 10 seconds. I check my photos. My speed was too slow and my diaphragm a bit too closed. In any case, the photo has motion blur. It is difficult to do better in a 4×4 that was not yet stationary. I think it is a female without being 100% sure. We have seen so little of this tiger. It was short but really exciting. This will be my only encounter with the tiger in the Kanha National Park but I will see them later in other tiger reserves in India. Before you go, read my article which presents 5 ways to track the tiger. How to get there? International flight to Delhi followed by an internal flight to Jabalpur, then drive to Kanha National Park. When is the best time for a safari in Kanha? Kanha National Park is open from October to the end of June. November to February is a particularly good time for bird watching but at this time of year, it is more difficult to see the tiger because the vegetation is denser and leafy. The best chances of observing the tiger are from March to May. Where to Sleep? The Kanha Earth Lodge, although 30 minutes away from the Khatia Gate, remains a very nice accommodation with excellent naturalist guides (much better than those I had). However, there are lodges closer to the entrance of the national park, for example: The Bagh Villas Jungle Camp & Spa and its luxury safari tentsThe Sterling Kanha 6 km from the Kanha access gate With whom travel to India? For your trip