Our journey began in the northern triangle: the Ganges River, Agra and Rajasthan. Our first stop was the holy city of Haridwar. Worshipping pilgrims along with locals and travelers come to this town to see, touch, and bathe in the river. Morning and evening, holy men call out prayers to the river and people make their offerings. The evening ceremonies draw big crowds to the ghats where we joined in taking the blessing of incense, flowers and song.


Agra features the Taj Mahal, the renowned marble tomb built by Shah Jahan (mogul emperor) for his beloved wife Mumtaz Jahan (who died after bearing their 14th child - oh yes!) The symmetry of the architecture and gardens creates a sense of peace despite the throngs of visitors.

We visited very impressive forts, holy lakes and palaces until we could take no more! We were treated to an elaborate Indian wedding held at our hotel! The highlight of our time in Rajasthan was a visit to the Thar desert where we attended the Pushkar camel fair, stayed at a hotel in the sand dunes, and took a camel safari among the villages of the Bishnoi people. (see next entries)

We spent 2 weeks in Rajasthan, a desert state in western India. The lineage of proud and fierce looking Rajput warriors lives on in the faces and fortifications. The cities of Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodphur have old center cities, enclosed by stone gates, and larger sprawling cities surrounding.

We have seen a fair number of temples and various technicolor statues of Hindu gods. Miles and Tashi have pulled together an impressive understanding of the Hindu pantheon and ceremonies.

Our favorite of the gods is the elephant god, Ganesha, who brings good fortune and removes obstacles from one’s path.