We left Delhi and made the three and one-half hour drive to Agra, enjoying
the scenery and watching the people go about their lives as we passed by.
Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, the "Monument of Love", so after checking
into the hotel I went up to the roof to get my first glimpse.
We arrived here on Holi Day, the Hindu and Sikh equivalent of Carnival. This
spring holiday is a special festival celebrated by all Indians, but gets
especially crazy in the Delhi area. In addition to the feasts, music and
dancing the children throw water balloons and people greet each other by
throwing colored powders at each other (we all brought clothing we could
throw away). I should also mention that this is one of the few days that
alcoholic beverages are consumed by the faithful, so it can get pretty wild.
All social and religious groups (and tourists) get involved in this wild
celebration.
As the city continued celebrating, we visited Agra Fort, a fortified palace
containing royal apartments, mosques, assembly halls, a dungeon, and at one
time the largest state treasury and mint.
Next up, the Taj Mahal. I was not disappointed, it was everything I had
expected, and more. Took a horse carriage ride back to the vehicle and
headed back to the hotel to get some much needed rest. Fabulous way to end
the day.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
March 12th, 2013 - Rishkesh, India
Today began with a tour of Rishkesh. This is where the Beatles came in 1968
to find enlightenment. It is also the place many people come to learn and
be certified in many different types of yoga. The International Yoga
Festival was held here in early March.
We visited the Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir and had a walking tour which
included Lakshman Jhuka, Parmarth Niketan, Geeta Bhawan and Ram Jhula.
One of our group worked in law enforcement in the states, so we introduced
ourselves at the local police station and had a lovely get together.
Walking around here was like walking through San Francisco in the 60s (yes,
I am that old). There appeared to be a lot of people looking for peace and
fulfillment in their lives, and too many lost souls.
Then it was time to head to the airport to fly back to Delhi. We had to say
goodbye to our wonderful guide, Suni. He taught us so much and was so kind.
He was one of those people that manages to touch the lives of those he
meets. Lucky us!
It is not just the cows who have it made here. The fish in the holy waters
cannot be fished and like the cows, dogs, cats, pigs and monkeys are fed and
loved by the people here.
to find enlightenment. It is also the place many people come to learn and
be certified in many different types of yoga. The International Yoga
Festival was held here in early March.
We visited the Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir and had a walking tour which
included Lakshman Jhuka, Parmarth Niketan, Geeta Bhawan and Ram Jhula.
One of our group worked in law enforcement in the states, so we introduced
ourselves at the local police station and had a lovely get together.
Walking around here was like walking through San Francisco in the 60s (yes,
I am that old). There appeared to be a lot of people looking for peace and
fulfillment in their lives, and too many lost souls.
Then it was time to head to the airport to fly back to Delhi. We had to say
goodbye to our wonderful guide, Suni. He taught us so much and was so kind.
He was one of those people that manages to touch the lives of those he
meets. Lucky us!
It is not just the cows who have it made here. The fish in the holy waters
cannot be fished and like the cows, dogs, cats, pigs and monkeys are fed and
loved by the people here.
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