Delhi, India. 25.07.2013

Friendly staff

We arrived in Delhi early on 25 July. We did quite a lot on the first day. But I wanted to take a minute and recommend the B&B we stayed at. It was close to the airport for convenience, but was far from the city center. Delhi has a great metro system and the end of the line is only a Tuk Tuk ride away. The B&B in a gated community with lots of trees and flowers and a park across the street.

The owner was once a residence of these parts, Woodlake to be exact, so it was nice to have something so close as that in common. Visit chhotihaveli.com for more information.
Big clean rooms and a staff of very friendly people. Gopal was our caretaker and cook, both of which he does very well. The innkeeper is Mrs. Surinder Maihi. She left soon after we arrived to visit her son in Mumbai, so we didn't get to talk to her very much, but she was very welcoming.

Bed & Breakfast's are not as common in India as they are here, but they are getting there. It was nice to be in a place that felt like home. Gopal is quite the cook, and we highly recommend having all of your morning meals Indian style. They will, however, make a continental breakfast, but why would you want that? Lunch and dinner are on your own, but they have lots of takeout menus from which to choose, and there is quite a good restaurant just a short walk away, the Flaming Chili Pepper.

The owner has lots of potted plants on the patios and rooftop, and a walk around the complex in the early morning is a treat.

Beautiful front door of the flat

bougainvillea growing everywhere around the park across the street

India never disappoints

a woman sells Prasād outside a temple in Bangalore, India

India is color. India is sound. India is smell, flavor and excitement. There is so much to see. I wake early and go for a walk about. The early light is great for photography. There is always something going on.

Getting our morning masala Chai from the Chai walla

This trip was to Northwest India, Delhi, Agra, and Amritsar. We started in Bangalore, were we met up with family and had a wonderful meal and hugs all around. The monsoon was at our heels and it rained a few times, although not too much. Temps in Bangalore were in the 70s with very high humidity and cloud cover. Very different from March, when we were last there in 2011.

Detail from the Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple in Bangalore

One highlight this time was a visit to the Ragigudda Anjaney Temple in Bangalore. It is dedicated to Hanuman and also has a smaller temple on the complex dedicated to Ganesh. It was built on a large stone outcrop right in the heart of the city and is nestled among large trees in a beautiful setting. There are a lot of stairs and elevated walkways to get to the top, but there is also a lift available. Most temples, Mosques or Masjids in India don't allow pictures to be taken inside. So, while you will see images from the outside, you will just have to visit for yourself, to see the beauty inside.

Entrance to the Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple in Bangalore

Next we headed to Delhi. Check back for more images and stories of Incredible India!

Revisit. 2013 Day one.

We are leaving the US today, headed to India. We should be in Bangalore on the 24th. Images and stories to come when the chance arises.

Full coverage when I return the week of the 7th. In the mean time, here is an image from our 2011 trip through Southern India.

Lake Vembanadu, Kumarakom, Kerala, India. March 2011.