India is an amazingly beautiful country and this (little only 1 million population) City is a "jewel ". There are 7 lakes that border the city with a beautiful palace/hotel in the middle of the biggest lake. This was the summer retreat for royalty: The official palace is gigantic and the King still occupies a... Continue Reading →

After an afternoon train ride to Jaipur (population: 5 million and known as "the pink city"), in Rajasthan we arrive at our hotel that was a turn of the 19th century "honest to God" Palace. The place was old and worn but beautiful and a great setting to stay in on my continued journey back... Continue Reading →

Pictures don't do justice to the Taj. It is bigger, better and more beautiful than the shots I've seen. We had plenty of time to walk around and admire this white marble tomb. There were some restrictions --no large bags or video cameras. We were provided with cover ups for our shoes when we enter... Continue Reading →

We spent a whole day driving through the Himalayan mountain foothills to Shimla the largest and "queen" of India's hill stations (another "pray for your life" van ride). This charming city built on the tops of seven hills is an architectural wonder. Set at an elevation of 7,260 ft, Shimla was the summer capital of... Continue Reading →

I know there is a "risk/reward ratio" but I am just so glad I didn't die before my opportunity to see and hear the Dalai Lama where he works, prays and teaches. The risk: a trip to Dharamshala (literally "Rest House") required a death defying 7 hour van ride on twisting, steep mountain roads with... Continue Reading →

This city in northern India is home to the beautiful Golden Temple. Amritsar is the Sikhs' religious/holy city. Every Sikh (men wear turbans on their heads, women wear saris) is required to visit the Temple at least once, so thousands of pilgrims are in the complex and city every day. The temple is gilded with... Continue Reading →

The flight from Newark to Delhi was long but I was so grateful that it was direct that I refuse to complain. The transfer taxi was waiting at the airport. I couldn't see much of Delhi because it was night. The next day I commissioned a private car for the day ($22) and explored the... Continue Reading →