Similar to India, the Ganges River in Nepal is a sacred place where Hindus want their bodies cremated and their ashes spread, so they can ascend to heaven for rebirthing. Above is the Pashupatinath Cremation Complex in Katmandu, where a typical cremation ceremony is performed in public daily. Travelers are invited to watch from across […]
Nepal 1 – Katmandu and Chitwan National Park
After touring India, we looked at options to explore other countries in this region. We decided to explore Nepal, which was less than 2 hours away by air, direct from New Dehli to Katmandu, and the gateway to Bhutan. Our good friend Judy had spent a month in Katmandu decades ago and raved about her […]
India 14 – Kawant Fair, Gujarat
Three days following the end of the Holi Festival is the Kwant Gair Fair held in the village of Kawant. The Rahtwa tribal fair is a wild and exhuberant celebration. Bhil and Koli tribes come together from the region to celebrate the harvest, and where matchmaking is sometimes formalized. The Rathwa Bhils are considered the […]
India 13 – Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat
The wildlife sanctuary, San Gir, in Gir National Park in Gujarat is home to the last Asiatic Lions in the wild, with approximate 674 remaining as of March 2074. Less than 20% of the sanctuary is accessible to tourists, so many of the leopards and lions were still hidden deep in the jungle. There are […]
India 12 – Bhuj, Gujarat
There are approximately 162 tribal villages surrounding Bhuj in the state of Gujarat. There are various tribal people in the Bhuj area, including the nomadic Rabaris, who are constantly in search of better grazing ground. Bhuj is known as the textile hub of India and is famous for their embroidery and handicrafts. We visited tribal villages […]
India 11 – Poshina, Gujarat
Poshina is a quaint remote village in the state of Gujarat near the border of Rajasthan, and is not on many of India’s tourists maps. It is described as a place where time stands still. Surrounded by several colorful tribes, including the Bhil, Garasias and the nomadic Rabaris, the scenes in these tribal areas are […]
India 10 – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
When we heard the destination Gujarat, we were at a loss as to the significance of this region nor where it is located within India. We learned that it is bounded by the Arabian Sea, Pakistan and located just north of Mumbai. It turns out that this is where Mahatna Ghandi, The Father of the […]
India 9 – Varanasi 2 – City of Light
In addition to being known as the city of Death, Varanasi is also called the City of Light, and renowned as a city of learning for centuries. In ancient India, its name is derived from the Sanskrit verbal root Kashi, meaning “to shine”. The city has 8 universities imparting traditional religious education. Also, many come […]
India 8 – Varanasi 1 – City of Death
Varanasi is considered the religious capital of India and the mecca for Hindus. This is where many Hindus come to die and where they want to be cremated, since those who believe in reincarnation believe that it will free them from the cycle of rebirth and lead to salvation. Imagine not having to return in […]
India 7 – Taj Majal & Agra
When you think of India, the image of the Taj Mahal emerges near the top. A UNESCO World Heritage Center and one of the new seven wonders of the world, the tourists line up starting around 5 AM. It’s considered the greatest love monument ever constructed. Taj Mahal, Crown of the Palace, is an ivory […]