My first impression about India: it is well-known that India is the country of contrasts. Bombey is the very city where this fact is shown mostly: the huge sky-scrapers - residences of well known corporations in the whole world are adjacent with poverty-stricken hovels and beggars which live on streets. You can meet a lot of yogis or sadhu - strangers on the streets of Rishikesh, who distinguish themselves by orange dresses, numerous rosaries and a big bowl for charity. The constant lack of food and care are habitual thing. Nevertheless nobody lost courage, all are affable, amiable and glad to communicate with you.
Rishikesh is situated along the river of Ganga on the banks of which are spread precipitous hills covered with dense forests almost jungles. There are two hanging bridges thrown through Ganga. All the interesting for tourists is placed in the area of these bridges, but there isn't a lot of it. Rishikesh is very simple and naif, there aren't vast squares, imposing temples and beautiful parks. Habitual streets filled with different shops, stores, ordinary people, cows and pigs - at first sight nothing to impress and amaze.
Dozens of ashrams offer their help for those who want to experience yoga and meditation. There are big high-rise ashrams there and a lot of tiny hovels with the majestic name of ashram. But one ashram distinguishes from the others by its lush blossoming beauty and cleanliness. This is Parmat Niketan - the most famed and biggest ashram in Rishikesh. It seems to me that the famous "Beatles" in their time met the guru Maharishi, thus made a great contribution to the legendary fame of Rishikesh. Parmat Niketan shines like an emerald in the sun comparatively with the simplicity of the city. Luxuriant vegetation and exotic flowers, wonderful alleys, mighty banyans, marble statues, open-work lattices Opposite the main portal, the white statue of Shiva stands in the waters of Ganga. Colourful ceremonies with dancing and singing are celebrated here every evening during the magnificent sunset. According to the ancient legends the holy river of Ganga originates not here on earth but in other world. I couldn't lose the opportunity to bathe in this sacred river. The water is certainly cool but one can bathe here, though I was bathing alone, nobody around. The water current is not so heavy, the depth grows gradually, so you have all the conditions. But in some places the river becomes narrow and turns in a turbulent and noisy current, pouring its waters amidst rude stones. Lots of people think that Ganga river is dirty but here it is clear and agreeable and inhabitants prepare food with this water.
Dharamshala is a rocky settlement in Himachal Pradesh state situated at the Himalayas pediment. Dharamshala is divided approximately in three parts: Lower Dharamshala, Mc Leod Ganj and Dharamkot. As the major part of tourists I stayed in Mc Leod Ganj. It is a little town-village where is the residence of Dalay Lama, but I was traveling for the natural beauty. Here are a lot of talapoins, walking by the streets in red dresses. Lots of talapoins distinguish themselves by respectable well-padded forms. Probably they don't have problems with nutrition. Instead, the beggars who live there have problems with it. I met also Russians even amidst talapoins, men and women. I settled in a cottage with big room and shower, WC, hot water and big kitchen. The life here is more tranquil and calmer than in Delly. The weather is fine, the snow can be seen only in mountains. The nature is wondrous. I have lack of words to describe all this beauty. Everything is spacious and open. From the northern part one can observe the appealing and sparkling snowy peaks. Amazing flowers please the sight, the air is so fresh and clean that you even don't feel it. All the outskirts are covered with coniferous forests with eval pines and firs, where little monkeys run. The eagles soar majestically in the infinite sky. Mountain streams and waterfalls imbue the atmosphere with freshness and beatitude.
The first morning in Delly I remember by an inimitable view from my window: rickshaw drivers, pigs, cows, dogs. The impression is that I'm not in the Delly downtown, but at some farm. However, later on I was accustomed with such a picturesque icon because it was everywhere. Enjoying this view I went sightseeing Delly. I visited the mosque Djamy Masdgid, Red Fort, Lackshmi Narayan Temple and Delly Zoo. I made photos on Parliament background and Presidential Palace. The impression of Delly places of interest is great with their majestic appearance and fascinating beauty.
Then I proceeded to the pink city Jaypur where I visited Hava-Mahal, then Amber Fort. Later on I found out that it was the single opportunity to take a ride on elephants in India. I will never forget the breathtaking sensation I experienced. I was walking by Amber Fort about three hours but didn't manage to pass it around. Then I visited the observatory Jantar-Mantar and the town Museum. After that I went shopping to the trade street of Jaypur.
View Photos Agra Rates Hotels Excursions Resources Contact