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Trip start
October 3, 2019
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Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 1:04 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Sri Lanka Union Place 6.91896, 79.8626°55’8” N 79°51’43” E
Colombo
October 2, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Capital of Sri Lanka, and my last day here. The tour of the city was drive by. So I got no pictures. This picture is taken from the hotel about 20 km down the coast, overlooking the pool toward the bay.Read more
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Day 2
Friday, October 4, 2019 at 10:57 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 205 m
India Delhi 28.65145, 77.2393828°39’5” N 77°14’22” E
Old Delhi
October 4, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Didn't get to spend much time in Delhi. The first 2 pics are of the Jama mosque, largest in India and said to be second largest anywhere. We were there around midday on Friday. So it was closed to tourists for prayers. The others are of the Chandni Chowk neighborhood, a classic part of Old Delhi. Had a couple good samosasRead more
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Day 2
Friday, October 4, 2019 at 11:39 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 211 m
India Delhi 28.65616, 77.243428°39’22” N 77°14’36” E
Red Fort
October 4, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Seat of the sultan. Building started in the 15th century. First is from outside. Second looks in through several arches. Third is the audience hall. 4&5 are of the sultan's private palaces. Last is a look at some of the grounds and gardensRead more
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Day 3
Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 4:13 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 226 m
India Kāhangarh 31.60601, 74.5781631°36’22” N 74°34’41” E
Attari Border crossing near Amritsar
October 5, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
There is a ceremony here enacted by both India and Pakistan for the flag lowering. It goes on for quite a bit of time. I couldn't see much of the Pakistan side given where we were in the seats, but it looked like both nation's honor guards mirrored each other. Lots of noise, parading, cheering, and what looked like nationalism. They did drop the flags concurrently when they got to it.
The first pic is the stadium from the outside. That is the seating for spectators. The next 2 are of some of the honor guard parading. Next is a pic of the big screen looking into Pakistan. The last two are of the final action at the border and the lowering flagsRead more
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Day 3
Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 8:49 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 226 m
India Golden Temple 31.62064, 74.8769831°37’14” N 74°52’37” E
Golden Temple
October 5, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
The main temple of Sikhism. The first pic is of the main temple at night. Yes, it is made of gold. Next is the main gate. One if the main principles of Sikhism is service. They say that the world's largest kitchen is here. They serve 200,000 meals every day, all without charge, to anyone. Note: this is not a misprint. It really is 200,000 meals per day. The next 3 pics are of various parts of the kitchen: a machine making chipati; making curry; and dishwashing by hand. The last looks at one of the dining rooms.Read more
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Day 4
Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 7:57 AM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 236 m
India Amritsar 31.62403, 74.8839431°37’27” N 74°53’2” E
Amritsar
October 6, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Holy city for the Sikhs. The Golden Temple is THE temple for Sikhism (see another post). The first 2 pics here are of street scenes, one day, one night. Next is an interesting building. The last two are of the memorial garden on the site of a massacre by the British a bit over 100 years ago. The monument is on the shape of a bullet. If you look at the last picture closely, you will see some white squares. These denote bullet marks left from that day.Read more
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Day 5
Monday, October 7, 2019 at 12:58 PM
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: 1,220 m
India Sidhpur 32.19767, 76.3584732°11’52” N 76°21’30” E
Dharamshala
October 7, 2019 in India ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Small town in the Himalayan Foothills. The first pic is the view from my hotel room. Second is of what some say is the most beautiful cricket stadium anywhere. Third is a local water fall. The last three are of the Norbulingka Institute and temple. The institute wirksybto preserve Tibetan arts. This is here as Dharamshala is where the Dalai Lama has taken refuge after fleeing China in 1957Read more
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Day 5
Monday, October 7, 2019 at 6:56 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 1,710 m
India Banoi Reserved Forest 32.23231, 76.3240132°13’56” N 76°19’26” E
Dalai Lama Temple
October 7, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Here is where the Dalai Lama calls home since leaving Tibet after the Chinese takeover. Unfortunately, His Holiness was not around at the time I was there.
The first two are in the main temple. Then some of the prayer wheels. 4th looks on the door where picture taking is not allowed inside. The yellow you can see in the center is the Dalai Lama's throne/ teaching seat. The last picture is of some of the young monks debating Buddhist teachings, history, writings, etc.Read more
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Day 6
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 5:11 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 1,399 m
India Rawālsar 31.63389, 76.8300331°38’2” N 76°49’48” E
Rewalsar Lake
October 8, 2019 in India ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
A sacred place for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs alike. The lake is surrounded by temples of all three faiths.
The first pic looks across the lake. If you look closely, you will see a statue on the hill. That is the second picture. The third is of the inside of the temple in the lotus flower base of the statue. The fourth looks out over the lake from the balcony around the statue. Fifth and sixth are two of the temples by the lakeRead more
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Day 7
Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 3:41 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 2,130 m
India Shimla 31.10415, 77.1696631°6’15” N 77°10’11” E
Shimla
October 9, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Mountainside city (literally) and capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh. This was also the summer capital of the British during the Raj.
First is a picture of the city from up on the side of the upper mountain. The second is from the "Ridge" area looking back up to where the 1st pic was taken. No surprise to see an obviously Anglican Church. Notice the Hindu statue peeking over the trees at the top. Third is on the Mall, the other main gathering area in town. Third is the Viceregal Lodge, where the viceroy stayed in the summer, making this the center of government of India during the time he was in residence. Next is part of the garden at the Viceregal Lodge. Last is a view over the countryside from the city.Read more
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Day 9
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 11:47 AM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 1,843 m
India Shogi Railroad Station 31.0389, 77.1233931°2’20” N 77°7’24” E
Toy train
October 11, 2019 in India ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
No, the Kalka and Shimla Railroad is not model trains. This is a narrow gauge railway built by the British during the Raj for transport from a station on the main railway up to the summer capital in Shimla (see another post). This is said to have the highest elevation change of any railway anywhere.
The first pic was taken out of the window of the train car looking toward the engine. The second is inside the car taken while some kids were singing down at the far end. The rest look at typical views along the way (5 1/2 hours, 84 km). The last looks down through the trees over the edge of the cliff along which the tracks run.Read more
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Day 11
Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 11:11 AM
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 180 m
India Agra 27.17694, 78.022427°10’37” N 78°1’21” E
Agra Fort
October 13, 2019 in India ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Agra was the capital of the Moghul empire in India during the middle of the second millenium, and Agra Fort was the seat of government here and the residence of the royal family. Building began in the 15th Century with additions by successive rulers. The first pic looks at the fort from outside. Second is a palace built for the son of the first shah. Third is the courtyard of dance where the ruling family and guests were entertained. Fourth is in the pleasure hall of the harem. Fifth is the harem garden, and last is the audience hall.Read more
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Day 11
Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 5:06 PM
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 159 m
India Itimad-ud-daula 27.19256, 78.0318827°11’33” N 78°1’55” E
Tomb of I'tmad-u-daulah
October 13, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Aka, Baby Taj. This is the tomb of the grandfather of Mumtez-Mahal of Taj Mahal fame. (See another post.). The first pic looks at the tomb through the gate at the river. The second is a closer look. Third is a glance inside. The last 2 look at the garden. This is a typical garden for the time. It is walled, is very rectilinear, has channels for water to flow, pools and plants, though this is now rather overgrown. The design reflects references in the Koran to the gardens of paradise.Read more
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Day 12
Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:03 AM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 178 m
India Nagla Dhīmar 27.17503, 78.0421527°10’30” N 78°2’32” E
Taj Mahal
October 14, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Tomb of the wife of Shah Jahan. Built in the 17th century for his favorite wife, Mumtez-Mahal. First a look from the East gate. Then gradually closer looks at the building, entry arch to the mausoleum where Shah Jahan and Mumtez-Mahal are interred, and a look at the details of the wall. None of this is painted. It is all precious and semiprecious stones inlaid In the marble. The last two look at the gardens. Everything, buildings, landscaping, etc. Is symetrical. One more place where pictures don't live up to seeing it in personRead more
TravelerI've always wanted to see this. Pictures are amazing. Enjoy your travels.
10/23/19Reply
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Day 13
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 9:17 AM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 456 m
India Tāl Katora Tank 26.92978, 75.8082826°55’47” N 75°48’30” E
Jaipur, Hotel Bassau
October 15, 2019 in India ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Former palace and still home to the a branch of the local royal family. This is now a hotel where we stayed.
The first pic looks across the front garden to the palace. The 2nd looks from the port-au-cochere into the open atrium lobby. 3rd looks across part of the dining room towards the pool out back.Read more
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Day 13
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 9:48 AM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 453 m
India Hawa Mahal 26.92383, 75.8271526°55’26” N 75°49’38” E
Jaipur
October 15, 2019 in India ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Regional capital in India. Former royal site (see another post). Often called the Pink City due to the extensive use of pink sandstone for construction.
The 1st picture is of the facade of the former royal palace built when the capital was moved here. 2nd is the former summer palace, aka Water Palace, located in the middle of a lake. The water level is high with a couple stories flooded. So the building is currently unused. 4th is an example of the pink sandstone buildings on one of the main commercial streets. 5th is a look at a local market. Last are some traditional Rajasthani dancers at dinnerRead more
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Day 13
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 10:25 AM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 468 m
India Amber Fort 26.98775, 75.8511826°59’16” N 75°51’4” E
Amber Fort/Palace near Jaipur
October 15, 2019 in India ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Former palace and capital before moving to Jaipur due primarily to overcrowding of the surrounding town. The palace was begun in the 16th century.
The 1st pic looks at the fort from a distance. Next is the 1st courtyard for military drill and parades.. 3rd is the palace garden in the harem. 4th is a pavilion at the side of the harem where the women could look over and watch what was going on the in the audience chamber below. 5th is the audience chamber. The ceiling is filled with reflective surfaces that look like stars shining. Last is an example of how Hindu and Islamic art and architecture are combined in the building.Read more
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Day 14
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 5:03 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 578 m
India Eklinggarh 24.57375, 73.6869424°34’26” N 73°41’13” E
Udaipur
October 16, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Known as the white city (just as Jaipur is the Pink City), this is the Rajpoot capital of the part of India that was not part of the Raj. First is the City Palace (see another post) taken from the lake. There are two hotels in the building now. The secpnd looks over the city from the top floor of the palace. Third is the big Hindu temple in the city. Fourth is another Rajasthani dancer, this time with about a dozen stack bowls on her head. Fifth looks over the lake, and last is the former summer palace now an ultra luxury hotel with room rates from 1,000-4,000 US dollars per nightRead more
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Day 14
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 6:36 PM
🌙 28 °C
Altitude: 588 m
India Kotra Nadi 24.57939, 73.6823624°34’46” N 73°40’56” E
Udaipur Rajasthani Dance
October 16, 2019 in India ⋅ 🌙 28 °C
Various folk traditions, including string puppets, fire dancers, sword dances, an enacted legend, etc.
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Day 15
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 10:13 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 601 m
India Kotra Nadi 24.57763, 73.6838724°34’39” N 73°41’2” E
City Palace
October 17, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
The largest palace building in India. There is a smaller building but with larger grounds. The royal family still lives in part of the building.
The place is spectacular. These few photos can't do it justice. One particular thing to note is the sun disc in the last picture. The local royals are known as the Sun Dynasty. Hence all the sun symbols the aid in worship of the sun.Read more
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Day 17
Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 8:25 AM
⛅ 24 °C
Altitude: 275 m
India Būndi 25.43562, 75.6459425°26’8” N 75°38’45” E
Bundi
October 19, 2019 in India ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
Capital of another part of Rajpoot, sometimes called the blue city. Many houses are painted with a mix of limestone dust and indigo. The local palace is not being maintained, but there is still some beautiful art there.
The 1st picture looks over the city from high in the palace. You can see a lot of blue on the buildings. Next is the main gate of the palace, called the elephant gate. 3rd is an example of some of the original art, dating from the 17th century. 4th is a city gate. 5th is a step well. Last is a cenotaph erected by a king to honor his foster brother.Read more
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Day 17
Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 3:00 PM
☁️ 31 °C
Altitude: 288 m
India Thīkarda 25.49822, 75.6393725°29’54” N 75°38’22” E
Village near Bundi
October 19, 2019 in India ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Various looks at village life in rural Rajasthan. About 80% of the local economy is said to be agriculture.
The 1st two pics look at the village. 3rd and 4th are pottery making. In one a pit is thrown on the wheel. Then it isvecownd d and shaped into it's final size. Next the pots are painted and fired. I understand that at Diwali, a major festival here in about a week and a half, people purchase new water pits of this type. 5th is drying corn, and 6th is the family garden out back of the pottery workshop and house.Read more
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Day 18
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 12:25 PM
🌧 26 °C
Altitude: 12 m
India Nariman Point 18.92698, 72.8194118°55’37” N 72°49’10” E
Mumbai
October 20, 2019 in India ⋅ 🌧 26 °C
Aka, Bombay; the name was changed about 20 years ago. It is a large, vibrant diverse city in India.
First up is the Victoria Terminus, an early railroad station. Next is the Marine Boulevard, essentially the malecón of Mumbai. Next is worship in the Stone Temple, a Hare Krishna temple. Next, buried in the trees, is the Tower of Silence. This is a Parsi worship space where in that tradition the dead are place for the vultures. 5th is a look at one of the slums which are very different from what we see as slums. People who make it big who grew up here often choose to stay, as the environment is safe, the people are happy, etc. So now it is expensive the buy a place to live. Last is an open air laundry in the slum.Read more
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Day 18
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 2:16 PM
🌧 27 °C
Altitude: 22 m
India Chowpatty beach 18.9598, 72.8114118°57’35” N 72°48’41” E
Mani Bhuvan
October 20, 2019 in India ⋅ 🌧 27 °C
Ghandi's home base when in Bombay. The house is now coverted to a Ghandi memorial and research facility is by his work.
The first pic is the plaque outside the house that is the 2nd pic. 3rd is a wall relief of the Mahatma. 4th is his room. 5th is the house library of about 50,000 volumes. Last is a visual retrospective of his life. I found myself strangely touched being in a space where one of my idols worked.Read more
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Day 18
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 6:59 PM
☁️ 25 °C
Altitude: 25 m
India Torpedo Dock (historical)18.92467, 72.8322418°55’29” N 72°49’56” E
More Mumbai
October 20, 2019 in India ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
More looks at things in Mumbai
1. Gateway to India Arch built for the visit of King George V in 1911. Located at the old harbor

2. The Taj Hotel, Victorian opulence, located across from the Gateway to India

3. Colonial architecture in the Colaba, old town.

4. The hanging gardens, so called because they are on top of a major water storage tank at the top of Malabar Hill.

5. The urban administration building, dating from the Raj.

6. Hajiri Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in Mumbai, built in the middle of a bay.Read more
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