Being a tourist is usually pretty fun, depending on what kind of a tourist you are. Ever since my France trip back in Spring 2012 I like to be the tourist that just goes out there and explores. Do what I want to do regardless of a schedule.
>Feeling hungry?
>>Then I'll eat.
>Where?
>>Whatever is close by.
It doesn't have to be difficult. Just relax and enjoy, knowing that you can't do everything but that you'll have the most fun if you enjoy what you're doing instead of pressing on for what you're not.
The only real problem with that is that I need to do a bit of "research" beforehand. If I don't know what's out there, then how can I know where to go when I feel like doing something bizarre, or calming, or exciting, or breathtaking?
This summer there is a family reunion in India and while we are there we'll be touring the Golden Triangle. Which is a combination of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi that forms a triangle.
Delhi
Delhi is the political captial of India and was the capital of the Pandava princes in the great Indian epic "Mahabharata". Being such a captial, it is a blend of the old and the new with both modern and ancient sites. From this website it seems that the reason why Delhi is so historic is because several dynasties in the 13th and 17th century's brought their rule to Delhi and the diversity that came there is still present today. It also says the climate is very polar and the best time to visit is either in February-March or between October and December; does that mean I'm going in the worst time? Extreme heat .... :(
I'm really interested in the super diversity that they keep talking about. I want to see that difference. I thing I'll want to visit The India Gate, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and the Malls of South Extension.
List of Attractions: The India Gate, Red Fort, Jam Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Kutub Minar, Jantar-Mantar, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Akshardham Temple, the malls of South Extension
Agra
Agra is a medieval city along the Yamuna River. It's really famous around the world for housing the Taj Mahal which was built be the Mughal empire. In fact the entire city was brought up by the Mughal empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. At that time, it became a center of art, culture, trade and education. Apparently the Mughal style cuisine is really good. I'll have to taste that. While I'm reading all this stuff, there seems to be a lot of Taj Mahal-like places. Since the entire city was built by the Mughal's it doesn't seem have a lot of different stuff. But something cool that I found is that it is a place of arts and crafts and has shopping areas in "every nook and corner" selling things at lower prices like leatherwork, brass work, stone jewellary, gold embroidery and more. That would be something I'm down to see and explore.
Edit: I just found a new one, outside of Agra there is a place called the Keoladeo National Park which is a a Bird Sactuary where thousands of birds live. Wow would I like to see that!
List of Attractions: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Dayal Bagh, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, Agra Red Fort, and the Tomb of Akbar the Great
Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan and is also known as the Pink City because the setting sun casts a pink glow on the city’s buildings. Apparently it was the first planned out city in India, with forts and temples, gardens and parks, monuments and hotels that are placed really well and loot really good. The city has broad roads with wide lanes and uniform rows of shops in the marketplace. Sounds like a place to just wander around and see what you come across. To top it off, the warm, friendly and hospitable spirit of the people there is very cultured and unique. Sounds like a place where I'd fit right in.
So I'm looking for a picture of the beautiful gardens of Jaipur and I find a picture of the Chand Baori, a stepwell that makes an appearance in the Bollywood movie Paheli. Watching that movie I always thought that the place was cool and I jumped when I saw the picture. Definitely want to see this!!
The well got me totally psyched for this trip! So excited to go now!!
Innovating Life
~ASKalburgi