DISCOVERY OF INDIA

(This is a two series blog Part 1 followed by Part 2)

Come n discover our nation.

PART 1


Namaste! A trip through India is always an intoxicating surprise to the senses and always unforgettable! An enormous canvas coloured by a divine palette: shimmering golden sands, liquid green silks, teeming diversity of chirping flutters, abundant spices to tantalize your taste buds. The geographical vastness of India is matched only by the diversity of the people. Modern India is home to the tribal and to the urban jetsetter. It is a land where the temple elephants exist amicably with the microchip. Its ancient monuments are the backdrop for the world's largest democracy. Walk with me to explore my country - five seasons every year, a festival everyday, a smile every second. Welcome to India.



HIGHLIGHTS AND HIDDEN GEMS

CHAI WITH A VIEW
The rugged Indian Himalayas are scattered with impossible settlements, their tidy houses and generous crop fields perched on steep hillsides topped with the sparkling snow. In the Tibetan-flavored town of Dharamsala, forest treks start right outside your hotel room. An hour and a half up one of these trails; you will be welcomed by a smile and an offer of chai - the spicy-sweet milk tea just short of heaven. The clean air, hot drink and friendly company tug on you to sit awhile among the birds and enjoy this cafe-with-a-view, Indian-style. To get to this spot in the trees, find the Shiva temple on the way to Triund. After your first cup of chai, you may be inspired to keep hiking steadily upwards toward snowline. Then again, you may decide to spend the afternoon embracing the Himalayan hospitality a while longer.


THE ANCIENT LADIES OF BHENSWARA

The forts and palaces of Rajasthan are eternally appealing, conjuring scenes of battles, well-trod caravan routes, and epic dynasties. But for many of us, travel is all about the people we meet. India has no shortage of characters: eager kids, flamboyant bus drivers, crotchety old men. Great personalities abound in Bhenswara, a lovely untouristed small town, where it is often said 'the real India' lives. Wandering the humble lanes, don't be surprised at the number of fans who will come out to welcome you. Near a shoemaker's house, you might find two old ladies with weather-beaten skin, thick specs and well-worn saris adorning their tiny frames. The first time I saw them, they stepped out to grasp my hands, share belly laughs, and admire my hair. Even without a common language, these charmers brought to life that saying heard all over India: 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'Guest is God'. I was awed by their simple humanity and the connection across time, distance and culture. And that's what I had really come for.




ROADSIDE RELIGION

In the medieval hamlet of Orchha there is a 'temple' that for me signifies religious devotion at its purest, most sincere form. While the eye-popping ornateness of the temples at Kujuraho, or the ancient Shiva temples of Varanasi are impressive, I find the devoutness of Hindu India most present in the more subtle small family shrines. There, just next to the lane heading into town from the train station, is a perfect - albeit humble - Shiva 'temple'. On the ground next to a creaky old tree, a black onyx Shiva lingam is lovingly worshipped by its caretakers. Each morning for 'puja', fresh marigolds, cow's milk, a lamp of fire, and burning incense appear. There is no pomp, no affectation, and the whole set-up covers less than a square metre. It is just an everyday family living their religion, in small town India. If you can find this kind of small moment, in a place like Orchha, you have found the heart of India.


THE BEST MANGO PICKLE

The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is known as an open-air art gallery for its painted havelis, elegant homes of the wealthy merchant classes of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Mural scenes tell stories of maharaja opulence, British residents and news of the day - like the arrival of passenger trains. You wouldn't necessarily think to come to Nawalgarh for the food (though it is one of the most decorous tiny towns), but all the gazing makes you hungry. An unexpected highlight is coming upon Kalpana Singh and her amazing homemade pickles at her restaurant near the palace. Indian pickles are salty, briny, spicy preserves of lime, mango and other treats. Even if you are a pickle skeptic, try dipping into the bright saucy delicacies with a fried parantha. The condiment soon becomes the main event - many have dreamed about bottling and exporting the stuff, it is that good! You can try your luck wresting the recipe from the lady of the house, once you find her in Nawalgarh.


continued in nxt blog.....