Raphael Kessler

Delhi is not a particularly attractive town and I spent more time there than I would have liked to, but it does have some interesting sites. The government offices are built in the colonial style and at the offices of the Ministry of Defence (photo 1), there is a sign stating that no unauthorised people were allowed access etc. and there was a soldier on guard to enforce this, yet the lawn in front was covered with monkeys. I wonder if it is a metaphor? There are also nice old ruins and temples around the town  (photo 2).

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the religious centre of Sikhism and has interesting facilities all around the complex.

The Taj Mahal in Agra is undoubtedly one of the most famous buildings in the world and was built as a final loving gesture to Shah Jahan's favourite wife Mumtaz.

The dentist in Ajmer did not look to have the most hygienic environment for doing orthodontic work.

The victory tower in Chittogarh is an impressively carved monolith  (photo 1). The locals however seem to be jaded to its presence.

The blue city of Jodphur  (photo below) turned that colour because of a chemical treatmentused by most homes to get rid of turmites.

The desert fort town of Jaisalmer  (photo 1) is very scenic and a good base for camel treks. I spent a few days on a camel and got to see how the people in the desert live  (photo 2).

The Lake Palace in Udaipur  (photo below) is famous for having been in the James Bond film "Octopussy". The town is generally attractive and laid back with other historical sites.

I spent several days in Varkala relaxing. The people in this area are particularly laid back. One night a lizard decided to visit my toilet  (photo 3).

The River Ganges at Varanasi is a particularly important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is where many are taken to be cremated at the water side  (photo 1) and then have their ashes thrown in to the river. Just next to this people are ritually bathing and washing clothes in the 'holy' water  (photos 2 & 3).

In Mahaballipurum the relief carvings are life size and surprisingly life like.

The tantric carvings on the temples of Khajuraho are amazing both for their complexity and content. The subject matter is generally sexual with some quite impressive manoeuvres. 

I decided that I was not going to leave India until I had seen a wild tiger. I finally managed to do so in Bhandavgarh National Park where I saw this majestic and impressive full grown male.

I was surprised at the look of Calcutta, in my opinion it is probably the most aesthetic of India's big cities. The Victoria monument in Calcutta is a particularly imposing edifice.