General information about the trip to India

 

Yes , here I am again , safe and sound - back from a foreign for us Europeans region. We started (as always heard my husband on such trips course included ) 26 October 2007 from Hanover with Austrian Airlines. An extremely safe airline with very attentive staff. When packing your suitcase , it is not only important to max. To ensure 20 kg. The medicine cabinet may also be important. Medication for nausea, diarrhea , patches, disinfection and wet wipes, sunscreen and mosquito repellent should definitely be there. Required Vaccinate speak from your GP . Hepatitis A + B , polio, tetanus should be self-evident.
 

In addition, you can take another malaria drug (about 60 euros) as a standby medication for emergencies. In the north of India is likely to expect during the monsoon with mosquitoes. Personally, I 've stocked up even with ear plugs because of the sometimes very loud air conditioning. Before this trip, each traveler should be aware that everyday life in India is not comparable with ours. At almost every corner and dirt, misery, poverty is waiting for you , what with the over-population (1.07 billion - with 358 people per km ²) probably surprise no one. Life often takes place on the roadside.

Beggars children please no money in the hand press . Especially the girls are very much at risk . You the money taken in any case - to sometimes brutal way by their own family members (brothers). Also keep in mind please that a running child next to you the sacrifice of camel or horse-drawn carriage or the jeep could be where you sit. Soap, shampoo and pens are rather the right gift.

The noisy capital of New Delhi

 

 

Our room at the Hotel Claremont (New Delhi)

  Before we reached after 9 hours New Delhi, we make a stopover in Vienna. The time difference is 4 ½ hours and we are only just pleased to have arrived. After a short acclimatization and little sleep (about 3 hours) after breakfast we start our first tour.
 

It is first of all the Red Fort. It is a citadel of Shah Jahan (1592-1666). This Mughal emperor, who is also the famous Taj Mahal was erected by his favorite wife, Mumtaz, began about 1639 with the construction of a " seventh city Dehlis " - today one of the most densely populated areas in the world, 90 percent of all Muslims Dehlis live in this district, The Citadel is located on the eastern edge of the former fortified town. One enters the fort through the imposing Lahore gate through a wide square leads to the Diwan-i-Am. So the Hall of Public Audiences was named. The fort is relatively well preserved. To time of Shah Jahan, there were six main palaces, 5 of which still exist and connect directly to the audience area.

 

The music pavilion

 

The Pearl Mosque

   In the harem favorite wife Mumtaz now houses an archaeological Museum that gives us a glimpse into the Mughal period. Admire Shish Mahal, a small palace which has been exclusively decorated with glass. The Khas Mahal is the former private palace of the Shah. There are the chambers of dreams and the chambers of the beads. Areas that took advantage of the Mogul emperor to meditate. In the adjacent Diwan-i-Khas is the hall for private audiences. There was a jeweled Peacock Throne, which was, however, taken away by the Persian conquerors. It is close to the hamam (royal bath houses). We can still admire the Moti Masjid mosque, a Pearl Mosque, which was built of marble.

 

 

Indian visitors in the Red Fort

According to this already very impressive tour we take a rickshaw ride by New Dehlis streets. Yes, the selection of drivers is large, the condition of the vehicles are different, the pay is very low. We have paid double the price and still had a bad feeling: converted 2 Euro, 1 Euro would have been sufficient. The appropriate amount they learn - as we do - from the mostly German - or English-speaking tour guide. In our case this was Hanumant Singh, a happily married young man and proud father of a son. Mr. Singh also like supervised individual tourists and if you look on the internet, can be safely plan trips with his help. We can not recommend him highly enough .

 

Tour Guides Hanumant Singh

Saree shop in Old Town

 

Rickshaw ride



Begging girl

   

Proceed to Qutab Minar temple, the first Muslim temples in India, which was built in 1199 and is one of the oldest mosques in India. Also take a tour of Gandhi's cremation site is worth a visit and we remain here full of devotion. Mahatma Gandhi led 1947 completely non-violent people of the Indian independence. The British left the country and a 90-year colonial rule came to an end.

 

Iron Pillar in the Qutab Minor


Tomb Mahatma Gandhi

 

Humayun Tomb



Humayun's tomb (Note)

Considerations on the Sikh religion

    In the evening we still take part in a stoppage of the Holy Book for the night. This ceremony will be held in New Delhi in Sikh Gurudwara Temple. The Sikhs are a group of believing Indians, but in contrast to living in the country Muslims and Hindus differ merely by the execution of the Baptism of them. And not only that: This religion was founded by Guru Nanak in the village of Talwandi in the vicinity of present-day Lahore / Pakistan 1469 AD .


The Sikh Temple

The Sikh Temple


Visitors to the Sikh temple

   Nanak was already not as a child many religious actions and accepted neither dogmas nor superstition. His religion should be focused not only on a spiritual life, but the faithful should also actively participate in worldly and secular activities. He was followed by nine holy men. The tenth and last Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 led a baptism. The Holy Bible was created by the fifth Guru, Arjan Dev, 1601-1604. This Guru also built the famous Golden Temple Amritsar. During the 18th Century the Sikhs were persecuted by the then rulers. During the Mughal empire fell apart (the Afghans were in India) use the Sikhs this time to create their own empire.

   Under Ranjid Singh Kingdom of the Sikhs, which is about half a century remained until the British annexed it originated. The population of India is only about 1.8% of Sikhs. The five symbols of Sikhism are :

Kesha - the uncut hair under the turban
Kangha - a comb
Kara - an iron bracelet
Kachcha - a pair of trousers
Kupan - the sword

  The Sikhs do not believe in a caste system. Religion is monotheistic. It teaches tolerance and brotherhood towards all people . God is a God of grace and not the penalties. They reject pessimism and teach optimism and hope. Alcohol and tobacco , however, are prohibited. Although the wife equally their place in the community takes as absolute, adultery is a grave offense. Widows are allowed to marry , which is impossible by the Hindus again . The women do not wear veils and women by Muslims . The soul and to keep the body clean, is one of the components of spiritual growth . Diligence, wealth and social recognition are some of the goals sought by the devout Sikh .

Ceremonies accompany a Sikh by ​​his life. Among them are

a) the naming at birth
b) Amrit ( baptism )
c) Anand Karaj ( wedding )
d) death ceremony ( combustion )

  One expects from a Sikh that he in the morning every day - even before the sunrise - get up, meditate, after scrubbing and also in the evening and before bedtime. In addition once a day the Gurudwara (Sikh temple) visit . The Gurudwaras are enclosed community kitchens to output to all visitors eat. Whether rich or poor, educated or illiterate is insignificant in this case. The kitchens are funded by contributions devout Sikhs. So one tries to create social justice. The temple is barefoot foot and the head is to be covered. You bow to the scriptures, takes place. And now is recited from the Holy Scriptures . There follows a prayer. At the end of the service is a candy that is made of semolina, flour, sugar and butter spread.
 

The Holy Book is placed in a recent ceremony in the evening for the night . You can identify a Sikh temple on the yellow flag on the roof of the church , on the one Khwanda , the so-called double-edged sword , is presented. So you can easily distinguish a Sikh temple by a mosque. Also we lie down at night , because we also have to catch up on some sleep .

Train ride to COTA

      After a somewhat meager breakfast we start towards Kota. Kota has about 700,000 inhabitants and is located about 500 kilometers southwest of New Delhi. Only this time we switch from the coach on the train. An Indian train ride is a special experience. For 500 km about 7 hours are needed. So no fast-paced ride.

     We are lucky enough to catch two berths - but use only the lower lying area. Is very good! My husband and I sit across from us, while the legs are extended. A little yoga succeed us already. Upon arrival in Kota and the occupancy of the hotel Umed Bhadwan it're off again. This rapid pace is maintained almost throughout the whole trip.

The wedding procession in KAITHOON

The Indian hotel with the rats

After a delicious dinner in a somewhat gloomy palace, looking at us while crossing our hallway a rat sweetly and disappears under one of the other doors. Thank God they did not choose for our room. It is quite large. Almost as big as a small ballroom. The air conditioning a little annoying. I think for a while the little rat and then we sleep easy one. My husband promises me muttering: "Do not worry, just in case I start it for you" I realize:.. I'm traveling with a hero. Good night. The night went smoothly and the bed was excellent.




Hotel Umed Bhawan Palace

 

The courtyard




The hunting trophies

 

The staff

The Menal temple of the goddess Shiva

The famous fort of Chittorgarh

In Chittorgarh arrived, we visit the most famous fortress Radhjasthans. They perched on an imposing Table Mountain and covers an area of ​​about 260 ha. The fortress was built during the Rajput wars of 7 - 16 Century destroyed a total of three times. Thousands of women committed suicide by fire, according to the so-called Janhar in order not to fall into the hands of enemies, and so as to be not dishonored. Lemur families feel comfortable in this fortress particularly well and are extensively fed by visitors. In order to achieve the investment, we use a three-wheeled Tuc-tuc. Which is a car with a two-stroke engine. It is quite funny to watch: I have been years ago, high up in the vineyards of Tuscany itself with such a vehicle on the go.

 

The monkeys in the fortress

 

The tower



The Fortress

 

The Fortress

The Fortress

The torch reception in Bijaipur castle

 

Another day full of adventure comes to an end and the shoulder of my husband, he offers me to lean on, I like to take to complete. We stay in Bijaipur in the Castle named after and are welcomed with garlands of flowers. These torchbearers that illuminate the way for us in the courtyard.

     After a short trunk opening and refreshing bath, which incidentally is embedded in the floor and gives us such a different bathing experience, we take our dinner under a starry sky. There is a hot and cold buffet and we listen to the stories of the master of the house who knows how to report yet of the legendary tiger hunts. Its traditional clothes (red turban and white Indian suit), plus an impressive beard give his narration is added credibility. A comfortable bed waiting for us.
 

The next day we start after a delicious breakfast, which unfortunately seems almost everywhere in India to be the same: Toast or Coffee, English orange marmalade, some cheese, yogurt. Sausage there are rare and delicious which unfortunately does not looks. It lacks the European dyes with which even at that we know of, also once again rotten meat is optically tuned. I'm beginning to think in terms of vegetarian options. But a variety of fruits gives us water 'mouths .

 

The princely bed

Bijaipur Castle

 

Bijaipur Castle

 

Udaipur and the Lake Pichola

 

Indian breakfast in general not much, but you can sit longer in the evening so together. Today we go to Udaipur. Udaipur is one of the largest cities in northern India and has about 300,000 inhabitants. We will also visit there a large palace complex, known today city palace. It was built around the 1600s and is still partly inhabited by the descendants of the builder. This maze of courtyards, galleries and pavilions once served as the residence of the Maharaja and was at the same time a fortress which should protect them from enemy attacks.

    From the palace, we have a magnificent view of the Lake Pichola. This artificially dammed lake (about 8 km in length) created two islands. An island, Jag Mandir, we will stop in the evening sun. Here is an exquisite cafe where I enjoy a kind of Indian Sacher cake with my husband. To this end, the already known me Marsala Chai. A tea is boiled with milk and Indian spices. According to whether it is invigorating refreshing or he suggests . You probably already know it in a modified form as European Yogi tea. In Udaipur waits after a wonderful sunset, the Paras Mahal Hotel on us. A middle class hotel. By the way, the individual reviews of our India tour can be read even under www.holidaycheck.de. There you can find the one drawn up by my husband, Klaus Metzger in my sense of hotel reviews. It is followed by a dinner and after a good night we are on our way to Deogarh.

 

 Entry to City Palace

 

City Palace



City Palace


City Palace

 
Udaipur

Jag Mandir Palace

Jag Mandir Palace



Evening at the Lake Pichola

The Jaina temple of RANAKPUR

The jeep transport to DEOGARH MAHAL

Upon arrival in Deogarh, we get off the bus and go over into a jeep. So we drive (each 15 persons in a large vehicle) up to the Deogarh Mahal Hotel. There we are greeted with garlands of flowers. Again, a short trunk opening, a refreshing shower, a whiskey to relax. I must say: Besides the fact that we are in a Hindu- Muslim country, alcohol a day is absolutely inappropriate. Do not confuse India with the "all-inclusive beach " from " Playa-los-drink-we-less". The starry sky is a beautiful frame for the elaborate hot and cold buffet and the following folkloric performance. After breakfast, I 'm on my way to photograph the fleet of the owner of this Mahal. Two English luxury cars have particularly impressed me. After we are brought back to the coach with a jeep back, it proceeds to set to Jodhpur. There will be about 165 km. We also visited the State school close to Deogarh.


State school in Deogarh



Handwork class

 

Jeep transport through Deogarh



The Deogarh Mahal



fleet

mural

JODHPUR and the Mehrangarh Fort

In Jodhpur City arrived we visit the fortress Meherangarh. It stands 130 m above a modern, bustling city. Upon entering, one passes the Loha Pol, the Iron Gate, which today is still the handprints of the burned last here Satis . Satis are widows who with her dead husband were burned together. Centuries was the tradition in India. Later allowed only in higher power circuits. Nowadays it is forbidden. Sati the last was burned here in 1953.
 

The royal palaces are museums that house beautiful treasures. In the Garden Palace find on special occasions instead of dinner, including musicians from the Thar Desert will be invited to the game. Incidentally, Jodhpur is the gateway to the Thar Desert and is also known as the blue city because the houses wear a light blue color. We stay at the Hotel Ummeid. The hotel we really like: The special feature here is the courtyard.

The Mehrangarh Fort

The Mehrangarh Fort

Imprints of hands burned ruler Widows

An interesting visitor

 

The merchant market of JODHPUR

The next day, we still have plenty of time to look at the big dealer market. A rich oriental offer awaits us there. I have particularly impressed the spices: cardamom, curry leaves, cumin, masala, bay leaf, ginger and more. The scent increases my husband and me in the nose and I promise him that I will cook Indian after our return again more than before.

After our return, I have the cookbook bought " Indian cuisine " from the Bassermann-Verlag I can recommend the best for beginners. It was written by Sadhan Dhawan and Martin Krapohl photographed to the images. My Extra tip: . . . Be careful though in the use of chili. Half of the amount specified ranges perfect for the European palate. Stuff of typical Indian spices you get in Asian stores. These are there cheaper.

     During the market spree arise many beautiful pictures and contacts. Particularly impressive I find the images of holy men called Sadhus. Even sacred cows, by the way, everywhere blocking the way, are sought-after designs.

 

The merchant market

The merchant market

The merchant market

The merchant market

 

The sadhu in front of the department store

 

 

The Sacred Cow

The jeep safari in the desert THAR

Continue to Rohet. Before us lie 45 km. Later there are sometimes up to 250 km, which we cover. Our hotel will be the Rohetgarh Fort that is also still inhabited by the descendants of the maharajas.

     In the park we see wild peacocks. From here we take part in a small jeep safari, which brings us to a gazelle herd. Afterwards we visit the Bishoi sect, which gives us insight into the Indian village life. I may even take a made-up with Kajal baby on her arm. The young mother and the baby are very friendly. In the evening we will witness an opium party among the village elders .

Jeep Safari

 

 

Inhabitants of the desert village

 

 

Inhabitants of the desert village

 

Inhabitants of the desert village

 

Jutta and the baby

 

Jeep Repair

 

Food Preparation

 

The cook

An opium - party

 

An opium - friend

 

Back at the hotel Rohetgarh Fort waiting for a tasty dinner on us. Again, under the stars and fireworks. Favorites at the buffet are out baked in the clay oven pita bread for us Palak paneer (spinach with cheese cubes) or Dum Alu (stuffed potatoes). A specialty of this region are Dal dishes (lentils or chickpeas). Before dinner, my husband and I have a very interesting conversation with the owners of this plant had. I was meeting with a Maharani very impressed!


The Rohetgarh Fort

Our bed

The Hindu pilgrimage PUSHKAR

The next day takes us to Pushkar, one of the most important holy Hindu pilgrimage sites. My husband got rid of there in the holy lake of all his sins. To be honest, this was long overdue. And he has already rented a place in the afterlife for me. Very close of Vishnu. I found the love right thing to think of me. Even after the price of ghee he has consulted the holy men. This is required for a cremation. Now I'm a bit noisy. During the whole trip to India but he assured me repeatedly that I was his favorite wife.
This about polytheism and polygamy!

 

Jagat Singh Palace

  The subsequent visit to a Brahmanentempels brought us close to something the gods. It is not easy to understand. There is one main God (Rama), is reborn as a reincarnation (14 times). To completely detached from all earthly things in Nirvana awaits all those who have also spiritualized. There are many local gods and gods, who are responsible for happiness and prosperity. But best read if it interests in a non-fiction book by. My knowledge about it is only enough for home use.

 

Saints in the courtyard of the Brahma temple

The Brahma temple

In the evening there is a special surprise . We take our dinner on the edge of the Thar Desert to us. A folkloric presentation complements the romantic evening under the stars. I forgot to mention that we were traveling with a camel carriage. The following day we prepare ourselves for the trip to Jaipur. We will spend about 5 hours in the coach .

Dance group in the Thar Desert

The pink JAIPUR

Jaipur was founded in 1728. Since they (the firstborn of Queen Victoria) in 1867 was painted pink because of the visit of the English crown prince Edward VII in, they are called the Pink City. Pink is the color of joy and hospitality. But perhaps you have here but somewhat exaggerated. Jaipur is the capital Radhjasthans (with 2.3 million inhabitants) and was built by Raja Singh II. Raja Singh II came out of the house of Amber, which served the Great Mughals for 4 generations. We take up our quarters in Jaipur, the Mansingh Tower. During our stay the Divali festival took place just at this time. This is one of the biggest Hindu festivals dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, who is responsible for happiness and welfare of the Indians.

Before the Divali festival in Jaipur

 

Before the Divali festival in Jaipur

 

 The European Saint

The fort AMBER and the elephants

Of course, a stay in Jaipur is also connected with a visit to the Amber Fort. The fort was in 1586 - built in 1614 and can be reached by jeep or on elephant either. Behind the fort is a scary-looking ruined city and the valley below is the old amber. Here the legend is to be located by an immense treasure, which has led to the most unsuccessful treasure hunt of all time.

With luck you will encounter snake charmers. Always keep a few 10 - Rubien ready. Very worth seeing in Jaipur city palace, which in turn consists of many small palaces. One of the most beautiful is the mirror palace. Partly , this palace is still inhabited by the descendants of the former ruler, another part is converted into a museum. He is a witness of an era full of abundance. In the evening we try to process the impressions. After a delicious dinner, this is no small matter.

The next day we go to Agra !

Amber Fort

The Snake Charmer

 

The elephants of Amber Fort

The ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri

The tomb TAJ MAHAL

How many times have I dreamed of as a child from stand before the tomb of Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz. A dream! We are located in Jaypee Palace Hotel. A very modern building complex, but also very large. Get inside is not a problem coming out more likely. The Taj Mahal was started in 1631. However, until the consummation, it took a total of 22 years, and it required the labor of 20,000 workers who built it. It is entirely constructed of marble. But you describe details that would mean for me to reduce this structure on the pure technical performance. You simply must have stood even before this unique monument of love once. Shah Jahan lost his favorite wife, Mumtaz by the birth of his 14th Child. Mumtaz followed him during their marriage everywhere, even into the camp, when Shah Jahan was at war.

 

Jutta and Klaus before the TAJ MAHAL



A tremendous impact

 

Mood from the guest

The Red Fort of AGRA

The visit of the impressive Agra Fort completes our vacation. Mughal emperor Akbar began this building in 1565, but mainly from sandstone. His grandson Shah Jahan replaced large parts of marble. You can visit paradise living areas, which he had built for Mumtaz. Ironically, Shah Jahan spent his last years in this fort when he was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb here. We now leave a region in the great moguls and the princes of the Rajputs have left us wonderful palaces and a touch of 1000 and one night.

    It goes tomorrow morning to Delhi and after a short stay in the main hotel The Clermont waiting with snacks and refreshing shower on us, continue through Vienna to Hannover. Hildesheim, we're back and have lots to talk about.

The Agra Fort

 

The entrance to the Fort



In the courtyard

 

The Palace of the prisoners Shah Jahan

A thank you for the interesting trip

I would like to thank our tour guide, the many attentive hotel staff, our driver, who has an incredible driving skills, my husband Klaus, of all my literary outpourings, in any form by reads and criticizes or corrects me. I am grateful for the publication and that you have stayed to the end on the ball.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 12.02.2014

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