18th-20th of March 2011
This was probably the biggest trip we have ever done... it was the Holi period: the celebration of love through colors. Our goal was going to see the Taj (around 500-600km South from Chandigarh) and going to the city of Vendravan after Dennis suggestion (and maybe the Lonely Planet book which we used to call back there the Bible because of the hundreds of trips and suggestions it was offering).
The trip to Agra:
For the purpose we have rent a mini bus and we were 14 to travel. The idea about transforming the minibus into a party bus came naturally:
- a USB memory stick has been charged with 6h of Music.
- several bottles Blender's Pride - our favorite whisky (that soon later we needed to buy more again).
We arrived in Agra in the early morning a bit tired but after a nice breakfast and a coffee we were ready for the visits.
First stop: the Red Fort, which seemed having also a Muslim architecture. Very similar to the one I have visited in Delhi but offering a magnificent view over its gardens but especially over the Taj Mahal and the river.
Funny part: almost all the tourist attractions in India have two fares (one for Indians and one for foreigners) and the difference is quite significant. And as I was looking quite Indian (dark hair and Mediterranean skin color) I asked for an Indian fair ticket. On the entrance the guard asked me something in Hindi (that of course I couldn't understand) and the only thing I said was "Himanshu" which is a common first name in India. The guard laughed and let me in. Then an Indian mate told me that he actually asked me where I was coming from ... well ... at least I got there for a tiny fare :)
We then took two tuk tuks to drop us near the Taj. It is very interesting because as we has been there for a while now, bargain with the locals has became quite easy when they know you live there and not just a tourist.
The Taj Mahal:
Here again two fares... but I didn't want to try the Indian fare. Indeed, the Taj is worldwide famous and I didn't want to get troubles just for some rupees saved.
Well what could I say about the Taj Mahal... it is splendid white building proudly standing there in the middle of amazing gardens on its front side and the river on the back side. Really amazed about the size of the Taj but in the meantime quite small inside. Indeed the only part we were able to visit is the tomb inside which quite small compared to the size of the building.
Well I must say that the location, the building, the decoration and the environnement are great for pictures from different angles.
The trip to Agra:
For the purpose we have rent a mini bus and we were 14 to travel. The idea about transforming the minibus into a party bus came naturally:
- a USB memory stick has been charged with 6h of Music.
- several bottles Blender's Pride - our favorite whisky (that soon later we needed to buy more again).
We arrived in Agra in the early morning a bit tired but after a nice breakfast and a coffee we were ready for the visits.
First stop: the Red Fort, which seemed having also a Muslim architecture. Very similar to the one I have visited in Delhi but offering a magnificent view over its gardens but especially over the Taj Mahal and the river.
Funny part: almost all the tourist attractions in India have two fares (one for Indians and one for foreigners) and the difference is quite significant. And as I was looking quite Indian (dark hair and Mediterranean skin color) I asked for an Indian fair ticket. On the entrance the guard asked me something in Hindi (that of course I couldn't understand) and the only thing I said was "Himanshu" which is a common first name in India. The guard laughed and let me in. Then an Indian mate told me that he actually asked me where I was coming from ... well ... at least I got there for a tiny fare :)
We then took two tuk tuks to drop us near the Taj. It is very interesting because as we has been there for a while now, bargain with the locals has became quite easy when they know you live there and not just a tourist.
The Taj Mahal:
Here again two fares... but I didn't want to try the Indian fare. Indeed, the Taj is worldwide famous and I didn't want to get troubles just for some rupees saved.
Well what could I say about the Taj Mahal... it is splendid white building proudly standing there in the middle of amazing gardens on its front side and the river on the back side. Really amazed about the size of the Taj but in the meantime quite small inside. Indeed the only part we were able to visit is the tomb inside which quite small compared to the size of the building.
Well I must say that the location, the building, the decoration and the environnement are great for pictures from different angles.
Holi - Alcoholi:
It has became increasingly famous in the world this color celebration. As we were in Agra, Dennis has also suggested to go and celebrated it in Vendravan one of the most famous cities in India for this event...
Before leaving Karan, our Indian mate, gave us some oil to put all over our bodies so we can avoid colors getting into our skin (something which was very smart especially judging from the final result with all the colors).
Holi celebration at Vendravan:
The goal: going to the city center and see the temple.
Well all I remember from this city was us walking as a group receiving gently colors in the beginning and then walking as group and receiving a looot of colors from each corner. Actually, Indians got even more excited when there are foreigners so we became the main target of all the possible colors...
We didn't manage to see a lot of the city as we were mainly protecting each other or giving colors to people.
Funny part: the driver seeing us with all those colors, said that there is no way we can jump in the minibus... Indians always have solutions: some of us, mainly the males, have been traveling for some time on the roof the time we find a place to shower... only in India :)
It took us maybe an hour or more to remove the colors... and here it is where Karan's oil played a good role. I removed mine very very fast.
It has became increasingly famous in the world this color celebration. As we were in Agra, Dennis has also suggested to go and celebrated it in Vendravan one of the most famous cities in India for this event...
Before leaving Karan, our Indian mate, gave us some oil to put all over our bodies so we can avoid colors getting into our skin (something which was very smart especially judging from the final result with all the colors).
Holi celebration at Vendravan:
The goal: going to the city center and see the temple.
Well all I remember from this city was us walking as a group receiving gently colors in the beginning and then walking as group and receiving a looot of colors from each corner. Actually, Indians got even more excited when there are foreigners so we became the main target of all the possible colors...
We didn't manage to see a lot of the city as we were mainly protecting each other or giving colors to people.
Funny part: the driver seeing us with all those colors, said that there is no way we can jump in the minibus... Indians always have solutions: some of us, mainly the males, have been traveling for some time on the roof the time we find a place to shower... only in India :)
It took us maybe an hour or more to remove the colors... and here it is where Karan's oil played a good role. I removed mine very very fast.
This is maybe one of the most colorful episode of my stay in India :)