northern india

I've been to India twice now - once for a winter trip to Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Agra, and another for a wedding in Delhi. Once I got over the jet lag (not easy!) I was able to enjoy the beauty that I saw. 

Highlights of the trip...
Old Delhi & markets
Bring your negotiating skills. Bring back pashminas, scarves and jewelry (bangles are my fav),and maybe a sari or two for yourself. Taste the street food, but be careful not to drink any water.

lots of beautiful fabric to be found in the markets

try the tasty parathas in street markets

McDonalds
I'm serious! It's so delicious and has many vegetarian and chicken options. My favorites are the McAloo (a potato and pea patty with spices) and spicy paneer wrap... yum!

spicy paneer wrap

Taj Mahal 
Of course! It's stunning and breathtaking and beautiful and everything else you hear. Truly worth the trip.

the Taj

can you believe a guy did this for this wife?

view from Fatehpur-sikri, nearby in Agra

Haridwar
A 7-hour train ride from Delhi, this is a holy city and vegetarian by law. Check out the evening prayers for a beautiful ceremony, and wander the windy streets to find trinkets and street food.

train car in delhi

tasty breakfast of parathas with paneer, yogurt, and chai at hotel in Haridwar

evening prayers by the clock tower on the ganges in Haridwar

shiva, gigantic statue on our way out of Haridwar to Rishikesh

Rishikesh
 Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, this city is a sanctuary for yogis and leaf-smokers alike. It's called the World Capital of Yoga, and a popular place for tourists to get away from their everyday lives. The Beatles and the Beach Boys have frequented this destination.
 Also a vegetarian city, and home to a lot of monkeys. We took a rickshaw from Haridwar to get here, squeezed in with a family and my butt was not happy until we arrived about a half hour later. It was an amazing view!

monkey friend in Rishikesh, viewing the Ganges

iron suspension bridge, Lakshman Jhula,crossing the Ganges in Rishikesh

just hanging out in the buddha cafe by the Ganges

The trees.
Oh man, the trees. I am a sucker for a good tree.

this one's in Delhi

Weddings
If you catch a glimpse of an Indian bride, you'll see how much effort goes into these. I heard something like 1/3 of all gold purchased in India is for weddings. So many events and ceremonies! A lot of fun but quite exhausting!

me in my sari

tying the turban (check out this mustache!!)

the beautiful bride on her wedding day