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Delhi to Katmandu, Part 4

In 2010, I went on an amazing trip, from Delhi to Katmandu. I just want to use this Post to share with you some of the photographs I took on the way. Both were amazing countries and India was particularly vibrant and exciting. Some of the photos were taken through vehicle windows, so i apologise for the poor quality.

I don’t propose to write very much, I am supposed to be editing my third novel,  Devils with Wings: Frozen Sun, and starting on my new ‘Cold War’ series. So please just enjoy the pictures.

The journey continues…

We started off from Agra’s railway station. Heading for Orchha, but stopping at Jhansi on the way. Just watching and being around the local population was fascinating and you were never bored. Even if you had a long wait, there was always something to catch your eye.

Saying goodbye to the Hotel at Jhansi, October 2010

Some of the Hotel staff, beautiful outfits. October 2010.

Our next trip took us to Orchha, where we got to explore the town and visit Orchha Palace.

This is an Emporium, an Indian Art Gallery…October 2010

Orchha, a town in the Tikamgarh district of  Madhya Pradesh State. October 2010

Orchha Palace. The town of Orchha was established by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh in 1501.

Orchha Palace. October 2010

He became the first King of Orchha, but died in an attempt to save a cow from a Lion.

Such gentle creatures. Orchha October 2010.

Once inside, it was easy to find a toilet. A sign outside the toilet indicated that foreigners didn’t have to pay.  A couple of people stood in front of the sign, hiding it. Many went to the kiosk (well a table and two chairs outside) and paid. When i discovered this I went and go my money back. A good scam though.

Orchha Palace.  October 2010.


Orchha Palace. The palace-fort consists of several connected buildings built at different times. October 2010.

More of the palace-fort.

Within the fort complex is the Raaj Mahal.

Religious murals in the Orchha palace-fort. October 2010.

I found the murals breathtaking, the photos don’t do them justice.

Palace-fort

Palace-fort

One of our guides demonstrating the purpose of the doorway’s particular design. Used for prayer.

Palace-fort

A photographers dream.

An indication of its size.

More detail. Orchha Palace-fort. October 2010.

It was quite late by the time we finished the tour.

The next day our guide took us off piste to visit a local village.

Yes, they are cows.

They were friendly and pleased to see us.

They loved to look at the pictures on the camera afterwards and often asked for a second photo so they could pose.

Naan bread. beats anything you can get in the UK.

As poor as they were, they never seemed to stop smiling. They all appeared clean and smart.

One of the homes.

These small pots were used for a side order of olives or for wine.

Time to go, our journey taking us through the inner part of the village.

Back on the coach. On our way to the temples at Khajuraho and the famous kamasutra carvings.

Lots of small businesses.

Open all hours.

Lunch? Maybe not. Orchha, october 2010

Never have to worry about spare parts for your bike.  October 2010

It was surprising how much rubbish was left lying around, animals often rummaged for food.

They seemed oblivious to it.  – Orchha, October 2010.

This was a mini factory, shop and home. Orchha – October 2010

Roadworks.

Time to take the family shopping. Orchha – October 2010.

Tented areas like these (plastic sheeting) were a regular occurrence. Orchha 2010.

Yes, I am a mountain goat!!

Just a taster for the next Post. Varaha Temple October 2010.

The end

I hope you managed to stay awake, if so there will be a Part 5 next week. I visit the Varaha Temple in Khajaraho. The Post will just cover that visit, the pictures are astounding.

 Photographs copyrighted to Harvey Black.

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In 2011, I went on an amazing trip, from Delhi to Katmandu. I just want to use this Post to share with you some of the photographs I took on the way. Both were amazing countries and India was particularly vibrant and exciting. Some of the photos were taken through vehicle windows, so i apologise for the poor quality.

I don’t propose to write very much, I am supposed to be editing my third novel,  Devils with Wings: Frozen Sun, and starting on my new ‘Cold War’ series. So please just enjoy the pictures.

Delhi to Katmandu, Part 3.

The journey continues…

We started off from Agra’s railway station. Heading for Orchha, but stopping at Jhansi on the way. Just watching and being around the local population was fascinating and you were never bored. Even if you had a long wait, there was always something to catch your eye.

Local shop, on my way to Agra railway station – Agra, October 2010

Some photos were taken through a coach or train (or aeroplane) window, so I apologise for the quality in advance.

Lots of cows. Agra october 2010

Oh, another one. The toilet is behind the cow and to the right. Agra October 2010

One thing we saw consistently was poverty. 

The platform, both directions. Agra Railway Station – October 2010.

Your eyes are not deceiving you, he is sweeping up the railway lines. – October 2010

And he was still smiling.

Our Nepalese guide having a shoe shine.

You met some amazing characters


Hmmmm, where is that damn train?

Time for lunch

The next few shots are from the train as it was moving.

Farmers out in the fields, also where they live.  October 2010

The next shots speak for themselves so I won’t comment. Yes, there are some cows.

My neck is aching just watching them. October  2010

The women definitely appeared to be the most industrious – October 2010

Jhansi station. October 2010

 From here a short trip to the hotel.

 

The Shop

The Accommodation – October 2010

Marks & Spencer – October 2010

Not too much off the back please. Jhansi October 2010

We arrive at the hotel. I put in a few photos because it was such a beautiful place to stay. Had a very colonial feel about it.

Curry and Japatis for dinner.

Our Porters await us while we have a G&T – 2010

Views from our hotel bedroom.

The room was excellent

Views from the roof of the hotel

Tomorrow is walkabout.

The end

I hope you managed to stay awake, if so there will be a Part 4 next week. I go walkabout, so there will be lots of pictures of the local town of Jhansi.

 Photographs copyrighted to Harvey Black.

by on

In 2011, I went on an amazing trip, from Delhi to Katmandu. I just want to use this Post to share with you some of the photographs I took on the way. Both were amazing countries and India was particularly vibrant and exciting. Some of the photos were taken through vehicle windows, so i apologise for the poor quality.

I don’t propose to write very much, I am supposed to be editing my third novel,  Devils with Wings: Frozen Sun, and starting on my new ‘Cold War’ series. So please just enjoy the pictures.

Delhi to Katmandu, Part 2.

The journey continues…

It was difficult to imagine the sites getting any better after a fabulous visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, but the adventure continued to capture my imagination.

Cows were a regular feature – Agra, October 2010

Some photos were taken through a coach or train (or aeroplane) window, so I apologise for the quality in advance.

My first visit was to the Agra Marble Emporium.  This long established art form of marble inlay was brought to India in the 17th century by the Mughals.

Craftsman at work, Agra marble Emporium – 2010

Beautiful piece of work…


….and another….


…this was part of a marble table top.

My next visit took me to the Agra Fort, or the Red Fort. Agra played an important role at the center of the Mughal Empire.

Agra Fort, more of a walled city. – Agra, October 2010

Agra Fort. Originally a brick fort held by the Hindu Sikarwar Rajputs. First mentioned in 1080 AD. Photo 2010

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra – 2010

Even got to see Ghandi – Agra Fort, 2010

The walls, and the architecture, were impressive – Agra Fort

The Fort was clearly visited by local and distant schools – Agra Fort, 2010

It was an Architect’s dream – Agra Fort, 2010

More gorgeous outfits.

Agra Fort

The view towards the Taj Mahal from the Red Fort – 2010

View from the upper levels.

These were regular guests

Seemed quite relaxed around us, but I kept a close watch on my hat.

The marble inlay was beautiful.

No words needed…

Hair colour that matches your shirt…

It was a huge site, close to a full days visit.

Agra Fort – October 2010

My next journey was southeast to the ancient town of Orchha,  continuing by train.

Agra railway station – 2010


Off on a journey, leaving with a friendly smile – Agra Station 2010

The end

I hope you managed to stay awake, if so there will be a part 3 next week.

 Photographs copyrighted to Harvey Black.

by on

In 2011, I went on an amazing trip, from Delhi to Katmandu. I just want to use this Post to share with you some of the photographs I took on the way. Both were amazing countries and India was particularly vibrant and exciting. Some of the photos were taken through vehicle windows, so i apologise for the poor quality.

I don’t propose to write very much, I am supposed to be reviewing my second draft of Devils with Wings: Frozen Sun, and starting on my new ‘Cold War’ series. So please just enjoy the pictures.

And, the first thing we saw was the ubiquitous Snake Charmer

With Cobra, he repeatedly tapped on the head to make it angry…..

Our first journey was by coach, and, as you can see, they all used ‘clean fuel’ in India….

Once off the coach we travelled around Delhi by Rickshaw. A experience in itself.

The Health and Safety Executive would have had kittens seeing this lot above their heads.

A bit of a traffic jam.

I found the locals to be welcoming and friendly.

…and well dressed.

On Day 2, we headed off on the train to see the Taj Mahal. This what welcomed us at the station.

The train journey itself was an eye opener

All along the side of the railway were dwellings like these.

This one looks like a shop.

But, they have satellite TV.

Probably off to get water, it was about 0800 in the morning.

We were looking at this from the comfort of a train….

…being served Tea and Curry. Yes Curry for breakfast. It was all very Colonial.

I wasn’t sure about these. Did they live on the railway line? Or rail workers living on the job.

Arrive at the other end, Tuk, Tuks await us.

The approach to the Taj Mahal

The Gateway.

The first glimpse.

The unveiling

My photography doesn’t do it justice.

The traditional dress was amazing.

You have to stand in front of it to truly appreciate its beauty.

Everyone person met, was friendly and approachable.

These guys insisted on having a photo taken with us as well.

No words needed.

I’m the one with the hat and the plastic bags on my feet…

View of the River Yamuna from the Taj Mahal

Another shot of the Yamuna.

I was weary at the end of the day as well.

The end

I hope you managed to stay awake, if so there will be a part 2 next week.

 Photographs copyrighted to Harvey Black.