North India Itinerary, 2003:  Delhi- Jaipur- Agra- Delhi- Haridwar- Rishikesh- Mussoorie- Delhi- Jhansi- Orcha- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Delhi

The Golden Triangle Tour is a very popular way to explore Rajasthan.  Usually departing from Delhi, the tour takes in Agra (the home of the Taj Mahal), Jaipur (the pink windy city), and can also include Udaipur going further south and east.

Off the beaten track you might want to consider going north up the Ganga river or river Ganges, to Rishikesh (a favourite haunt of the Beatles back in the day), and Haridwar, home of this giant 100ft Bronze Siva statue pictured below.  Continue even further north, past Dehradoon, you will eventually reach Mussoorie “The Proverbial Queen of Hill Stations”.  Despite the dizzying height, the views across to the Himalayas, and down over the tree- carpeted Doon Valley, are unparalleled.

Hotel recommendation, Rishikesh:  The Glasshouse on the Ganges.  Delicious vegetarian cuisine, the crystal clear waters of the river Ganga just outside (…you’ll appreciate this if you ever reach Varanasi!)…and PEACE.
No television…though there are old school boardgames in the main seating area.
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Lord Siva statue on the banks of the river Ganges, Haridwar
“Aarty” ceremony along Ganga river bank in Haridwar; floating lanterns
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Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, Jaipur Rajasthan
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…a wonderful base to explore the pink windy city of Jaipur
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Take some tea inside…or feed the camels outside
India 2003
I can’t remember where I took this, somewhere in Rajasthan. Now where are those Taj Mahal pics…