Taj Mahal seen on early morning, Agra, India

Highlights from India

Taj Mahal seen on early morning, Agra, India
December 13, 2022photo story5 min read

I recently had the opportunity to visit India for two weeks in October. It was my first time travelling to Asia. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was excited to explore a new country, experience new things and visit new places.

Mumbai

My first stop was the bustling city of Mumbai.

I came there in the first place to meet with some colleagues before departing for the journey north for the Hampta Pass Trek.

An ordinary street views, somewhere in Mumbai, India
An ordinary street views, somewhere in Mumbai, India

I spent a couple of days there and could see some places in the city.

Gate of India, Mumbai, India
Gate of India, Mumbai, India

It was definitely a cultural shock, seeing a completely different way of living and how busy and crowded everything was. It took some time to get used to that kind of environment.

A night view of market street, Mumbai, India
A night view of market street, Mumbai, India

It was also hot and humid almost all the time, which was also a bit challenging.

A busy area of Dadar Beach, Mumbai, India
A busy area of Dadar Beach, Mumbai, India

Travel from Mumbai to New Delhi

After Mumbai, I travelled to Delhi and then further north to Manali. We took the overnight train, which was a unique experience.

The train was clean and well-maintained. We were served food for dinner and breakfast, had a friendly chat with other passengers and even played a couple of games of Uno.

Evening meal served on the overnight train from Mumbai do Delhi, India
Evening meal served on the overnight train from Mumbai do Delhi, India

The berths were also quite comfortable, and I managed to get some hours of sleep overnight.

Delhi

Delhi felt busier than Mumbai. It was only a shortstop before departing for a further journey to Manali.

Some street of Delhi, India
Some street of Delhi, India

We had a few hours to make a short trip through some of the city highlights.

India Gate, Delhi, India
India Gate, Delhi, India
Rashtrapati Bhavan - Residence of President of India, Delhi, India
Rashtrapati Bhavan - Residence of President of India, Delhi, India

Manali and around

A visit to Manali was obviously the main highlight of the trip. As mentioned earlier, I wrote a separate post about the trekking experience at Hampta Pass.

A view from trekking base, before departing for a trek in Manali, India
A view from trekking base, before departing for a trek in Manali, India

Manali itself also offers some lovely views over the surrounding mountains, which started to get covered by snow around that time.

A view from trekking base, before departing for a trek in Manali, India
A view from trekking base, before departing for a trek in Manali, India

After the trek, we spent an additional day in the city doing some local sightseeing.

We visited Hadimba Devi Temple and the surrounding park for a couple of hours, which was a great experience.

A view of a temple in Manali, India
A view of a temple in Manali, India
A view from a park around Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali, India
A view from a park around Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali, India

Later we also took a taxi to make a trip outside the city and see some places in the Kullu Valley.

A woman selling apples on the road to Kullu Valley, India
A woman selling apples on the road to Kullu Valley, India

The views on the other side of the Atal Tunnel differed dramatically, with much more prominent mountain peaks.

Snow covered peaks seen in Kullu Valley, India
Snow covered peaks seen in Kullu Valley, India

We had a chance to visit a local Buddhist monastery, and it was a great experience.

Views from Buddhist monastery in Kullu Valley, India
Views from Buddhist monastery in Kullu Valley, India
Views from Buddhist monastery in Kullu Valley, India
Views from Buddhist monastery in Kullu Valley, India

New Delhi again

After my time in Manali, I returned to New Delhi to spend a couple more days there. My friends left for their homes, and I decided to explore the city on my own.

Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India
Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India

I was definitely a bit brave venturing into the crowded streets of Delhi markets, but this experience was truly unique.

And since I was walking there in the early evening, the golden colours of the sunset only amplified what my senses were perceiving.

Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India
Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India

Wandering through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk markets, I just couldn’t believe my senses. Shops loaded to the limits with socks and goods, people buying and selling literally everything…

Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India
Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India

The street infrastructure was also overwhelming. Cables, cables, everywhere.

Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India
Busy market streets of Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India

Taj Mahal

Last but not least, the Taj Mahal was a last-minute addition to the trip. I booked the visit there only days earlier.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Taj Mahal, Agra, India

I knew that it had to be during sunrise if I visited it. I really wanted to get the experience of seeing it during the dawn hours.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Taj Mahal, Agra, India

I will say it was challenging. I had to get up at 2AM to travel to Agra (a 3-hour drive from New Delhi).

Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The crowds were there from early morning, as the place attracts more than 6 million visitors yearly. Luckily I’ve got some opportunities to take some good photos.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Taj Mahal, Agra, India

As a part of the tour to Agra, I’ve also visited a few places around: Agra Fort and the “Baby Taj” (Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb).

A view of Taj Mahal seen from Agra Fort, India
A view of Taj Mahal seen from Agra Fort, India
Baby Taj, Agra, India
Baby Taj, Agra, India

Back in Delhi on the last day, I also visited some more places of worship, including a Sikh religious site - Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib and a stunning Hindu temple - Akshardham.

Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India

Especially the visit to the Sikh place of worship was enjoyable. I was given an almost private tour and learned about Langar - a community kitchen serving free meals, regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity.

A view of community kitchen (Langar) at Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
A view of community kitchen (Langar) at Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
Resources at Langar Hall, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
Resources at Langar Hall, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
People volunteering at Langar, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India
People volunteering at Langar, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi, India

My last stop in Delhi was at Agrasen Ki Baoli - a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well.

Agrasen Ki Baoli well, New Delhi, India
Agrasen Ki Baoli well, New Delhi, India

Initially, I planned to visit Chand Bawri stepwell, located between Jaipur and Agra. Still, it was too far, and it wasn’t feasible to organize travel there. But this was also a great place to see!

Yours truly at Agrasen Ki Baoli well, New Delhi, India
Yours truly at Agrasen Ki Baoli well, New Delhi, India

My time in India ended as I left for Delhi airport and boarded a flight to continue my journey. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience. I got to see so many beautiful places and examples of this country’s fascinating culture.

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