Travel blogs from India

A photographer's tapestry of colors, chaos and captivation

India, a land of vibrant colors, ancient traditions and diverse cultures, has captivated the imagination of photographers for centuries. But beyond the postcard-perfect landscapes and iconic monuments lie countless untold stories, waiting to be captured and shared. Today, we delve into the journeys of photographers who ventured into the heart of India, wielding their cameras as tools of exploration and understanding. As a travel photographer, found himself drawn to the bustling streets of Delhi. Amidst the chaos, he discovered moments of quiet strength in the eyes of a flower vendor, the resilience of a child navigating the Crowded marketplace and the playful laughter of friends sharing a cup of 'Chai'. His photographs, brimming with life and emotion, reveal the human spirit that thrives amidst the city's energetic pulse. The photographer is also preserving traditions and in the rural villages of Rajasthan, he documented the age-old rituals of a local community. He captured the vibrant colors of their clothing, the intricate details of their daily lives and the reverence in their eyes during prayer ceremonies. His photographs serve as a window into a fading world, preserving cultural traditions for future generations. Capturing their connection to the land and the harsh beauty of their environment. Her photographs showcase the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, reminding us of the power of nature and the importance of cultural preservation. The Photographer's journey in India was unique, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Language barriers, logistical hurdles and cultural sensitivities were all navigated with patience and understanding. Yet, the rewards were immeasurable – the opportunity to connect with people from different walks of life, to witness unique traditions and to capture the essence of a nation in its multifaceted glory. These stories, captured through the lens, go beyond mere images. The photographer's Pictures of India are testaments to the human spirit, reflections of cultural heritage and windows into a world often unseen. They challenge stereotypes, spark conversations and inspire empathy and understanding. So, the next time you see a photograph of India, remember that it is not just a snapshot of a place, but a glimpse into a story waiting to be told. Perhaps it will inspire you to embark on your own photographic journey, to capture the essence of India and share its stories with the world.

Seeing ourselves and our place in the world

In an age where technology has made the world a much smaller place, travel is an increasingly popular pastime for many. With the ability to hop on a plane and be halfway around the world in a matter of hours, more and more people are taking advantage of the opportunity to explore the world and expand their horizons. Traveling can be an incredibly rewarding experience and it allows us to gain a new perspective on the world, to meet people from different cultures, to sample new cuisines and to learn more about ourselves and our place in the world. It can also be an incredibly eye-opening experience, providing us with new knowledge and understanding and traveling can also be a great way to relax and unwind. The hustle and bustle of everyday life can sometimes be overwhelming and a chance to get away and explore a new place can be a much-needed break. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a long-term vacation, immersing yourself in a different culture and exploring new places can be incredibly refreshing. When Planning a trip to India, there are a few things to keep in mind and it is important to have a clear idea of where you are going and what you would like to do when you get there. Researching different locations, accommodations and attractions can help you to make the most of your time and it is also important to be aware of any potential safety concerns, such as language barriers, cultural differences and local laws. And of course, make sure you bring along all the necessary documents and paperwork. No matter where you are going or how long you will be there, travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience. So grab your passport, pack your bags and get ready to explore the world. When you are a photography enthusiast who loves to travel and dream of combining your two passions and becoming a travel photographer, you are often not alone. The life as a travel photographer is an exciting and rewarding one and travel photography is a unique and challenging field, where you should have a strong eye for composition, be able to capture stunning images while on the go and be willing to adapt to different cultures and environments. The most important skill you need to be a travel photographer is the ability to observe and capture the beauty of a destination and you must be able to look beyond the obvious and find the hidden gems in each location. It is not enough to just take a picture of a landmark or tourist attraction instead you must also be able to capture the essence of the location in your photographs.

Photographing in a variety of conditions and settings

Photos that tell a story

India as a travel destination

The photographer was prepared that India would be an explosion of colors, smells and noises. Each travel guide draws a clear picture of the colorful, different India and also reports show intense images of the subcontinent. The temperatures and humidity of the rainy season would be very high. When he landed in the middle of the night in Delhi, he felt well prepared for his journey in India. Nevertheless, it seemed to him as if he would run against a sultry wall as soon as he stepped out of the airport building. The driver of the photographer's prepaid cab drove through the night along with camels and elephants and almost no road light and made his presence be heard through loud, loud horns. The photographer's India adventure had begun and he was right in the middle. Horns became the most striking sound of the trip. No matter whether bus, car or rickshaw, every occasion will be honored. Even the apparent absence of other road users is not a reason not to honk. It is simply meant to be perceived and not to perish in the raging traffic. The traffic is breathtaking. On four-lane roads, at least 7 vehicles travel side by side, overtaking maneuvers are adventurous and most of the vehicles are overhauled. As a rickshaw driver told him, there are only three things to be done in India: Good brakes, a good horn and, above all, good luck. The fact is that the traffic fascinated him almost every day. Cabs are so cheap that you can do without public transport. Sometimes you have to use it, along with hundreds or thousands of other passengers. The ride with the suburban train in the rushhour is an experience. The Republic of India has actually two principal short names in both official and popular English usage, each of which is historically significant, 'India' and 'Bharat' and the constitution of India states that India, that is Bharat, shall be a union of states, implicitly codifying 'India' and 'Bharat' as equally official short names for the Republic of India. A third name, 'Hindustan', is sometimes an alternative name for the region comprising most of the modern Indian states of the subcontinent when Indians speak among themselves and the usage of 'Bharat', 'Hindustan' or 'India' depends on the context and language of conversation. 'Bharat', the name for India in several Indian languages, is variously said to be derived from the name of Rishabha's son Bharata. At first the name 'Bharata' referred only to some area of the Gangetic Valley in North India, but was later more broadly applied to the Indian subcontinent and the region of Greater India, as was the name 'India'.

An immeasurable country

India is an immeasurable country of diversity and contrasts. Ice peaks in the Himalayas, the Ganges basin in the north, the deserts and semi-deserts in the west, the Dekhan high plateau or the sandy beaches and jungle areas in the south attract fascinating landscapes and incomparable cultural assets everywhere. More than hundred of the photographer's photographs show India in all its diversity and on holy men and meditation, India's exotic animal world, Maharajas and Mughal emperors, the heaven of the gods, Mahatma Gandhi and Indian cuisine. When reading the photographer's archive stories you can understand tips and tricks for planning your journey, whether it is your first time Traveling in India, your first photo trip or you are looking for ways to increase your ability to come away with great images. The practical advice, from years of experience and research, focuses on using your time effectively. The nature of this state in northwestern India, its history, from the Rajputs to the present day, its religions and the incredible diversity of its arts and traditions, its rural, urban and religious architecture. As a traveler in India, the photographer had countless incredible experiences, from visiting the Taj Mahal to tasting the diverse cuisine. But one particular encounter will always stand out in my mind – his experience with Holy cows. As a traveler, he had always been fascinated by the rich culture and ancient traditions of India. Recently, he had the opportunity to visit the city of Nashik, located in the state of Maharashtra. This city is not only known for its picturesque landscapes and thriving wine industry, but also for its numerous Hindu temples that hold great significance in the religious and cultural fabric of India. As he explored the city, he was amazed by the sheer number of temples scattered all around. Each one had its unique history and architecture, making his experience all the more enriching and his experience with the Hindu temples in Nashik was nothing short of extraordinary. The beauty and spirituality of these sacred places left a lasting impact on him. He is grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed the rich cultural heritage and traditions of India through these temples and he highly recommends others to add some of the temples to their must-visit list in Nashik.

Between deserts and fertile plains

In the north-west of India a Rajasthan state opens its doors, which lack neither magic nor historical facets. The Indian state has a long and moving history, which finds its beginnings after the results of recent archaeological excavations long before the high-culture in the Indus valley. Even today it is possible to take a look at the history and the remaining traces. Monuments of the ancient cultures provide a breathtaking view of the history and show the diversity and richness of Rajasthan's culture today. However, it is no longer only the historical facets which characterize Rajasthan today as hardly any other federal state. The period in which the state was governed by the Rajputs is still evident today in the remaining reminiscences. Above all, at a later period, the state was repeatedly visited by various conflicts. While Rajasthan was ruled by the Rajputs, there were always wars and clashes in which they were facing the Turks, as well as the Sultans from Delhi. The Moguls also regularly fought clashes with the Rajputs. It was not until later that they settled down in North India. The British invasion finally shaped the years of the 18th century. At first Rajasthan succeeded in asserting himself against colonial power. It was only at the beginning of the 19th century that they finally had to give up their rule. In the west of Rajasthan extends an area that is largely sterile and dry. A total of a third of the total area is today part of the Thar Desert. On the other hand, we find shallow slopes in the south-west, which, however, suffer much less from the drought. These fields are considered more fruitful. While in the west on average only 100 milimeters of precipitation fall, the precipitation quantity in the southeast is on average 650 milimeters. Most rain falls during the monsoon. Rajasthan is a region for true adventurers. Especially those, who decide for adventure trips, are right here. A highlight is certainly a tour of the Aravallis. It is one of the oldest mountainous areas in the country. The Maharajah can still be traced today. The best known areas of Rajasthan can be explored in the framework of horse and camel safari. A highlight, however, are surely also the palace tours, which to this day are really something magnificent. Numerous old palaces have been converted into hotels in recent years and offer a breathtaking ambience for individual travel.

Caste system is hard to be understood

A caste is an inherited social class, especially in traditional Indian society. Within Hinduism, caste affiliation plays a significant role and the castes are often perceived as god-given, while other Indian religious movements such as Buddhism and Sikhism reject the caste system and appeal to the lower caste. The word caste covers two different Indian words, namely 'Varna' that means 'Color and quality' and 'Jati', which means birth. In India, the 'Jati' are often the most important category, as it is primarily membership of a particular 'Jati' that determines what social norms one is subject to and who one can marry. The 'Jati' are usually associated with a particular social function in Indian society and the affiliation with a particular 'Jati' is often reflected in the surnames. There are many thousands of 'Jati', but they are usually grouped into four main groups, namely the 'Varna'. 'Brahmins' – Priests, scholars, must impart sacred knowledge and take care of religion. 'Kshatriyas' – Chiefs and warriors, must protect the people and make sacrifices. 'Vaishyas' – Traders, artisans and landowners must keep cattle, cultivate the land and trade. 'Sudras' – the servants, must perform manual work for the other castes. Outside the caste system are 'Dalits' or casteless, who are considered lower than even the 'Sudras'. They are often the poorest farmers, butchers, unskilled workers, street performers, laundresses or leather workers. Common to them is that they are considered unclean professions. If you touch a casteless person, it is said that you yourself will be casteless in your next life and another explanation for being casteless is that you have been a bad person in your previous life. Therefore, almost no one – rich and poor – questions their place in the Indian castes. This, of course, means – and has done – that there have not been very many rebels against law enforcement and India's very strong class system. In India, discrimination based on caste differences is prohibited, but in practice, the lower castes and the casteless are discriminated against. The caste system in India is the paradigmatic ethnographic example of caste and it originated in ancient India and was transformed by various ruling elites in medieval, early-modern and modern India, especially the Mughal Empire and the British Raj.

So with that said, caste is a form of social stratification characterized by a style of life which often includes an occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy and customary social interaction and exclusion based on cultural notions of purity and pollution. Its paradigmatic ethnographic example is the division of India's Hindu society into rigid social groups, with roots in India's ancient history and persisting to the present time. However, the economic significance of the Caste system in India has been declining as a result of urbanization and affirmative action programs. A subject of much scholarship by sociologists and anthropologists, the Hindu caste system is sometimes used as an analogical basis for the study of caste-like social divisions existing outside Hinduism and India. The term 'Caste' is also applied to morphological groupings in female populations of ants and bees. Modern India's caste system is based on the artificial superimposition of a 4-fold theoretical classification called the 'Varna' on the natural social groupings called the 'Jati'. The practical division of the society had always been in terms of 'Jatis' the so-called 'Birth groups', which are not based on any specific principle, but could vary from ethnic origins to occupations to geographic areas. The 'Jatis' have been endogamous groups without any fixed hierarchy but subject to vague notions of rank articulated over time based on lifestyle and social, political or economic status. Many of India's major empires and dynasties like the 'Mauryas', 'Shalivahanas', 'Chalukyas', 'Kakatiyas' among many others, were founded by people who would have been classified as 'Shudras', under the 'Varna' system. It is well established that by the 9th century, kings from all the four castes, including 'Brahmins' and 'Vaishyas', had occupied the highest seat in the monarchical system in Hindu India, contrary to the 'Varna' theory. In many instances, as in Bengal, historically the kings and rulers had been called upon, when required, to mediate on the ranks of 'Jatis', which might number in thousands all over the subcontinent and vary by region. In practice, the 'Jatis' may or may not fit into the 'Varna' classes and many prominent 'Jatis', for instance the 'Jats' and 'Yadavs', straddled two 'Varnas' for instance 'Kshatriyas' and 'Vaishyas' and the 'Varna' status of 'Jatis' itself was subject to articulation over time. The social division with castes in India is hard to be understood, let alone accepted for the traveler and tourist. Nevertheless, the caste system in India is still a visible and much-discussed reality. Almost all of the poor are either part of the 'Scheduled castes' or the untouchables 'Dalits' as well as the 'Adevasi' Indigenous peoples. Traditionally many professions are denied them, often they live outside the village communities. Tourists can try to convince local people of the senselessness and reprobation of this centuries-old system. However, it is strange to many Indians or simply rude to do. The fate of the lowest caste, which accounts for nearly 20 percent of all Indians, has dramatically improved for the better over recent decades. 'Dalit' is mostly used to describe communities that have been subjected to untouchability and the 'Dalits' have had lowest social status in the traditional Hindu social structure. In the past, they were believed to be so impure that caste Hindus considered their presence to be polluting. The impure status was related to their historic hereditary occupations that Hindus considered to be "polluting" or debased, such as working with leather, working with night soil and other dirty work. These Untouchables are also called 'Dalit' and formerly 'Harijan' in the traditional Indian society for any member of a wide range of low-caste Hindu groups and any person outside the caste system.

Photography blog from India

Online photography stories

Monumental sights of India

Stages of an India journey

Once upon a time in India

A spiritual kaleidoscope in India

Religion is another facet of India's kaleidoscope. The air is thick with the fragrance of incense and temple bells chime in harmony with muezzin calls. Hinduism thrives here, practiced by nearly 80 percent of the population, but that is just the beginning. Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism also find their place in this spiritual mosaic. The 'Ghats' along the Ganges in Varanasi witness pilgrims seeking salvation, while the Golden Temple in Amritsar radiates serenity. Culinary adventures and festivals galore are also to be found in this country and India's culinary landscape is as diverse as its people. From the fiery curries of the south to the aromatic 'Biryanis' of the north, every region boasts its own culinary treasures. Street food stalls beckon with 'Samosas', 'Chaats' and 'Jalebis', while fine-dining restaurants serve up gastronomic delights fit for royalty and then come the festivals –'Diwali', the festival of lights, 'Holi', the riot of colors, 'Eid', the celebration of togetherness and countless others. Each festival paints the streets with joy, uniting people across faiths and backgrounds. India is a land of contrasts with the cacophony of traffic merges seamlessly with the serene chants in temples. The opulence of palaces stands against the backdrop of humble villages and amid all this, the warmth of the people – always ready with a smile or a 'Chai invitation' binds it all together. "- Namaste" , the India photographer says.

Writing and blogging from India

A blog is a website which enables individuals, groups or organisations to easily publish content on the Internet. It is a website that is like an online diary and the word 'Blog' is a shortened form of the combined term web log, which literally means to keep a log on the web of the events in some part of your life. Blogs began by publishing online diaries often with a particular focus of interest to others for instance with his popular blog posts Child Beggars of New Delhi or Glimpses of India. Cheaper and faster to update than writing a book, some early blogs attracted massive followings of readers from around the world. These days, blogs and travel blogs are used for a wide range of online publishing purposes and the concept blog can be used as a noun to refer to the India photography website where information or opinions are published. It can also be used as a verb referring the the act of posting or updating material on a blog website. We refer to the publishers of this type of website as bloggers and the act of posting new entries as blogging. A blog website incorporates a number of distinct features which have contributed to blogging becoming a social phenomenon. The ease of publishing a blog post has circumvented the requirement for traditional publishers as intermediaries for distributing information. Many blog websites incorporate the feature for anyone to comment on posts facilitating the ability for immediate interaction and networking on a global scale. Feeds generated from blog sites enable automated connections and reconfiguration of information not previously possible with traditional means of publishing, thus signalling a shift for users searching for information to information finding its users. Writing is a medium of human communication that represents language and emotion with signs and symbols. In most languages, writing is a complement to speech or spoken language. Writing is not a language, but a tool used to make languages be read. Within a language system, writing relies on many of the same structures as speech, such as vocabulary, grammar and semantics, with the added dependency of a system of signs or symbols. The result of writing is called text and the recipient of text is called a 'Reader'. Motivations for writing include publication, storytelling, correspondence, record keeping and diary. Writing has been instrumental in keeping history, maintaining culture in India. Many blogs provide commentary on a particular subject or topic, ranging from travel to destinations. Others function as more personal online diaries or online brand advertising of a particular individual or company. A typical blog combines text, digital images and links to other blogs, web pages and other media related to its topic. The ability of readers to leave publicly viewable comments and interact with other commenters, is an important contribution to the popularity of many blogs. The blogosphere is made up of all blogs and their interconnections and the term implies that blogs exist together as a connected community or as a collection of connected communities or as a social networking service in which everyday authors can publish their opinions. Since the term has been coined, it has been referenced in a number of media and is also used to refer to the 'Internet'. Within the blogosphere, several sub-communities have developed and these communities are largely divided by genre. Blogs are often identified by a specific genre or topic, such as travel as the photographer's blog.