India: The food

One of the highlights has been the food. Really surpassed expectations. My new favourite is the Thali, a bento box of all things good. 24 hours later, I think I've managed to go to India (again) and not get sick.

Delhi: 24 hours

The original plan was to spend all 10 days in Rishikesh, towards then end having left the confines of the mountain Ashram meant that the crowds were starting to kill my vibe. I decided to leave early and spend 24 hours in Delhi. The plan was to stay central and see as many sites and eat as much food without a) getting sick, and b) not being completely irritated with the locals. 

I'll expand somewhat on b, given the sheer levels of poverty in the country everybody is trying to take advantage of you (or me), misquoting prices, switching notes, trying to sell, trying to show, trying to do something to take more of your money. No, it's not a lot of money, but constantly having to be "on" being "on guard" makes for a heighten way of travel. Yes I did get scammed at the airport, but it was for only 5 USD, but still! India is dusty, it's hot, and there's always people grabbing you, asking for money, or indirectly trying to get money out of you. The rich culture, amazing food and gorgeous surroundings are enough to trump this, but it can be tiring both physically and mentally.

My 24 hours in Delhi looked like this. 

7 pm Evening stroll around Connaught Place

7 am Morning visit to Humayun's Tomb

8 am Morning visit to Delhi Gate

8:30 Chole Bhature for breakfast

9:30 Red Fort

10:00 Visit Chandni Chowk (only did a bit of this)

10:30 Jama Masjid

12:00 Butter chicken for lunch

14:00 National Museum

15:30 Agrasen Ki Baoli

16:00 Pack

18:00 Dinner

19:00 Airport

Rishikesh (Part 3): Ram Jhula

The final area was closer to the two main Ashrams that I wanted to stay at. Yoga Niketan and Parmarth Niketan, two of the most famous Ashrams. Thanks to the close proximity I was able to practise at these two Ashrams on a drop-in basis.

 Over these two days managed to continue the morning dip on the opposite side of the Ganges and caught Ganga Aarti, the spectacular offerings to the Ganges one at Triveni Ghat and one at Parmarth Niketan.