India - 2010/2011

Taken from the other side of the Yamuna River, late afternoon.

We were rapt to get a room with a view. They said on the phone you could see the Taj, but until you are in the room, you speculate. “Surely, at that price, it means you need to be standinga on the toilet or something.” Nope, could see it from bed!

You know you are not in Australia when one of your co-passengers carries a sword because it is part of his cultural heritage, and he just wouldn't feel “dressed” without said weapon by his side. In the waiting room, he decided to adust his turban. It was about ten minutes of flattening and patting the strip of cloth in to place. We realise this was entirely necessary, as his turban is held in place with a metal ring around his head, so I'm guessing if it isn't right, it will create pressure spots on his skull!

Everyone's friendly on Indian trains. In the unreserved seating areas, people squeeze up and make room, because they all know when they are standing, they expect people to make space for them. Six, seven, or even eight if there are a few kids is not a rare sight on a bench for four people. Then there are always one or two people sitting or lying on the luggage rack above.

At Hawa Mahal, “Palace of the Winds”, Jaipur.

The sundial at the 18th century observatory at Jaipur.

A few kilometres from Jaipur, Amber Fort is more of palace. Morning light is the best for getting lake reflection photos!

Jo likes taking photos through nicely shaped archways.

A 500 year old banyan tree integrated with an old fort gate, inside what is now the Ranthambhore National Park.

The chital, or spotted deer, Ranthambhore National Park.

A samba deer attends his itchy scalp, Ranthambhore National Park.

A pair of black faced langurs, sitting like a pair of old men sharing opinions. Ranthambhore National Park.

The nilgai, or blue-bull antelope, (although it is the male which gets the blue colour). From differing angles they appear to be shaped more like a horse, or even a cow, than an antelope. They are large and very beautiful. Ranthambhore National Park.

The samba does not mind being in the water, and sometimes feeds on surface vegetation. Ranthambhore National Park.

On a cold safari in Ranthambhore National Park, and a rufous tree-pie decides to join us.

Ranthambhore National Park. These tiger prints are (apparently, because we had to be told, not being experts ourselves) a few hours old. Is she still around? Is she lazing in the sun nearby after a recent kill? Is she long gone and far away?

Sorry about the wrong ISO setting. It was getting late, the light was fading, and we had pretty much given up seeing a tiger. And suddenly there she was not running, but on the move, through the grass, heading to the trees. No time to stuff around, just snap a couple of photos, and enjoy the moment of seeing a tiger in the wild. Ranthambhore National Park.

A man makes an offering of sweet balls at the rat temple of Karni Mata, Deshnok.