New Delhi,
The first impressive when I land in Delhi it was a total mess, so many people, so many vehicles, extremely hot and air pollution. this place is unlike anywhere I’ve been in the past, there’s something so special and different here, some people say or you love India or you hate it. in Delhi there huge and colorful markets that you can find anything you want, the spice market in Main Bazar is highly recommended. the variety, the smells and the merchants give an amazing atmosphere, so different and at once magical. the street in Delhi almost every street its a new experience, just to walk or to stand, to watch, listen and be shocked how everything works despite the mess, It’s the most orderly mess I’ve ever seen.
one of the places I like in the city called Hauz khas village, cool area with many good cafes, restaurant and bars at night time. Kunzum Travel Cafe kunzum.com/travelcafe/ its a beautiful and small place own by a journalist&photographer you can see that all over the walls, there great recommendation from Ajay (the owner) about many places in India and outside. the staff are super nice and welcome, you can find there just tea, coffee and cookies. what suprise me that when you ask for the bill they tell you pay as much as you like. I really appreciate it, it’s something you do not see in many places. Delhi is a fascinating, exciting and different place. It is worth spending more than a day or two in this city.
The trip to Manali
The way from Delhi to Manali by bus is a long, beautiful and exhausting road, 14 hours to the north part of India. as going north the road is more difficult but at the same time the landscape becomes even more beautiful, huge mountains, rivers flowing furiously, begin to see and feel the power of the Himalayas, breathtaking view.
Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town, perfect place to stop for few days, or even better weeks. most of the hostels, restaurant, cafes and tourist agency located in Old Manali, the view is amazing, surrounded by snowy mountains and green forests, best place to chill and relax. after 2 days of rest I took a day trek to one of the hills near by, just to get in shape, 4-5 hours of claiming in the forest was absolutely beautiful, a great view all over Manali, the hike finish at the base cape, we ate lunch, took pictures relax and go back. it was great day, not too busy but still prepare you for the next level…
the next day I spend in the main market, try to catch some speacil pictures, to watch the local people starting the day, the market wake up before all the tourist coming. photography for me its to be at the right time in the right place, to catch the moment, tell the story behind the picture. and that mean the camera with me all the time, you never know when the opportunity will come. be ready.
the next day I took trek of 4 days to Beas Kund at Solang valley, it start from one hour drive to the next village and from there 3 hours walk to the begginnig point. we had a nice and easy first day, walk few more hours to the base camp, the weather was great, a light wind, clear sky absolutely perfect. our guide prepar for us tasty dinner, this man 55year old in excellent shape, an amazing person, someone who can be followed with your eyes closed. in the next 3 days we were simply moved by the breathtaking nature, claiming to 4000m walk in the snow, all around us was simply stunning. everything mix of white and green. mountains, rivers, forests, lakes. this simply leaves you speechless and the best time to shoot, the right moment that leaves a mark of the place. It was not easy 4 days but absolutely magical, some points was hard and at those moment when you out of energy I tell myself now you need to take out your camera and shoot even that you tired, because those moment create perfect pictures and those moment not coming back.
In Manali you can find more options of trekking, bicycle tours, mountaineering, abseiling, rafting and more.
Rishikesh
From Manali to Rishikesh its a 7 hours bus drive and again not easy one, the city of Rishikesh located beside the Ganges River. one of the quietest and most peaceful cities in northern India, its a holy city and the point where the Ganges River exits the Himalayas to the plain. you can find spiritual experience to your taste, a general atmosphere of holiness and especially during the many puja rites. a lot of people go down to the ceremony by the river every evening, they light candles put them in small bowls and float across the Ganges. there are several beaches on the Ganges and you can get into the water, the best place to learn Yoga so if to start its here. if you look for a place to stay, restaurants or the place where most tourists are is Laxman Jhula. at Ram Jhula you will find more markets, ashrams and the Rishikesh’s central puja ceremony every evening at sunset.
