Our Top 20 Pictures From India

India is a diverse country with amazing scenery, architecture and people. We had a difficult time choosing, but here are our top 20 pictures from India.

1. Rock-Cut Temple Caves in Ajanta, Maharashtra

These hand chiseled pre-historic caves are incredible, filled with stunning carvings. The interesting lighting adds even more character.

Buddhist rock-cut temple, Ajanta
Buddhist rock-cut temple, Ajanta

2. Taj Mahal

The majestic Taj Mahal is a picture taken by every visitor to India, but this photo captures all of its beauty so well, that it ranks high on our list.

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal

3. Cremation Ghats, Varanasi

We call this one ‘Dante’s Inferno’ because of the dark, dramatic feel to this shot of the cremation ghats at night.

Cremation Ghat, Varanasi
Cremation Ghat, Varanasi

4. Temple ruins, Hampi

The simplicity of these shrine ruins on a granite slab makes a stunning picture.

Small temples on granite slab, Hampi
Small temples on granite slab, Hampi

5. Sunrays on Sachen campground, Sikkim

The sun’s morning rays shine over the mountain ridge illuminating the bright yellow tents for a spectacular view.

Sunrise, Sachen Camp, Goecha La Trek
Sunrise, Sachen Camp, Goecha La Trek

6. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

The facade of Hawa Mahal is filled with bay windows and carved lattice designs. The interesting pink sandstone building is an eye-catcher.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

7. Mysore Palace, Mysore

This picture of Public Durbar Hall in Mysore Palace is mesmerizing with its brightly coloured ceiling between endless rows of elaborate columns.

Public Durbar Hall, Mysore Palace
Public Durbar Hall, Mysore Palace

8. Jaswant Theda and Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

We had to hike over rough terrain to get this incredible shot of Jaswant Thada in front of the impenetrable Mehrangarh Fort, but we think it was worth it.

Mehrangarh Fort behind Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort behind Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur

9. A camel herder in the Thar desert, Rajasthan

An everyday scene in the desert is a camel herder leading his camel, but we love the serenity captured in this shot.

Camel herder, Thar Desert
Camel herder, Thar Desert

10. Meditating monks, Bodhgaya

It was overwhelming to see such a large congregation of Buddhist monks meditating in front of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. Their orange robes cover the green grass for a lovely contrast.

Monks meditating at Mayabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya
Monks meditating at Mayabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya

11. Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi

Chinese traders left their mark on the Indian coast with these fascinating fishing nets. The sun setting behind them takes it from an interesting shot to a beautiful one.

Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset, Kochi

12. Net fishing in paradise, Havelock Island

Turquoise waters, a white-sand beach and a local fisherman casting a net. What else can you ask for?

Fisherman, Havelock Island
Fisherman, Havelock Island

13. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

This indo-saracenic building in Mumbai is beautiful, but what makes this picture great is the bright green lawn and interesting Buddha head in front.

Chhatrapati Shivaj Maharaj Vastu Snagrathalaya. Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaj Maharaj Vastu Snagrathalaya. Mumbai

14. Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad

We love the contrast of the monochromatic arched doorways of the fort to the bright saris of these Indian women.

Inside one of the buildings, Golkonda Fort

15. Sun Temple, Konark

There are so many interesting details to look at in this picture; the finely detailed carvings on the Sun Temple, the large centre wheel and the different angles on the wall.

Wheel, Sun Temple, Konark
Wheel, Sun Temple, Konark

16. Ganga Aarti, Varanasi

Ganga Aarti is a beautiful display of devotion. Pundits (Hindu priests) perform ritualistic movements with bells, incense and candelabras every evening along the side of the Ganges River.

Pundits choreography with candelabras, Ganga Aarti, Varanasi
Pundits choreography with candelabras, Ganga Aarti, Varanasi

17. Backwaters, Kerala

This picture of bamboo houseboats traveling along the narrow, palm fringed canals in Kerala’s backwaters is so calm yet full of life.

Houseboats, rice barge and fishing boats, Kerala backwaters
Houseboats, rice barge and fishing boats, Kerala backwaters

18. Jain Temple, Jaisalmer

These elaborately carved Torans are breathtaking with their fine details and interesting design.

Intricately carved Torans, Jain Temple, Jaisalmer Fort
Intricately carved Torans, Jain Temple, Jaisalmer Fort

19. The Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple is a glittering marvel. This picture beautifully captures its reflection on the surface of the water.

Golden Temple Complex, Amritsar
Golden Temple Complex, Amritsar

20. Paddleboarder at sunset, Palolem

We love the colours in this picture as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea with a paddler coming in to shore.

Paddler in the Sunset, Palolem Beach, Goa
Paddler in the Sunset, Palolem Beach, Goa

Coming up next: Impressions of India – Our 8 month Adventure

For extra pictures from our blogs go to Gallery at monkeystale.ca

To read about more of our adventures go to Destinations.

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