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.
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.
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.
4. Temple ruins, Hampi
The simplicity of these shrine ruins on a granite slab makes a stunning picture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
14. Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad
We love the contrast of the monochromatic arched doorways of the fort to the bright saris of these Indian women.
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.
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.
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.
18. Jain Temple, Jaisalmer
These elaborately carved Torans are breathtaking with their fine details and interesting design.
19. The Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple is a glittering marvel. This picture beautifully captures its reflection on the surface of the water.
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.
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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Monkey's Tale 
Can’t imagine how difficult it was to select just 20 photos from all your great ones!
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It was tough. I first narrowed it down to 75 and had to cut our some great ones. Thanks!!
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Wow! I’m so jealous. You’ve been to places in India I most want to visit. So far I’ve only been to No. 4, 11, and 17. How long did you travel in the country?
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We’ve been told that we’ve seen more of India than most Indians. We spent over 8 months and were traveling the whole time so we were able to see a lot. Even with that much time, there are major areas that we couldn’t get to. It was a great trip!
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Eight months just in India! That’s amazing.
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The photos are fascinating! They capture the rich and long history of a very unique country. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much! Glad you like them. Thanks for reading!
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It must’ve been tough to pick a top 20, but all of them are excellent. I especially like the one with the tents out in nature!
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Thank you so much Lauren. After 8 months, we have so many pictures. Glad you like the ones we picked! Thanks for reading!
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Wow, just look at those places and photos, India is a place I would love to visit one day, thanks for sharing and inspiring 😀
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You’re welcome, thanks for reading! There are many incredible places in India, you should keep it in mind for a trip.
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Great shots. The cremation ghats look like a scene out of Blade Runner!
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Oh, or that too!!! It was not an area for the faint of heart!!
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India is on my wish list. Thanks a lot for inspiring me
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You’re welcome! It is definitely a country to visit, but watch for our upcoming blog ( a couple of weeks) for our impressions on traveling there and for how long at a time.
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I will, it will be great to have some more impressions and tips.
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A great compilation of some excellent photos across India. You have travelled a vast expanse of India and I guess it was a different experience for you with such a huge population with crowded places, not so clean areas. As an Indian, I came to know your point of view about my country. It was great reading your posts and your opinion about the familiar places. Every place and countries have their own positive and negative aspects, as a traveller its always a challenge to accept it all. Thank you for visiting my country and sharing your wonderful experiences and amazing pictures. I hope India will have its everlasting memory in your soul. 🙂
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Thank you so much, we were so lucky to be able to see so much of India. Being there for so long we feel like we could understand it better. But you’re right it’s so different from anywhere else – both good and bad. I tried to be honest with my posts, not with rose-coloured glasses or overly judgmental, but sometimes the garbage and poverty were too much to see passed. We did love our time in India, with so many different cultures and experiences, and we made some lasting friendships. We definitely have positive memories of India that will last for ever.
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Wow, gorgeous photos! I’m interested to read your next post though. India is definitely on my list, but I’m not always keen on being in massive crowds… Not sure I could do 8 months straight!
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ya, first lesson is not to go for 8 months! I think it’s going to be another week or 2 before I get it posted as this one is more work than I thought.
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Your selection is stunning! It must have been a tough exercise, but what great memories of an epic journey. I’m hard pressed to pick a favourite, but I’m drawn to sunrise on the campground and Mysore Palace.
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Thanks Caroline,The list was supposed the be 10, then 15, finally we had to stop at 20! It was even more difficult to rank them!
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I’m glad you didn’t stop at 10 or 15! Bring them on!
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Amazing architecture! Long history behind these buildings.
Cool shots!
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Thanks, the architecture around the country is so impressive. It was hard to decide which pics to use!
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These photos are stunning. You’ve captured the wonder and beauty of everything, from the legendary to the everyday. Well done.
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Thank you so much!
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Your writing was also great. Succinct and informative.
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It’s amazing how you have covered India extensively. Beautiful pictures!!
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Thanks. We were able to visit a lot of India in 20 months. It was great but tiring. Thanks for commenting!
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Such a marvelous gallery!
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Thank you!!
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