Amritsar had a very different feel. Especially coming from the mountain town of Shimla. It is dry, dusty, and very hot. It also has almost this gangster Punjabi feel, but people seemed more respectful than those in the touristy Golden Triangle area. After saying all that thought, Alex and I accidentally snuck into the old fort that was under repair and the guard was NOT happy. There were no signs, no closed doors. But that’s India for you… You don’t know what’s allowed and not allowed until you do it and get yelled at. Happened almost every day.

Up a pretty strenuous climb through dense fog, we found this Hindu temple known more as “monkey temple”. The massive orange monkey statue is only 3 years old and the temple itself wasn’t much to see. Plus everything was surrounded by fencing and locks to keep the mischievous monkeys out. Alex couldn’t even wear his glasses because the big males kept jumping at him to steal them.

We were only in Agra for 24 hours, but there were plenty of other amazing things to see besides the Taj Mahal. A hired Tuk Tuk whipped us around to the major sites in the afternoon.

Across the river from the Taj Mahal is the garden Mehtab Bagh. The myth is that the black Taj Mahal would be built here to mirror the Taj. This site is also wher Kachhoura village is. It’s a small farmer’s village that is so quaint, we were greeted by a lone toddler pooping on the road as we entered.

Being in Shimla was like living in a cloud. Very mystical and very moist… This building from the 19th cent is used now for advanced academic study. What we could see through the fog was very beautiful.

This was right outside the Capitol complex. Initially, the artist created the space for himself in his free time. He collected building materials, pots, and rocks from old Chandigarh while it was being torn down to create the organized city that exists today.

Since most of Chandigarh was designed by Corb, it only makes sense that the universitys were as well. We drew a lot of attention walking around the campus (only white people) but it was nice to see the buildings being actively used. Just wish I could have gone to university in such amazing spaces.

On our ride up to the mountain/resort town of Shimla we took a “rail motor car”. Meaning it was a single car train, acting as its own motor. So we got the front AND the view of the UNESCO stamped railway. The tracks are spaced only 30″ apart and the stations along the way are like stepping back in time.

The tourist police offer a free tour through Le Corbusier’s amazing Capitol complex. Problem is, they practically run you through the buildings. Very frustrating. So we did the exact same tour, two days in a row…

We considered skipping this site all together because we were worried it would be a touristy waste of time. We could not have been more wrong. It Samsung us there and we had to be a bit clever to get in. The two storey moss covered meditation huts were really nice and I can see why The Beatles fell in love with the place.

On the he return journey down from Shimla, we opted for the multi car, no class passenger train. It cost us less than a dollar each. That monkey climbed aboard at the station hunting for food. It was more than a bit domesticated so it was the first and only monkey on this trip that let us pet it. I was in love, obviously. The trip took 3 extra hours because it stopped at every single station… But it was worth it!

Best known with westerners as the place where The Beatles found their spirituality, Rishikesh is a holy place located in the mountains on the mighty Ganges River. Seriously, that river is swift. A boy we talked to says he frequently sees bodies floating down after heavy rains. We did yoga on the banks. Very different from Western yoga. It’s calmer, more focused on stretching and meditation.

The temple in the cow photo is 13 storeys. Each floor filled with idols and rituals. I ran after a kid who rang a massive bell in my ear on floor 8.

Before India I loved the idea of owning a pet monkey or just hanging around them. Not anymore. They are gross, aggressive, and really michiveous. Also they poop on this nice temple.

It was as beautiful as I had hoped.

I'd just like to dedicate this post to groups of Indian bros: no, I will not take “just one picture” with you. Because #1 I don't want you all up in my business, kissing my cheek etc and #2 it is never “just one”. Ever. It is 3 poses with each one of you. That's 30 pics just with your posse. So no. Just no. Keep rocking the washed denim, Mountain Dew, and loud shirts.

I've read if you can walk up the same way you walked down, that is good luck. I know I failed that task. Being around all those stairs was as surreal as it looks however.