4 Shades of India

My Travel Companions

 I recently took a 10-day train trip across India visiting 4 different cities and I must say was one of the best trips of my life. I saw so much in such a little time. Seeing all these places gave me a good look into the many worlds of India, where each city seemed to possess its' own culture and way of life. I'm so happy I was able to see India outside of my area, otherwise I would not have the best picture of India. As you've seen in the previous blogs, India has some cultural issues that are hard for me to come to terms with, and I was able to experience different sides (or Shades) of India that was truly an experience. Here is a map of where I went. I started down in Kochi, then went to Bangalore, then Mysore then Hampi, then Goa. 

1st Stop: Bangalore

'Greenery is good for your health.' Sign for a park in the middle of Bangalore City

Bangalore is a huge city that is the IT capital of India. It is very western and has almost everything I can get in  the U.S.  It is mainly just good for eating, pubbing and shopping. And yes, I'm aware pubbing isn't a verb, but Bangalore is known for all of its pubs, so it's not just drinking, it's pubbing. Amazingly, I didn't even go to pub while I was there. It just wasn't in the cards. Turns out pubs there don't have good food. So we just never made it to one. I did see the botanical gardens and Bangalore Palace. I also ate Subway( which is the only Subway I've seen in India) and had some amazing western food. Really though, Bangalore was just ok compared to the other cities I visited. It was mainly just good for the food:) 

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Cow cart in the middle of traffic, of course. 

One of the best signs ever! "Stop En-violent-mentalism. Support Environmentalism"

2nd Stop: Mysore

Mysore is a smaller city, pretty much only known for its' palace. It is a huge palace with lots of historical value, although I'm still unsure of all the history regarding the palace, but it looks beautiful. We also went to a local market with tons of stuff, although it was mainly the same stuff over and over again. 

Mysore Market

Mysore Market

Mysore Market

Palace Entrance

Mysore Town Center

3rd Stop: Hampi

There are no words to describe Hampi other than beautiful. Hampi is small unique town that is all vegetarian and non-alcoholic. Most people who live here are Hindu and believe the town to be sacred ground. The town is surrounded in ancient temples and statues from the 14th century. Ironically, this is the town that I got food poisoning in, which was a horrible experience, but worth it for just being able to see it. There were lots of animals that just roam around, including monkeys! It is also home to one of the best cappuccino's I've ever had! (See below, look at that foam!)

Best Cappuccino with the best scene!

Famous Temple I can't remember the name of

Probably one of my favorite pics. Cow at shop.

4th Stop: Goa

Goa is a very small state that is practically all beaches. It is very touristy so it barely feels like India. I went to small beach town that was amazing.  I got to swim IN MY ACTUAL SWIMSUIT! Most women just swim in their normal everyday clothes, but since I was in a tourist area, and we like to wear swimsuits, they were acceptable. I had a great time relaxing in a hammock, eating non-Indian food and hanging out with other tourists. Not to mention it was cheap too. We got an on the beach hotel, with a room facing the ocean for $12 a night!

Our Hotel

Beach Cows!