Ghats – Ganges River, Varanasi, India

Varanasi is located on the bank of the sacred Ganges River. The river is one of the holiest places in India populated with numerous ghats. Hindu pilgrims come to bathe at the ghats - a ritual believed to washes away sins. While most of the ghats are used for bathing, there were several "burning ghats" where bodies are cremated. It's an auspicious place for Hindus to die, since expiring here offers moksha - liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Pilgrim Bathers – Ganges River, Varanasi, India

Myself – Ganges River, Varanasi, India

Me releasing a floating candle down the Ganges River, I'm guessing it's was for good luck, but then again I'm not exactly sure of the meaning. Dawn is looking on.

“Rough” Camp– To Varanasi, India

Halfway between Khajuraho and Varanansi, we "rough" camped in a school yard. As you can see from the picture, we tend to attract a crowd where ever we go. Overall, it's a very symbiotic relationship; they provide us a place to camp and cook dinner, and we provide them with entertainment for the evening.

Rafique the “Cook” – To Varanasi, India

While in India, we hired a local Indian cook, Rafique (pictured in the center wearing a black t-shirt). His assistance alleviated a lot of our cooking duties and provided us with heaps of amazing and authentic Indian food, as well as allowed us more time to sightsee, swim and drink beers. We tried to extend his employment contract as truck cook all the way to Bangkok. However, he doesn't have a Visa to enter into Nepal, China, Laos, etc. and he refused to hide in the boot locker.

Swimming Pool – Orchha, India

Probably what I'll remember most about India will be the heat, and the subsequent monsoons, humidity and more heat. We've experienced a few days with 47 degrees C (115 degrees F) weather! It was the hottest weather that I've experienced while camping. Hotels with swimming pools and air conditioners were always welcomed and sought after, but not always available.

Pictured (l to r) is James, Sonja, Brendan, Beers, Andy and Jayne.

Taj Mahal – Agra, India

Yet another highlight of the trip!!!! We spent two hours meandering around the Taj's grounds, myself listening to my IPod and taking in the Taj's timeless beauty. Of course, I was only listening to love songs...just kidding...or maybe not...

The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died at childbirth in 1631. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love.

Raj the Camel and the Taj Mahal - Agra, India

Random Kids and the Taj Mahal - Agra, India

Group Photo – Agra, India

This group photo includes everybody participating in the India-Nepal leg of the trip, except for Richard. Richard was off doing his own thing. When we arrive in Katmandu, the six group members that joined us in Mumbai will be departing, along with JoAnna and Yumi, our two Canadians travelers.

TV and Movies – India

I found India music video channels and MTV-India to very hypnotic. MTV appears to be one of those international companies, like McDonalds, that knows how to modify their product according to the country's culture and a shrinking world.

I also saw my first "Bollywood" movie, Bunty aur Babli, in India with an all Hindu audience. What a great experience. I don't understand a word of Hindu, but I was able to get the essence of the movie just from the visuals. Granted during some parts of the movie, the movie looked more like a music video than a movie. One of my goals, when I return to the States is to add more "Bollywood" movies to my Netflick's list. Any suggestions?

One criticism of India's TV channels is that the "Cartoon Network" was dubbed in Hindi. Blasphemy!!

Tiger Safari – Rathambhore, India

As a group, we participated in two tiger safaris, one in the evening and the other during the following morning. During both safaris tigers where spotted. Luck was on our side, considering the park encompasses 1334 sq km and home to only 42 cats (32 adults and 10 cubs). During the evening safari, a young male tiger serendipitously appeared the road in front of our jeep. We were able to following it for a while before it decided to veered back into the brush. During the morning safari, a female lioness was sighted lying on the edge of a water hole, keeping cool.

Pictured (l to r) is myself, Yumi, Hazel and Bob.

Tiger – Rathambhore, India

This picture is of the lioness spotted during the morning safari. The picture was taken by Hazel Cant using her telephoto lens and digital camera. My camera's lens isn't powerful enough to capture such a picture.

Monkey - Rathambhore, India

Rickshaw Driver – Jaipur, India

We hired a group of rickshaws to transport us from the campsite to downtown. Sonja and I acquired the slowest rickshaw in the bunch. The driver was extremely frail and he was having a difficult keeping up with the rest of the rickshaws in the group. Instead of falling behind and becoming separated from the group, I decided take over the pedaling while the driver sat in back (see picture). We arrived at our downtown destination with the group.

Toilet Museum – Delhi, India

Yes, that's right...toilet museum!!! The museum houses a small but intriguing collection of toilet-related paraphernalia dating from 2500 BCE to the present day. The paraphernalia includes historical charts, diagrams, memorabilia, toilet models, timelines and toilet-themed moneyboxes.

The museum is part of a larger toilet research complex. The purpose of the research is to promote the use of toilets in rural communities and educate the communities about the alternative uses of the waste, such as compost and methane gas production for heat and cooking.

My Favorite Exhibit at Toilet Museum – Delhi, India

This toilet electronically zaps excrement into ash.

Jama Masjid Mosque - Delhi, India

"Hanging out at the Mosque" - Delhi, India

Myself & Tibetan Monk - McLeod Ganj, India

The best way I've heard India described...is that it is "an assault on all the senses" - ubiquitous poverty, odors of the garbage heaps, noise of traffic, the crowded streets, random cows, the heat, etc. One the other hand, the food is amazing and the landscape beautiful. It's taken sometime but India is beginning to grow on me. It's a country of contradictions - it's rich and poor, spiritual and material, cruel and kind, angry but peaceful, ugly and beautiful, and smart but stupid.

I just finished my second book on India -"Holy Cow" by Sarah MacDonald, an Aussie woman who comically narrates her sojourn in India. It's a quick read and captures India's nuances from a western perspective, while at the same time summarizes the various religions practiced in India. "Freedom at Midnight" by Lapierre and Collins was the first book I read. This book is more historical in nature and outlines India's independence struggle.