Last week’s crisp fall days in the US have taken a turn for the worse. Seasonal temps barely edging toward high 40′s coupled with a combination of mist and sudden downpours has starved most trees of their colorful annual extensions.

India is on the cusp of festival season as the weather begins to change as well. This turn, however, is a welcome relief as tourist season begins to kick into full throttle.

I’ve just a few more weeks of balmy drenched days before heading off once again to India. Perfect weather for catching up on the musings of other writers.

Here are 5 India blogs I’m reading this week:

Essential Hindi for Foreign Travelers (Language, Travel) @bihar

It’s one thing to type out a few useful Hindi words and phrases, but Shaluji went the extra mile with this well executed post in her India blog. Six categories of basic Hindi, typed in an English to Hindi translation, are perfected with actual spoken word audio samples allowing the reader to practice with authentic coaching.

How Do You Travel So Much? (Travel)

It’s a question most long term travelers are asked at some point. Part curiosity, part envy, it’s not always the easiest question to properly answer. Fortunately Vamsee found a way and shared it on her India blog.

Resilience and Determination, or Apathy, in India? (Culture) @aboutindia

What is it that drives Indians? It may not be what you think, even from the perspective of a transplanted expat. Sharell continues to see India for what it is and not what it isn’t in spite of the countries abundant challenges.

Mysore Dasara (Festivals) @indiaoutsidemyw

Some festivals are celebrated with just a little more jubilation in India. The Mysore Dasara procession is one such event, well known throughout the country. Isabel was fortunate enough to catch the pre-celebration rehearsals at the famed Mysore Palace. What’s more fun than getting a close up view of an elephant march?

Apple Halva (Food) @indiansimmer

Slightly warm halwa is one of my favorite Indian sweets in which to indulge after a hearty meal. Gajar halwa comes to mind when carrots are in season, even kaju halwa is quite nice.  But apple halwa? A new twist on a classic recipe. This slightly older post dating back to September, filled with photos as tasteful looking as the recipe, slipped through my radar until now.

What India blogs are you reading this week?

#5IndiaBlogs