North

Most of my experiences to date have occurred in the Northern region of India, also the popular destination for tourists. From arid desert in the Western state of Rajasthan to the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Northern India is as diverse not only in climate but in food, dress and employment.

Rajasthan

By far the most popular tourist destination of the North, this state welcomes visitors with terrific camel safari experiences near Bikaner & Jaisalmer. While at the same time, sightseers are awed by the palaces and forts let behind by the famous Maharajas of India’s famed past. 5 Star hotels dot the landscape here but budget travelers can just as easily find proper accommodations. Tiger reserves, lakes, foot hills, desert, camels, elephants and more are all part of the allure of Rajasthan.

———————————————-

Delhi

The capital and 2nd largest city of India. Many travelers whom I run into along my road trips tell me they can’t stand Delhi. It’s dirty, it’s crowed, it’s noisy. Exactly, I tell them. Delhi is all of that, as well as, being a cultural hub of the upcoming urban youth crowd while equally blending in it’s past. Museums around every corner, art galleries, theatres, fine dining, and the architecture…oh, the wonderful architecture. Think British Raj era while looking ahead to new designs such as Lotus Temple and Akshardham. Some of the best shopping can be found in Delhi from knick-knacks in Chandni Chowk to watches, jewelry and fine apparel in Connaught Place. Fly in as your entry port or transfer to another Indian destination here by rail, bus, car or connecting flight. Delhi offers so many options, that to hear someone say they hate this city tells me they aren’t really here to see India.

Sights & Sounds

Chandni Chowk | Lodi Gardens | NGMA

Hotel / Guest House Reviews

B19 | Hotel Parkland | Hotel Shipra | Imperial | Jukaso Inn

Food / Restaurant Reviews

Daniell’s Tavern

Veda

———————————————-

Haryana

Unfortunately I haven’t spent much time in this state other than on the highway moving between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Guide books don’t offer much in the way of tourist sight recommendations. On the highway you’ll find both sides littered with rest stop Dhabas (restaurants) tempting travelers like myself to drop by for a meal and a shop. Ask locals what there is to see in this state and the usual answer is given: nothing. I plan to check into this more over the next coming years.

Travel Reports

Pinjore

———————————————-

Punjab

The granary of India. More than half of the country’s wheat, rice and millet are grown in this state. Flourishing dairy and wool-based industries also contribute to the economy here. Punjab is well known for it’s Sikh religion and followers. Many tourists as well as locals flock to Amritsar to pay their respect and view the Golden Temple. Although different in architecture, history and size, I rate this magnificent destination right up there with Taj Mahal.

Travel Reports

Golden Temple

Hotel / Guest House Reviews

Amritsar: Hotel Sun City Towers

———————————————-

Himachal Pradesh

With two of the most popular cities in the North for young foreign tourists, this state is often overlooked outside of place for quick and easy drugs. Farming in apples, rice, corn along with bees and honey make up a large income for Indians and Tibetans sharing the land here. The Eastern border is a popular destination for Buddhist followers seeking out the vast number of monasteries. Little documented in the guide books are the heritage properties. Not on the scale as Rajasthan, the mostly crumbling palaces are an exciting stop for history buffs. And of course, the Himalayas are an excellent source for trekking.

Travel Reports

Excursion Trips

Andretta

Hotel / Guest House Reviews

Chail: Hotel Grand Sunset

Chamba: Hotel Aroma Palace

Chandigarh: Hotel Gravity | Hotel Sheronz

Hamirpur: The Hamir

Kalpa: Hotel Mount View

Mandi: Durga Guest House

Manali: Hotel Kanishka

Mcleodganj: Hotel Asian Plaza

Recong Peo: Ridang Hotel & Bar

Sarahan: Anshuman Resorts

Shimla: Tara Lodge

Tabo: Trojan Guest House

Food / Restaurant Reviews

Chandigarh: Dominos Pizza

Manali: Chopsticks | Mount View Restaurant

Mandi: Rajmahal Palace

Manikaran: German Bakery

Mcleodganj: Gakyi | Peace Cafe | Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Nako: Centerview Dhaba

Recong Peo: Vikas Bar & Restaurant

Rewalsar: Top Chen Restaurant

Sangla: Taste of Tibet

Tabo: Trojan Guest House

———————————————-

Uttarakhand

Recently changed from Uttaranchal, this Northern state also shares beautiful views of the Himalayas. British hill stations have been converted into tourist cities. Uttarakhand is best known for the holy cities of Rishikesh/Haridwar built along the banks of River Ganges. Also, the Char Dham Yatra is completed within four northern cities. Tiger reserves, Buddhist and Tibetan influences, Yoga and foreigners in search of some enlightenment all converge here.