The Travel Space-Time Continuum - Part 2

Part 2 of The Travel Space-Time Continuum presents Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan!

In my last post, I shared some photos and facts from Mumbai, Gujarat state, and Delhi. Facts that stood out to me, and that I thought you would also find interesting. As the bulk of the cities I have visited were in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan I wanted to dedicate one post to these states in India. I hope you like this post as much as you liked the last one!

As you may have noticed, Central India is home to me and my family. And, Delhi being the capital of India and home to so many historical buildings required its own video. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan though are two states that one, evoked strong emotions in me, and two, inspired my imagination.

Uttar Pradesh

Fact#1 - Many structures in Agra and Fatehpursikri are symbols of architectural prowess, but also of labour and loss. For example, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz, who died  giving birth to her 14th child. And, did you know that the inspiration for the Taj Mahal was Humayun's Tomb, the mausoleum built in Delhi by Shah Jahan's great grandmother, Empress Bega Begum, for her husband, Humayun. 

Fact#2 - Rajasthan's quarried stones were used to build magnificent structures such as the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra and Buland Darwajah in Fatehpursikri. 

Fact#3 - Agra is also home to a cafe that is run by acid attack survivors, young women who are powerhouses, pursuing their individual passions in art, fashion, and business. We could all learn a thing or two from them.

Fact#4 - One does not need to buy anything from local vendors at mosques and temples in order to express faith and belief in a higher good.

Rajasthan

Fact#1 - Pushkar's Ghat has bathing areas where women can perform ablutions. These are cleaned regularly. In fact the Ghat has signs advocating respect for women on all its walls. 

Fact#2 - In cities, camels are used by tourists as part of travel packages. Local residents use motorbikes and jeeps to travel. Camels are mainly used by local residents in farms, deserts, and rural regions for transport.

Fact#3 - Rajasthan is home to some of the most beautiful forts and palaces I have seen. Some of these buildings are open to the public while the king lives in their own private quarters in the same compound. A prime example is the Umaid Bhawan palace in Jodhpur. 

Fact#4 - Some buildings are called palaces but are hotels built only for tourists.

Fact#5 - There are local parks in cities around Rajasthan where youth and seniors go for walks early morning to stay active. For example, Gulaab Bagh.

Fact#6 - Rajasthan, in its cultural richness, architectural in genuinity (read about the Hawa Mahal), and it's colours and traditions has captured my imagination in a way no other city may be able to.

In my next post, I will be sharing more photos of cities I have visited outside Asia. Do continue to read and like these posts, and share your comments below and on Facebook at"One Woman Empowered".

Wishing you a colourful day ahead!!

P.S. Music courtesy bensound.com