By Kimberly Bryant
India is a country exceedingly rich in culture -- overflowing with the smells, sights and sounds of life. It is both a rewarding and a challenging place to travel. From my experience traversing this vast country, it lives up to its tagline of "Incredible India" for a multitude of reasons: warm people, outgoing and open-hearted in nature; astoundingly varied landscapes that make each state seem like its own country; historic architecture that exudes a palette of glorious colors at every turn; authentic cuisine that turns many travelers happily vegetarian, and so much more.
My first trip to this lively place was a whirlwind five-week journey around many of its northern states. From the stunning, golden city of Jaisalmer and the surrounding Thar desert, to the opulent Taj Mahal in Agra, and a lengthy train ride over to the holy city of Varanasi, my introduction to India's intensely spirited energy was a powerful shock to my senses.
From there, I went further north to Amritsar, home of the illustrious Golden Temple; over to cold Dharamsala, home of the Temple of the Dalai Lama; and finally to beautiful Rishikesh, home of the infamous Beatles' Ashram.
I departed from the New Delhi airport to return to my adoptive home of Chiang Mai, Thailand, a different person than when I'd first arrived. My experience traveling here changed me in some of the best ways possible. I had a wonderful time reliving it while looking through my photographs; I hope this visual armchair trip will inspire others to consider making a similar journey for themselves.
Often called the Golden City, Jaisalmer is fairytale-esque; an old, crumbling fort made of yellow sandstone featured as its centerpiece. Decaying rapidly due to the unexpected influx of tourism the city has seen in recent years, the structure's maze of high walls feels akin to wandering into an ancient world.
The vast Thar Desert surrounds this dusty city, which seems to still be half rooted in ancient times. Many travelers participate in camel treks here, camping out overnight on the sand to stare at the stars above.
Built under the leadership of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan over a 22-year span in the mid-1600s, the Taj Mahal is one of the Wonders of the World for good reason. Influenced by Islamic, Indian, and Persian architectural styles, the tomb was built by 20,000 workers, an architectural feat for not only the Mughal Empire but for all time. Excerpts from the Quran and precious jewels adorn the detailed inlay on the marble walls, surrounded by 300 meters of impeccably manicured gardens that enhance the sense of peaceful beauty pervading the space.
Varanasi, or Benares, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Located in Uttar Pradesh, the city attracts millions of Hindus who come when a loved one has died, or is dying, with the intention of having the deceased body cremated on the burning gahts along the holy Ganges River. Lining the Ganges are almost 100 ghats, or series of stairs leading down to the holy body of water. The burning ghats are filled with bodies being cremated over fires that have been burning for more than 3000 years.
Hot, sugary chai tea is sold, often inadvertently sprinkled with ash from the nearby cremations. Come nighttime, there is always one festival or another exploding with a zealous force. The unreserved energy of the cremation ceremonies is not relegated to the ghats; it extends beyond the reach of the city's outskirts of maze-like alleyways, a spiritual labyrinth alive year-round with the manic buzz of religious fervor. Hindus believe that salvation will come to those who die in Varanasi. The religious passion is likely unparalleled by any other city in India, and perhaps the world.
Formally named Harmandir Sahib, meaning The Temple of God, The Golden Temple is a holy place of worship for Sikhs, and is open to anyone regardless of race or caste. In India, this is a rarity. It was purposely designed so people must descend as they enter, symbolizing equality and humility. Only one of the temple's many admirable qualities, it is indicative of the welcoming nature inherent in the Sikh religion. Many travelers speak of the Golden Temple as their favorite spot in the whole of northern India; it is not difficult to understand why.
Situated in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is the famed temple of the Dalai Lama. Monks engage in daily debate practice here, and visitors are welcome to observe. A sight to be seen, the animated monks use their hands and prayer beads like the verbal boxers they are, actively sparing with their partners until one is forced to admit defeat.
Tibetan food is plentiful in this area. From momos to thukpa, healthy and warm comfort food is served, fitting for the nippy mountain air. Himachal Pradesh boasts mountains, forests and an eco-friendly conscience: plastic bags have been outlawed here in an effort to maintain the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The Maharishi Ashram was the Beatles' home-away-from-home in 1968. This is where the Fab Four composed music that can be found on both The White Album and Abbey Road, as well as other solo works. Seeing it now, one can easily imagine how utterly idyllic it must have been in its time. Graffiti decorates almost every interior wall -- Beatles lyrics, love notes, and philosophical quotes scrawled in paint, commemorating the beloved group.
About the Writer
Kimberly Lauren Bryant is a documentary photographer and visual artist currently based in Africa. Originally from Canada, she holds a degree in Visual Arts from the University of British Columbia and is a photography graduate of The Compelling Image. Specializing in creating unique imagery with a focus on bold color and pattern, she finds inspiration in film, art, and everyday life. With interests in travel and visual anthropology, her passion for creative expression shapes who she is and how she interacts with the world. Whilst continuing her long-standing love affair with visual language, Kimberly enjoys soaking up the myriad colors, sounds, and sights on offer around the world. To get in touch, or find out more information, please visit her personal site at
.
Photos norther India: All rights reserved Kimberly Lauren Bryant
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.