Some places are visited. Others are felt.
India is often described as intense — and it is.
But beyond its landmarks and well-known routes, there are experiences that go further.
Moments that overwhelm, surprise, and stay.
This is a collection of those moments.
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India’s Hidden Masterpieces – Ajanta & Ellora, 2017.
These Ajanta and Ellora travel stories unfold through caves carved into stone centuries ago, where art, faith and history remain remarkably alive. Ajanta Caves — One of India’s Most Overlooked Wonders The first time I heard about the Ajanta and Ellora Caves was while planning this trip. My travel agent — who knew me well…
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You Have No Idea: Photographing Holi – India, 2020.
A Steve McCurry photograph, a warning that I wouldn’t make it, and five days inside Holi in Barsana, Nandgaon and Vrindavan, just before the world shut down.
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No Doors – Varanasi, 2020.
A guesthouse reached through other people’s bedrooms, a door I was told never to open, and twenty-four hours on the ghats of the Ganges.
✦ Footnotes from Elsewhere
India is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, where ancient traditions coexist with rapid modernization.
✦ Footnotes from Elsewhere
Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism all emerged here, shaping rituals and philosophies that still influence daily life.
✦ Footnotes from Elsewhere
With over 1.4 billion people, India contains an extraordinary diversity of languages, religions and cultural practices.
Not everything in India feels like this.
Some experiences are quieter — but no less meaningful.