Along the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, more than 90 stairways (ghats) lead down to the river. Walking the entire length of the ghats is highly recommended, but the extraordinary architecture along the river bank is best appreciated from a boat. Chet Singh Ghat is a perfect example. On foot, I looked up at Chet … Read more
It’s a common sight to see people bathing in the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. Some who do so are undoubtedly poor people who may not have access to running water. However, most who bathe in the Ganga, as it known in India, are followers of Hinduism. To Hindus, bathing in the Ganges River facilitates … Read more
I emerged from the warren of Old Delhi backstreets, bloated and exhausted. Bloated because my guide had insisted I sample all the best street food in Old Delhi. Exhausted because every few seconds, motorbikes roaring through the crowds willy-nilly had sent me scrambling for safety. Five hours after we’d first set foot in the crazy … Read more
One of the most efficient, and cheapest ways to get around India is to hire a cycle rickshaw. I did just that in Delhi when I was too exhausted to walk any more. Twenty minutes later, I hopped out at the entrance to the Metro and handed the driver the equivalent of $1.50 USD. Author’s … Read more
Many of India’s nearly nearly three billion residents struggle on a daily basis to eek out an existence. Poverty is endemic and there are not enough jobs to go around. The government has increased social services to the most at-risk members of society, but the amount spent on social safety nets is still less than … Read more
