Travel Pizza » India

Houseboats on the River in Cochin

TravelPizza — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:59:55 +0000

I doubt most of you think of rivers and houseboats when India is mentioned, but the country is very large and diverse and contains many rivers, mountains, deserts and forests. In the case of Cochin, travel by boat is quite common and you can even rent a houseboat like this to make your home for several days or weeks. You can be sure that the pace of life on the river is much more sedate and relaxed, slowly flowing like the river itself.

Famed Taj Mahal Seen from the Rear

TravelPizza — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:20:24 +0000

The Taj Mahal is quite likely one of the most recognized sights in the world, certainly the most recognized in India. Most photos focus on the Taj Mahal from the southern view, which includes the reflecting pool. This photo is taken from the opposite or northern view. In case you didn’t know that the Taj Mahal lies on the banks of a river, you can see the Yamuna River in the foreground of this picture.

Maharajas Express Luxury Rail Travel

TravelPizza — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:39:29 +0000

India is almost synonymous with rail travel and there is no more luxurious way to travel than the Maharajas Express. Unfortunately the Maharajas Express is going to be shut down and that’s a pity because the line was a great opportunity to see India in style and feel as if you were one of the Raj’s of old. You have about one month left to book a trip on the Maharajas Express and then it will be gone forever. So sad.

Awe inspiring view from Shimla in the foothills of the Himalayas

TravelPizza — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:52:54 +0000

Shimla is a popular tourist destination located in northern India in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. With temperate summers and cold snowy winters it’s no surprise that so many flock to this city that the British called “Queen of the Hills”. After acquiring the area around Shimla in the early 19th century as part of a treaty with Nepal, the British colonial Governor-Generals began developing the area and by 1864 it was declared the summer home of the British Raj. In addition, many of the Indian government headquarters moved north to Shimla to enjoy the pleasant summer weather.

These days the pleasant weather remains, though the British Raj is gone. You can still see signs of their passage however in the form of the colonial style buildings, museums and the Kalka-Shimla Railway line known as the “British Jewel of the Orient”, thanks to it’s 806 bridges and 103 tunnels.

From the weather to the sights to the culture, Shimla is well worth a stop off if you’re passing through India.