Foto: Cycling through Delhi (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
India - It’s just after six in the morning when I meet Bert at the edge of the old city. Bert is Dutch and will accompany me on a bike tour through Old Delhi. I pick an orange-colored bike and place my water bottle in the front basket, which is sponsored by KLM. Before we set off, Bert explains a few safety rules—the most important being to always stay on the left side of the road. The tour starts early because the streets of Delhi are still relatively quiet at this hour. We head off. Bert leads, while Rajesh rides behind us. As soon as we cross the busy road, I enter the old town. “This is Meat Street,” Bert says. Buffalo and goats are slaughtered here. I see meat hanging in stalls, being processed and loaded onto carts. We continue toward Chawri Bazaar. It’s fun cycling through these narrow lanes. I get a lot of curious looks, although I know that three groups a week do this tour. We stop at the Spicy Market. A staircase leads me to a rooftop ledge with a view of the market’s supply area. The air in the grimy stairwell is filled with the strong scent of spices. The smell of cloves instantly hits my sinuses. Amazing no one has cleaned this place up. After a short tea break, we cycle past the Red Fort and Jama Masjid and return to the Muslim quarter of Old Delhi. Here, breakfast is ready. Finally, we ride back to the starting point via New Delhi. By now, traffic has picked up significantly. Especially in the small lanes, I have to watch carefully not to collide with anyone, and I skillfully avoid passing cycle rickshaws.
Face to Face with the Taj Mahal
India - Today feels like the big day. I’m going to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven new wonders of the world. When I open the curtain in my hotel room, unfortunately, I see a cloudy sky. It even looks like it rained last night. Nevertheless, I want to ...
Golden Sikh Temple in Amritsar
India - I walk through narrow streets toward the famous Golden Temple, asking for directions several times—everyone knows this holy site. At the entrance, I remove my shoes and hand them in at the deposit counter. I also cover my head with an orange cloth, ...
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
India - The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the holiest site for all branches of Hinduism, with its two golden domes and beautiful architecture. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, which is also considered sacred, this temple is an important pilgrimage site ...
Little Tibet in Ladakh
India - We drive into the Indus Valley by Jeep, following the Indus River up to Hemis Monastery. To reach the monastery, we cross the Indus and ascend into the mountains. Hidden in a mountain alcove, the monastery only becomes visible after the final bend—breathtaking! ...
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
India - Mehrangarh Fort, located on an imposing hill above the city of Jodhpur, is one of the largest forts in India and a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. The fort, also known as the "Citadel of the Sun," offers a view over the blue city of Jodhpur and the ...
The Amber Fort of Jaipur
India - The Amber Fort, located on a hilltop about 11 kilometers outside Jaipur, is a stunning fortress and one of the most impressive sights in Rajasthan. The Amer Fort combines Rajput and Mughal architecture and dominates the surrounding Aravalli Hills. Built ...
The fort of Fatehpur Sikri
India - Before we drive back to Delhi for our flight to the Netherlands, we stop at Fatehpur Sikri Fort. This 13th-century fort lies about 40 kilometers outside Agra. Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great had it built at the site of a prophet who foretold that Akbar ...
The sacred Ganges River in Varanasi
India - Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism, is embraced by the sacred Ganges River. The Ganges in Varanasi is more than just a waterway—it is a spiritual lifeline. The ghats along the river form a breathtaking ...