
temples/landmarks


Point Finger at Polluter
India’s garbage problem. Despite the glorious esthetic and spiritual traditions, the problem of waste accumulation and inadequate disposal is undermining India’s life and beauty. Change is coming but slow.

The Israeli Phenomenon in India, Part 3 – The Case of Bhagsu
Israelis in Bhagsu. If you thought you knew why Israelis come to India, read this post and be ready for surprises. Post compares Hindu and Israeli tourism to this friendly village in the lower Himalayas. Everybody co-exists and cultural co-fertilization brings about interesting results.

The Israeli Phenomenon in India Part 5 – Music, Grass and the Spiritual Salad
Music, grass and the spiritual salad – the three occupations of Israelis in India outside of shopping… Western, Jewish and israeli involvement in Indian spiritual paths create interesting fusions that transform Israeli society, Judaism and India.

The Israeli Phenomenon in India, Part 6 – Reasons We Flock There
Why Israelis go to India? This first post enumerates the more obvious reasons – fun, escape, learn, shanti, post-army, herd, cheap, the Hummus trail infrastructure, adventure, and, of course – Incredible India. Sequel: non-obvious reasons.

Amritsar Golden Temple
Amritsar Golden Temple, at the center of a bustling Indian city, is a structure of incredible beauty, and serves as the heart of the Sikh religion & people. Eating free on the floor at the langar, waiting in line to see the holy guru book, watching the sacred pool, visiting the gory historical museum, feeling the splendor.

Mata Lal Devi Mandir – Amritsar’s “Ladies Temple”
Mata Lal Devi Mandir, or in its common name “The Ladies Temple” in Amritsar, displays an abundance of goddess figures and pictures, as well as an effeminate Buddha and is dedicated to a 20th century bespectacled female guru reputed to live on fruit and milk. Atmosphere is much more relaxed than in the Golden Temple. A good tuktuk driver is essential for a great rambling day around the city.

24 Hours in Mumbai – Train, Boat, Taxi, Feet
My 24 hours in Mumbai were rich in experiences and human encounters – the train (un)expected ordeal, hotel and dining, and then the awesome Elaphanta Island caves, boat ride, climb. Even the taxi trip to the airport was illuminating.

Udaipur on Rivers – European Air, Indian Majesty
Udaipur is an Indian dream city – clean, beautiful, majestic. I describe morning and evening strolls, the magic waters, rooftop vistas from hotel restaurants and Israeli Kabbalat Shabbat.

Udaipur on Rivers II – Gods on Every Corner
Udaipur art, architecture and religious devotion are evident at every corner. From tiny statues on wall niches to huge elaborate temples artistic talent is evident everywhere.

Udaipur on Rivers III – Udaipur City Palace
Udaipur City Palace is an outstanding example of Indian architecture, art and the co-creation of the human with the landscape to the benefit of both. A must see!

Udaipur on Rivers IV – Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Lake Pichola Boat Ride – wonderful opportunity to see the palaces on the islands and the shores. Magical sail. No need to pay for official tours.

Likir, Ladakh – Looking for “Baby”, Finding a Family
I arrived at Likir, Ladakh by chance, planning to go on the “Baby” trek, and had the best experience of my India trip. Homestaying with a wonderful family, eating in the field with the farmers after the harvest, peace, tranquility, beauty.

Manu Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manu temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is the only temple for Manu, the first man. Like Noah, he was the only man saved from the Big Flood, to restart humanity. He was also the first law-giver and saved the vedas from the flood during his seventh reincarnation.

Vashisht Village – Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Vashisht didn’t measure up to my expectations, still it was fun to walk up to the famous waterfalls, eat at the Tibetan Cafe to sounds of Israelis playing guitar and singing, dip my toes at the hot springs, emjoy the village atmosphere.

Nocturnal Eilat
Photo gallery. Night magic in the sea and the city of Eilat.

Point Finger at Polluter
India’s garbage problem. Despite the glorious esthetic and spiritual traditions, the problem of waste accumulation and inadequate disposal is undermining India’s life and beauty. Change is coming but slow.

The Israeli Phenomenon in India, Part 3 – The Case of Bhagsu
Israelis in Bhagsu. If you thought you knew why Israelis come to India, read this post and be ready for surprises. Post compares Hindu and Israeli tourism to this friendly village in the lower Himalayas. Everybody co-exists and cultural co-fertilization brings about interesting results.

The Israeli Phenomenon in India Part 5 – Music, Grass and the Spiritual Salad
Music, grass and the spiritual salad – the three occupations of Israelis in India outside of shopping… Western, Jewish and israeli involvement in Indian spiritual paths create interesting fusions that transform Israeli society, Judaism and India.

The Israeli Phenomenon in India, Part 6 – Reasons We Flock There
Why Israelis go to India? This first post enumerates the more obvious reasons – fun, escape, learn, shanti, post-army, herd, cheap, the Hummus trail infrastructure, adventure, and, of course – Incredible India. Sequel: non-obvious reasons.

Amritsar Golden Temple
Amritsar Golden Temple, at the center of a bustling Indian city, is a structure of incredible beauty, and serves as the heart of the Sikh religion & people. Eating free on the floor at the langar, waiting in line to see the holy guru book, watching the sacred pool, visiting the gory historical museum, feeling the splendor.

Mata Lal Devi Mandir – Amritsar’s “Ladies Temple”
Mata Lal Devi Mandir, or in its common name “The Ladies Temple” in Amritsar, displays an abundance of goddess figures and pictures, as well as an effeminate Buddha and is dedicated to a 20th century bespectacled female guru reputed to live on fruit and milk. Atmosphere is much more relaxed than in the Golden Temple. A good tuktuk driver is essential for a great rambling day around the city.

24 Hours in Mumbai – Train, Boat, Taxi, Feet
My 24 hours in Mumbai were rich in experiences and human encounters – the train (un)expected ordeal, hotel and dining, and then the awesome Elaphanta Island caves, boat ride, climb. Even the taxi trip to the airport was illuminating.

Udaipur on Rivers – European Air, Indian Majesty
Udaipur is an Indian dream city – clean, beautiful, majestic. I describe morning and evening strolls, the magic waters, rooftop vistas from hotel restaurants and Israeli Kabbalat Shabbat.

Udaipur on Rivers II – Gods on Every Corner
Udaipur art, architecture and religious devotion are evident at every corner. From tiny statues on wall niches to huge elaborate temples artistic talent is evident everywhere.

Udaipur on Rivers III – Udaipur City Palace
Udaipur City Palace is an outstanding example of Indian architecture, art and the co-creation of the human with the landscape to the benefit of both. A must see!

Udaipur on Rivers IV – Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Lake Pichola Boat Ride – wonderful opportunity to see the palaces on the islands and the shores. Magical sail. No need to pay for official tours.

Likir, Ladakh – Looking for “Baby”, Finding a Family
I arrived at Likir, Ladakh by chance, planning to go on the “Baby” trek, and had the best experience of my India trip. Homestaying with a wonderful family, eating in the field with the farmers after the harvest, peace, tranquility, beauty.

Manu Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manu temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is the only temple for Manu, the first man. Like Noah, he was the only man saved from the Big Flood, to restart humanity. He was also the first law-giver and saved the vedas from the flood during his seventh reincarnation.

Vashisht Village – Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Vashisht didn’t measure up to my expectations, still it was fun to walk up to the famous waterfalls, eat at the Tibetan Cafe to sounds of Israelis playing guitar and singing, dip my toes at the hot springs, emjoy the village atmosphere.