Ajanta & Ellora

Ellora, as Ajanta, is another highlight in Majarashtra District, near Aurangabad. But here the skills where stressed to the maximum, achieving a unique monolithic rock Hindu temple carved from top to bottom, symbolizing the Kailash Mt. in Tibet -where it is said that Shiva was born.

Above, image of Kailasanatha Temple.

the Ajanta Caves, dating from 2 century BC are Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples carved out of a continuous rock cliff overlooking the river. They where constructed along a period of 1,000 years... and they are an important source of pictorial art and architecture achievement besides the fact that the 3 religions shared a same location without conflict.

On our way to Jalgaon... and Nico with stomach problems again

Ahmedabad

Sarabhai House by LC and the buttler in pink

Shodan House by LC

my first solo rickshaw drive with police stop included...

rickshaw surfing

the impressive IIM, by Louis I. Khan

Mill Owners Association, by LC

At the Kites Museum, local designs

We arrived at the capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad. This state has a strong Muslim presence and it's famous for its cousine and textiles, as well as for IIM, one of the best business schools in India. Finally, because of Le Corbusiers buildings!

Above, another baoris, full of bats.

Bundi

and the inevitable end... not Kipling's fault

on our way to Ahmedabad, an amazing lunch at an old Havelli...

baoris #3

sacred cows produce, not preciselly hamburgers, in the process of getting dry

baoris #2

at the lake overlooking the palace

Locals have learned to live with the fact that monkeys and macaques are allways watching them...

the youth of Bundi

the SACRED cow all over India

stepwell reservoirs, baoris. In Hindu religion this wells are sacred water containers.

jaja, one less... of so many

... and intricated decorative wall patterns

highlights of the palace, the Maharajas thrown...

Bundi, small town of 88,000 inhabitants, with a nice Maharaja Palace and many Hindu water wells called Baoris

Next train: to Bundi

Fatehpur Sikri

First open plan floor in history?... 17th century

No CNC or Laser Cut... at the time

And Fatehpur Sikri, another Mughal masterpiece. Red sandstone and white marbel with intrincated patterns and engravings which you find in Dheli, Lahore, Agra... etc.

Agra

Agra Fort

The city and the Taj at the back...view from the Hotel!

First train in India, second class non A/C on our way to Agra.