Top 5 people and top 5 landscape photos
Travel is so inspiring. It inspires me to write and take photos. As an exercise, I’ve pulled together what I think are my top 5 photographs of people and my top 5 photos of landscapes or places. For the people it was easy: I picked the faces I most remembered. For the landscapes, I used the word “emblematic” as my guide. What photos were most emblematic of a well-known tourist destination. First up, above, a photo from my recent walk around Old Delhi with Delhi Magic. A chaos of electrical wires, bicycle rickshaws and men in hot pursuit of a sale — that’s Old Delhi to me. To see the rest of my Top 5 Photos,
2. Chinese fishing nets in Kochi / Fort Cochin
The story goes that Genghis Khan imported this technology when he swept into India. I’m not sure if it’s true or not, but when you visit the historic port of Kochi (aka Fort Cochin) in Kerala, these are the prime tourist attraction. And yes, at sunset, as you stand by the edge of the Arabian Sea and soak in the humid atmosphere, they are indeed very evocative. A journalist from Mumbai helped me to get this shot.
Chinese FIshing nets, Kochi / Fort Cochin, Kerala
3. Algoma Canyon, Ontario
Algoma is the remote, rugged area of central Ontario that inspired the Group of Seven. They had a box car hauled into Algoma Canyon one or two summers in the early 1920s, and used it as their base. The result of course is art history — they created a unique, and uniquely Canadian, style of art.
Algoma Canyon, Ontario
4. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Driving around Dubai made me think of the Emerald City in the Wizard fo Oz. And then I got this photo, with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure, hovering in the background like a mirage.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai: world’s tallest building.
5. Taj Mahal
No words needed for this one. Because it’s there. The world’s most beautiful building. (It’s actually very hard to get this shot because of the crowds of people clamouring for the same spot and because the fountains are often on and ruining the view.)
Taj Mahal
Top 5 People
All of these photos were taken in either India or Bhutan — partly because I’ve spent a lot of time in South Asia recently, lugging around a camera; and partly because, oh wow, the faces you see!
1. On a street corner in Delhi
Like most people who go to India, I was bowled over by the poverty on my first trip, back in 2005-06. I took this photo on that first trip, while in a taxi waiting at a stoplight in Delhi.
Street corner in Delhi
2. At a Buddhist temple in Bhutan
I took many photos of fascinating faces the day I visited this Buddhist Temple in Bhutan. I picked the photo of her beautiful face because it is etched with life, piety, thoughtfulness, sorrow and much more.
At a Buddhist Temple in Bhutan
3. Rice field near Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Rice fields and men in lungis are ubiquitous in South India. This gentle man posed for me, and in exchange I gave him a 10-rupee note.
Near Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
4. Naga Sadhu at the Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of humanity on earth. I went to Kumbh Mela in Haridwar in 2010, and spent an afternoon in the camp of the Naga Sadhus (naked holy men). It was a photographer’s paradise — there were so many colourful characters! I chose this shot because this young man was so sweet, open and friendly.
Naga Sadhu, Kumbh Mela
5. On Marine Drive in Mumbai
Oh Mumbai. India’s most energetic city, it throbs with personal ambition and hope for a better life. And all of this frenetic activity seethes up against the jagged coast line. Here, on Marine Drive, is where Mumbaikers go for fresh air, a sense of space and, well, just to get dressed up and make an occasion out of a family outing.
Marine Drive, Mumbai
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Welcome to Breathedreamgo, the India-inspired, meaningful adventure travel blog. I traveled to India for 6 months in 2005 on a trip that changed my life, and I've been back again and again. Now, I'm passionate about the power of travel to transform, and I write travel stories, guide tours and speak at conferences. To find out Why India? read 
I like the Naga Sadhu photograph. The eyes are gleaming, but there is subtle innocence in the whole face.
Also that Jet white-haired Lama is an impressive click.
I love your photos, especially the ones of people – it is lovely to see the character etched in their faces. It’s rare to see such green landscapes in India, as depicted in your Tamil Nadu photo – it reminds me of lush Kerala.
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Very good eye, Shubhajit, I also felt he was very innocent, a really lovely person.
Agree with you Sarah, I think of TN as brown and Kerala as green
Mariellen Ward recently posted..48 hours in Dubai: Gleaming oasis in the desert
Selection of Images are really very tough work but YOU did great Job, I love few images including Algoma Canyon of Ontario and a farmer of Tiruvannamalai and Naga Sadhu on Mahakumbh. Yes, these images are self describing and touches the heart, As a traveler I think your Blog Rocks by provides such a beautiful information.
At last but not least your Blog is really very good
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Quite interesting Pictures … Describe true India …..
Thanks
Really true India is a amazing place for all the tourists due to presence of all religions and customs in the areas
Mariellen,
These are stunning photographs! They pull you right in and make you feel like you’re inserted into the landscape.
I’ve only had the pleasure of visiting one of your sites. Can you guess which one that would be?
Warmly,
Mariannna
Amazing and inspiring set of photos. The photo of the man at Tiruvannamalai is quite nice. Lovely paddy fields at the back.
Shalu Sharma recently posted..Char Dham Yatra – A Sacred Journey to Wash Away the Sins