We feature some of the brightest Instagram storytellers in the Passion Passport community through our Instagram Spotlight series. This week, Sachin Singhal (@wander.1997) takes us through his favorite areas of India and tells us a bit about what makes each one special.
Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan is the jewel of India’s crown. From fairytale palaces to epic forts, colorful festivals, and wildlife encounters — Rajasthan is India at its most vibrant. Its name literally translates to the “Land of the Kings.” The colors of the northern state are impossible to ignore, and the emerald-green, canary-yellow, and fire-engine-red turbans and saris scattered throughout the land is simply dazzling. There’s little wonder as to why so many designers find their inspiration and raw materials there.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur — commonly known as the “Pink City” or the “Paris of India” — is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city is famous worldwide for its unique and detailed architecture (Vastu Shastra), as well as for its forts, monuments, palaces, arts, culture, and, of course, food.
Perched on the edge of the Aravalli Hills overlooking the city of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is a soul-refreshing space with a peaceful atmosphere. If you visit to simply sit, relax, and take in the magical view, you’re promised to leave with perfect photographs. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to get snap some terrific shots of the structure’s architecture and surrounding nature.
The architecture in Jaipur is based on Indian Vastu concepts, which pulls from both design and astronomy, and remains a wonderful case study for the modern architects across the world.
Pushkar, India
Pushkar is a well-known destination in Rajasthan, and more specifically, in India. There is an abundance of places to visit in the town, and hopeful surprises wait around every corner. Small shops line its colorful streets, which are full of vibrant culture, joy, and warmth. Those who choose to stay in a traditional homestay for their sojourn in Pushkar will undoubtedly fall in love with the place, as it’s sure to present unforgettable experiences.
That said, the bright hues of Rajasthan’s many festivals are much easier to collect on camera — including the garishly decorated mounts at the camel and elephant festivals that take place in Pushkar and Jaipur. Visiting is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the color, spectacle, and carnival at one of the last great traditional melas, which gathers livestock, farmers, traders, and villagers from all over Rajasthan. The seven days of the bustling Pushkar Fair mirror the vibrancy of Rajasthan itself.
Himachal Pradesh, India
In Himachal Pradesh, there is this magic in the air. With its mountains, lush green valleys, pristine rivers, sapphire lakes, and panoramic views, it leaves those who visit flabbergasted.
The people of Himachal Pradesh are sophisticated, warm, friendly, and hospitable. They live a life of minimalism and hold tightly to their traditions. They are quite unaffected by international trends, and I found an untouched beauty in their lifestyle. They are proud of their rich cultural heritage, and are friendly and welcoming to visitors.
Himachal Pradesh is also a land of various cultures — every festival in the state is thrown with vigor and excitement, and every temple, monastery, church, and gurudwara holds its own celebrations. It is an endearing, ethereal, beautiful, and moving place — nature at its finest.