Cricket, Bangalore
Spice Safaris Cricket and Culinary Tours have the added bonus of taking in the cricket (when it is on). This image is from the Bangalore Test match between India and Australia in October 2004 with Harbachan Singh (Bhaji) bowling to Langer. This was the first test match of a unforgettable 4 test series that saw Australia regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy and win a series in India after 35 years. Michael Clarke made a century on debut and Adam "Gilly"christ blasted one too.
The next test series in India between these two cricket giants is in 2007. Keep a look out for our special itineraries for that series.
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Qutab Minar, Delhi
Construction started in the 11 century on this imposing 100 metre plus 5 storey victory tower of the Slave Sultanate. Intricate Arabic style carvings adorn the tower and surrounding buildings.
Look more closely and the pillars of the mosque reveal very Hindu style carvings.
A mosque built on a temple site or a fusion of styles? You decide.
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Oberoi Maidens, Delhi
Our hotel in Delhi This imposing whitewashed mansion styled heritage hotel is the epitome of the British Raj. In fact Lutyens, the designer of Delhi (1919 AD) lived here. The mansion was also used as a place for British officers and government officials to meet, a sort of gymkhana, and it retains that club like ambience
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Amber Fort, Jaipur
Perched on a hill, this as imposing from the outside as its buildings inside are intricately designed - the arched gate way (Ganesh Pol), the hall of mirrors and stained glass (Sheesh Mahal) and the yellow marble pillars of the hall of special audience (Diwan e Khas).
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Elephant ride to Amber, Jaipur. Rajasthan
This is a must do as it gives one a feel for the place and a sense of history. As you ride up, the natural moat with elephants bathing, the hills crowned with protective walls from ancient times and the view of the pink city of Jaipur in the distance all combine to make this 15 minute journey a special experience.
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Dhaba, Delhi
Scattered along the highways at regular intervals are Indias version of the Aussie Roadhouse. A place for truckies to take a break, have a bite and maybe a short kip on charpoys (coir beds) strategically placed in the shade away from the burning sun. The food here is the wholesome and robust fare of the Punjab. Dishes that even the average Aussie is familiar with Butter Chicken, Tandoori chicken, Dal (lentils) and Palak Paneer (cottage cheese in a spiced spinach puree). We tuck into all these and an array of kababs (the paneer is just melt in the mouth) and down this all with huge steel glasses of lassi (churned yoghurt drink) at the Dhaba a restaurant at one of the 5 star hotels that recreates this roadside atmosphere. One wall of the restaurant is the frame of a bright green truck and the waiters regularly honk its horn as a friendly welcome.
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Hawa Mahal, Jaipur. Rajasthan
The Palace of Winds is the signature building of the “Pink City” of Jaipur. the building is just a façade and built in the shape of the Hindu God Krishna’s crown. The pink colour of the palace is also common to building in the city and hence the title of “pink city”.
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Mehndi
The art of decorative hand painting using pigments (henna). Traditionally only done on women, the paintings are beautifully intricate and adorn the hands, palms and feet. Generally mehndi is applied to brides to be and the wedding party.
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Agra (red) Fort, Agra India
The imposing entry of this Red sandstone edifice has withstood attacks for over 400 years and is still partially used by the Defence Forces.
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Rajasthani Dancer @ Choki Dani, Jaipur. Rajasthan
5 pots on her head and she picks up a lit candle with her mouth without tipping any over. All this and more at Choki Dani in Jaipur - camel and bullock cart rides compete with puppet shows, bangle stalls, gyrating acrobats, twirling dancers, food stalls, mehndi -hand painting with henna and even a palmist. The place is packed and it creates an electric atmosphere and an opportunity to mingle with the people of the land.
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Ranthambore Fort, Ranthambore. Rajasthan.
The ruins and tank of this magnificent fort that is in the middle of a National Park famous for its inhabitants – the royal Bengal tiger. What a setting to make an appearance!
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Snake Charmer & Cobra, India.
Roadside performers abound in this land where life is lived on the street right in front of your very eyes.
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Is it a Fort? A Palace? A Mausoleum?
No! It's the entrance to the Taj Mahal!
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The Taj Mahal, Agra. India
Enough said..........just enjoy!
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Tiger!
The regal Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted on Spice Safaris Nov 05. With Tiger spotting the reality is - you will see a Tiger when he/she wants you to see them.
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Nilgai - Ranthambore
The Nilgai or Blue Bull is more correctly the Great Indian Antelope. The males have a bluish hue while the female antelope is brown.
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Snake Bird - Ranthambore
Rantahmbore has avariety of animal as well as birdlife. Perfect for the amateur or intrepid wildlife enthusiast.
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Sambhar - Deer
A magnificent male stag at Ranthambore
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Desserted Citadel - Fatehpur Sikri
The fact that this capital only lasted 14 years during the Mughal Empire means that it is well preserved today. Sunset casts an ominous shadow on the panch mahal.
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Raj Palace, Jaipur. Rajasthan
In Jaipur we stay at one of the Palaces (or Havelis), the Raj Palace, that was built in 1728. A beautiful palatial residence with separate areas for men and women that has now been converted into a comfortable hotel with 40 rooms, each different from the other and all filled with antiquities and an amazing sense of history. Lit at night it looks like something straight out of Arabian Nights.
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VT (Victoria Terminus) now CST (Chatrapatti Shivaji Terminus), Mumbai
Rumour has it that this British Raj built monument was to be Flinders Street Station, Melbourne. The plans for both were done in London but the mailman got the drawings mixed up. I reckon Melbourne got a raw deal!
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Mirch Masala
Our "chefs" in action at our hands on culinary class
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Shantaram @ Leopolds
In India anything is possible/probable. We were lucky to catch up with Greg Roberts aka Shantaram the author of the bestselling novel on Mumbai by the same name. A must read for any traveller to Mumbai or India for that matter.
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Cricket Anyone?
Post match photograph with a street cricket team in Mumbai. This is the presentation photograph - the kids got a bat and an Aussie ball. It made their day ...and their smiles made OURS.
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The Peacock Gate - City Palace, Jaipur
Rajasthan is full of different form of haveli art. A burst of colours is seen not just in the Rajasthani womens clothing but also adorning dwellings from village mud houses to the palaces (havelis). There is an unwritten rule in Rajasthan - the more barren the landscape the brighter the colours of the clothing and houses.
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Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Touted to be the biggest mosque in South Asia. Built during the reign of Shah Jehan (of Taj Mahal fame) in the early 17th century it overlooks the impressive Red Fort in Old Delhi.
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"I feel like a Maharani (Queen)"
The many arches of the yellow marbelled Hall of Public Audience - Diwan e Khas at Amber Fort, Rajasthan
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It's a long way to the top as you Rock an Roll.....
....on the back of an elephant. Just 15 minutes actually. But what a ride! And the palace and fortress on the hill make it a spectacular experience. This is the courtyard of the Amber Fort where you dismount from your ride.
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