tourism in India?

Before going to Calcutta and meeting Julie and Jana (my project partners, which now are sitting just next to me;), decided to do some tourism in India. So, bought some overnight train tickets to Varanasi (the holiest city for the Hindus, on the river bank of Ganga) and Agra (her majesty Taj Mahal).

In Varanasi, once you deal with a taxi drivers at the train station who try to get you to "better hotel" than you have selected (because they get comissions for taking tourists to particular hotels), it is fabulous. This city completely changes your perception of death, and burning ghats (fire place Hindus use for cremation of bodies, on the steps leading to the Holy river) are actually not so frightening.

Indian women in their colourful saris at the Ganga river

Varanasi - kingdom of holiness, marvellous ceremonies, Indian national music...... Place to come come back!

Yes, I really saw it! Her majesty Taj Mahal, beautiful in its perfection and simplicity... I don`t know what I waiting from it, but it gives you some special emotions! Biggest lesson learned in Agra - avoid touristic places in India! The people where are a bit too spoiled by tourists, and they try to get money out of you sooo much, they really don`t understand "NO!" It is very hard struggle with street vendors, rickshaws, "voluntary tourists" trying to explain them that u do not nees the things they sell, the ride or a guide.... So, better to look for alternative places to discover all the hospitality of Indian people;)