New Years Day on Chamundi Hill and a day in the remote pilgrimage town of Melkote
January 2nd 2015 We thought it was a great idea to go to Chamundi Hill on New Year's Day. Well, we were not really the only ones having this idea. To put it shortly, Chamundi Hill was packed with people! We decided to take the foot trail up the hill. 1000-plus steps were awaiting us..... and lots of other pilgrims. Most pilgrims blessed each step with some kumkum (red and yellow powder). We just tried to make our
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The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab in... ... read more 
taracloud
Tara Cloud
Such contrasts!
What a contrast between the peaceful little town of Melkote with curious, friendly people and space to breathe and meditate and the famous, crowded scene on Chamundi Hill! So wise you were to get off the beaten path and find a little bit of paradise in too-often crowded India. Marcus looks quite the expert at eating with his hands, and what a smart cow to munch on the offerings. So many sensual and spiritual delights!