Items filtered by date: February 2026

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a city of 24 million people surrounded by some incredible British architecture. Skyscrapers reach to the sky because land is at such a premium and the best way to build is up. Do not miss Mahatma Gandhi’s home which has been turned into a museum showcasing and honoring his life.

Again, India’s tolerance for all people is reflected in the many temples, churches and even 3 synagogues for the approximate 2000-3000 Jews.

Tuk Tuks are relegated to the outskirts of the city so the traffic, although heavy, is much less frenetic than Delhi.

The Victoria Railway Station services 3 to 4 million passengers a day and reduces Grand Central to a country depot. And do not miss the world’s largest laundry service. Lines of laundry stretch as far as the eye can see as residents of Mumbai send out their laundry daily to be washed and returned the next day upon picking up new laundry.

Mangalore is a city of approximately 700,000 residents that boasts a very high literacy rate. It is another busy Indian city that reflects a culture that ranges from the daily fish and vegetable market to the very upscale private home that we visited. Hinduism is the major religion practiced here but Islam and Christianity also have a fair number of followers. Education is highly praised and this is the home of Mangalore University.

Again, banana chips, cashews and many kinds of nuts are produced in this region.

Cochin or Kochi ,as it is also known , is a city of so much diversity. St. Francis Church is one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India. A visit to the Royal Palace depicts life as it existed for the royals and the upper class.

In 1524, the King of Kochi granted land to Jews fleeing Kodungallur after conflicts with the Portuguese. This community thrived trading spices and coexisting with their Muslim and Hindu neighbors. The community known as Jew Town began to dwindle once Israel became a state in 1948. Today, Paradesi Synagogue only has one member and services are held with people coming from surrounding communities. It still is a street filled with shops and a tourist destination.

Chinese fishing nets, first used hundreds of years ago, are still utilized today in Cochin.

The tolerance of the Indian people is very much displayed in Cochin as so many religions and cultures coexist side by side.

And this is definitely the place to buy spices, cashews and authentic banana chips.

Enjoy the vibrancy of Colombo and the Old City Fort and Clock Tower while riding in your very own Tuk Tuk. Do not miss the Red Mosque and St. Anthony’s Church. The top of the Lotus Tower ,which changes color at night , provides a breathtaking overview of the city. Be sure to stroll through Viharamahadevi Park and admire the golden Buddha. And the Gangarama Temple and the Hindu Temple provide insight to the many religions practiced here. Be sure to sample and take home some Ceylon Tea and treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry where gemstones abound.

Bangkok is an exciting city filled with many cultural and historical attractions. One must venture to this land of the King and I to see the incomparable Royal Palace, the Temple of Dawn, the Emerald Buddha and of course the Reclining Buddha. No visit is complete without a ride through the various canals( Klongs). The old and new homes exist side by side and there are still many floating markets.

Be sure to visit the Flower Market which sells just about anything you can imagine. And Bangkok is a culinary delight with small restaurants tucked away down alleys. Walk, walk, walk, and enjoy all that Bangkok offers!

In Jaipur, one drives down the street behind or alongside elephants and cows. And there is a leopard sanctuary that is incredibly close to the city. Do not miss the Amber Fort or the Palace of the Wind. The City Palace and Jantar Mantar are marvels. Jantar Mantar is astronomical sculpture instruments still in use today although they were constructed in the 1700s…completion in 1734. As with the rest of India, Jaipur presents itself as third world with glimmers of world class beauty and sophistication.