People Photography from the Cultural Trails of Madhya Pradesh

In one of my recent posts, I spoke about the 8 heritage destinations you must visit in Madhya Pradesh. Now, I wish to bring to you street photography and portraits from these cultural and heritage trails of Madhya Pradesh. These pictures show us the colourful and vibrant shades of the people of Madhya Pradesh and gives us a glimpse into some of their traditions and culture. These photographs span the entire gamut of cultural trails in Madhya Pradesh ranging from UNESCO World Heritage sites to some of the lesser known places. Hope you enjoy this photo essay.

Above photo: Near the Raja Ram mandir of Orchha, a sadhu baba decked in vermilion and ash heads towards me asking for money in exchange for the photograph that I have clicked of him. Even though he was quite far away, he spotted my zoom lens and headed straight for the catch.

Location: Orchha



Above photo: This is the place to visit if you wish to understand the evolution of the pre-historic man. This group is listening to the facts from Professor KK Muhammed, a renowned archaeologist. Bhimbetka is not just the pride of India, but the pride of the world as it tells us how mankind’s cranial capacity evolved since 100,000 years back.

Location: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters




Above photo: He is a pandit (pujari) at the Bhojpur Shiva temple. Built, by Raja Bhoj in the 12th century, this lesser known temple is home to the largest Shiva linga in India. Even better is the rustic appeal of this place and you can always see the smiling faces of the locals.

Location: Bhojpur



Above photo: The Parsvanatha temple attracts far lesser visitors than the Western group of temples which are more known for their erotic art, but it is in no way smaller in sculpting or size. You can gauge the size of the temple by taking a look at the 2 people who are posing in front of it.

Location: Khajuraho



Above photo: The Ram Raja temple and the Chaturbhuj temple of Orchha attract a lot of Sadhus who are colourfully decked up in colourful sarongs, vermilion, sandalwood and ash. This is one such sadhu and his puppy checking out their photo clicked by a foreign tourist.

Location: Orchha



Above photo: Madhya Pradesh and lip smacking street food go hand in hand. A lot of local action can be found at such street food stalls. This is one such stall in the bazaars of Orchha that sells golgappa or pani puri. One can taste the authentic thing at such small towns.

Location: Orchha



Above photo: The man with a colourful beard at Taj-ul-Masajid, one of the largest mosques in Asia. Dressed in traditional clothes, his beard stood out in the shining sun thus prompting me to ask him for a shot. And he obliged with a smile.

Location: Bhopal



Above photo: My friends pose in front of the iconic toranas of Sanchi Stupa, an UNESCO World Heritage site and the pride of the nation. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, these toranas are the first of their kind in the world.

Location: Sanchi Stupa



Above photo: Fresh organic guavas on sale at the Tropic of Cancer line in Madhya Pradesh. These juicy guavas were grown just near the Tropic of Cancer line, a bit away from the highway. And they made for delicious snacking on the Madhya Pradesh culture and heritage road trip.

Location: Tropic of Cancer line



Above photo: Local ladies decked in colourful sarees head to the temples on the banks of the Betwa river at Orchha to offer prayers. These temples are located right behind the fort and the palace. In this picture, the ladies are crossing the moat and are heading into the fort enclosure.

Location: Orchha



Above photo: Early in the morning, the streets near Ram Raja temple are full of vegetable action. This is the time when you can see all the locals shopping and bargaining for a fresh produce of vegetables. The action only lasts a couple of hours, but it is enough for some people street photography.

Location: Orchha



Above photo: Locals beat the afternoon heat under an ancient structure near Badal Mahal. Badal Mahal is one of the many heritage sites in and around Chanderi, one of the lesser known heritage destinations of Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Chanderi



Above photo: The caretaker of the Jama Masjid of Chanderi walks in front of the intricately carved doorway to the mosque. People know Chanderi for the saree, but it is home to many heritage sites such as the Jama Masjid.

Location: Chanderi



Above photo: A traditional artisan designing a Chanderi saree at a handloom centre in Chanderi. With 700 years of history, the Chanderi saree is a traditional handloom icon of India and is much sought after in the modern saree shops across India.

Location: Chanderi

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People of Vietnam: A Photo Series

The thin long South East Asian nation of Vietnam is not only known for its astonishing landscapes, cheap beer, delicious food, extremely cheap shopping avenues, but also for its gorgeous people, who I feel are very photogenic. Right from the tropical Mekong river delta to the cooler climes of the North, these beautiful people are fantastic subjects for people, street and travel photography. Their conical hats, their tribal cultures and their day-to-day lifestyle all make for stunning frames. Here are some photographs from my collection on the ‘People of Vietnam’. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed interacting with them in person and actually clicking the pictures.

Above Photo: Hoi An river side is an action packed street with many colorful shops. This is one such shop at Hoi An’s old quarter.



Like most of South East Asia, Vietnam too grows a lot of rice. And these paddy fields can be seen all around the countryside especially if you are exploring the country on a bicycle or a motorcycle. I clicked this picture somewhere near My Son.



Selling fruits and vegetables, this Vietnamese lady was all smiles when I asked her if I could take her photo. The location is Hoin An riverside.



Vietnam is a country where the women work all kinds of jobs. In fact, when you explore the country as a tourist you will come across a lot of working women especially at restaurants, shops, mobile street shops and at many other places.



A local Vietnamese lady is seen cycling the streets of Hoi An in Central Vietnam. She is wearing the iconic Vietnamese hat to beat the tropical heat.



Blessed with umpteen rivers, Vietnam enjoys a strong river based economy. Fishing and boating go hand in hand.



Did you know that Hinduism spread its wings to as far away as Central Vietnam. This is a Vietnamese version of the apsara dance. I clicked this photo at My Son, the ruins of the Hindu kingdom.



Gorgeous landscapes and lush green paddy fields make for great photographs. This lady on the boat is all ready with her camera to help the tourists capture their best moment of their holiday.



One of the few male rowers at Tam Coc village, the getaway to the amazing cave systems, limestone karsts and stunning natural beauty.



Tam Coc and Ninh Binh region is famous for people who row their boats with their feet. Rowing with your hands is already quite a difficult task. Rowing with one’s feet is in a different league altogether.



The mountainous region of Sa Pa in north western Vietnam is known for its different tribal cultures. In this photo, you can see 2 such tribal women dressed in traditional attire and carrying a woven basket like a backpack (this is something pretty common in the mountains here).



This final picture is of a group of elderly Vietnamese gentleman who are sitting under the shade of a tree in Old Hanoi and are playing a game of chinese checkers while a local cop intently watches them play. This picture kind of depicts the laidback lifestyle of the people of Vietnam, especially the men.

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Medieval Wonder of Hampi seen through the Eyes of its People

Hampi owns cult status in South India. If you don’t believe me ask the people of Israel who have settled here for good! This magnificent 14th century capital of the Vijayangara Empire and a UNESCO world heritage site is extremely popular with both international and domestic visitors. To the first timer, Hampi is all about its rocks, history and ruins. But, as you spend some time in this glorious place, you will realize that these ruins of Hampi have a soul. No wonder people who visit Hampi keep returning to reconnect with this very soul.



About the photo above: The Musical pillars of Vittala Temple are quite something. Unfortunately, you cannot hear them these days, but 10 years ago, you could hear everything from waves to waterfalls to musical instruments when you put your ears to these fantastic hollow wonders.

Hampi is not just a historical wonder, but it is also a photographer’s delight. It’s boulders and rocky landscape, its temples and ruins, its meandering Tungabhadra river and its people of course add so much drama, color and emotion into every single photo frame clicked at Hampi.



About the photo above:  The Stone Chariot of Vittala Temple is a hot draw. Everyone can be seen taking selfies and photographs next to it. After all, there are only 3 such horse chariots in the entire country. The other two being at Sun Temple, Konark and at Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram.

Here is my photographic account of Hampi through the eyes of its people. These people could be locals, hippies, tourists, street vendors, artists out to eke out a living and even school kids. Whatever their connection, you will definitely feel the soul of Hampi in these pictures. Or at least that’s the idea. Hope you enjoy them!



About the photo above: There is so much to learn amongst the ruins of Hampi. No wonder schools take their students on many excursions here.



About the photo above: The whole street of the ancient Hampi bazaar is full of street vendors and artists who are an integral part of the Hampi tourism draw. These two gentlemen dressed in colorful attire are magicians.



About the photo above: A trip to Hampi is not complete without climbing up to its view points that offer spectacular panoramic views of the ruins and the rocky landscape. Hemakuta hill is a great place to start your Hampi walk. A camera in hand is good to have.



About the photo above: The invaders might have destroyed most of the city of Hampi, but local kids still find joy in riding a 600 year old stone elephant that is located next to the Mahanavami Dibba.



About the photo above: In Hampi, you are never too far away from trinket shopping. Tribal women such as this elderly lady can be seen selling it wares next to the temples.



About the photo above: I find street artists very photogenic. Love the vermilion smeared look on this gentleman.



About the photo above:  Hampi is famous for its hot days. And what better way to beat the heat than a refreshing glass of locally made cold drink – the iconic goli soda.



About the photo above: School kids have a jolly good time while exploring Hampi. In this photo, they are on their way to see the beautiful Lotus Mahal, which is known for its water based cooling system. It was the then air-conditioned chamber for the queens of Hampi.



About the photo above: A portrait of a tribal woman who makes her living by selling trinkets and jewellery to tourists.



About the photo above: Visitors love to get their picture taken at various places in Hampi. In this case, an international visitor is getting her picture clicked at the Queen’s bath, where queens of the Vijayanagar empire used to bathe in rose water and other scented oils.



About the photo above: Another colorfully dressed street magician who was kind enough to show some of his tricks to me.



About the photo above: These are not the people of Hampi, but these macaques are an important part of Hampi as they can be seen everywhere. Not only do people want to take their photo, but they lose their food and belongings to these rowdy primates.

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Portraits from Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Happy Makar Sankranti/ Pongal / Bihu / Maghi/ Uttarayan / Khichdi to all you lovely people!

On this festival day, I bring to you some portraits and street moments from the amazingly gorgeous hidden village and yesteryear Bundlekhand kingdom of Orchha. I hope they add some color and joy to your festivities for they sure did blow my mind away when I was ushering in my new year.



All eyes glued on to the mobile phone! Italian, Sadhu baba and puppy!



Local vegetable market right behind Raja Ram mandir. This is a great place for street action and people photography especially during the early morning hours when the light is good and the market is busy.



A local vegetable seller from Orchha who is returning change to her customer.



The famous Golgappa wala. One of my favourite all time street snacks and must experience in most north and east Indian villages.



This colourfully decked Sadhu baba spotted my big lens from a distance and from there itself he started asking for money. This shot captures precisely that moment.

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People Photo: Shoe Shine Man from Selcuk, Turkey

Interacting with the local people is one of the most interesting components of travel for me. You learn local culture, history, language, food, problems and much more. Turkey, as a country is developing fast, but it still faces a gap between its rich and poor. There are people who still survive on a meagre wage. And some of them work really hard like this shoe shine man whom I met at Selcuk in Aegean Turkey. He walks around the town looking for shoes to shine and sometimes sits outside tourist attractions to earn some quick money from curious tourists who have never seen a shoe shine man before in their life.



I had seen a lot such shoe shiners in Istanbul, but never got around to interacting with them. And which is why I opted to get my backpacking boots shined even though it hardly needed a shine. I found out that my shoe shiner was from the Van region of Turkey and that he had a tough time making his ends meet. But, what brought a smile to my face was the fact that he was happy to know I was from India (Hindistan) as he knew Bollywood movies and our famous song and dance numbers.

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