4 Hours Cycling in Keoladeo National Park India

This place was just fabulous, a former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas till the mid 70's.We hired a couple of bikes and spent four hours bumbling along the paths. My biggest disappointment of the day was my pictures as the day before I was very rudely relieved of my beloved camera on the metro, and so had to go and buy another which I found a nightmare to use at the beginning. Still I got a couple of semi decent pictures, if you ever find yourself in this area of India you should definitely visit this park, hire a bike but  make sure you have a cushion to sit on, a camera you know how to use, otherwise you will have crap pictures and a 3 day butt ache afterwards.

  this area was covered in algae magical to see

  There is a big lizard if you look closely

  These painted storks were so beautiful and huge

 The trees in the distance are filled with Painted Storks

Time for reflection and resting a sore behind

Cormorant 

Another magic reflection

 Look how many ducks were shot sorry bagged

Giveaway...Eyes of India.. Crochet Wall Hanging, Tapestry, Bedspread

Eyes of India have been sourcing and handpicking a large and eclectic range of items from craftsmen and artisans in villages and cities across India since 2008.

Founded by Dani and Anastasya an American couple with a deep love of India and its people, Eyes of India aims to deliver the most unique, original and creative works of craftmanship and artisty, which provides additional means for artisans to sell their crafts and earn additional income.

New to their range are beautiful multi coloured crochet quilts, handmade by artisans in the East coast state of Orissa. This gorgeous piece can be used as a throw, bedspread or blanket bringing you a touch of luxury from India.  It measures  64" x 64"  (163cm x 213) and valued at $99.99  (Pillow not included in the giveaway)

TWIN-CROCHET-WALL-HANGING-TAPESTRY-BEDSPREAD

Woman handcrafting in Gujarat, India

Throw Pillows & Decorative Cushions

Block Print Drying

Beautiful "Khambadiya" floor pillow

Eyes of India sponsors....The Hope Foundation

Brass Door Handles

What their customers are saying

Eyes of India on Ebay

Hi there! I really do LoVe the pillows & will definitely be back for more! I am amazed how fast shipping was!!!!! Thanks again for everything!
Clara, UK

Just a note to let you know received the beautiful painting in mail today-- love it!!! Will be giving this to my husband as one of his Christmas gifts this year. thanks so much! 
Peggy, USA

Thank you so much for the beautiful Om bedspread which i received today. It was packaged beautifully with a really nice hand written card. I will cherish this item. Thank you. Peace

Shane, Australia

Now for the exciting bit, this giveaway will run from today till the 10th Feb,and is open WORLDWIDE, easy to enter. A huge thanks to Eyes of India. . Good luck  everyone xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Twentieth Wife.... Indu Sundaresan

If you've ever thought of  pondering the wonders of India and long-ago lore... then step right this way into a tale of love, mystery, and devotion that eventually resulted in the reality of the Taj Mahal. I bought this book when I was in India and have just finished it today. I enjoyed the skillfull blend of historical reality along with the richness of the scenes the author created, and  whilst  reading it somehow brought all the magic of India back to me, only thing missing was a cup of chai.  I have just ordered the followup  "The Feast of Roses" and can't wait.

Curtesy Chai

World's Deepest Step Well... Chand Baori... Abhaneri India

This is just an amazing construction  of a Step Well  "Chand Baori" in a  village called Abhaneri near Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Located opposite Harshat Mata Temple and is thought to be one of the deepest and largest Step Wells in India. Built in the 9th Century  by King Chanda  and was dedicated to Hashat Mata  (Godess of joy and happiness)  it has 3,500 narrow steps,13 stories and is a 100 feet deep. Not that I counted them I got dizzy trying. An amazing example of the architectural  workmanship of the past.  It was intended to conserve water and was a community gathering place.  When I saw this the name Escher popped into my head!!

Our Land Island Backwater Resort.. India

Every once in a while, when the hectic pace of city life overwhelms you and the chaos of the urban crush threatens to consume you, it’s always wise to retreat into some much-needed solitude. Tucked away in the backwaters of Kerala is Our Land, a panacea for the soul. An island getaway from the rigmarole of daily life, Our Land sits in an island of tranquillity to the south of Alappuzha, surrounded by green paddy fields fringed with coconut palm, bamboos and banana trees that stretch as far as the eye can see.
 

Staying here was by far the highlight of our 4 weeks in India. Beautiful rooms with views over the water. Excellent and copious helpings of freshly cooked Kerala style food. Cold beer! 

A great 90 minute walk with Radeesh one morning when he identified and showed us lots of birds. Followed  the next day with a great little trip up the narrow backwaters in a canoe which gave us access to areas you would never see in a bigger boat. 

Overall an outstanding experience for 2 nights - and we would have happily stayed a little longer though there is little to do other than kickback and relax.

Our Land Resort

Some Goodies from India...

Well I had to ditch most of my clothes in order to bring all these gorgeous goodies back with me... I normally dislike..... hate shopping but when it comes to materials I am in my element. I fell in love with the printing blocks made from Mango wood which I found in Fort Cochi, and one day I hope to get round to using them. I can't wait to get crafting again.

Whilst you are Trick or Treating...

I will be heading off  for a month's trip to India with my DH, yes it has finally come round, if I said I was excited  that would be an understatement to say the least.  I wish you all a Happy Halloween, and I will be back end of November, with hopefully  lots of stories and pictures to share with you. Be good
xx