Holy Trimbakeshwar

In February, when Greg's family was with us, we went to Trimbakeshwar. It is a small village which you reach after 20 minutes drive on a good road north west of Nashik. When you get there it seems to be the end of the world, as the village is surrounded by moutains and you don't know what is behind. Trimbakeshwar is along with Nashik a holy city for Hindus. Many of them come for a pilgrimage at least once a year. It is said that the Godavari river's source is there! The village as such is very lively, full of people, markets, shops, temples...

Once you have passed walk the village, you reach the mountain situated behind it, which you can start climbing provided the weather is not too hot. When we were there in February, it was quite warm but still ok. We climbed up the mountain and reached one of the highest spots of it, to discover that the world is not finishing behind it, but that a beautiful landscape is there, a plain or plateau which seems never to end.

The way to the top is a challenge: you meet monkeys and believe me they are scary! They were blocking our way while waiting for us on the side of the path, staring at us, making strange noises. But the moment Greg threw his bottle of water to them, they left us alone. They were more attracted by the shining item more by us!

When you reach the top you find a Hindu temple, aim of the Hindus of all ages who climb the mountain every day. You see many many people up there, some of them very old, and then you think that those people must be very fit, and very dedicated to their god. Have a look at the colourful pictures, thanks to the sarees of the women climbing there.

At the temple Greg went to the priest, sat in front of him and repeated word by word the prayer in sanscrit. Strange feeling to watch this!

On the way down we stopped by to drink one of these very sweet Indian teas at a family's house. If you call them early enough they can even cook for you. Very kind people, never ending smiles on their faces, children watching us as if we were directly landing from Mars… Usual picture here!

More pictures? Try fotos.web.de/cam_in_india/Trimbakeshwar.