In the local dialect, "Apani Dhani" means "Our Hamlet", an affectionate name given to the place by Ramesh C. Jangid, founder of the ecolodge and a pioneer of a form of militant tourism in India, especially in Rajasthan and his own native region of Nawalgarh.  

Get off the beaten track in India with a stay at Apani Dhani Ecolodge

For a lot of travelers in India, New Delhi is the capital of everything that they need to get away from as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, the town has some wonderful secrets that I would like to share with you.

New Delhi's hidden corners

Udaipur

Srinagar

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Mumbai, the capital of Maharastra State, is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 18 million.

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Mumbai, a sprawling city, where everything seems to come in excess. The largest slum in India, the biggest port in the country, the most populated city... During <a href="/india/">a trip to India</a>, Mumbai can be fascinating or terrifying. To me, it was captivating. Just go to its huge beach, which is always crowded and bustling, to feel the raging pulse of this amazing city. Don't be surprised if you suddenly find yourself surrounded by dozens of Indians staring at you, frozen in place with big curious eyes. I went to visit the famous Bollywood studios, a completely astonishing place. I got the chance to be an extra in several Indian films. If you need a few more rupees to complete your trip, I highly recommend this experience!

The largest city in India, next to the ocean, a fascinating metropolis packed with contrasts.

My arrival in Mumbai during my <a href="/india/">voyage to India</a> was hectic. A bus dropped me on the edge of the highway leading into the megalopolis. Behind me was a giant slum, and I had no idea where to go. The entire outskirts of the city is nothing but slums, as far as the eye can see. The misery defies both imagination and description. Bombay is a giant: an immense, grotesque, voracious, gargantuan, expanding megalopolis. Twenty million inhabitants. Bom Bahia has grown beyond recognition. That is what the Portuguese called it when they arrived here. At the time, it was just a small village. I say 'Bombay' but of course I should say 'Mumbai.' That is now its official name. I would advise you to walk along the long esplanade that opens onto the Gate of India, a kind of Arc de Triomphe: a triumphal archway that was erected in 1914 to commemorate the death of George V three years previously. Today, it's a favorite destinationfor thousands of walkers. It's also worthwhile taking a walk along Marine Drive, with its sea views and its colonial mansions, and then discover the spectacular operations of the Dabbawallahs. 200,000 lunchboxes are delivered each day through Churchgate Station. Afterward, there was an emotional segue to Mani Bhavan. Mahatma Gandhi occupeid the house when staying in Bombay from 1917 to 1934. I discovered some beautiful photos, his modest bedroom, his loom, letters exchanged with Roosevelt, and an incredible message to Hitler, whom he addresses as "Dear friend" and whom he urges to consider peace. The visit is both touching and exciting. Nonetheless, Mumbai is a city of paradoxes and while I've had some wonderful times there, I've also experienced some scenes that would be literally incredible, such as when a man dropped dead in front of me, to the complete indifference of the passers-by. A soldier did help me to move the body, but only as far as a bench, then abandoned me with the corpse in my arms. Utterly amazing! Here, more than anywhere else in India, it is case of every man for himself.

Located 1,500 km from Delhi, Mumbai is a frenetic, energetic, voracious, and disarming metropolis of 20 million people that is undergoing exponential, uncontrolled development. Shocking, intoxicating, and fascinating, Mumbai never fails to leave a mark on its visitors.

Mumbai is an impressive town, both in terms of its size and the atmosphere that reigns over it. The town is built on several islands and is a wonderful melting pot of Indian tradition and modern, westernized culture. You'll come across people wearing traditional dress alongside those in t-shirts and jeans, cell phone held to their ear, talking about the latest Hollywood or Bollywood blockbuster. Bollywood, by the way, is Mumbai's nickname. The town has a million things to do - far too many to list here. After touring some of its temples and museums, why not visit a railway station? Mumbai is home to one the prettiest railway stations in the world - the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It used to be called Victoria Station and is a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mix of Victorian gothic architecture with Indian elements is stunning and it's really worth a visit. I recommend a trip to this town to anyone <a href="/india/">traveling in India.</a>

Mumbai, the capital of Maharastra State, is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 18 million.

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