The tilted view of the streets of Delhi

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“It is impossible not to be astonished by India. Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues”. -A Rough Guide to India

A trip through the streets of India brings humanity to her knees. No place on earth is quite like India. When asked by friends “What is India like” I seem to suddenly become silent as no words can fully describe the place unless you’ve been there.  Through all her culture, her craziness, her unbelievable sights and her charm, India remains perhaps one of the most intriguing places in the world. I don’t think any place on earth can quite compare.

Getting around India is one of the most knuckle clenching, heart racing things you can do. Oftentimes there are cows in the streets, traffic coming at you in every direction and people everywhere. Many times you get awfully close to an overpacked car and the two dozen pairs of eyes seem to stare into your soul.

Inspired by the views seen through the streets of Delhi I compiled a post of my favorite street shots, many taken from inside a moving vehicle as I was tilting or craning my neck. Just taking a ride through the streets of Delhi is bound to capture your attention and your camera. I remembered to take my third eye along on this trip and it is a good thing I did. Everything and anything is possible in India.

Here are some of my favorite captures.

View outside the car at the over-crowded streets of Delhi.

Driving through the city is a heart palpitating activity. In India, you always hire a driver as there is no way any foreigner with any kind of sanity would attempt to fight the Indian roads on their own.

What always shocks me about India is the difference between new and old, rich and poor, and modernity and antiquity. There are many areas in Delhi which have no paved streets, only dirt outlines of a road. No matter though. Traffic still whizzes and whirls by like a tornado.

Markets like this one are plentiful.

Stores sell everything from live chickens to fans and AC units.

There are even fresh juice carts to quench your thirst which is necessary when it is 120 degrees!

Many times the pavement ends.

Chicken anyone?

Tuk Tuks are plentiful and easy to get around town. Yet your life can be at risk.

Making naan bread.

Even barbers in the street.

And of course with all the rich comes the absolute poor. The slums which weave in and out Delhi.

This post was inspired by Where’s my Backpack’s travel theme: Tilted. To see more entries, click here. 

Related posts:

Riding a rickshaw through the streets of Old Delhi

The colorful curves of Jama Masjid

49 thoughts on “The tilted view of the streets of Delhi”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Angeline! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  2. loca4motion – Phuket, Thailand – Travel feeds my soul. The kick of living in foreign cultures keeps me awake. Photography, writing and the great outdoors are my passions.
    loca4motion on said:

    I love this post, Nicole! Just the kind of photography I’m passionate about! Everyday street life in all its grittiness. Stunning shots!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lucy! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  3. for European eyes this chaos, anarchy, is sometimes shocking, but – on the other hand – makes me smile very often, because I discover a wonderful human individual cleverness to overcome the bad and difficult conditions. It seems, the politicians are not doing their duty – but the people often found a way to success (and often not: especially women!)

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much for the reblog! I appreciate it so much!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓
  5. adinparadise – I enjoy writing about anything and everything. It keeps me out of mischief. I love to travel and am fortunate enough to be able to do so quite frequently.
    adinparadise on said:

    Fabulous collection of pics, Nicole. They really do tell a story of what life is really like for the common man in India. I was intrigued by the sign above the ‘Banquet Hall’, so I had to looked up what a kitty party was. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Ok….I never noticed that sign! I love how a different pair of eyes pick up something new! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  6. Son of Sharecroppers – I'm a lawyer. But far more important to me than my work are my family and my hobbies: in particular, writing, photography, fishing, and guitar. I'm an amateur at all of these things; indeed, I am an amateur at all things important. But I keep trying to learn.
    Son of Sharecroppers on said:

    Great photos and story. Thank you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓

  7. Everyone that I know who has visited India comes away with a heavy heart. Your images express that feeling as well as life’s small moments. The reality of these pictures give a partial view of lives very, very different from ours. These images are Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs at work.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you. That is why I had to include them. India is one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been yet you are indeed right, it is hard on the soul. When you come back, you feel so much guilt over everything we have and everything people there don’t. Part of my trip to India and Nepal in 2010 is what lead me to start my blog and enter this new path of advocacy and giving back. I was forever changed.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Angeline! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  9. I agree with lensandpensbysally. This makes my heart so heavy. There must be so much government corruption when the economy is full of growth. Every person I’ve met from India here is the U.S. is always kind, with good manners. Plus very intelligent. These people deserve so much more. Thank you for giving us a dose of reality. My heart goes out to them.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes so true. There is so much inequity in India. I’ve been to China as well with even a larger population but it is so different. I hope things change for the people of India.

      Reply ↓
  10. ramblinginthecity – I am an architect and urban planner, a writer and an aspiring artist. I love expressing myself and feel strongly that cities should have spaces for everyone--rich, poor, young, old, healthy and sick, happy or depressed--we all need to work towards making our cities liveable and lovable communities.
    ramblinginthecity on said:

    Love the pics! Strangely this is a side fIndia that elite Indians are becoming rather blind to.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks. Yes I can imagine. I’m really glad I got to visit india and also do some social good reporting in the slums. I probably saw a lot that most people don’t.

      Reply ↓
  11. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Your photos will soon acquire Steve McCurry status, Nicole. You tell the story of humanity with them so brilliantly.
    Much of it looks like my worst nightmare, if I’m honest.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You are so wonderful Jo! I wish!!! I did love India though. It is such a complicated, fascinating place. Yet so much poverty. Lots of need.

      Reply ↓
  12. Sunil – Hala I am from Wayanad, North Kerala in India. I’m from an agriculturalist family and we have plantations in Wayanad that consists of Coffee, Pepper, and other spices. My profession: Software Industry (Asst.Manager. Product Communication) After my graduation I moved between Mumbai, Doha, Dubai, and Bangalore taking up different jobs as a software support personnel and Product Communication specialist and finally landed up in Cochin. In between I ventured into a spiritual path and sank deep into it, and was lucky enough to have a sweet spiritual guru who guides me at times of distress. I taught yoga, meditation, pranayama and breathing techniques for a fairly long period, but gradually started keeping a low profile. It was not because I was enlightened, but due to family responsibilities and commitments. I have a family consisting of my wife, two kids and mom to support. Still I practice yoga and meditation but very irregular in my practices. I have been working at Cochin for almost 9 years and I am not sure how long will I stick to this place, because this is not exactly the place I want to be. I’m also a hospitality entrepreneur and own eco-friendly cottages (www.treasuretrovewayanad.com) in Wayanad. Wandering along the wildlife sanctuaries and spotting wild elephants is my favourite pastime. I enjoy travelling, trekking, photography, music and reading. I love to meet people and be connected with all of you around the globe.
    Sunil on said:

    Lively Pics…Reveals the realistic side of my India 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I loved visiting India. I hope to come back.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks. Yes India is quite a place full of so much wonderful and also so much pain. I am fascinated by it.

      Reply ↓
  14. anotherjennifer – Brunswick, Maine – Jennifer Iacovelli is an author, blogger and nonprofit unicorn. Based in Brunswick, Maine, she’s a proud single mom of two boys and two Siberian huskies. Her books include The Mother Of All Meltdowns and Simple Giving: Easy Ways to Give Every Day. Her work has been featured on HuffPost Divorce, Maria Shriver, GOOD, BlogHer, ONE, USAID Impact, Feed the Future, PSI Impact blog and more. Her passions are writing, philanthropy, her awesome kids, bacon and lifting heavy objects, though not necessarily in that order.
    anotherjennifer on said:

    Amazing photos, Nicole. Traveling in India sounds dizzying!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jennifer. Yes, India is by far the most eye-opening place I’ve ever been.

      Reply ↓

  15. Excellent depictions of daily life, Nicole. Again, I’m peeking at their laundry hanging out to dry. I was wondering about the street vendors selling juice. Did you try any? I’d be very afraid of getting Hep A. I just discovered that there is a vaccine for Hep A. We’ve had the Hep B vaccinations, but we really need to get the A because I’ve seen some street vendors cutting fruit then cleaning under their fingernails with their knives. YUCK!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! No I never eat anything even juice off the street. I’ve had way too many parasites and stomach issues when traveling so I am very careful. Last time in India, my dad and I got VERY sick. My dad had to go to the ER a day after returning to the states with a temp of 105 and stomach issues for a month. I was really careful this time and ate wonderful, delicious food and didn’t get sick.

      Reply ↓
  16. Didi van Frits – Hattingen – writer, photographer, guitarist, painter actually on YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, Instagram
    frizztext on said:

    Reblogged this on Flickr Comments and commented:
    for European eyes this chaos, anarchy, is sometimes shocking, but – on the other hand – makes me smile very often, because I discover a wonderful human individual cleverness to overcome the bad and difficult conditions.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I am so honored! Thank you.

      Reply ↓
  18. ledrakenoir – Kristiansand - Samsø - Liverpool - Strasbourg – Danish but working and living mostly aboard - so my home is more than less worldwide - see also abroad as my second home - and likes it...
    ledrakenoir on said:

    Amazing photos, excellent captured… 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓
  19. Tish Farrell – I am an award-winning writer of children's fiction and non fiction. My career began in Kenya where I lived for nearly eight years. The light, the landscape, the shining generosity of Kenya's people all conspired to drive me to the desk to write stories.
    Tish Farrell on said:

    Saw this from Frizz’s re-blog. Thank you for the vivid, heartfelt tour of Indian streets. Probably safer viewed from my computer chair, but envy the savour, and noise, and chaos of being there. Wonderful.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! So glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓
  20. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Wonderful post and love the idea of “third eye” which I’m assuming is the camera, no? Well done

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I actually got the name from traveling to India and Nepal where the third eye gives you a bigger perspective on things but now it is becoming more of my camera too!

      Reply ↓
  21. Naomi Baltuck – When not actually writing, I am researching the world with my long-suffering husband and our two kids, or outside editing my garden. My novel, The Keeper of the Crystal Spring (Viking Penguin), can be read in English, German, Spanish, and Italian. My storytelling anthology, Apples From Heaven, garnered four national awards, including the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice. I am currently working on a contemporary women’s novel.
    Naomi Baltuck on said:

    What a remarkable series! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Glad you enjoyed! 🙂 THanks!

      Reply ↓
  22. Lucid Gypsy – Lucid Gypsy is mum to two grown up kids and Mma to 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson. How did that happen, surely I'm not grown up enough? I love writing – lazy poetry and quite edgy fiction, one day I'll have time to write more and think about it less. In an ideal world, I'd be travelling a lot, but meanwhile I'll go anywhere I can whenever I can. What I'm best at is counselling; I’ve been privileged to work with many special people. I live in the beautiful county of Devon, thank goodness for Devon.
    Lucid Gypsy on said:

    I love your post, it takes me right back to one of the most amazing places I’ve been, with unbelievable sights around every corner. The only thing not to love about India is the inequality.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks. Yes the inequality and poverty are tragic. It is hard to come to terms with it.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks. I liked your rant too. It is so true that people get so bent out of shape about such little things when people are dying around the world as I type.

      Reply ↓
  24. ailsapm – wheresmybackpack.com – Hi there! I’m Ailsa Prideaux-Mooney. I’ve lived in many places, and travelled to many more. I had a lot of fun getting there and being there, wherever there happened to be at the time. I climbed a castle wall in Czesky Krumlov, abseiled down cliffs to go caving in the west of Ireland, slept on the beach in Paros, got chased by a swarm of bees in Vourvourou (ok that wasn’t fun, but it was exciting), learned flower arranging in Tokyo, found myself in the middle of a riot in Seoul, learned to snowboard in Salzburg, got lost in a labyrinth in Budapest and had my ice cream stolen by a gull in Cornwall. And I’m just getting started. If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read so far, I’d love you to follow my travelogue - wheresmybackpack.com - and remember, anyone who tries to tell you it’s a small world hasn’t tried to see it all.
    ailsapm on said:

    An extraordinary series of photos, Nicole. Such poverty and such gritty realism; they make my heart ache. xxx Ailsa

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Ailsa. I was only in Delhi for five days and wish I had more. But I’m sure I’ll be back. It is like no place I’ve ever been. Humbling.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! I really loved that trip Jennifer. It was incredible and I hope to put my best foot forward for the next 20-30 years promoting social good around the world. 🙂

      Reply ↓

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