Whilst this is essentially a “travel” post, I have also included it under “photography” as the photographs below (all taken by me during my first trip to India in December 2009) were picked out by a friend of mine (Ben).

Ben, an accomplished photographer, kindly spiced up their colour and contrast on my behalf.

Visit his site right here to see some of his stunning work. I keep telling him that he should pursue his hot passion and talent on a full time basis! (yes, he is only part-time for now).

I used a Canon PowerShot S5 IS, that has since been replaced by a Canon 550D, both of which are only used on “auto”.

Here is “The Best of India 2009” in three photographs:

Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, West bank of River Hooghly in Shibpur, Howrah nearly 8 km from center of city Kolkata, West Bengal

Kali Temple, Kalighat Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Down the road somewhere from Bodhi Tree, near Rabindra Sarovar Metro Station south Kolkata