Cities and towns in India can be overwhelming. Distracting intrusions are everywhere–signages, horns and hawkers create cacophony amid a confusing medley of haphazard planing and architecture. In the midst of the chaos, however, there’re often glimpses of  another world, one that has no intention to seize your attention.

It takes some training to be able to find the beautiful, hidden details of a city through  its noise. But once you get a hang of it, they’re less of a challenge to notice. They could present themselves in an unusual, naturally derived colour beneath layers and years of paint on an old door or a delightful architectural detail hidden by the noise of a bazaar or even in an unexpected encounter with a familiar scent. These details delight. They transport and enliven. They provide depth, meaning and soul to a city or town. And in our case, endless inspiration.

The pictures collected for the journal today are from across the country taken for colour and texture reference or simply because they were captivating.

An indigo painted pillar spotted in Goa

Two shades of green and a bright pink staircase seen in Devprayag

A striped window cover in a Goan market

Calcutta colours on a busy street

Interesting grill work in a Goan market

The side of a Hindu temple in Goa that was surrounded by haphazard construction

A doorway in Almorah market

Interesting colour and font in a Goan market