Everything you heard about India is true (OK, our validation test only includes Bangalore and Goa, but I think it’s a norm). There are cows, chickens, cats, dogs and more cows roaming freely (and hopefully happily) any which where.
At one stage in a busy street in Bangalore we went past a herd of cows (around 6) walking down the median line of New Bel road – and this is a BUSY road. Drivers either honk, or wait, but all go around and attempt not to disturb.
The dogs and cats may well as not exist. It’s not to say that people here don’t care about them, it’s just not overt. The stray dogs rule the night working in packs to seek the edible parts of the rubbish that is piled high.
Goa seems to have more green and less city, and the cows seem happier. They are the more traditional (in my Kiwi minds eye) type of Indian cow/bullock – but seeing them laze on the beach, and avoiding the cow pats, was a different experience.
So, I think it is fair to say – the cow is venerated in this country – and being a good Waikato girl, I don’t much mind that 😃.
Kiwi Roamer, the less intrepid traveler 