The Famous Tourist Destinations

Shoghi, a nature walk

2008-02-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend I visited Shoghi in Himachal Pradesh is a cheap alternative to Shimla which is just 25 minutes away and is an idea place to get away from it all. I turned off my mobile and listed to the sounds of the forest with my friends. There are ample trekking grounds and clear streams.

One of the significant temples of the area is the Tara Devi temple which we visited on our first day; it stood higher at 6,073ft. It is on the right side of the Shoghi, at the end of the town across from the Minchy’s fruit products stand. The road was thankfully new. The temple was beautiful and the view from the top was awesome. The upkeep of the temple is a personal project of one of the rains. In two main festival months .i.e. October and November the temple is overcrowded. I couldn’t take the pics here as photography was not allowed, however I could take the 360 degrees views from the top.

The landscape around Shoghi is dotted with temples. Virtually every village in the region has one. Approx 6km southwest of Shoghi nestling in a valley of green trees and fields is the village of Anji. And I visited the recently renovated Hanuman temple.

We stayed at Sunrise Villa which is owned by Mr. Romesh C. Aggarwal and his wife who offer the ambience of a private home at reasonable prices on the road of the Tara Devi temple. We chose the room with balcony.

Our motto was to relax this weekend so we chose Shoghi as our weekend destination from Delhi, it was a quiet place and the town is at most a 2km stretch of road whose highlights are the people their hospitality and the natural beauty they are surrounded by. The only problem which we faced were the roads, which are not made to withstand the rains, they are in constant danger of being washed away. We enjoyed our nature walks and especially the bird watching. There were many trekkers in the morning who were going to start their treks while we enjoyed our walks.

Orcha in Madhya Pradesh

2008-01-31T20:15:00.000-08:00

Orcha in Madhya Pradesh was established by the Bundela king Rudrapratap. Orcha remained a seat of the Bundelas for 2 centuries and gave birth to unusual architecture. The oldest building in Orcha is the fort palace of Raj Mahal started by Rudrapratap however it was completed by his successor after he was killed wrestling a tiger. The entrance to the fort leads over a granite bridge through a 16^th century door to the fort palace. The Mahal is a self contained structure, the plan of the courtyards according to some historians follow the ancient Indian concept of the mandapa. One of the courtyards has a dancing platform and a fountain. Surrounded by royal quarters and an assembly hall for private audience is the diwan-i-khas. However inside the rooms burst into riveting images and colours. Though its ceiling is much faded now but it can be admired for its Persian carpet like motifs and the queen’s chamber for mythological subjects such as Bhima fighting with six elephants.

Then there is the Jahangir Mahal ahead from Raj Mahal, it was named after the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It is an impressive structure with three storey apartments topped with domes and hanging balconies, it is a mixture of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The last palace in the series is the Rai Parveen Mahal, just below the Jahangir Palace. Down the hill side are the royal hammams and unth khana and the camel stables. It is a simple two storied structure with a Mughal garden on one side. Besides the palaces, you can make out the beckoning shikhars of four temples lying in the middle of the fields. Around 1 km hike will bring you close to Shiv Mandir and few fts away across the wheat fields stands the Panchmukhi Temple complex, where three temples have been converted into quarters by the villagers. The next Mandir is the Raadhika Vihari which doubles up as granary and then finally comes the Van Vasi Ram Mandir with an attached but deserted ashram. In the village the Ram Raja Temple is unusual as its resident is worshipped as king and the temple is not a temple but a palace. The Chaturbhuj Temple is in a European cathedral from its vaulted roof to the massive doors and the large hall. For an adventurous climb try the staircase to the top of the temple from where one can see the entire city.

Ever since foreign tourists found their way to Orcha, metal artifacts are sold here as antiques.

Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari

2008-01-28T22:38:00.000-08:00

An enchanting feeling is unveil with the wonderful cottages of the hotel and continues in the green natural environs and the flawless upscale services. The Location of Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is perfect for the ones with an inclination to spend their holiday in the privacy and silence of nature. The Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is set in a village, known as Marungoor, and offers magnificent views of the rocky formation all around. It takes 2 hours' drive from Trivandrum International Airport to reach the hotel.

The brick and stone cottages, with a discernible Dravidian architecture, have an irresistible charm that bewitches the guests on the very first glance. The cottages are surrounded by luscious green expanse where the hotel grows vegetables and fruits, thereby attaining the repute of a self-sustained miniature village. The Room Facilities at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari includes all modern amenities like television, telephone, 24 hour running hot and cold water just to name a few.

The Hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is designed to suit the need and requirements of guests. The restaurant serves fine seafood and local specialties and the bar of the hotel gives plenty scope to unwind. The swimming pool, the largest one in Tamil Nadu ups the on-stay enjoyment.

The unforgettable scenic splendor along with a rich culture and religious significance makes Kanyakumari, a major tourist destination of India. There is a large number of Hotels in Kanyakumari in India. Among them, Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari, offering a relaxing stay has attained much acclaim and praises of the tourists. The room facilities at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari make it a example of comfort and affordability. The location of Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari in a calm and humble village of attracts the travelers who want to spend a holiday amidst the boundless beauty of nature. The amazing array of hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is designed to cater to every possible need of the tourists.

The excellent range of hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari provides ultimate delight to all the foodies. In the tastefully decorated restaurant of the hotel, you can gorge on authentic South-Indian or North-Indian specialties or upgrade continental or Chinese delicacies. The setting of the hotel would make you spellbound. The lush foliage and mountain ranges creating the backdrop, you would feel as being in God's own country. The hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari offers the 'View Bar', set atop the cliff of the mountain, providing sweeping view of the environ and a wide range of cocktails and beverages.

The hotel has an extensive Ayurvedic center which vows to cure and heal a lot of ailments in the traditional Indian way. An experienced Ayurvedic practitioner is there to supervise the treatments. Moreover, in the Ayurvedic parlor, you can avail massages from expert masseurs. To relieve yourself from the hard work of daily life, you can take an unprepared dip in the giant-size swimming pool of the hotel. The pool is the largest in Tamil Nadu hotels, is a possession the hotel could well boast of.

Colva – Sernabatim Benaulim Beach in Goa

2008-01-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Colva is located just 6km from Margao, is a busy little town with a multitude of hotels, restaurants and chic stores. It is the typical Indian beach, crowded with families and extremely noisy. The tourist here are mostly Indian too, ones who are here for their honeymoons, families with infants, children running wild on the beach and the grandparents flopped about. One can also find many young men, whooping and screaming and playing volley ball. Colva is the best beach of Goa and is famous for its water sports. I tried parasailing, water scooter ride, banana boat ride also there are speed boat rides and motorboat rides. Depending upon the rides they will cost you the money. It cost me Rs 400 only. And the best time to try the rides is the late afternoon and early evening as one can watch the sun go down while hanging from a parachute attached to a zigzagging speedboat. I still remember my ride it was breathtaking. However what I didn’t like was there are no beach huts in Colva, but there are hotels close to beach. The cheaper option was the Vailankanni Cottages with plain but clean rooms. The road leading to the beach had many restaurants; most of them had live bands and overflowing with patrons. I preferred to eat at the beach shacks. The sea food in Goa was fresh and the Goan fish curry with rice was damn good, I can still taste it.

Colva, Sernabatim and Benaulim are together really a single long stretched beach with three separate entry points. The Taj Exotica is at the southern end of Benaulim and the main stretch of beach has few shacks. I had my lunch at the famous Pedro’s and Johncy’s restaurants. Pedro also organized a boat ride for me. Sernabatim, in the middle is the most quiet of the three. There are no beach shakes, only one tea shop with a Kannadiga making Malabari parottas for breakfast.

Find driving directions from Mumbai to to Margao

Coonoor weekend destination from Cochin

2008-01-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is famous for its blue kurinji flower, which is said to bloom once every 12 years, giving the Blue Mountains its colour and moniker. But according to the locals the kurinji hasn’t bloomed for a year now. The perfect weekend destination from Cochin, Coonoor is famous for leisurely trips to the nearby tourist spots, trek in the shoal forests of the blue mountains and of course, down endless cups of Nilgiri grown tea or coffee.

Coonoor has the Sim’s Park which was laid back in 1874 in a deep ravine, with winding footpaths, pergolas, gazebos, a lily pond and a dense shoal skirting it. It has marvelous thousand species of trees like mahogany, birch, rudraksh and were brought from Mexico, Chile, China and Venezuela. It is a tree park however its rose garden is beautiful at the tome of season. In May a fruit and vegetable show is held. Opposite to the Sim’s Park there is the Pasteur Institute which is known for its path breaking research work on rabies. There are guided tours where one can watch the pasteurization of milk and experiments underway.

The Droog Fort was once used by Tipu Sultan which is 15km from Coonoor. Droog is also called Bakasura Malai as it is linked to the tale of a local demon, Bakasura. However the fort only has a wall which has survived but it is 6,000 ft above the plains so it gives the offers an awesome view.

About 8km from Coonoor is Lamb’s Rock which gives the view of Coimbatore plains. People take food and drinks and just rome and enjoy the picnic with their family and friends. Then there is the Dolphin’s Nose is huge a rock that resembles a dolphin’s nose. About 10km from Coonoor, this is a popular spot despite the bad road. On a clear day one can glimpse Catherine Falls from a top the nose. Law’s falls is another popular picnic spot.

Wellington is an army township to one side of Coonoor. Wellington golf course is hugely popular, not just with those who wander around its manicured greens wielding their irons, hordes of South Indian film crews also descend periodically to shoot song sequences. Also beyond the golf course lies the Hidden Valley which is a great trekking route.

Coonoor is famous for its Irish and Belgian table sets, handkerchiefs plus for its tea and coffee

Find Driving Directions from Cochin to Coonoor here..

Kurukshetra

2008-01-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Kurukshetra is a historic town where Lord Krishna is believed to have preached the bhagwad Gita to a hesitant Arjun on the battlefields of the Mahabharata the epic. Kurukshetra is 2 ½ drive from Delhi and a perfect pilgrim weekend getaway from Delhi. It’s said that to bath at the Brahma Sarovar here during an eclipse or an amavasya nights is spiritually cleansing of human soul. The Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple in the centre of this water body is visited by many devotees, they also the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Another lake held in great esteem by the devotees is the Sannehit Sarovar which is about an kilometer from Laxmi Sarovar is believed to have formed by water that flowed out of Brahma’s navel. Kurukshetra is visited by a number of the Sikh gurus, is also of great importance for the Sikhs. Guru Nanak passed through this town and the place where he stayed at is known as Gurudwara Sidhbati. There is also a Gurudwara dedicated to Guru Hargobind. On the banks of the Brahma Sarovar is one of the memories of Guru Gobind Singh. All this makes Kurukshetra a pilgrimage holiday destination in

India

Find Driving Directions to Kurukshetra here

Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh

2008-01-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

Accommodation :
Camp 5 Elements has excellent arrangements of twin bedded luxury tents of size 12 by 12 feet. The toilets are separate and are set in western style. The bathing area consists of the following amenities:

Running Water
Wash Basin
Mirror

Dining :
Dining at Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh, India is a delightful experience altogether. Food is laid out in separate dining tent that overlooks the Ganga. Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and Continental cuisines are served. The nights are enlivened by the Barbecue that offers Tandoori delicacies. Music and Bonfire add to the milieu an enigmatic charm.

Business :
In addition to the recreational facilities mentioned above, Camp 5 Elements has also designed special activities for professionals. These include:

Special Corporate Programs by Leading Trainers
Outbound Training
Team Building
Stress Management

Recreation :
The most significant aspect of Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh which attracts tourists is the wide spectrum of recreational facilities offered by it. Activities that one can indulge into in Camp 5 Elements are:

White River Rafting
Beach Volleyball
Cricket
Basketball
Rugby

Nature Walks
Bird Watching
Building Sandcastles
Sunbathing

Other Facilities :
Another significant factor that is given due importance in Camp 5 Elements is the security. Ample number of Armed Security Personnel is appointed to serve this purpose. Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh also provides other essential services like:

Laundry Services
Doctor on Call
STD/ISD Facility

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at the Camp. Welcome drink on arrival followed by Lunch and camp orientation & briefing. Post lunch indulge in camp activities such as Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Beach Volleyball, Beach Cricket, Kayaking etc. In the evening laze over a Bonfire or try your hand at fun games followed by a sumptuous dinner specially prepared by our Chef. Tuck into your Deluxe Tents at The Camp 5 Elements

Day 02

Wake up early to enjoy a refreshing Nature Walk with their guide. After a hearty breakfast change into their rafting gear and proceed for rafting on the river Ganges. You will endeavor to complete 2 stretches on the river today. The first session includes the stretch from Marine Drive to Shivpuri covering thrilling rapids like ‘Black Money’, ‘Three Blind Mice’, ‘Crossfire’, ‘Body Surfing’, and ‘The Shivpuri’ rapids. Lunch will be served at Shivpuri on the river beach.

Post Lunch you will proceed for the second session of rafting from Shivpuri to NIM Beach. In this stretch one has to negotiate some famous white water rapids like “Return to Centre”, “Roller Coaster”_,“Tee Off”, “Golf Course”, “Club House” and others till NIM beach where the days’ rafting comes to an end. Late evening arrive at The Camp 5 Elements. Bonfire with their guitarist, Dinner and overnight at The Camp 5 Elements

Day 03

You have another very exciting day on the beach. Amongst the many options, you can soak some sun, relax on the beach with a book from their library, try your hands at Kayaking, climb a rock, rapple down the river or just play a sport; baseball, badminton, volleyball, cricket, hiking.

After an early breakfast start your trip from Kaudiyala downstream. The first rapid you hit is called the Daniel's' Dip (Grade IV). The next big Rapid is The Wall (Grade IV+). Between these two there are some Grade II and II+ rapids with long float stretches with enough options to do body surfing as well. These rapids are the most exciting on the river. Rafting ends at Marine Drive with sumptuous Lunch. Post Lunch depart to your next destination

Find driving directions from Delhi to Rishikesh here ..

The fort and Scindia Palace of Gwalior

2007-12-27T00:16:00.000-08:00

Gwalior the middle kingdom named after Sage Gwalipa is one of the best holiday destinations in Madhya Pradesh. This is the land where sharp swords matched rugged forts and ruthless ambition tested death giving birth to magnificent rock carvings, temples, palaces and forts making it a perfect weekend destination from Delhi.

The Gwalior fort is 300ft above the ground. The Kachhwahas and Tomars contributed most to its culture and architecture, whereas early Mohammedans, and later the Mughals, used the fort as a state prison. There were three main entrances to the fort of which the east and the west entrances are now accessible. The eastern entrance is guarded by the Urwahi Gate, and the western by six gates built in different periods by different kings all situated on the 2500 ft long ramp leading to the fort. Then there is the Urwahi rock which is falling on two sides of the valley which is home to 22 Jain rock sculptures while walking on the ramp of the fort on the left side. Inside the fort the most impressive structure is the Man Singh Palace. Inside is the dancing hall surrounded by a balcony and a courtyard besides many rooms and staircases leading to underground passages. The southern part of the fort has the inlay work of marching ducks, crocodiles holding lotus, and parrots and tigers. Behind Man Mandir lies the Vikram Palace named after Man Singh’s son. Besides these two palaces there are 5 more palaces three of which were built by Hindu rulers and two by Mughals. The Jahangir Palace has the tank where Rajput queens committed jauhar following the invasion of the fort in 1232. Of the remaining Hindu palaces Gujari Mahal built by Raja Man Singh for his Gujjar love Mrignayani is now a state archaeological museum. It has a collection of decorative pillars, princely sculptures. The fort also includes two temples the Saas Bahu complex and the Teli ka Mandir. The Saas Bahu temples follow the 10^th century North Indian temple dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Teli ka Mandir is an 80ft hotchpotch structure with a massive shikara.

Inside the city there is the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus built during Akbar’s rule is what I liked. It is built on a square plan with hexagonal towers and flanked on four sides with dedicated stone lattices. He is said to be the saint who is said to have confessed that God had accorded him superiority over Prophet Muhammad. The grave of Tansen is a rectangular platform with a pillared gallery is standing near by. Then there is the famous tamarind tree that is said to have sweetened his voice is dead however in its place grows a younger tree that is regularly plucked by visitors wishing to repeat the miracle. Then there is the Jama Masjid nextto Gujari Mahal.

And then there is the Scindia legacy with the Jai Vilas Palace built at a cost of Rs 19 lakhs during the reign of Jiyagi Rao. The palace is three storey high and is decorated with Tuscan, Italian columns. It also has a museum displaying the famous silver dining train used to ferry champagne bottles around the table.

Find Driving Directions from Delhi to Gwalior here

Thanedar hill station near to Delhi

2007-12-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

Thanedar is in Himachal Pradesh, weekend getaway from Delhi also known as the apple Dom. Distance from Delhi to Thanedar is 421km. It is full of apple trees in the entire region. Arya Samaj Mandir is an uphill climb built by Stokes in typical pahari style; this stone temple stands in the middle of apple orchids. It was here that Stokes planted the first apple seed. Samuel stokes is a byword in this region. He planted trees in Kotgarh next door continue the reap a rich harvest even 100 years later. Harmony House, the stokes family house is located here on Barobag Hill. The rhododendron flower better known as rhodo in this part of the country, can be plucked of f a branch, washed an eaten raw. There are many Himcu shops in town who sell rhodo squash.

Samuel Stokes was an American missionary who headed to these hills in 1904 and transformed the village. It wasn’t the only missionary who found his way here. The presence of the Anglican Church in Kotgarh is today marked by a quaint wooden St Mary’s Church. The structure build in some 1800 is still a dazzling stained glass window and an array of cedar sculpted pews. And adjoining it is the Gorton Mission School started in 1843 according to the locals here.

The Tani Jubber Lake is 4km from Thanedar. You can take a car till the road ends and then climb 10 minutes. And as one push through the branches and bramble, the road clears and the ground beneath your feet becomes flat. The placid lake lies between the snows peaked mountains in the back ground. There is a local temple on one side of the lake which is not open to outsiders. In June, a fair is held at the lake at which local artisans and craftsmen display their waves.

Thanedar is also known as the fruit bowl of India. Thanedar, a good nearby getaway from Shimla is just 79 kms drive from Shimla.

Find driving directions from Delhi to Thanedar here.

Senator Pine & Peak hotel

2007-12-17T23:18:00.000-08:00

The only resort hotel in Pahalgam, Hotel Pine N Peak provides with impressive views of the "Valley of Shepherds"- Pahalgam. Ideally located on the splendid Rajwas Plateau, adjacent to the Pahalgam Golf Course and away from the chaos of the market, the resort provides you the right ambience for a memorable holiday in Pahalgam

The hotel has 75 centrally-heated rooms, each equipped with an attached bath and shower, colour TV with-in-house movies, telephone, channel music and radio, room Service & Laundry Service, recreation Center including Billiards, card Room and other indoor games. It has the best Restaurants, Bar and Lounge and an outdoor Barbeque. The Health Club, complete with a gymnasium, sauna and heated mini pool will soon be fully operational. Trekking, mountain climbing, golf and angling can also be arranged.

Lolaab Restaurant: The restaurant is named after one of Kashmir's most picturesque valleys. The valley abounds in wild life and flora. The theme of this beautiful valley has been incorporated into the restaurant which overlooks the heated pool and offers a panoramic view of the pine-studded landscape. The Kashmiri ambience is evident in the 'gubbas' on the ceiling which create a warm and a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant serves Pan-Indian including local Kashmiri cuisine, supplemented by Continental creations.

Saahil Coffee Shop: The lobby level coffee lounge is ideal to while away your time in comfort while you can nibble on exotic Kashmiri snacks and enjoy the famous Kashmiri beverage - KAHWA. Saahil has an informal atmosphere created by a traditional central fireplace and a high ceiling with exposed beams. Like Lolaab, Saahil too gives you a panoramic view of the mountains Only resort five star hotel in Pahalgam adjacent to the golf course with all modern amenities and facilities like Conference Room, billiards, snooker, health club and indoor games.

Gulistaan : The Garden Restaurant. In addition to the usual snacks, Gulistaan offers barbecue specialties. Tables are laid out in the open at discreet distances, so that you can enjoy the most delectable barbecue meals, in privacy, under the warm afternoon sun or beneath the canopy of star-studded night.

Kalakho in Rajasthan

2007-12-16T21:04:00.000-08:00

Kalakho is in Rajasthan and 298km from Delhi, a perfect weekend destination. Its green with the golden fields and the monsoon lake, is a perfect little retreat with luxurious comfort. This woodsy part of the Aravalli hills is the perfect place for the bird watchers. There are old forts, hills and of course the desert and where we took the desert safari which was breathtaking.

We drive straight past the busy Sikandra crossroads and on the village of Gular, then we took a right to Abhaneri. Here the 8^th century baoli is enormous was built by Raja Chand, a Nikumbha Rajput of the Chamana Dynasty, it was close to 65 ft deep. We took 3500 narrow and steep steps to reach the water. Today the step well is under the Archaeological survey of India, who have expertly managed to make this age old monument look like a thing of the future with their heavy metal frames.

And just across the well was the Harshata Mata temple dedicated to Parvati. It was built in 7^th century in Mahameru style and its carvings was similar to the carvings of Khajuraho temple.

Anjuna Beach the party hub in Goa

2007-12-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

Anjuna is a huge beach in Goa as it has South, Middle and the North Anjuna beach. It has many hotels, bars and restaurants. Its flea market began in 1970’s as a place where hippies sell their possessions when they were either broke or leaving for home. However they were banned for several years after the local church ran a campaign against it, it was started again by the Anjuna panchayat as the Anjuna weekly market and is now held on Wednesdays over the several acres of coconut plantations at the southern edge of the beach. The market starts around at noon and people begin to leave after sunset. The best way to avoid traffic for the market is to communicate through boat and in the morning you can also spot a dolphin. The market is full of clothes, accessories, cheese, food outlets etc.

With all those rock in the sea, water sports in Anjuna are limited to its southern end. Paraiso de Goa is a swinging trance bar that open’s till wee hours. It is set on a hillock next to the beach and has a fabulous view. One can enjoy the nightlife here especially the New Year and Christmas eves.

Travel Direction from Mumbai to Goa

The Haveli Hari Ganga

2007-12-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

It is a destination in itself in Haridwar. In between the madding crowd the guest are taken into the rickshaw to reach the haveli from the crowded market of Haridwar. I would have missed the entrance if the rickshaw guy would not have stopped. The Haveli belongs to the Pilibhit royals and now is a property in their Lesiure hotels chain. The interiors are soothing with all the white walls and beautiful paintings. The hotel has spa. Yoga,bhajan session, evening aarti etc. Then there are few posters of films that feature the Ganga and Ram teri ganga mailli.

They serve only vegetarian food and a limited secion of continental. At dinner there was pasta to my surprise as one cannot find fast food in Haridwar. Its dining area is beautiful as it is in the open area along with Ganga river running on its right side. My dad said just one thing “ It’s the same Ganga, but somehow it seems so much cleaner.

Travel Direction from Delhi to Haridwar

Mysore, close to Bangalore

2007-12-06T02:08:00.000-08:00

Mysore was the ancient capital of Tipu sultan kingdom. It is the best heritage city in Karnataka and a weekend getaway from Bangalore. It has the splendorous palaces, and is also famous for its silk. I started from Mysore Palace also known as Ornate which is the focal point of the city and the home of the Wodeyars; it was designed by the English architect Henry Irwin. This palace is made on the ashes of the old wooden palace which caught fire during the marriage of princess. The Durbar Hall with its sculpted pillars, the Kaalyana Mantapa, the jewel encrusted Golden throne which is displayed only during the Dussehra celebrations and the Golden Howdah which is an elephant seat are amongst the palace’s other treasures. It has a residential museum which is run by the royal family of Wodeyar. It has the collection of royal family silver ware, chandeliers, furniture, crystal, royal trousseaux and many things. Ornate as the palace when 97000 electric bulbs light up once it looks like royal purple attire. I had to take off my shoes to enter the palace but at the entrance gate there is stand in the right side where I had to pay for the safety of my shoes.

I also visited the Jaganmohan Palace which Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar built in 1861 as an alternative retreat for the royal family. The palace now has been turned into Jayachamarajendra art Gallery which displays the fabulous paintings of Mysore and Tanjore style sculptures and musical instruments.

Then there is the chamundi Hill which guards the city also has a temple on its top. It has 1000 steps and half way up is a 16 ft monolith of a Nandi bull, Lord Shiva’s mount. While I was coming back from the Hill I passed the Mysore race club which had a deviation to the left and onto Maharana Pratap singh Road in Nazarband is famed for its Go Carting track. So I tried some of the bowling in bowling alley and my brother tried the go carting thing.

Next day we saw the one of the grandest and tallest churches in India; it was a beautiful Gothic structure with twin spires and is near the five lights circle. Then the Folklore Museum which is housed in the majestic and sprawling Mysore University Campus called Manasa Gangotri, the museum is an excellent store of Mysore art. A visit to the museum is incomplete without a stroll on the Kukkarahalli Lake Bund. I also watched the Lingambudhi Lake which is a home to many species of bird.

Because of my taxi driver I came to know about an amusement park on the outskirts of Mysore located in 20 acres of land GRS Fantasy Park and has a restaurant serving the veg food. I bought many types of incense in sandalwood, few silk sarees for my mom from its Devaraja Market

Travel Directions from: Bangalore to Mysore

Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur

2007-12-03T01:16:00.000-08:00

I went to Jodhpur to attend my friend’s wedding last weekend. The city is small in radius of 15km only but then there is the famous Mehrangarh Fort and the Umeid Palace. After attending her wedding I visited the fort. It was in old Jodhpur so it took only 15 minutes from my hotel to reach the place in the afternoon as it closed around 5 in the evening. The fort was amazingly beautiful on the top of a hill the fort can be seen from the city as well. I took the lift facility in the fort as because of so much of dancing in the wedding I was not in a mood to walk. The lift stopped at the peak of the fort form where I could see the entire city. And from there the museum of the fort also started with first showing the famous baggies in which the king family used to travel and they were all different from each other as there was one which I liked the most of peacock head and the carriage having the lion in build in the front of the baggie. The next room showed the antique clocks used by again the king family. I still remember there was one globe clock which had stopped working since some 18’s. Then I saw the arms and the swords of the king, the bedroom, the clothes, the dining area, the meeting area. After the museum is over there comes the shops of the museums from where I got my self a mirror and few things for my family. When I came out there were two girls wearing the particular rajasthani dress in black who were dancing and 2 guys playing flute and singing the folk song. There were tanks kept on the border of the fort. And then came the temple of their kul Devi which is very famous in Marwari’s. The fort in short is must watch, its architecture and the build is very beautiful and cannot be find anywhere according to me.

Driving Directions from Delhi to Jodhpur

Nagaur, close to Jodhpur getaway

2007-11-20T01:13:00.000-08:00

It is a one street town in Rajasthan on the highway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. Well everybody has seen it on the Pepsi and Coke ads on TV. It had all vegetable stalls and a Gandhi chowk, poster commercials and village boys swaggering as if they it for living. Tourism hasn’t reached here. But it was because of one man Naguar was blipped on map, amar singh. Amar singh Rathore was the hot tempered most interesting men in Indian History. Locals say that he was a 17^th century Salman Khan but with a shirt on.

Naguar was a stop on the medieval trade routes, and hence the Rajputs and Mughals knely contested control over it. It has the Ahchitragarh fort which after the demise of amar Singh went to the Mughals and thereafter it came under the British. After independence, the fort went into decline as the government neither looked after it nor protected it from vandalism. However it is now looked after by Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Trust. It is built on a slightly hilly elevation, and once you get there you will park by the entrance to Hadi Rani’s Palace and enter the section of the Zenani Deodi, which was the women’s wing at that time. There are many ghostly remains of gardens, water bodies and fountains inside the fort. To another side is the Diwan I Khas, the hall of private audience, wher an elaborate system for trapping fresh breeze, as well as channeled water through a network of shallow canals, must have added to the comforts of the apartments. Most of their floral paintings have survived. And the most interesting part in the chambar is the hammams, where the ruler bathed in water tanks with pied hot and cold water. The Maharaja gaddi was kept before a water pool with a fountain, more to Mughal style than the Rajputs. Ahchitragarh and the pillared pavilion called the Baradari overlooks a pool which was a bathing section for the queens.

The next stop was the Kaanch Ka Mandir. It has large eyed marble tirthankaras their images multiplied a thousand times in the bits of colored glass covering the walls, pillars and ceilings. It is amazingly beautiful in the evening. Bansiwale ka Mandir nearby has a series of huge courtyards. Inside are the idols of Krishna and Radha, whose attire is changed for a jhanki, which takes place a number of times during a day. Khwaha Hamiduddin ka Dargah also known as Tarkin ka Dargah is a mosque with an elaborately carved entrance. Inside I was surrounded with graves, and right in front are two domed structures that are clearly modern. It is behind then you will find the original domed stone cenotaph of Hamiduddin. To one side there is Dharamsahala with 1 locked room

Naguar is also known for its cattle and one of the largest cattle fair is held here.

Find Driving Directions from Delhi to Jodhpur here ….

Pondicherry as a destination

2007-11-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

We were told to rome in Pondicherry by foot as it is a small white town. I thought I would be able to see all the Parisian style street side cafes as charm of Pondicherry lies in the incredibility leisurely approach to life, food and commerce. My walk begin at the southern end of Goubert salai also known as Beach Road or French Quarter took me past most of the Pondicherry sights like Place de la Republique where Ghandhiji statue has replaced dupleix’s, the lighthouse, the French War Memorial, the statue of Joan of Arc, the Church of our Lady of the Angels, the Pondicherry museum and the Government gardens. In the Tamil Quarter the sights included Sacred Heart Cathedral on south Bolevard and the Manakkula Vinayakar Temple behind the Raj Niwas. My guided heritage walk was organized by Intach was approximately for 4 hours and it cost me only Rs 650. Also they were offering a guided heritage tour on cycle which is the popular mode of transport here but we prefer to walk as we wanted to enjoy the nature, weather, the leisurely life everything.

The Aurbindo Ashram is the most enduring legacy of the French where they believe in the Mother. The building of ashram is on the rue de la Marine, where I visited the samadhis of Aurbindo and the Mother; I also bought 2 books from the Publications department. The Matrimandir at ashram has a golden dome on the top and little path made in red sandstone.

Then there are 3 of the town’s 17-18^th centaury churches which according to me were outstanding. On Rue Dumas is the Church of t he Capuchins, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, modeled on the Basilica in Lourdes. The next was the Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception on Mission street and the loveliest to me was the Sacred Heart Cathedral on South Bolevard with its finest stained glass panels.

The Pondicherry Museum has huge rooms, high ceilings and wide windows which is worth a visit. It displays Cholas bronze, beads and coins from the Roman era excavations at Arikamedu, old Pondicherrian vehicles like pousse pousse and artifacts from Dupleix’s time.

I also went to the Cluny embroidery centre which was opposite to my hotel de L’Orient at 46, Rue Romain Rolland is the missionary outfit that provides vocational training to local women who sit in a beautiful mansion and turn out exquisite embroidery.

Well as shopping goes I preferred to enjoy it in night. Shopping in Pondicherry is excellent for pottery, handmade paper products, candles, incense sticks. The jams and pickles made in La boutique d’ auroville was advised by the hotel Manager to purchase. I bought many of them for my friends and family. Well Pondicherry is full of French culture but the French quarter is amazingly pretty the beautiful artistic buildings the culture the markets I wish I could visit again and rome in the late evenings on a cycle and enjoy the ride.

Find Driving directions from Chennai to Pondicherry here

Pernem, northern tip of Goa

2007-11-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Pernem at the northern tip of Goa has the imperious Tiracol fort on the northern bank of the Arondem River. Tiracol is just a short 4 km drive into Tiracol from Redi, the last town on the Maharashtra Konkan. Maharashtra ends with a sea fort, a sacred temple and a glorious, secluded beach. I saw the Portuguese heritage welcoming here. From these living chapters of history, Tiracol unveils significant aspects of India’s past, including the turning points like the 15^th of August in 1954 when Goan revolutionaries came to this fort to raise the Indian flag. As we entered the religion at fort Tiracol, which contains a 100 yr old Chapel of St Anthony and a 400 yr old Church of the Holy Trinity.

I could see the beach from the Tiracol fort which lies on the opposite bank of the Arondem, or Tiracol Estuary. Many people were swimming here upon crossing the river on ferry as it is the 3 mile long Querim beach. The beach is remote and beautiful, with just a handful of cold drinks stalls near the ferry point. Dozens of birds inhabit the mangroves along the estuary.

About 12 km further down from Querim are the tree lined Kalacha and Arambol beaches. Arambol’s white beach is lined with palm trees all over and is a great beach to hang out. It boasts a fresh water lagoon right on the shore, just north of Kalacha. We had a bathe here to get rid of the sting of sea salt water. The hippies have discovered this fishing settlement and turned up in large numbers to bask by the lagoon in their bikinis and swim suites. We also took a stroll through the Arambol village, a 10 minutes walk up from the beach, following the road from Arambol Pizzeria that’s lined with beer barrs, fish shacks and restaurants.

And just south of Arambol beach are the unspoilt sands of Mandrem, lined with canoes. The tiny twin beaches of Asvem and Junas at Mandrem, shaded by hills from a corridor along which people were trekking to Arambol along the sand and the cliffs.

Find Driving Directions from Mumbai to Goa (Tiracol) here

Canacona hidden goa

2007-11-05T00:22:00.000-08:00

It is a destination in hidden Goa. Palolem and Agonda beaches and the more deserted Cabo de Rama fort remain the only places in Canacona well on the travel map. In between there are vast unmapped stretches of sand where the only feri sold is home made and the only thing to eat is the simplest fish curry and rice. Then there was a Cotigao wildlife sanctuary in the basin of the Talpona River, in the east of Canacona. We had to book our own transportation to reach all the points in Canacona and quepem.

We went to Chaudi market and tried to had cola but nobody knew about it as these beaches known to backpackers from abroad who have cultivated their own demand and supply chain from the villages are kept hush so that the Indian tourist do not disturb the gora reverie.

Quepem’s Zorint Beach is almost always deserted and further south to Canaguinim the best known of Quepem’s beaches, we stayed in Canaguinim Village where villagers rent out rooms.

Ahead of tiny Nuvem beach raises the cliff of Cabo de Rama, from the top of which saw great views of Quepem and Salcette to the north and the white sand beaches of Canacona to the south. The Cape was named for Lord Ram, who stayed here during his trek towards Lanka.

For fried fish by the sea and feri on tap Agonda and Palolem beaches are the best. We trek down to Agonda Beach past st. Anne church in Agonda village, there are hotels and restaurants. We walk down to the Patnem beach from clomb for some quietness.

The temples of Quepem and Canacona had some most of the pristine locations in forest on the hills here.

And the best thing in the entire journey was the sight of dolphins in Cotigao which is the Goa’s second largest wildlife sanctuary.

Find Driving directions to Goa here

Gajner Palce turned into heritage hotel

2007-10-31T23:12:00.000-07:00

Gajner is a tiny oasis in the Thar Desert, near Bikaner, filled with blackbuck, chinkara, neelgai and fox. It was once the private hunting reserve of the maharajas of Bikaner. Gajner palace is a flamingo pink sandstone palace with jharokhas, jaalis and was designed by a British knight. It was all Rajput from outside but the interiors were all English to my surprise.

From the palace courtyard we watched a stream of blackbuck and chinkara and were roaming at the lake side. At the edge of the palace is a small little Dargah of a pir, it is said if we tie a small talisam around his mazaar and pray passionately then his prays will come true one day. Every September there is a fair in this Dargah and many devotees offer their chadar.

In the evening Gajner looks pretty and the sound of drums and prayers in the twin temple of Ganesh and Shiva in the outer palace courtyard are all over the place. The priest was a young boy who with one movement, divests himself of T shirt and jeans and then fills into sacred thread and spotless dhoti. The sound of the aarti spills over the lake like a tide and the first stars glimmer.

HRH chain took over the Gajner palace and they restore and repair the place into exactly what it used to be. The hotel is pretty good heritage hotel with their rajasthani cuisine which was delicious. The best time to go to Gajner is from September to March

Find Driving Directions from Delhi to Bikaner here.

Kuchaman fort

2007-10-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

Kuchaman fort is built atop on a steep hill in Rajasthan, and was built by the Gurjar Prathihara dynasty near to the Sambhar Salt Lake from where they used to do the salt trading, and if I believe the locals here they did it for around 200 years, till they lost their dynasty to the Chauhans, what a history man. A Weekend Getaway from Jaipur, the fort itself is now a luxury hotel and when one is working in a travel industry you get opportunities to visit these types of places.

The Kuchaman ramparts are having 32 bastions and 10 getaways also enclosed is a complex web of underground passages, hideouts and dungeons. So when we got bored in the conference and were free we went to explore the fort.

The Meena Mahal had paintings all over it on the life and times of the Rathore poet saint Meerabai, who married the son of Rajput. Ranjit singh has built this Mahal along with a temple within the Mahal which comprises of lok devtas, and the gurus of the masses. The temples were interesting as I found out that the idol in Maa Kaali Mandir was around 1200 years old and was brought to Kuchaman all the way from Karnataka by the Rathores. The other temple Krishna Mandir is also older around 2000 years I suppose.

The formal chambers of Sabha Prakash had polished walls with semi precious stones inlayed in the wall and then the court room called the Sunheri Burj because of its frescoes of birds and animals framed lavishly in gold.

There are two swimming pools in the fort, one was Jal Mahal which was an underground pool, and when I saw it suddenly those Turkish hammams visualized in my mind which was made for the queens.

The last was the Sheesh Mahal in the fort where the Maharaja used to play the chess in the courtyard outside using the real man as pawns. And then there was the Meena Bazaar where the royal family used to shop.

The Kuchaman fort hotel took us for 4 hours sight seeing which included all these Mahals and temples including the old market area. They had also organized a trip to the Sambhar Salt Lake. We were there only for 2 days otherwise we would have also gone to the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary for blackbuck which was only 100kms from Kuchaman.

Find Driving Directions from Delhi to Jaipur here..

Ranikhet, a perfect getaway of Himalayas

2007-10-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

Ranikhet is in Uttaranchal and a perfect hill station to visit. Ranikhet is a very silent and beautiful weekend getaway from Delhi. It is 58 km away from Nainital. Its story goes like this; many years ago, a beautiful Kumaoni queen Rani Padmini fell so deeply in love with the green glades and meadows of a tiny hill paradise that her king, Raja Sukherdev, built her grand palace there and named the place Ranikhet, or queen’s meadow. My dad have always talked about Ranikhet as a paradise on earth, but today when I see it I understand why dad liked Ranikhet and still now wants to visit it. As I approached to Ranikhet my eyes were watching the best views of all to the left, the ancient, snow clad Himalayas. I wanted to relax under a pleasant sun and gaze leisurely at the beautiful Himalayas with sipping my cup of tea.

There are government orchards at Chaubatia, 10km to the south of Ranikhet. We went with a picnic basket and buy some seasonal fruits from the orchids. Then there was Bhalu Dam which supplies water to the Ranikhet and is also famous for fishing.

From the bus stop there is an Army Golf course at Upat which offers golfing at high attitudes. Also there is an old temple dedicated to goddess Kali from where the town of Kalika gets its name lies just a kilometer away from Upat.

Another 13km down the Almora road this village had many beautiful picnic spots. We wanted to take a walk in the forest so we strolled down Ranikhet from behind the Army Holiday home to the AMU guest house. We liked the walk from the Mall towards this same guest house as we saw many old British bungalows here.

Then a little path took us towards the Kumaon Regimental Centre. The KRC Museum displayed memories of wars that the regiment had fought.

I picked up some woolen fabrics and few small things from the Mall. Ranikhet comprises of two main areas of tourist interests; the Mall and the Sadar Bazzar. The Sadar is full of hotels and guest houses, the crowded ones and the Mall is peaceful place.

Find Driving Direction from Delhi to Ranikhet here..

Varanasi a religious destination

2007-10-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

Varanasi one of the city of pandits in orange chaddars and wooden sandals, a city where a smoky haze of funerals, and according to Hindu mythology it is supposed to be the first city on earth, I have no clue why they have named it so, will find out in Google today.

Visit the ghats on the Ganga and the old city. Both are linked through series of steps. Dasashwamedh ghat one of the ghats of Kashi is considered to be Varanasi’s holiest spot. Here I found the sight of the sun rising over the Ganga beautiful. We took a boat from Dasashwamedh Ghat to the nearby Manikarnika Ghat, one of Varanasi’s two burning ghats, as it is permanently lined with funerals pyres and bodies in shrouds awaiting the final rites.

Well there are many ghats so we hired a boat and started at ASI Ghat, where we saw the confluence of ASI and Ganga rivers also close by was one of the Varanasi’s oldest ghats named after Sant tulsidas and near the great sage’s home. Then we stopped next at Darbhanga Ghat which was built by the royal family of Bihar. We found out one of the four jantar mantars and the massive sundial at the Man Mandir ghat which was built by Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur. My friend who was a local here took us to eat the piping hot jalebis and kachoris at Vishwanath Gali where I also found maximum amount of foreigners looking for the Hare Ram Hare Krishna T shirts. And at the end of the gali is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. I loved the aarti at the Dasashwamedh ghat which is conducted every evening. It was amazingly beautiful watching the diyas and flower all over the ghat.

I brought some silk brocades for my mother as she asked me to bring some for her because she the love the Varanasi saris.

Find driving direction from Lucknow to Varanasi here..

Kanha, the best national park in Asia

2007-10-18T03:45:00.000-07:00

Kanha is in Madhya Pradesh and is situated 165km away from Jabalpur. It is known as the best national park in Asia. It is one of the perfect weekend destination in India. The area covered by this wildlife sanctuary is 940 sq km and is home to tiger, leopard, hyena, buffalo and more than 200 avian species can be seen. One of the rarest found animals barasingha can be seen here. The trees here are bamboo and sal group all around the park.
Every person enjoys the nature walks here and the Bamni Dadar also known as sunset point is one of the most beautiful parts of the park from where a spectacular sunset can be seen. There are many animals which can be spotted here like Sambar, Barking Deer, Guar and many. Having species from Chital, chinkara, Indian Hare to squirrel, wolf, the beauty of the place and picturesque environment attracts most of the nature lovers. Kanha has more than 200 species of birds and the water birds can be seen near the park. It remains open from November to June.
Situated in the heart of Kanha National Park, Tuli resort is a wonderful place to visit. Set up in 22 acres of lush green land, it is situated near the Ganghar River in the western region of Kanha’s buffer zone. The resort is designed to match the rural beauty of India and welcomes all its visitors with majestic ambience and offers all modern amenities.

Find Driving directions to your destination here

Jubbal a weekend getaway

2007-10-15T00:38:00.000-07:00

Jubbal is a princely state which is in the east of Shimla and near the valley of the Pabbal River. It has the newest refurbished palace turned heritage property. It is in the midst of a rural outpost hidden from the world. It is the place for apple orchids on the slope and the river nearby. And then there is the temple of Durga and Shiva.
This Fairy tale palace is perched in a little hollow amid the hills, and it looks like ginger bread enough to eat and is remarkable for the enormous masses of deodar timber used in its construction. The modern wing, where guests are put up was built in the 1930’s older section dates back centuries. The timber frame proved perilous when a fire in the 1960’s destroyed a large part of the original structure, but its being slowly restored. The modern wing is however well preserved. The elaborate wooden ceilings are stunning. It also has all the ancient weapons, ranging from cannons and swords to muskets and shields. It has just started giving out rooms to tourists.

Then there is Hatkoti were there are few temples and is named after the goddess Hatkeshwari also one of the Lord Shiva’s names. The Pabbal River is a perennial river arising in the Chansal Range just south of Kinnaur and is born of snow and spring fed lake called Chander Nahan or Chandar Naun. There are various smaller streams joining it on its short journey to Hatkoti where it meets the rivulet Bishkulti and the Rai Nala.
The cuisine here is Indian and to its way if you stop at Chhaila you will get the excellent snack of fish, caught fresh from the river and batter fried whole on the spot.
This place is still to wander and especially the Jubbal Palace which has been recently open to the tourists.

Find driving directions from Delhi to Jubbal here

Kasauli, weekend getaway

2007-10-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

There is nothing practically to do in Kasauli, just to lie down, trudge the surrounding hills, comfortable walks in the nature. It is a perfect weekend destination from Delhi people. It has not been exploited as Shimla; it still lives with its charm. Stroll down through Upper to Lower Mall and around the Sanatorium. We followed the upper mall and wandered up to the Monkey Point near the Air Force base. The 4 km hike to the Shri Baba Nath Temple on the top is a bit stiff. People praying for the blessing of children visit the shrine. We didn’t have such issues so we enjoyed the splendid vistas from this vantage point. Across the forested hills and deep ravines is the sleepy town of Dagshai. We also catch the sparkle of the Sutluj River curving lazily along the plains in the far distance views of the snow clad Dhauladhar Range and in the north east, the choor Chandni Peak.

We went for a picnic in the virgin Woodlands; it was for the town’s British residents over 50 years ago. We were able to view the humming birds, flycatchers, minuets and many, one of my friends got lucky and spot a deer and hyena too loping through the undergrowth. But we were not able to see them. The locals told us that there are leopards too.
The overall stay was just to relax and chill out with friends. Everything was naturist. And like all the hill station malls it also sell things like Kullu caps and some wooden work things.

Find driving directions from Delhi to Kasauli here.

Uchagoan a weekend destination from Delhi

2007-10-08T23:44:00.000-07:00

Along with my office group I went to Uchagoan weekend getaway from Delhi which is a heritage property and a fort, situated near Garhmukteshwar. We started early morning on Saturday and reached there in 2 ½ hours from Noida Mor. The place was beautiful in between a small village. The fort did not have the impressive gate but it was huge. Entering the fort there was the horse stable wit beautiful horse eating their meals. But to me it was not a fort; it was a Zamindar’s huge haveli which has been converted into a hotel. The main building was painted in white with large doom on its terrace. The place was relaxing with friends and we went to attend a workshop so our trainers were waiting for us. After having the breakfast which was good, we went to the conference room for the brain storming sessions. We came across so many things which we in our lives require to achieve few goals. In between the workshop we enjoyed the long conversations with the friends on its beautiful grounds, badminton, billiards, and the amazing room which have all types of lions head engraved into the wall. The ambience was quite and peaceful.

The dining area was full of paintings and cannons, swords in all sizes. Our rooms were spacious but did not have TV inside, who cares when the place is awesome and one is enjoying the chatting with friends on tea, playing caroms and other games. Uchagoan only lacks swimming pool otherwise it is the nearest cheapest and quite place around Delhi.

There were small gardens between the rooms area, with terrace having different types of chairs. And we were able to see the different species of birds. In short the place was good, the food was good with little spices and fresh and homely made. The service was good. Next time I would love to go with my family for a weekend break. Next day was Sunday so had to come back with the beautiful scenic view on the roads with Ganga canal along the road for 15km the experience in all was good.

Find driving directions from Delhi to Garhmukteshwar here.

Chilika Lake weekend getaway from Kolkata

2007-10-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

It is the largest brackish water lagoon in the heart of the coastal Orissa. Chilika Lake has also become one of the weekend destinations from Kolkata. It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the north to Ramba Malud in Ganjan district in South, separated from the Bay of Bengal. Well I came to know that Chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is also home to a phenomenal variety of birds. The lake and its islands teem with nesting birds like flamingos; pelicans also include migratory birds flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.

Then the Nalabana Island is covering about 16km in the lagoon area is a bird sanctuary. It is a paradise for bird watchers as the 9kms sanctuary attracts around 4lacs waterfowls of different species. Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island. It is bounded by the lagoon on three sides offers an excellent view and attracts the visitors to its entire 30km stretch of sand bar. Boats arranged by OTDC are available for both the islands. The lake also supports the local fisherman in earning their living from Chikila’s prawn, mackerel and crabs. However the plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of different fishing nets and gears has threatened the species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady dolphin.

There is a Kalijai temple which is standing on the one of the tiny rocky island which is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai, Shiva’s consort Durga, is a pilgrimage spot. Every year at Makar Sakranti pilgrims flock at the site to leave votive offerings in the cave where the deity is enshrined. Then there is a temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, the God of sea, in the tiny island of Baru Nakuda near Magarmukh is revered.

Then in the small village of Manikpatna there is a temple of Bhabakundesvar Shiva and an old mosque. At the entrance of the mosque is the piece of architecture as the door is made of the jaws of whale.

Brahmaputra is a place of scenic beauty in between the sea and the lake where a site to watch small deer is called Baliharina. Then there is Birds Island, a haven for resident and migratory birds. The Malud and Parikud are colorful islands within the lake. The Beacon Island is 3km from Rambha is an architectural marvel and conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock near Ghantasila Hill. The Breakfast Island and Honeymoon Island presents very dark blue water to visitors, who come here to relax.

People can stay at Satpada, Barkul and Rambha, there are OTDC rooms available.

Find driving directions from Kolkata here.

Vrindavan the religious weekend getaway

2007-10-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Since childhood I am visiting Vrindavan, and never got bored of the place. It is a perfect weekend destination from Delhi. Many people visit Vrindavan on Saturday and Sunday. Most of the time, I too have visited Vrindavan in weekends. The place is crowded. There are cows, people walking all over the road with murmuring Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. There are locals, tourists, foreigners all singing the same tune. On the Delhi Mathura road turn left when you enter Mathura and Vrindavan the city of Lord Krishna comes. And the most beautiful and I must say the neatest temple of Vrindavan welcomes you Iskcon Temple which is maintained by a trust and the place where you can find maximum amount of foreigners’ devotee of Lord Krishna. The entire temple is in white marbles and the priest here also wear white dhotis. In the morning whenever I have visited I have always enjoyed the Arti. Every priest dances along with playing different music instruments like flute, dhol and many more. The Radha Krishna Murti is amazingly beautiful here. After praying we always go to the next stop which Bakabihari Mandir. The most important part here is all the temples exclusive of 2 or 3 temples get close at 1200pm and reopens in the evening around 4.00pm so every devotee here is in the rush to visit the famous temples before 12, which is the basic reason of rush and crowd in every temple.

Bakabihari Temple is the famous and the oldest of the temples. The sweets shops welcome you in front of the gate of the temple. There is not a big gate; it’s a small path entering inside the temple. This temple is famous for the statue of Bakabihari which is one of the avatar of Lord Krishna. There is a curtain in front of the statue, as it is said that Lord Krishna comes here once in a day, so after every 5minutes they place the curtain open and then close so that the devotees can also offer their prayer. This is the temple where priest takes lots of money for doing some rituals for the devotees. Which personally I don’t like, I still remember once a priest made us so angry as he was forcing us to give him some donation for doing a particular kind of ritual so that we can be happy. It was ridiculous. This temple gets lakhs of donations through its devotees.

Then offering our prayers it’s the time for Mathura’s famous kachori. We always enjoy the kachori whenever we visit Vrindavan. My favorite temple is the one where the raslila takes place in the night. It’s a park and in between the park is the small temple. It is said that Lord Krishna daily in the night along with Radha dance and perform Raslila in the ground. So nobody is allowed to stay inside the temple or the park after 8pm. Infact there are stories that few people who have tried to stay here in the night where not to be found the next day.

We have also visited the ghat where Lord Krishna has stolen the clothes of Gopi’s and hanged them on the tree. It’s in the place Imli Tala, and the ghat is the Yamuna Ghat. The tree is standing there proudly where Lord Krishna had put the Gopi’s clothes.

There are so many places in Vrindavan which are not known, only 3 places are famous and so all the devotees come and pay their offerings here. However we once stayed for 4 days in our Guruji’s temple and he took us to the tour of Vrindavan, and I must say I was the lucky one to see the places which are not famous and people are not aware about. Places like the river from where Lord Krishna’s father brought him in the basket from Mathura to Gokul, Mera’s temple, the place where Lord Krishna used to do Ras Lila and play with his friends known as Gokuls, the Govardhan Parvat, The fort where Lord Krishna’s parents were captured and he took birth and many to go. I think every person should visit these places rather of giving donations to the places where the priest are greedy, donate here.

Find Driving Direction from Delhi here…

Shahpura Bagh Bhilwara an offbeat getaway from Delhi

2007-10-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Shahpura Bagh Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Rajasthan and was once the home to the Shahpura rulers however now it has been turned into a luxury accommodation. An oasis in the middle of the desert, the Shahpura Bagh weekend destination from Delhi is set in the heart of a network of 250 lakes. The nearest lake is full of white lotuses and the sunsets here are beautiful. Beautiful gardens surround the property and the haveli is pristine white, iridescent in the heat. This is a perfect refined retreat decorated with all usual ingredients like period furniture, four poster beds, high ceilings, portraits of the royalty, the works. But what wins you over is the incredible sense of space, the tastefully, lovingly done up spaces, personal attention, homemade food and the fact that all rooms open to green, green gardens.

You can look forward to accommodation sweeter than home at the Shahpura Bagh Hotel, Bhilwara. There are a total of 5 suites and 4 deluxe guest rooms within the premises. Each of them is absolutely special in their own way. They uphold a unique combination of conventional décor and contemporary facilities and are extremely comfortable. Once here, you can surely stay fresh and rejuvenated all through your trip.

Dining at the Shahpura Bagh Hotel, Bhilwara will be no less than a grand meal. The décor comprises ornately carved furniture and curious artifacts. Amidst all this you can enjoy the choicest of Indian dishes especially scrumptious Rajasthan food in the hotel's dining room. Everything from the setting of the place to the dishes and even the way in which the food is served is far removed from ordinary. The food is prepared out of fresh ingredients and even the recipes are typical to the hotel itself. You can get both vegetarian and non vegetarian items. As a matter of fact you also enjoy the liquor of your choice with your meal and end your feast with traditional Indian dessert. Tea and refreshments are also served at the dining room of the Shahpura Bagh Hotel.

You can enjoy the picnics, fishing and boating on the lakes with ample sundowners. The surrounding wetlands are a birdwatcher's paradise while the region is also rich with heritage and history – explore forts, palaces and temples

Find Driving Direction from Delhi to Rajasthan here

Camp Potters Hill Shimla offbeat getaway from Delhi

2007-09-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

When I visited Naldehra in Shimla I also went to Camp Potters Hill as I have heard about it a lot and wanted to see with my own eye that tents and the valley was really beautiful or not. But to my surprise yes it was really outstanding. I went alone to see the resort while my family was busy shopping on the famous Mall of Shimla. The Camp Potters offer the luxury tent. And here I seriously mean luxury. At Camp Potters Hill, the eco-friendly approach goes beyond responsible nature conservation to include the manner in which the establishment is built and run. Here, you are in the lap of nature and there are many bird species, which one gets to spot very easily like the Pheasant, Koel, Khaliz, and the Blue Magpie. This is what I was attracted to the eco friendly approach. Their main idea is to enjoy a combination of Eco tourism, leisure and adventure activities.

One of the staff helped me to view the tent and the cottages. They had 11 cottages and 8 tents. The Cottages were pretty good and well furnished and they had a small verandah where one can enjoy the nature. I liked the cottage much better than the tents but the tents were little cozy. They were also offering games like chess, cricket, basketball, rock climbing, Burma Bridge, Commando Rope Walk, Valley Crossing and on request they also arranged for rafting at Tattapani which was 50kms away. I would have loved to do one. In the night they offer barbeque and born fire where people also enjoy and dance with their family and friends. They also had conference room in Himachal style however well equipped.

In total I found it pretty good, may be next holiday for relaxation would be this place.

Find Driving Directions to Shimla here.

Shimla favourite weekend getaway from Delhi

2007-09-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

I have visited Shimla 4 or 5 times with my family. I have written about so many places but never wrote about the place where I have been in my childhood, teenage and youth. Shimla is the best weekend destination from Delhi, people visit it often. I was in 12^th standard when I last visited it. Still remember those lovely valleys and hills. We had stayed in I do not remember the name of my hotel but I do remember that it was on the end of the mall. SO there was not too much of noise and crowd which can disturb us. To enter the Mall Road from the city when cannot take the car inside as there is the huge lift which finishes at the Mall starting from the Shimla Road, along with a huge parking lot where tourist can park their cars.

The famous Mall Road of Shimla comprises of so many shops which sells all types of wooden work things, I still have that bangle wooden stand with me which I purchased there. The mall road is very vast and comprises of the upper mall road and the lower mall road. The lower mall road had many shops selling cassettes, clothes and all those things which you can find in Delhi. The upper Mall consists of shops which sell wooden things, and then there is the famous Christ Church at one end and the Tudor façade of the Municipal Corporation building at the other. Scandal point on the upper mall is the place where every tourist sits on the benches made there for rest and the kids enjoy the pony rides. Me and my sister also had enjoyed the pony ride. After our pony ride we went to the scatting club which is next to the church on the first floor. I hope its still there. Our session was for 1 hour and I enjoyed it, there were all type of people with young kids, teenage, youth and the old ones. The floor was wooden so the scatting done was amazing.

After that we roam in the mall for hours. Yes I remember the rose garden on the upper mall with a restaurant where we had snacks many times, sorry people my golden days were so amazing that I hardly bother to remember the name of the restaurant. But my best restaurant there is the United Coffee House in the end of the upper mall. It offered the best coffee in the World I still can taste it. My sister and I had played many video games which were close to our hotel.

Next day again after roaming in the Mall road we went to the Jakhu Mandir whose stairs starts along with the famous ghanta ghar on the upper mall on its right side. We started for the temple and to my surprise there were langurs all around. People were offering them food and from the trees they were roaming on the stairs. My mom strongly was offering them the channa but I was scared of them. After climbing so many steps we were tired and finally reached our destination. The temple offers prayer to the Hanuman that’s why it was all filled with the monkeys and langurs. After praying and little bit of eating we came down through steps and realized that it was night. Shimla looks more beautiful in the night with lights all around.

Well I would like to go again and now would like to see it in a different way. Some memories are never to be forgotten.

Find Driving Directions from Delhi to Shimla here

Kesroli Fort, weekend destination from Delhi

2007-09-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

While going to Alwar for visiting the Dargah we saw this Neemrana property the Kesroli fort weekend getaway from Delhi on our way and we decided that we would stay here for 1 night on our way back to home. It is a 14^th century hill fort of Kesroli and is the oldest heritage site in India. It was not too pleasingly painted fort it made us remember about the old days, and we wanted our younger sister to know about it as she is not aware of the heritage of India in this gizmo days. When we reached there it had rooms and suites available and I saw many foreigners enjoying their vacation. We booked the Neelkanth Mahal which was a suite with 1 double and 1 single room for Rs 3000 per night which was pretty affordable. We were so tired that after check in the room we directly went to have our dinner which was pretty good and we had a candle light dinner which one cannot imagine to have with a perfect silence. In short we enjoyed the ambience. After the dinner we went to the room which was huge with good interiors but without a TV, so I and my sisters decided to roam around the fort. They had a beautiful library where we could read books on different categories. Me and my younger sister choose the Mughal period, frankly we were not reading the book but we were much more interested to see the pictures in the book. After spending more than 1 hour in the library we head back to our room. We chatted and discussed various things which we haven’t done in months, which personally I liked because of lack of time in Delhi. We slept very peacefully.

Next morning my dad woke up early because of the chirping of birds which we cannot hear in Delhi. The voice of birds was amazingly cheerful. This was the time we could see the views beyond the fort clearly from the verandah. The experience was outstanding as we had our morning tea in an open air with lots of birds and the lush green field. Then we choose to have our buffet breakfast with different types of breads fruit cakes and to choose between Neemrana type of tea. After having the simple breakfast my parents held to the reception for payment and we went exploring the shop inside the fort which offered different arts and chess work famous of Mughal works but it was expensive. We left for Delhi once again keeping the lovely stay at Kesroli where our family had a sweet get together, chat and discussions which we never can have in our busy schedule in my memory.

Find Travel Directions from Delhi to Alwar here

The Chalets Naldehra, offbeat destination from Delhi

2007-09-24T02:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to an offbeat weekend destination from Delhi near to Shimla 20km, the Chalets of Naldehra with my family for a break from regular routine. The place was 343 km from Delhi so we started on Friday evening so that we can enjoy the weekend in resting and not in traveling. So we started around 7 in the evening and reached there around 2, do not worry we had hired a driver to drive the car especially in the night. We had already made are booking before reaching there so we just had to check in the cottage. In the night we were not able to view the scenic beauty of the place, we were just waiting for the reception man to give the keys and we can go to sleep. Our apartment was pretty good with all amenities and facilities. There are rooms and cottages available also but we were only four so we chose the apartment.

Next day I woke up early morning to enjoy the beauty of the place, and to my amaze it was awesome experience. I was standing in the lobby of my apartment with a cup of tea and enjoying the views of the hills and forest nearby with beautiful cottages close to my apartment. There was a chill breeze all over the place with little fog covering the terrace of the cottages, park and the forest plus the golf park. Yes it also offers the golf course however im not a golf player neither im attracted by the game. After enjoying the tea we planned to take a venture into the forest for jungle walk. We were provided with a guide who helped us out with the way in the jungle. The whole view was breath taking. The jungle was covered with many types of trees and with the clouds covering them and the chill breeze all around the place we could not have asked for anything much better than this. We were able to view many species of birds. While my dad and mom decided to go back to the apartment for rest I and my sisters planned for a trek. The trek was also good but I got little rashes. We had lots of fun with water rafting to horse ride everything was available here. Even it provided us with heated pool, spa, in house art gallery, croquet, billiards, golf, and yoga and evening bonfires. So now you can also understand that there was so much to do that we even realized that it was Sunday afternoon and we have to leave the place. But we decided to make another trip for Naldehra with the family and this time for a week.

Arts Reverie charming haveli in Ahmedabad

2007-09-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Arts Reverie is set in Dhal Ni Pol, one of the several pols that line the wall city of the Ahemdabad, weekend destination from Mumbai. Its one belongs to the Jain jeweler but has been brought up by Ahemdabad based author and art critic. It was 11 pm when I reached the pol house with my colleagues; we went for a workshop and heard about it. The two storied white havelis with green and blue windows, carved pillars and white walls, in some parts with red is easy to spot. However it was recently restored as the paint was fresh and it was the only building in the pol with a large white sculpture of two warriors on their horses, located on the roof and there was one emblem of the power that jeweler’s family once wielded. The walled city is the perfect place for any artist looking to history and ancient architecture for inspiration. The buildings around may be decaying but they were telling the stories when Ahemdabad was controlled by the traders and merchants, who constructed many of these embellished and carved havelis.

Unlike other hotels, it has no lobby. From the courtyard, I took the wooden staircase with a trap door, which has to be pushed open to enter the first level. A veranda was converted into a functional lounge or a common meeting space. Then there was a white wall with jeweled pattern of neckpiece, which was drawn by an American artist, forms the backdrop for a small library filled with books on art, travel and architecture. The furniture was basic a long table with wooden stools, topped by cushions. This is where we had dinner and watched television along.

It had three floors, on the ground level was the office and the kitchen and on the first was three rooms and the second had mosaic floored terrace, bedroom and an exhibition space for artists. The bathroom, a large all white space is common to all the rooms. Well ventilated, the havelis had 25 windows, some opening to the courtyard and others to the road side. My room was in soothing blue and white. Everything about the hotel was heritage as there were large teakwood cupboards, the wooden beds, the mosaic patterned flooring and the jharokhas that hide either a wardrobe or another door behind them. Oil lamps were lit every evening when the sun sets. We were able to view the other homes from the terrace. Meals were simple but varied my dinner consisted of rice, dal three kinds of vegetable some salad and a delicious khajur raita. In breakfast there were fresh juices, toast, butter and jam, poha or upma, slicers of fresh fruit and the dhokla. It is a strict vegetarian cuisine as the havelis is located in Jain cluster. The havelis also had world space radio and a WI fi environment.

Evenings are the best spent at arts Reverie, that’s when Dhal Ni Pol comes alive to the sounds of boisterous kids playing gali cricket and aunties gossiping on street corners.

Art Reverie is an art residency a retreat for artists, arts critics, filmmakers and writers, where they can stay for weeks or months.

Look for Driving Directions for Arts Reverie.

Pataudi Palace, the royal weekend destination from Delhi

2007-09-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

To me it was more than enough that I was visiting the home of Saif Ali Khan my favorite actor. However it was the Pataudi Palace the royal palace which is now run by the Neemrana hotels. I went to enjoy my weekend in a royal style with my friends. It is a perfect weekend destination from Delhi. Only 60 kms from Gurgaon the palace was amazingly beautiful in all white. Pataudi palace belongs to the Indian cricketing legend and royal scion, Nawab Mansur Ali Khan. He is nicknamed as “Tiger” amongst his cricket fans. But he is a true Nawab in every way. This palace was built by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan, his father and the ruler of the princely state of Pataudi in Haryana, India. This palace was designed by Heinz in 1935.

It has so many gardens along with the beautiful carved marble water fountains everywhere. It was the true nature walk one would love to have. The white pillars all around were reminding me about the British buildings in Delhi. It is a heritage hotel in pure white with beautiful gardens covering up the entire surroundings. After seeing the exteriors I was keener to view the interiors of the palace. It was very pretty and looked like the old days. The lobby was full of images of Pataudi’s cricket days and his marriage with the famous actress Sharmila Tagore including there children Saif and Soha. The ceiling was high and it was all decorated with beautiful candle chandeliers, curtains and many pictures of the family. There was also the Saif Mahal which had the pictures of Saif from his childhood and it was pretty nice. They accommodate only 10 people at a time that to informed prior to check in date. So we were given 2 rooms Sajida and Silvat Mahal, it also has suites name as Mansur, Saif, Mumtaz Mahal. The rooms were pretty big and had all the modern facilities available. The bathrooms were occupied by the old days marble tub and taking a bath in them, I felt as I was one of the princess from history.

The meal was amazingly good as they offered us the Avadhi cuisine. The meal rate is nominal for all only Rs 300 per head. After having the delicious meal we went for little walk in the garden. There were so many of them with beautiful water fountains in different shapes and sizes all around the palace. We were so amazed to hear the voice of the peacock from near by and then in a tree nearby we could see 2 of them with so many other species of bird whose name I m not aware of. It was a naturist walk. After relaxing in the garden we went to play billiards in the billiards room and half of my friends went for swimming.

The entire stay was so royal that the next day we were not in the mood to leave the palace and asked the manager to extend our stay for one more day, but our bad luck the palace was already booked for a conference so we have to check out at 2 pm which is the check out time here. But the experience was totally fantastic and breath taking, experience once in a lifetime. In further future would definitely visit it again hopefully with my family.

Find driving directions from Delhi.

Gokarna a weekend getaway

2007-09-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

I was traveling in a bus to the town of Gokarna a weekend destination from Bangalore. When I reached Gokarna in Karnataka I asked for Swa Swara, the local name for this beach resort is simply aa hosa jaaga. I took an auto rickshaw and reached my place. My room in the resort was a miniature Konkan villa with cool red oxide floor and tiled roof. The bathroom was open roof, and then there was the yoga room upstairs soon became my regular spot for tea and staring. Om Beach was five minutes from the resort. People live in here in off season mode, believe that the tourists don’t want their hair and feets to get wet so although Gokarna is near round the year destination, most places that let out beach shacks and cottages close down almost as soon as the first dark cloud makes its appearance. But those that are open are glad to serve up well meaning chai and fried rice. Even when Gokarna is playing introvert, it manages to make endless expanse of the Arabian Sea seem like my own little holiday space. From Om beach I walk along a marked route up a mountain, stopping once in a while to get a top view of the beach’s Om shape.

Kudla beach shines many shades of orange through the forest darkening after sunset. Palm trees line the beach, as if it’s perfectly normal to stand there right next to masses of sea eroded boulders. A few fishermen come out with torches, searching for fish that might get thrown out when the waves mess about in mountain. Back at my resort I had fish with few vegetables which was amazingly cooked.

Next day I went to the Western Ghats. There were shopkeepers, temple priests, and local tribes selling flowers everyone was ready to break into a story. The temple town of Gokarna has 8 temples more than two temples per street. I visited the town main lord Mahabaleshwar, its one temple stop for holiness. The board there said foreigners are prohibited inside the temple, many agitated priests argue that god doesn’t like unbathed people and they are not sure if foreigners bathe. After making my prayers I walked to the nearby Gokarna Beach, the only one accessible from inside the town. The town covered with half a day, I heard to the two beaches I have been warned to only touch by road Half moon and Paradise beaches, which can be reached by auto or a trek. More peril less sand in Half Moon Beach. But any peril will seem worth if dolphins suddenly slice through the sea surface which I watched for a long time. And then the rains start in Gokarna and I have to go back to my resort.

Check out Driving Directions from Bangalore to Gokarna

Kumarakom, Queen of Vembanad

2007-09-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

It is the perfect backwater village of KumarakomVembanad Lake, 15 km west of Kottayam. My biggest dream of seeing the backwaters of Kerala came live when I went there. It is the best weekend destination or getaway of the people of Kerala. Kumarakom is a perfect resort destination for the honeymooners, couples and the backwaters lover. It is a tiny village on the edge of Vembanad Lake which was practically unknown till Henry Baker purchased the land from the erstwhile Raja of Travancore to build himself a grand home. When they left

India

, Taj hotels stepped in to turn it into a fancy resort, changing the fortunes of the once quiet fishing hamlet. But today when I see it, it is a maze of modern resorts and heritage homes cum hotels spilling over the island banks.

I started experiencing the Vembanad backwaters slowly and leisurely. I hired a kettuvallom, the traditional rice boat turned houseboat. There are many floating hotels range from tiny canoes to houseboats capped by elaborate superstructures of bamboo and rosewood, paneled with mats of screwpine. There are scores of motorboats available to take a ride on Vembanad Lake. I saw the past paddy and coconut groves, mangroves, along fresh water canals and rivers that debouch into Vembanad Lake. Around Onam the waters of Vembanad at Kumarakom come alive with boat races such as the Kumarakom Arpookara Vanitha Jalmela and the Kavanthikara Boat Race. I also came to know that I can even fish in these waters and some of the resorts also offered water skiing and wind sailing.

The next day my plan was to view the bird sanctuary of Kumarakom which is spread across 14 acres on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake. It is best to visit the sanctuary on foot by a 1 ½ km long walking track, where I spot heron, darters, storks, teals and common egrets. I also took the boat ride and came across waders like waterfall and ducks and some filers like parrots, larks and flycatchers. And I went in mid November last year which is the time when the sanctuary turns into a transit lounge for migratory birds. The entry fees was only Rs. 5 however the guide took Rs. 100 from me and the timings were 6 am to 6.30 pm which meant I had to go back soon to reach the starting point of the sanctuary.

My third and the last day were to relax on my houseboat and view the Museum of VembanadLake. On the Kumarakom jetty itself a distinctive building with its pillared verandah and sloping tiled roof at the Market junction is the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. It displays the art of the sea chiseled driftwood gathered from the beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It was unique as I haven’t seen any museum displaying these things before. Raji Punnoose, a retired teacher were chiseled by him into shapes that vary from a crocodile found off Port Blair’s Wandoor Beach to a sculpture Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose I also purchased few sculptures here to gift them to my family and friends. And my last night in Kumarakom Lake Resort which also offered ayurvedic centre, backwater cruises, gift shop, Jacuzzi and water sports, I though of enjoying few of them.

There are many Kumarakom Holiday Packages available now. For Driving Directions from Kochi to Kumarakom check this out.

Kochi once upon a lagoon

2007-09-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

The massive port of Kochi (weekend destination, getaway or beach holiday) encompasses Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, a cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake and Ernakulam and Thripunithura all to me was my idea of enjoying the holidays with my family. Welcomed with traditional warmth and contemporary gumption I’m at the airport of Kochi with constructed sloping roof typical of traditions Kerala homes. The beautiful highway to bustling Ernakulam confirms this enjoyable contradiction. Till recently Kochi was Cochin, and it was a lagoon which made Kochi a cherished destination as far back as the early 16^th century and it is the same port which makes Kochi one of the nation’s busiest ports now. The rich aroma of spices and sandalwood drew the Europeans here and they soon wrested the profitable spice trade from Arab merchants.

Well leave the history now everybody knows about it. After check in the hotel and resting we left for the most important heritage sight seeing is Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. The distance between the interesting ancient and famous places in Fort Kochi is surprisingly short. We had little nature or leisure walks here however one needs many days to scroll the place well. Santa Cruz Basilica a Portuguese built church was celebrating its 500^th anniversary so we went to see the ceremony. Its Gothic façade with soaring spires is imposing but it was the interiors that were truly impressive. Princess Street is one of the oldest in fort Kochi; the buildings are all in colonial style, with their peeling pastel, bronze stucco walls and flowerpot laden windowsills. St Francis Church at the northern end was built in timber, by the Portuguese. /the famous Vasco da Gama was originally buried here in some 1500’s and his remains were later taken to Lisbon, but the tomb still exists. A short walk from Princess Street was Vasco da Gama Square and just before the beach are the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a legacy of traders from Kublai Khan’s court. The fort Kochi beach was itself a quite small though cleans and has a pretty lighthouse at one end of it. And as the light house turns back and walk down a street parallel; to the beach, to the Dutch cemetery, final resting place for the scores of soldiers and merchant adventures from 17^th and 18^th century Netherlands.

Once the Keralite Jews occupied all the houses in the Jew Street, today most of their former inhabitants living in Israel, the old residence are shuttered. Their firework arches, often inscribed with a Star of David, wear a forlorn look and their once audacious blue and green facades are fading. There were few shops still running who sell antiques, spices and curio. Anchoring one end of the Jew street is Jew cemetery road with its Malayalam and Hebrew tombstones. A walk through several blocks brought us to the wrought iron gates of the Pardesi Synagogue. It is 400 years old and its interiors holds carved brass columns, an intricately carved teak ark, Belgian crystal chandeliers and Torah crowns of solid gold set with gems. The floor has hand painted porcelain tiles from Canton, each tile with a different pattern.

Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese’s in 1557 and presented to the Raja of Kochi, its exterior is quite boring but the interiors are good. The Central Hall on the upper story was once used s the venue for the coronation of Cochin’s Raja’s and has a beautifully carved wooden ceiling. In various rooms there were some excellent murals.

Ernakulam, Kochi’s new face was exciting. Many of the Broadway’s buildings retained their sloping roofs and inverted elevators. There is nothing a shopper can’t get here and the place has an exotic cardamom and cumin charm about it. Fronting Broadway is the city’s pride the seventy feet road and beyond it, the backwaters. And there it was the old jetty was all strangled in kelp and faded fish ropes, there is now the Marine Drive Promenade. We sat here and watched the Ernakulam-vypeen ferry made its slow passage. The lagoon was making a frown where the boat has disturbed its reverie. Ernakulam got it’s name from Rishinaga- kulam, a Shiva temple’s pond. This where according to the legend, a sage was finally freed from a curse. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in his Virata or primordial hunter avatar. The annual festival is in January and is spread over eight days. On the 7^th day is Pakalpooram, when the deity is taken out in a procession with caparisoned elephants accompanied by the panchavadyam orchestra. It culminates with the famous Pandimelam which is a percussion extravaganza and fireworks. In August – September is Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival and the Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a benefiting climax to a week of revelry. Sleek serpent boats vie with one another, the furious paddling turning the waters fronting Marine Drive into one frothing melee. I liked and enjoyed the racing.

Mattancherry and Jew street in fort Kochi and Broadway and MG road in Ernakulam are the shopping hubs. I picked up antique items, spices, coffee from Mattancherry. Do look out for door jambs, old mirror frames, metal locks, and quaint early 20^th centaury ceramic and Meta utensils. Shopping for gold is best in MG road of Ernakulam with few branded shops. In simple words I enjoyed the backwaters and the fort and would love to come here again and again.

There are many sites that are providing few holiday packages for Kerala.

Find driving directions to Kochi here

Rao Raj vilas in Kuchesar

2007-09-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

It was just a mud fort rising from the plains and the village around it. Rao Raj Villas are situated in Kuchesar in Western Uttar Pradesh. A comfortable two hour drive makes it a. The mud fort is a doaba rebel classic, almost immune to cannon fire and surrounded by dense cane breaks. Seven massive mud bastions of the fort are still standing around the periphery of the fort, though the moats have run dry, and the canebrakes are gone. Roa Raj Villas is a good place to go on a Luxury Holiday.

These are 3 havelis of the original complex has been turned into the guest rooms of the Rao Raj Villas hotel. The havelis were lying unused and virtually derelict till last year. Rao Raj Vilas is not one of those heritage hotel where an old property is turned over to a larger chain; the personal family touch is visible in everything. For one it is quite small and intimate, there being only 10 guest rooms operational now. The entire family pitches in to run the hotel, and they were all waiting for us when we entered the fort. As we climbed down the stairs our eyes caught the swimming pool set in the main courtyard, deep bluish green tiles setting up a striking contrast to the carved sandstone surrounding, a marvelous change from the regulation swimming pool blue one has come to expect.

When lunch was served, it managed to be an extraordinary combination of homelike and exquisite. With the non veg the desert served in the end which was the mango ice cream it was damn so fresh and delicious that it comes from the family’s own orchards and made in home. After that we had a sleep and when I woke up the room was cool in the afternoon, not even needing to use the AC.

Anant one of the members of the family took us for a tour through the property. Through the Peen Baagh, also named because it is the quarter of the area of a standard issue garden and is still rather large. We walked up to one of the bastions, and looked out fair to the horizon, over orchids and seemingly endless swaying fields of sugarcane. We walked through a thick little keekar forest growing inside the fort, in which Anant said they are planning to conduct a nature walk. Then there were two temples on one of the edge of the fort itself, dating back to the 18^th centaury. We visited the rooftop bar and open air terrace, which is operational in winter and saw peacocks, perched atop the buildings. We walked down the tehkhanas, currently empty, but with great potential to become a lounge space.

After the constant madness of Delhi, it is the most refreshing thing to be able to have seen and done everything to do in a couple of hours. We played billiards and table tennis and there was also a mini conference room where one can arrange for conferences with chairs and table and projection screen comfortable under the huge old ornately brocaded punkah.

In the evening we sat with our wonderful hosts, as the breeze blow and listened to their stories of Kuchesar’s past. We sat by the poolside, we drinking juices and some of them beer watching the mohs circle shamaas. Again in the morning Anant made plans for us to drive to the mango orchards for picnic, but the rain finish it all. However we sat on the lounge chair reading the books and chatting as the rain poured down. When we were checking out they compensated for the abortive trip to the mango orchards by presenting us with big packets of mangoes, plucked from the trees.

Kalari Kovilakom, Ayurvedic Centre

2007-09-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Other than few temples, there isn’t much to see in the small town of Kollengode, an ayurveda holiday destination or a weekend destination from Kerala, but this is something I have to be told. I would never have discovered this for myself, for as a guest at Kalari Kovilakom, I’m not allowed to step outside the big, black gate that swung shut as soon as I entered. I’m not allowed to choose what I eat during my stay either. I’m not given access to a television set. I’m not able to enjoy a chilled pepsi as there are no refrigerators in the rooms here and besides, alcohol consumption is not permitted on the premises. I’m not allowed coffee, not even sugar, if I want to sweeten my herbal tea however I have to use honey.

I am experiencing ayurveda as something more than just getting a relaxing massage with oils made of herbs whose names you can’t begin to pronounce. Ayurveda in its purest, most traditional form, here with yoga, a balanced diet at Kalari Kovilakom, the Palace of Ayurveda.

And it was a palace a Kovilakom once. It housed the daughters of the royal family of Vengunad. The original architecture is intact, very little has been touched or added. There is a peacock carved into the ceiling, wooden beams radiating from its plumage like rays of the sun. A set of doors past the enormous four poster bed in the centre leads to a smaller room with space for storage, and further doors open out to the bathroom with bath products made of sweet basil and aloe vera. It’s easy to lose yourself in the past at Kalari Kovilakom. My dad’s leather sandals are taken away and he is given a padukas to roam around. We were woken up at half past five by devotional songs from a temple nearby, meant to awaken the town. Before and after meals the timings of which are announced by the ringing of a temple bell, we were asked to rinse our hands into vessel, using the water that the person waiting, pours on us through a spouted jug.

I heard a lot about energy at Kalari Kovilakom. I’m told that according to ayurveda, the year is divided into Visarga Kala during which our bodies give out energy to nature and Adana Kala during which our bodies take in energy from nature. The monsoon season belongs to the latter, which makes it the ideal time for Ayurvedic treatments because the body doesn’t get tired. I came to know that a popular treatment during monsoon is the panchakarma. The five step cleansing process includes vomiting, evacuation of the bowels with a laxative, nasal therapy, enema therapy and bloodletting. These massages aren’t typical. I’m here for two days, so I get these treatments just to have an idea of what the experience entails. If we were here for 14 to 21 days then the doctor would have first diagnosed us first. She would have drawn up a personalized diet chart, determined which herbs and oils would best suit us and the appropriate yogas for here.

I attended a session of yoga nidra, the aim of which was to attain a state of psychic sleep. The body sleeps, the mind is at rest, but the consciousness is aware. The effort is so relaxing, I doze off a guest helps me through a splitting headache which is due to caffeine withdrawal and that I should ask for a herbal remedy. I did so and half hour later someone walks with a drink hat tastes like rum and from another container he scoops out the paste and rubs it on my scalp. After an hour I felt better.

The yoga and the ayurveda take care of the body. And the fact that these treatments and exercises aren’t designed to occupy you 24 hours a day takes care of mind. And a sign here said that don’t let the silence disturb you.

Reaching there is easy, we took Air Deccan flight to Kerala and the nearest airport is the Coimbatore. Kalari Kovilakom is not a hospital, not a resort, not a spa but it offers the experience and the benefits of all these. There are 18 rooms and the suits called as Kovilakom or Vengunad suites. The minimum stay is 14 days. For reservation you can view kalarikovilakom.com.

Mandvi Palace

2007-09-11T01:38:00.000-07:00

Two and a half kilometers of beach all to me was my idea of enjoying the camping holidaysMandvi Palace. It is in the middle of 450 acres of mildly domesticated jungle that make up the backyard of Vijay Vilas, the summer retreat of the former rulers of Mandvi, situated in Kutch, Gujarat. It is the only private owned beach in India, with the property extending to the waterline. I have heard that the Mandvi family has refused offers from various chains to take over and the run the palace as a hotel. Mr. Pragmulji III is the current head of the family. I didn’t get to meet him either because he was off campaigning for the elections way over on the other side of the Gujarat, but when we spoke his enthusiasm for the place was evident. He liked the idea of tents instead of making sculptures so he and his wife designed tents in their own way and got them made locally. It is an accommodation with my family. The waves gambol in the few feet away. I’m at the beach at of 10 pairs of guests at the moment, so it works out to a comfortable 200 meters of beach per couple at peak occupancy. Well, I exaggerate and came to know that the place was also for the day trippers however charging them a fee for access to the beach, so it may not be so deserted.

The camp consisted of 10 tents in a clearing, each sleeping two, a sand dune and a line of scrub and trees separating them from the beach and protecting them from the worst of the weather. Each one is set on its own concrete plinth, a little sit out in the front with a couple of dinky camel leather deck chairs. The styling is reminiscent of royal expedition tents like scalloped edges, carved finials atop the tent poles, awning over the entrance. The tents are set rather too close to each other, with the support ropes of neighboring tents overlapping. The tents are triple layered, a candy striped inner tent, over that a thicker outer, and over it all, a waterproof roof and the lack of natural ventilation is more than compensated for with a high power air conditioner.

Inside, a carpeted floor, twin beds, bedside tables with small storage space, carved wood chairs and a writing table. The chair are nice looking but not to comfortable. Lighting is a couple of lamps beside the beds. At the back, behind the flap, is a largish tiled, walled bathroom, its roof an extension of your tent. Meals are delivered to your tent or you can amble over to the thatched roof restaurant that looks out on to the beach. It served continental, Chinese and Indian.

Overall, the place does itself a disservice with its branding as it calls itself a luxury beach camp which raises expectations way too much. It is no doubt very comfortable and gives fair value for money.

Bodhi Zendo, a Zen medication centre

2007-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

It is in Kodaikanal which offers ayurvedic massages, yoga and is a spot of spiritual fulfillment. Bodhi Zendo, is one of the perfect destination for ayurveda holidays in India. Isolation always seems a cruel idea to me, even if you are ensconced in a beautiful luxurious, pampering environment, because soon you will be chucked back into noise.

Bodhi Zendo is a wonderfully serene place, snug in belly of banana and coffee plantations with acre of woodland paths to explore and spectacular views of the plains. The rooms are sophisticated and single wooden floors, a writing desk overlooking the garden, portable cane reading chairs, and a charming wooden bureau for your belongings. The main building is set around a central courtyard with Japanese style rock garden complete with bonsai and bridges. The background sports an impressive vegetable garden, a lily pound and gazebo.

It isn’t very different from most other places of its ilk, except that it also makes you work for living, which adds the proper dimension of righteousness to the wholesome experience. Visitors are expected to be present for Zazen (meditation sessions), samu/ seva (community work), and meals (they feed you well). They are also expected to maintain certain hours of silence, wash their own dishes, and keep their rooms and bathrooms clean. My favorite ritual was watching the sun redden the sky, turning it to midnight black from my position in the Mediterranean room. This wonder of a room has three walls of glass and its flawlessly soundproofed, so while I was there silence was primeval.

The point of Zen has always been to emphasize the journey rather than the end result. Bodhi Zendo will give the chance to put on a new pair of shades with which to view the world.

A stay at Bodhi Zendo cost us Rs.200 per day for rooms and meals. Contact details are Bodhi Zendo, Perumalmalai, Kodaikanal, and tel: (04542) 230345; email id: mail@bodhizendo.org

Mangalore, Port of many colours

2007-09-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Mangalore draws its name from the goddess Mangaladevi in whose name a temple was built here in the ninth century by King Kundavarma. What I came to know about this place was that religion dominates society and economy. Exquisite temples like the Manjunatha, Mangaladevi and sharavu Ganapathi are a part of the religious circuit in the city. Located right in the centre of the city, on the campus of St. Aloysius College on Light house hill road, this chapel is an architectural gem. It was built in 1900, has a series of paintings that cover every inch of its roof and walls. On the Kadri Hills within Mangalore city lies the Kadri Manjunatha Temple, it is among the oldest Shiva temple in

India

. The caves atop Kadri Hill on which the temple is made are popularly known as the caves of Pandava. The Pandmasanastha Loke shwara, a bronze statue within the temple is among the oldest bronze sculptures in the country.

About 6km from the Mangalore, lays the ruin of an important 18^th centaury watch tower built by Tipu Sultan near the scenic Gurpura River. And in the city in Hampankatta on G.S Road near the State Bank, there is Sharavu Maha Ganapathi temple is both a temple and a cultural centre which dates back almost eight centuries. It hosts a range of Yakshagana performances.

Then there was Milagres Church which was razed by Tipu Sultan who suspected the Catholics of Mangalore of being secretly affiliated to the British army. However it was rebuilt after Tipu’s death. And then Sri Mangaladevi Temple on the southern tip of Mangalore city is fairly humming with myth and legend. It is built as a mark of piety by King Kundavarma on the advice of two Nepalese sages, this temple and the Kadri Manjunatha Swamy Temple are closely interlinked in the rituals and practices they perform. On the nine days of Navratri or Dussehra in October, this temple comes alive in a grand celebration of the Devi. The Swayamwara Parvati puja in the temple is one that draws a lot of aspiring girls who look to divine intervention in their search for ideal mates. The ritual involves the young maiden dong a special fast and also receiving sanctified holy sandalwood paste from the priest after the ritual puja.

Then there was Kadri Hills where we went for Lighthouse Hill Garden for a look at snakes, deer and other such animal’s friends. The city’s oldest cathedral Rosario Cathedral built by Portuguese is a reminiscent of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It was very simple stained glass windows with the main altar of Jesus and Mary created with mosaic tiles.

Mangalore is famous for cashew nut so we purchased lots of them and we had the famous cashew drink kajucho which was amazing. We stayed at The Taj Manjarum Hotel however there many more like Hotel Mangalore International, Hotel Manorma and many more.

Find Travel Directions to Mangalore Here

Kemmannagundi, a monarch retreat

2007-09-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

For a weekend break from Bangalore, we found Kemmannagundi in Karnataka. It is a single secluded hill that’s been successfully posing as a hill station ever since King Krishna Rajinder made its summer haven here. It can be viewed in one day with its views, gardens and waterfalls. The 58 km ride from Chikmagalur to Kemmannagundi is like watching a nature program on TV. There were views of sprawling coffee estates shaded with silver oaks stream on our car window as we bounce along on potholes. The Horticulture department guest house is thick with flowers in the garden. Then there was the Rock garden within the guest house premises maintained by the Horticulture Department. The Kallahati falls also known as Kalahasti falls descend from a height of 122m and are quite pretty. It’s a lovely place for picnic lunch. Then we went to trekking Mohammed Aseem who works for LEAF, an environmental agency, is the activity coordinator for the Taj in Chikmagalur and also organizes treks, coffee plantation visits and other activities for tourists.

Find Travel Directions to Kemmannagundi here

Mount Abu, sitting pretty on a Plateau

2007-09-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

Mount Abu was beautiful when I visited it with my family around 6-7 years ago. However to be said it is a hill station of Rajasthan and when we arrived there in the month of June the temperature was around 42 degree and according to the locals the fluctuation in temperature is always between 30-45 degree Celsius, that was strange to us but then what can except from a hill station in Rajasthan. We started our search for a good hotel and we found Hotel Mount view which offered us cottages along with all the amenities and games plus a swimming pool and the positive point was it was on the famous Mall road which was enough for us.

Next day we had breakfast at the hotel and decided to view the Dilwara Temple. We had our own car so after understanding the route to the temple we started for it and hardly from our hotel it was 20 minutes run and we reached the temple. The temple was amazing and for few seconds I was astonished to see the architecture of it, the carvings on the pillar of the temples and its doom was mind blowing. I mean in my history lessons I had only heard about the carvings of Ajanta and Ellora or Taj but no where was this Dilwara Temple mentioned. It is a Jain temple and according to me it has the most astonishing carvings, ceilings and pillars. After offering our prayer and having something to eat we started for our next step which was Bharamakumari Ashram, the famous Ashram for the old people. When we reached there I could see the white building with beautiful gardens and the neatness of the road and the surrounding looked liked we have reached some foreign city. The building included a museum which showed some of their programs brochures, paintings etc. Then they also showed us small documentary about the ashram as in what all they do and how it was started. On a brief note our visit to the ashram was little soothing. So after the tiring day we decided to go back to our hotel and swim and relax for the day.

Next day we went to boating at the famous Nakki Lake which is on the mall and in our history it is told that it was scraped by God from the ground using their nails. There were various boats for ride and the paddle one. The next one hour we enjoyed the boating. After that we were in no mood to visit sunset point so we started roaming at the mall exploring shops. The shops here offered the famous Kullu caps, shawls, and more decorated things for households. My mom purchased a chess which was made in a big stone and had beautiful carvings on its chess man. And after shopping we had went back to the hotel and enjoyed our game of table tennis and swimming. Next day we checked out from the hotel to drive back home. In a short brief I still enjoy memorizing my trip with my family to Mount Abu.

Apart from Mount View there are many hotels available like Jaipur House and the Rajputana Club.

Find Travel Directions to Mount Abu Here …….

Aurangabad, At the Heart of History

2007-09-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

I went to Aurangabad to inspect the fabulous heritage of the Buddhist caves at Ajanta and Ellora. It was a rough journey across the forbidding mountains on

India

’s frontier was made I suppose 600 years ago by Zahiruddin Babur who had descended from two ferocious Asian conquerors, Timur and the Genghis Khan. I also found the man who brought the dynasty to an end Aurangzeb buried here. Like all the other Mughal spots it is two faced one shows the bygone era and the old city.

We went to the India’s most important sites of heritage and natural wealth. The Ellora Road leads west out of the city, taking us to the Daulatabad Fort and the Buddhist caves of Ajanta and Ellora and Pitalkhora. The Paithan Road, south of the Aurangabad station leads past Bidkingaon and Dhorkingaon to ancient Paithan on the banks of the Godavari. Bibi ka Maqbara, which the locals proudly also call the Twin of Taj Mahal and outsiders call Poor Man’s Taj, was built by Aurangzeb’s son. It was quite a trek, well preserved and retaining the luminosity of all Mughal structures. It has the marble’s shade and geometric designs still survive despite the intermittent vandalism of the decades. Then there was Panchakki, a water wheel with a healthy ecology of its own, and large khol of fish glide gracefully in a tank that as part of a snazzy engineering marvel in those days, built by the slave- king Malik Amber. Water drawn from a reservoir some km away, again drawn into a tank and ceramic pipes and an iron fan churned the water to create energy used by the flour mill to grind grain for pilgrims. In its ordinary red marble structure it shares the memory of Aurangzeb himself.

Then we visited few masjids and Dargahs. Jama Masjid was our first choice which was between the market and The Shah Ganj Masjid, and the famous of all where the emperor’s tutor lies buried in Dargah of Pir Ismail in the north of the city. Then Bani Begum Gardens, about 24kms from Aurangabad is the house tomb of Bani Begum, the consort of one of Aurangzeb’s sons. It is built in various styles with massive domes, fountains and pillars, these gardens were a fine specimen of Deccan influenced Mughal architecture.

For shopping there are good fabrics available to buy like Himroo, Paithan and many to go. We stayed at Quality Inn the Meadows; however the best is the Taj Residency along with Ambassador Ajanta and many more.

Find Travel Directions to Aurangabad Here….

Thalassery, drumbeats of another age

2007-08-31T01:57:00.000-07:00

The coastline from Kannur to Thalassery to Mahe forms an exotic necklace of rivers and beaches, each with its own ambience in Kerala. A comfortable walk from the stadium brought me to the temple of the fisher folk near the maiden where cricket was first played in India many years ago. It stood on a beautiful stretch of beach, a symbol of gratitude to the Arabian sea for its bounty and its grace.

The Catholic Rosary church stood next to the English church and fort, south west of the cricket maiden. While the former pulses with the even tempo of daily prayer, the latter is closed. The Juma Masjid stands in friendly proximity and the three buildings stand together, wafting their prayers on the same elements.

Then comes the Wellesley’s bungalow which savour’s the peace and amble, the house is owned by Mr. Babar, a company man, played host to Lord Wellesley as Wellesley was the one who introduced cricket to Indians.

To get the birds eye view of this whole complex I climb to the ramparts of the Tellicherry Fort which is at the south west of the cricket maiden. Was built in 1700, I still saw the pepper cellars from which trade was conducted. Situated on a headland guarding the port, it provides a panoramic view of sea and land, picturesquely its invulnerability over the ages.

And then for relaxing I went to the lovely beach called a folly where I watched the glorious sunsets of Malabar.

Situated on the south bank of the Moolakadavu River and bisected by the Mahe River, Mahe south of Thalassery, is the area that the French East India Company negotiated as a trading post. It still remains a segment of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. A fascinating aspect of Mahe was the line of old families of the area has retained their joint family homes. The architectural style which has been used here is French giving the streets a distinction of its own. And there is a church which is famed for the efficacy of prayers said here St Theresa’s Church on the main road, draws people of all faith. At Cherukallu 1 km from Mahe, St George’s fort provides a spectacular view of Mahe and its environs. Not too distant are the ruins of the fort built by Thatcholli Othenan, a legendary hero of Malabar and a superb kalaripayattu exponent. Also on the River Mahe 1km from the centre is Mahe Boat House, which is delightful little boating pier.

A visit to the biggest cinnamon plantation in Asia, established by East India Company agent Murdich Brown in 1790’s should definitely on the agenda as it also has the distinction of being the first plantation registered in Kerala.

Thalassery is not generously equipped with fine hotels, barring one beautiful home stay at Ayisha Manzil where I stayed and it sits on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Dharamshala, home to Dalai Lama

2007-08-29T00:13:00.000-07:00

Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by a stretch of the Dhauladhar Mountains, overlooking the Kangra Valley. I went to meet Dalai Lama because of whom Dharamshala was put on the world map. The famous Kotwali Bazaar is in Lower Dharamshala and the Upper Dharamshala is more residential with the elegant bungalows and the cantonment. Only a distance of 10kms separated these two communities. And a short walk away was the Mcleodganj.

Kotwali bazaar consisted of a number of shops selling woolens including the locally woven Kullu and Kinnauri shawls on both the sides of the roads, with little cafes where I had a cup of hot tea with my friends and went shopping. Then we went to see the Kangra Art Museum but our bad luck it is closed on Sundays and Mondays so we were not able to see its wonderful collection of miniatures. So we went to see the Yol Camp where Italian prisoners of war were lodged during World War II, and also the War Memorial nearby, which commemorates the sacrifice of Himachal war heroes. Next day we went to a walk in Upper Dharamshala which was the most amazing part of our journey. The road passes through the deeply wooded Forsytheganj with bungalows set back from the road. And just ahead was the St. John’s Church which was a pretty stone building that holds Viceroy Lord Elgin’s Memorial, who had died here in some 1860’s.

And a couple of turns brought us to the main chowk of Mcleodganj. The Dalai Lama’s Tibetan settlement was full of colour and life. I found everything from monks to feisty restaurants, shop owners and hippies. As I took the wooden trail the prayer wheels and carpet shops fade into the distance to Gelugpa Monastery, where Dalai Lama residence is. However the monastery to me was little disappointing at first as was built in a government building but inside it the great statue of Buddha, the thankas and other ritual and votive objects soon distract from its severe symmetry.

At sidhpur on the Yol road was Norbulingka which is a center devoted to the preservation of Tibetan arts and crafts and was set in a Japanese style garden, Norbulingka had a temple, shops, the Losel Dolls museum, thanka painting centre, tailoring section and a café. I enjoyed shopping at Mcleodganj more as there were Tibetan carpets, thankas, wooden masks, metal votive objects, paper drawings, beads and many interesting things. I stayed at Chonor House where the celebrity such as the Hollywood Star Richard Gere stays most often. And then there is Hotel Bhagsu and Clouds End Villa.

Manali Hotels

2007-08-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

My stay at Hotel Sitara International was very good. The hotel has picturesque location, overlooking the lush green valley and snow clad mountains. The room was well decorated, spacious, and luxurious. I'll recommend trekking around the mountain side (which hotel can provide on request, better that you do it on your own); you can also try camping, trekking, water rafting, regular skiing and other adventure sports if you are keen. I recommend around September-October and December if you withstand the cold.

Well there are few other hotels which I liked while I was in Manali as I did little research before making a reservation were :

Manali Continental

http://www.hotelmanalicontinental.com/About_hotel.html

Sagar Resort

http://www.sagarresort.com/sagarmanali.htm

Royal Park

http://www.hotelroyalpark.in/

Quality Inn River Country

http://www.travelmasti.com/qualityinn_river_manali.htm

Highland Park

http://indoexpedition.com/highlandpark.html

Snowcrest Manor

http://www.nivalink.com/snowcrest/index.html

The Orchid Greens

http://www.access-india.com/himachal-manali-hotel-orchardgreen.htm

Garhmukteshwar, Mini Banaras

2007-08-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

I read about Garhmukteshwar in an article and looked for its map. It wasn’t very far plus what my guidebook suggested it was the closet to Delhi where the sacred Ganga flows. It was enough for me to get into my car and head off down the Delhi Lucknow highway on Saturday morning to hit the closest weekend getaway from Delhi.

Two hours later, at a fork on the road, a series of stalls, all selling modhas in various shapes, sizes and colours appeared and where they ended the Ganges showed up almost suddenly at a place called Brijghat.
Garhmukteshwar is like mini Banaras. The main attraction is the Ganges and the bathing ghat along it. The Ganges here can be seen flowing water as far as the eyes can see. The river here was of the colour of cold coffee, but unlike how she is at Haridwar and Rishikesh; the Ganga is much cleaner here. As there are no pieces of legs or length of arms that suddenly appears out of water, and there is no creepy feelings when you stick your legs in the water.

Along the left bank is a large marble platform that overlooks the river. In the middle of this is a walk away, I walked to its edge and stood looking at the scene around me. At the water’s edge was a line of small boats bobbing up and down. And in a break between two boats, a few pilgrims were taking a dip in the river. Next to the walkway, a series of flights of steps or ghats led to the river. And from its edge few boys were diving into the water from a mud flat to gather the coins which pilgrim’s offers to the river.

I went boating for Rs.100 and crossed the bathing ghat to the farms on the other shore. The ride took half an hour, but since it had rained recently, the river was full.
Then the Ganga Devi temple is on the road that goes to Garhmukteshwar, the village near the Ganga is quite old and famous. From this temple the road twists and turns through the sleepy town of Garhmukteshwar.

Follow the twists for five minutes and you will reach a gate with an archway and a large bell hanging at its centre. Inside is a complex of temples, surrounding a central courtyard: Jarkandeshwar Temple in the north, a Shiva temple in the centre, a Kali temple in the left and a Hanuman temple at the entrance. In front is the well that gives the name to the place as Nakka Kuan.

After the temples I went to view the chattris of local Gurudwara. It is said that at Garhmukteshwar the Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur has said to release Raja Nakh from the curse of the celestial being Rambha, who had turned him into snake.

There is no hotel in Garhmukteshwar to stay however towards Amroha side and 10kms from Garhmukteshwar is the Vasant Continental hotel and Midway Mortal approx 15 km.

Hurry Up !!! Avail your Free tickets at Makemytrip.com

2007-08-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Makemytrip.com has introduced new offer where you can reimberse your train tickets price if you book a hotel through makemytrip.com. For further details check the link below:

http://www.makemytrip.co.in/makemytrip/static/irctc.jsp?Camp=SMM&attrib=blogger/trainpromo

Saputara, dispatch from the dangs

2007-08-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Saputara is the only hill station in Gujarat. Saputara was names by the Dangs tribal of the Gujarat districts for they came here during festivals like Holi and Nag Panchmi worship the snake on the bank of nearby Sarpganga River. The air is chilly and the mists fall over the town in the evenings. Plenty of walking is possible and if it’s just a quite getaway one is looking for, Saputara is ideal, and streets ahead of the Lonavalas, Igatpuris that populate Mumbai’s imagination. Saputara overlooks the green valley as there are no auto rickshaws or taxis here as it is so small.

It is a vacation spot for trekking or taking leisurely walks around the lake and the hills. There are quite a few gardens like Rose garden, Step garden and Lake Garden if walking gets too much. There are also few points worth a visit like Echo point and Town view point if you want to gaze at hills. Then there are tribal villages of Bhils, Warlis and Gamits close enough to trek to. Then there are also Hatgadh fort and Pandava Caves to explore all on foot. And the legend goes that Ram spent his 11 years of his 14 years in exile walking about in the forests here. You can also go through the rope way if you are not interested in the treks which will give you the rides and the views. The placid lake is one of the Saputara main attractions and the paddleboats here operate throughout the year.

The Saputara Museum is small, just a couple of rooms which showcase the life and arts of the Dangs tribal. Then we also have the Brahma Kumari establishment here. The local Dang tribal are famous for bamboo handicrafts like pen stands, key chains, jewellery and masks. The town also has an artist’s village and a centre for honey.

Saputara has plenty of places to stay in like Toran Hill resort, Vaity ropeway Resort, Hotel Anando and many more.

Malshej Ghat, up where you belong

2007-08-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

When we reached Malshej ghat we did not required the sign board. We entered a short regular tunnel, little expecting the light at the end of it to fall on waterfalls cascading down as if the set designer of the ghats was suddenly overcome with recklessness and decided to see how much beauty one place could handle.

The drive up was beautiful enough, but when we got the first view of the backwaters of Pimpalgaon Joga dam, the picture has the kind of ethereal quality that marked our breath catch in our throat.

Malshej Ghat is a wildly beautiful haven of towering peaks and bottomless valleys, home to a hundred different kind of flora and fauna, and mountain air so fragment and pure, I wished I could pack some to take back home.

Perched on the very edge of a plateau, the MTDC hotel, managed by a private party, is gifted with the best location. But just 160- odd ft from its restaurant, in the hotel’s very backyard is lands end. A gentle rain blows in a tired breeze as we walked to the edge. As we looked down to the valley, the drizzle changes its route; it begins to rain upwards, from downwards. As we trekked up the hills we saw again a giant waterfall that rises up into the air instead of falling down into the valley, such is the force of the winds in these ghats. Malshej what I discovered is for long walks down twisting mountain trails, for plucking wild flowers for your beloved, for shouting something into the valleys and waiting for affirmation.

In the monsoon, Malshej has series of waterfalls. One or two falls generously right on the state highway taking a bath and having hot pakoras is a ultimate start away for a weekend in a Malshej ghat. Right at the point where the falls makes a mess of narrow curving state highway is what the government calls the Nature spot. While on one side of the road water gushes out from the hilltops, the other side is a huge empty expansion of white mist and bright green. Malshej is very wet in monsoon as it rains from all sides here, even from below as we have seen.
We stayed as the Flamingo Hill resort, and then there is Sushant Holiday resort

Pachmarhi, Primeval Wilderness

2007-08-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Pachmarhi is India’s unusual getaways little hill station. It is the highest point in Madhya Pradesh, and nestles in a small saucer shaped plateau. It enclosed a primeval landscape of lush sal and bamboo forest. When I went there the town according to me consists of small bazaar, an army station and a sprawling civil area that retained a distinct colonial ambience. Pachmarhi was the summer capital of the former Central provinces and used to host a major golf tournament.

I went on a jeep tour to view the famous sunset from Dhupgarh, Bee falls and the Jatashankar and Mahadeo shrines. However I walked to Fairy Pool and the for the specular view of all these falls I climbed up the Chauragarh Peak, which according to a local springs to life during the annual Shivratri mela, with lakhs of trishul- carrying yatris snaking up from the neighboring Chindwara District. Within the civil area was the Buddhist period, rock – hewn Pandav Caves, the government gardens and Bison Lodge, a museum. I enjoyed the ideal mode of transport bicycle in Pachmarhi. Then a scenic two hour walk is the bridle path around Astachal rejoining the road near the cave of Reechgarh, and passing by the Dorothy Deep rock shelter.

Then I went to Satpura National Park, to the west and north of Pachmarhi. It offered spectacular scenery and varied wildlife like bison, sambhar and the occasional cat. I visited the park by jeep from the Neemgham entrance.

I stayed at Rock End Manor which is a bungalow situated on a hillock. Then there is Saptura Retreat, Evelyn’s Own, Panchvati cottages and many to go.

Khajuraho, Many explanations for love

2007-08-16T01:39:00.000-07:00

Khajuraho conjures up images of a society that celebrated life and was not abashed by sex. It was the first capital of Chandelas, who rose to rule the region in the 9th century. Right from the onset Khajuraho was envisaged as a temple town, which accounts for the absence of any non religious structures other than tanks and lakes.

We started our journey from The Western Group, near the Shiv Sagar, by either hiring an auto headset from its ticket booth or hiring a guide. We started on cycles as Khajuraho is best when exploded from cycles which are available from stands in front of the Western Group.

The temples in this complex were large and lavishly decorated, displaying the wealth and power of its rulers. These are dedicated either to Vishnu or Shiva. The most refined temple in the complex, the Lakshmana Temple is the seat of Vishnu as Vaikuntham. The enshrined statue was 4-ft high, has three faces lion, man and boar and is said to have been acquired from the Kashmir – Chamba region. On its base, starting from the left are depictions from everyday life, including marching armies, domestic life, dancers and orgies. The temple has four subsidiary shrines on its platform. In front of the temple are two smaller shrines, one dedicated to the Devi and other to Varaha.

The Kandariya Mahadeva, an extremely harmonious and rhythmic temple is a Shiva temple. Standing on the same platform and north of the Kandariya Mahadev temple, the Devi Jagadamba Temple was originally dedicated to Vishnu, its special feature include imaginative renditions of shardulas, mythical beasts with the body of lion and the head of a parrot, elephant or boar. The only sun temple in Khajuraho, the Chandragupta Temple stands fourth on the same platform. It houses a 7 ft image of the sun god dressed in armored coat and boots. The sun stands on a chariot pulled by seven horses. The temple’s other special features include a scene of sculptors at their work carved on the plinth, and an interesting statue of an 11 headed Vishnu on the South Hall. Through the garden, towards the east, lies the Parvati Temple, a small shrine believed to have been dedicated to Vishnu. And to the right of the Parvati Temple stands Vishwanatha Temple, the grandest temple of Khajuraho, dedicated to Shiva, its special features include an intact Nandi shrine, apsaras writing letters, playing music and so on; and a stone lingam.

Matangeshwara Temple, the only living temple, stands outside the enclosure, just next to the Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Shiva.
The Eastern group of temples is divided into two rough clusters. The first bunch of four temples falls near the Old Khajuraho Village and the other, comprising Jain temples falls behind of the school at the back of the village. We begin with the Ghantai Temple which is on the edge of the old village, and there were only pillars bearing carved bell and chain motifs left. The Vamana Temple enshrined a chubby dwarf, interpreted either as a vamana or a Vishnu incarnation. The nearby Javari Temple is dedicated to Vishnu. The Jain temples are situated within a compound constructed and maintained by the Digambara sect. The largest of these temples was dedicated to Adinath; its special feature is that the both Hindu pantheon and figures associated with Jainism can be finding representing on its wall.
In the Southern Group there are only two temples one dedicated to Lord Shiva and is called Duladeva Temple and the other to Lord Vishnu and is called Chaturbhuj Temple.
There are three museums which we visited where they were sculptures of Vishnu, Shiva and Jain figures.

There are lots of places of shopping in Khajuraho selling iron, brass and stone things. There are all types of luxury hotels in Khajuraho like The Grand Temple View, Holiday Inn and many more.

Hampi, the soul amidst the ruins

2007-08-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hampi is a historical site scattered with ruins and excavations in Karnataka. As the capital of the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara and was a beautiful city in its prime. Entering the vicinity of Hampi, I saw massive boulders in the largely rocky landscape, balanced on or against seemingly precarious positions. Hampi is a weekend getaway from Bangalore. Its silence can settle into our soul and we can begin to feel its vibrations. I found places of great natural beauty in mountains, seaside’s, plains and deserts.

The village of Hampi has one main street Hampi Bazaar, which is closed to all vehicular traffic. The bus stand is just off it on the eastern side. At the western extreme is the Virupaksha Temple and the eastern extreme of the street is the museum at the base of Matangi Hill, run by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. And a few meters from this are the steps that lead to the Achutaraya Temple, which bypasses the Matangi Hill.

We hired cycles to ride as it was the best way to see the place. We carried sun creams, for protection from the sun, and carried a picnic lunch and water along. On our first day here and we boarded a car to get the overview of the ruins, however if you are not into affection for history then Hampi is not for you. As there are no pubs, no non veg restaurants, none of the ease of conversation one can strike up. The sites were plenty and absolutely not to miss where the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Queen’s bath, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stable, Underground well, Mint and the Watch Tower, Hampi Bazaar, Sule Bazaar, Tungabhadra Dam, Hanuman Temple across the river at Anegundi.

Then there was a photo exhibition at the museum situated at the bottom of Matangi Hill. It consists of 60 enlarged pictures of Hampi taken by a British photographer around 200 years ago.
While other places boast boat rides across placid lakes and rubber dignity rides on fiery rapids, Hampi allows you to cross the nicely moving Tungabhadra River in what’s look like a coconut shell. This coracle not only depends entirely on the skills of boatman to move it along and prevent it from capsizing, it also requires you to squat on the sloped edges before it can move.

There are many Hampi hotels that are starting from Rs. 100 – Rs. 600 per day all over the Hampi Bazaar.

Shivgiri Trails, Your very own tiger den

2007-08-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

Shivgiri is located above Yemmedoddi village in the hoggarekangri Hills, north of the Babu Budanagiri Hills in Kadur taluk of Chikmagalur District. At the Shivgiri Trails in Chikmagalur District the tigers make their way through rich red berries that sprout from the hundreds of coffee plants grow around this over 100 year old estate. I was amazed to see the estate beautifully located atop a remote hill bang in the middle of a tiger reserve in the forests of Yemmedoddi. I felt lonely and left out, however reveled wonderfully in that state. As I drove up the winding mud road, which offers a spine tingling view of the valleys and the forested hills, I noticed that the place is so isolated that nobody except those connected with the estate ever more around in the area.

Shivgiri to me was what god made to make the trekking community happy, disappear into the greenery and don’t return till evening. Omkariah was our knowledgeable guide here. Out trek to Doddabale Siddaragudda was the first thing, which we did. It is a peak to the back of the guesthouse, 5500 ft high. To reach it we had to wend our way through the coffee beans in estate and then through the forest. All along the route, we found droppings of one or the other animal, which was an evidence enough of their happy existence there. The walk was slightly tiresome because of the upward slant of the terrain. When we make it to the top, there cannot be too many sights to behold. I was smothered by the winds that blow cold all the day and at night it can elevate almost physically, if the person is not careful enough to find a grip himself. To the south was the awesome views of the Bhadra River and Lakeville Dam, to the west are the tiny village of the Yemmedoddi, the Baba Budanagiri hill ranges and Madagadakere, a large lake. According to the legend the lakes fills up because of a magic rain, however the locals insist that it is the winds that fills up the lakes, bringing with them tiny droplets of water that the eyes cannot see.

You can hear the birds call over the forest in Shivgiri, from inside branches, from high up in the air, from within the valleys and everywhere. We had armed ourselves with a pair of binoculars and catched a host of them like woodpeckers, finches, sunbirds, mynahs, barbets, babblers and many more.

The Yemmedoddi forests were once favored hunting grounds of the British. They used aim at tigers, wild boars etc. But most of the animals have survived in spite of the old guns. Shivgiri has it tigers even today. My guide and his friends, who have here forever, have counted some of 10 of them, panthers too show up from time to time and they have been even seen walking on the mud road leading up the hill. There are sloth bears, mouse deers and many more. There are many natural caves and a few of them have for long been the house of tigers and panthers.

There was a small Lord Shiva temple, which according to the locals was 400 years old and has a very strong deity.

Shivgiri Trails has a packed price of Rs. 1500 per person per night including stay meals and a trek for 2 days and 1 night.

Igatpuri, more than just a junction

2007-08-09T00:35:00.000-07:00

Igatpuri has been a railway junction in my mind and mostly in everybody’s mind. But Igatpuri according to me has all the trappings of a convincing weekend getaway from Mumbai. Its cooler than Khandala at a height of 2000 ft all round the year, guarded by tall green hills that occasionally hide behinds lazy mists. I went in the monsoons and at that time its hills and deep river valleys burst into many shades of green.

Igatpuri gave me two choices either I can have a massage, watch others swim and eat or I can walk down curious valleys and fall a few times on the bright green grass, search for unnamed waterfalls and get wet.

On my way to Igatpuri from Mumbai is the Bhatsa River Valley less than 3 km from Manas Resort which is a stunning depth of extremely happy vegetation and rocks that run down a slope off the road, only to rise again majestically far away as proud hills. A river far down was cutting the curve into two to represent a perfect view of a beautiful valley.

After a few hundred feet before I reached Manas Resort there was Ghatandevi Mandir, dedicated to the goddess of the ghats. It was left as I came from and to the right of the highway was the most spectacular sights in this region- Camel Valley. I would have missed it out if the locals have not told me as I had to walk over and look down to find a slope that falls over 1000 ft. During the monsoons a waterfall cuts through the rocks in a violent descent. There were few mini plateaus that I walked up to, and which offered their own unique points of view. However in rains, Camel valley is full of waterfalls. Some are big and hard to miss, some have to be searched for. There was a railway track also.

About 6km from Manas Resort is Tringalwadi Fort that has attracted trekkers during the rains. In the monsoon, the farmers of Tringalwadi grow their crops over what is essentially a rough motorway that leads to the base of the fort. So in the rains vehicles cannot travel the last 3 or 4 km towards the ancient fort. However there was narrow pathway for a nice, long, wet walk, down to the calm Tringalwadi lake that looks more beautiful from the fort. A few kilometers away from Tringalwadi lake is Talegaon Lake, created by the small Talegoan Dam. Its worth the trip only if you really adore water bodies and the accompanying sound and smells and sights.

There are many options to stay like Manas Resort, Golden Resort, Hotel Ashwin etc.