Shoghi, a nature walk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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