India Travel Tourism

The experience of Khajuraho tour always remains close to my heart because it is among the best places, which offers overwhelming glimpses of best of Indian arts and architecture. I love to travel and every month along with some of my friends I usually visit nearby tourist destinations. These short weekend breaks rejuvenate us by breaking the monotony of our life and provide us an opportunity to spend some quality time with our dear ones.

Inspired by the Discovery Channel special program on ‘Temples in Asia’ ,which we saw on Thursday night we decided to go on Khajuraho tour. According to the program the temples of this place are some of the most significant and most stunning of all Indian temples which symbolize the apex of Indian arts and architectures. This approval from the Discovery Channel was enough for us to spend our weekend in Khajuraho.

On Saturday morning I with my two friends boarded the Bhopal Shatabdi Express Train at 6:15 am from Delhi and reached Jhansi at 10:50 am and from there we hired a taxi and reached Kahjuraho around 5 pm. The distance between Jhansi and Khajuraho is 180 km and our taxi took 6 hours to reach this temple city of central India. After such a hectic journey we were completely exhausted and planned to rest the whole night in a hotel itself.

Next day early in the morning we reached the Western Group of Temples. The air was refreshing, the sun was about to rise, chirping of birds mesmerized us and rest of the spell was casted by the magnificent architecture of the Lakhmana Temple. This is a beautiful stone temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is among the best known and well preserved attraction of this place which was built by King Yasovarman in the 10th century A.D.

This temple is a five-shrined or panchayatana complex which stands in the centre of a raised platform along with its four subsidiary shrines positioned in the corners. Throughout the platform intricate sculptures depicting scenes of a war, battle, hunting, dances, religious preaching and elixir preparation amidst an orgy mesmerized us the most.

We were completely fascinated by the intricate rock carvings and at some places of this temple we stood still for a long time in order to decipher the hidden meanings behind the sculptures. Some passing by visitors praised these man made wonders while some appreciated their erotic features. But for me it was the best of human creations based on deep insight and complex life philosophy.

This was the supreme place where fantasies of sculptor’s artistic vision are showcased with profound profusion. Every inch of the outer wall of this temple was intricately carved touching various themes. The temple wall is divided into two zones, one zone depicting attractive celestial nymph, apsaras, snake goddesses and griffins, while the other portrays images of the different incarnations of Lord Vishnu. For me the most remarkable sculptures are on the southeast side, one of which depicts two males beatifically dancing with finger cymbals in their hands. This sculpture captivated our attention for long and after that we got involved in a long discussion trying to interpret the meaning behind it.

We stopped for a quick bite and then hurriedly explored Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Chaunsat Yogini and Matanageswara Temple and Kandariya Mahadeo Temple. All these temples are equally impressive and are known for their astonishing beauty and delicate stone carvings.

After spending our evening at the backdrop of Western Group of Khajuraho Temples we returned to our hotel. After having dinner we hired a taxi and headed towards Jhansi.

While returning I was lost in the thoughts of this mystic place. I wish I could stay here for a longer duration. It’s a note for every Khajuraho tourist that at least two days are required in order to explore this land of exquisitely carved temples.

Truly, most of us come here to see eroticism of these temples but when you see the fantastic display of fantasies this feeling of eroticism disappears and you get lost in finding the hidden meaning behind each sculpture. Everyone who visited this land has his/her own interpretations and inspirations which remain in their heart and mind forever.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

“Don’t let your cares stop you from smiling now, today and forever”. This wonderful thought sank deep into my heart, comforting it to the hilt. Actually I was getting bogged down by the work pressure in my office. My worries were robbing me of my smile. After reading this quote I decided to keep smiling and not to be defeated by problems. And I felt that when my focus changed from worries to smile my environment started supporting me. Well my company organized a short trip to Kanyakumari,Tamil Nadu a South Indian state which is famous the world over for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Well for me it was the power of positive thinking.

My face was radiant with a warm smile because we were going to Kanyakumari, a destination I can visit a thousand times. Kanyakumari is truly a fairy-tale like destination located at the confluence of the three great oceans: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a paradise when it comes to natural beauty.

We were booked in the Sparsa Resort which is at a walking distance from the breathtaking Kanyakumari Beach. In the early morning I, with a heart waiting to absorb the beauty of Kanyakumari, and my colleagues walked up to the beach. I was completely engrossed in the cool, fresh breeze, swaying palms, multi-colored sand and the unfathomable waves hitting the rocks. Finally we treated our senses with the breathtaking sunrise.

I felt a different aura about this place. It is soaked in peace and beauty as if telling us to pause for sometime and enjoy everything about the nature. We sat there chatting about different things in life. This beach experience was such an antidote to the monotony of daily routine. While we were going back to the hotel for breakfast I bought some beautiful shells from a stall at the beach.

In the evening we again came back to the beach to see its other attractions. We visited the beautiful Kanyakumari Temple located on the shore. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to get married to Lord Shiva. We also saw the two rocks, near the temple, jutting out of the sea. One of the rocks is named Sri Padaparai as it has the footprints of the virgin goddess. The other one is the famous Vivekananda rock Memorial where the great spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment. We also visited the Gandhi Memorial.

Now was the time to get bowled by the sunset. It was the most awaited moment and finally it was there. It was simply overwhelming! The reddish glow of the sun was cloaking the waters. The view was more than perfect and the feeling was more than breathtaking. The joy I felt here was truly beyond words. With that joy and a fresh attitude towards life I came back to Delhi.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

Love is a strong positive emotion of regard and affection which holds two souls together forever. It is the most fascinating feeling of a human heart which is expressed in various forms. Some express it with poems, some with songs, and some with gifts or surprises. But none have ever dared to immortalize their love, as the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan did by constructing Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal is the immortal tribute to love which was built in the 17th century by Shahjahan – the fifth Mughal emperor, as the mausoleum of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The romantic aura of this 350 year old white marble edifice is still felt which makes it a romantic destination of the world. The everlasting charm of  Taj makes it  a popular world heritage  on the earth.

Last weekend I visited this symbol of Love with my Uncle and Aunty who came to India from New York. It was their wish that I accompany them during their Agra Visit. It was my third visit to this place and in each visit I learnt something new. Along with my uncle, aunty and their two friends I boarded Shatabdi Express from New Delhi in the morning and reached Agra by 08:15 am.

Taj Mahal is a synonymous of love and romance which is located on the bank of River Yamuna. It is set among the serene ambiance of a well-laid-out garden with the backdrop of Yamuna River flowing silently. The beauty of this monument is heart throbbing which makes it incomparable with any other monument in the world.

This incredible manmade construction is known for its architectural supremacy. Recognized for its symmetrical construction,it is raised on platform and surrounded by four minarets. Inside the Taj, the delicate mosaic work and intricate decoration with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy engrossed me completely.

For me this is the finest example of Mughal architecture which is known for its construction and decoration pattern of Turkish, Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles. I was highly impressed by the mosaic design which covers the entire surface of this building.

Another most captivating aspect of this place is a pool that reflects the image of Taj Mahal. The inverted reflection of Taj in the pool is beyond description. Sometimes this stillness was disturbed by the ripples but its calmness was soon restored. As it happened during the Mughal Reign, when their empire  lost its stability for sometime but soon their legacy was restored and flourished for centuries.

After having lip smacking lunch I took my Uncle, Aunty  and their friends for shopping. During shopping they purchased several things as a souvenir of this place. After shopping we returned to the railway station, where we boarded Shatabdi Express and reached Delhi around 10:30 pm.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

Personally, I affectionately consider Jaipur as a royal affair. It conjures visions of things which are classy, royal and beautiful. And its royalty is epitomized by its majestic structures which were once the abodes of raja-maharajas of the bygone era.

Again I was in Rajasthan waiting for another ‘time-stopping’ experience. And my royal journey started with an elephant ride to the majestic Amber Fort. Elated, I was attentively listening to the guide about this classic structure which is majestically fashioned out of white marble and red-sandstone. Overlooking the beautiful Maotha Lake, the fort is ideally perched on a hill and it seems as if the exteriors of this structure are budding out of the hill itself. Raja Mansingh started the construction of the fort in 1592 and later more and more structures were added to it by the subsequent rulers.

The fort clearly reflects the lavish, capricious, classy and adventurous lifestyle of the then raja-maharajas. I was completely bowled over by the incredible architectural brilliance of this stunning structure. The interiors of the fort are adorned with paintings, mirror and semi-precious stone work. The must-see apartment is the stunning Sheesh Mahal. Its walls and ceilings are decorated with colorful mirror work. The arresting carvings are equally enchanting.

The other structure I visited inside the fort were Kali Temple famous for its silver doors and silver lions; Diwan-I-aam, the Hall of Public audience with double row of columns; Ganesh Pol which is beautifully painted with vegetable colors; Zenana (women’s apartment) which was made to facilitate the royal ladies to watch the proceedings of the royal court without themselves been seen. It is decorated with mesmerizing paintings of Krishna Leela scenes; the Hall of Victory, Jai Mandir boasting of mirror studded ceiling. There is so much to see and enjoy in the fort.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

With the rising tourist season, I planned a trip to Jaisalmer.

I’ve been to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and several other royal destinations in Rajasthan and witnessed grand forts, enthusiastic festivals and enchanting safaris. But Sand Dunes were completely an untouched element to me. As I arrived there, the city welcomed me with captivating beauty and joyful lifestyle of the locals. I relished traditional Rajasthani food in lunch and spent the entire day at leisure.

The very next morning, I started my picnic with a camel ride along with a guide. The guide took me to a small market area where several local people were shouting in high notes beckoning tourists to have a camel ride with them, quite similar to the rickshaw-walas in urban areas. One of them asked for Rs. 50 for a ride, which was quite affordable. But my guide, being a local person, immediately bargained and surprisingly fixed the same ride for me at just Rs. 20. That camel safari cum long drive in the deserts was amongst the most adventurous things I have ever done.

In the evening, I got into a camp with a group of tourists from Delhi only. There we all enjoyed several folk art performances and camp-fire. The next day was quite exciting as I headed for the Desert Festival. There I came across various cultural as well as fun activities such as camel races, folk dances, Mr. Desert contest and the interesting Turban tying contest. Being much excited, I too participated in the camel race and turban tying contest. As predicted, none of the two contests could bring me any prize. But I enjoyed my part. The celebration area was heavily crowded and cheerful.

I had enough of food specialties in the fair and bought a few handicrafts that were available at very economical rates. I had never thought that the barren areas of desert land could be so lively. What I observed was that people at Jaisalmer celebrate every moment of their life with great zeal.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

After getting spell bound by the enchanting beauty of Taj Mahal, we set out to

explore the Agra Fort. Being a World Heritage Site the fort was a must-visit destination on our itinerary. Popularly known as the Red Fort of Agra, this fort is undoubtedly a great attraction here. The very first sight of the fort left me with the words, “how majestic, how huge”. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the fort offers an opportunity to peep into the glorious past. There are two entrance gates to the fort- the Delhi gate and the Amar Singh Gate. We entered from the Delhi gate.

We had hired a guide so that we don’t miss out on the history of the fort. His name was Ramesh and he seemed to be quite knowledgeable. As we were exploring the fort Ramesh told us that the great Mughal rulers such as Babar, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb once lived in this fort and ruled the country from here. The foundation of the fort was laid by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1556 and the construction continued till the reign of his grand son Shah Jahan. The fort is also the place where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb.

The fort complex encompasses several mosques and palaces, most of which are made of white marble and red sandstone. Some of the apartments which I liked the most are:

Jehangiri Mahal:
This stunning palace was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar for his beloved son Jahangir. It reflects a perfect blend of Central Asian and Hindu architecture.

Khas Mahal:
Carved in white marble, this palace was built by Shah Jahan in 1637. The beautiful paintings on white marble is one of the striking features of this palace. Overlooking Angoori Bagh, this palace was especially built for Shah Jahan.

Musamman Burj:
This apartment was built for the beautiful Mumtaz Mahal. It offers picturesque views of the majestic Taj Mahal.

Ramesh told us that it is in Musamman Burj where Shah Jahan spent the last days of his life gazing at the Taj Mahal.

Well, don’t give a miss to the fascinating Sheesh Mahal, the dressing room of the royal ladies. Its walls are beautifully adorned with tiny mirrors.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

The alluring temptation to explore more punctured my sleep at the

crack of the dawn. However I woke up very refreshed although I had retired to the bed a little late last night. May be this is the magical effect of a healthy and beautiful environment. While relishing a steaming hot cup of tea I was thinking about the overwhelming views of the beautiful moon and twinkling starts, which I captured in my heart last night. The mesmerizing moonlit night, the cool breeze and the memories of the attractions I had explored till now were enough to make me experience the joy of being in a fairyland. Two of my close buddies Shivani and Pallavi had joined me yesterday night, which added more joy to my trip to Andaman Nicobar Islands.

Post breakfast we headed for the Neil island, which is located 36 km from Port Blair. Its a wonderful island covered with forest and beaches. Soaked in tranquility, this island is famous for camping. The beach was dotted with several camps. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the two great adventure sports you can enjoy here. The lagoons around this island are a home to a variety of marine life including live and colorful corals.

After enjoying the beauty of the Neil island we headed for the Havelock Island, which is a big hit with tourists. Our guide Sarvanan told us that this island is famous for its arresting beaches, colorful marine life and adventure sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. And the major portion of the island is covered with forest. He took us to the most bewitching beach of the Havelock island, the Radhanagar Beach. The very sight of the sea evoked a burning desire in me to plunge into it but being a non swimmer I had to maul that desire to death. Entering the world of realization, I realized that not being able to swim is such a pathetic disability. Anyway we still enjoyed and spent 2-3 hours at this beach, which is steeped in beauty and adventure. It was truly a rewarding experience.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

There are people who value their gardens more for being full of birds than of cherries. I am one among those. I love to give them fruits for their songs. Sometimes I consider them the inspiration of my poetry. I declared myself a bird lover when I saved one going to be killed by a cat. I was in 7th standard when this incident happened. Since then I am in love with these colourful and pretty creatures. Surprisingly, I got a chance to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan with my colleagues.

While driving to the National Park, Munna – my driver – told me that over 300 species of birds have made this sanctuary their home. August to November is the period for resident breeding birds while October to February is for migrant birds. Munna also told me that the sanctuary was created 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) within its boundaries.

As I arrived my hotel, I found a guide book on Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary at the reception. I asked the manager if I could take that along with me in my room, to which he agreed happily. The guide book said that the entire reserved park was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bharatpur. Stretching up to 29 sq km, this ‘Ornithologist’s Paradise‘ is the only man made wildlife sanctuary in India. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur was declared a national park on 10 March 1982, and accepted as a World Heritage Site in December 1985. I spent the entire day in leisure savoring the authentic cuisine of Rajasthan .

Next morning, I headed towards the park with Munna. The very first attraction we came across were nesting indigenous water birds. Facilities for a bicycle or rickshaw are also available for the tourists inside the park, but Munna asked me to cover the forest trails on foot. It was a nice way to have a closer look at the attractions of the park. Unfortunately I could not spot any of the migratory birds like Cranes, Pelicans, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits etc. that were mentioned in Bharatpur Travel Guide. In the afternoon I spotted a few Geese, Ducks, Eagles and Hawks near the small waterway.

What made my day was a closer view of wildcats, Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Blackbuck, Nilgai and wild boar in the dense greens. I captured them all in my camera. Munna insisted me to pay short visits to Bharatpur Govenment Museum, Bharatpur Palace and Lohagarh Fort but I, being very tired, scheduled other attractions for the next day. I returned back to the hotel with a question: If God loved birds and made trees for them, why the hell we designed cages for them?

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

No matter which destination you explore in India, your excitement level will always remain at its peak. India tourism not only ensures a remarkable trip but also refreshes your mind, body and soul. After all, India is known for the best of theme based tours. When I planned for a religious tour in India, I found Puri as a key destination. This seat of Lord Jagannatha (Lord Vishnu) is unbeatable for resting, relaxing and recalling. As I arrived this coastal district of Orissa, a guide told me that every bit of this ancient land fascinates tourists from all over the globe – ranging from historic antiquities to religious shrines, architectural grandeur, seascape beauty, moderate climate and so on.

The city welcomed me with open arms, offering splendid beaches, and a rich historic heritage dating back to 3rd century. The first thing I came across on my way to the hotel was ‘Rath Yatra‘ – the biggest festival in Orissa in July. Roads were completely jammed. I could see a huge idol of Lord Jagannatha placed on a chariot and people performing Odissi dance in the procession. The driver told me that this 3 km long procession extends from Jagannatha Temple to Gundicha Mandir. I spend that entire day at leisure.

The very next morning, after breakfast, I headed towards the Jagannatha Temple, one of the most impressive monuments of Orissa. Constructed in the 12th century, this superb Vaishnava temple enshrines Lord Jagannatha, Devi Subhadra and Balabhadra. Today, Archaeological Survey of India takes care of its preservation and maintenance. After enjoying a cup of coffee at a restaurant, I visited Chilka Lake, the largest freshwater inland lake in Asia (1165 sq. km.). Located along side the Bay of Bengal, the lake is home to around 225 species of fish. Apart from that, more than 150 species of migratory as well as resident birds inhabit the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary. Capturing a number of colorful and enchanting species in camera was actually a fun.

Post lunch, my next destination was the Konark Sun Temple (magnificent Sun Temple built in 1278). Its architectural beauty lies in spectacular carvings, 24 wheels around the temple, 7 horses pulling the temple, and two lions guarding the entrance. I also paid short visits to the Ganesha Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Mausi Ma Temple and the Loknath Temple. My driver asked me if I wanted to visit the Museum & Sudarshan Workshop, which is a favorite of all the art lovers. It displays a number of artistic works of contemporary artists, handicraft items, paintings and sculptures in stone, wood and fiberglass etc. But I

preferred going to the market to buy some souvenirs.

The shops were loaded with traditional crafts, bead and bamboo works, Pattachitras (miniature religious paintings on silk and cotton fabric), wooden combs, pitchers, glasses, lamps, masks and metal crafts. But I found them a bit costly. My last destination in Puri was the picturesque beach, where I enjoyed my dinner along with a few classical dance performances that turn out to be the perfect mirror of Orissa culture.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !

I, happily, admit that I am a shopaholic. I am addicted to buy traditional artifacts and handicrafts. I do not have a tendency to stop shopping when the baskets became too full or too heavy. I consider shopping as a great investment. And luckily, on my tour to Agra, I was caught with shopping fever. After visiting the wonder monument Taj Mahal, I decided to flock the colourful market streets to carry something home.

I started my exploration with the Oswal Emporium. Since its inception in 1972, the emporium is known for the best of intricate inlay work on marble. The guard there told me that it is the largest of its kind in Asia. As I entered the gallery, I was amazed to see the world’s finest handcrafted marble products. My next destinations were the famous Kinaari Bazaar and Munroe Road. There I found some of the most amazing leather products. If anyone wants to replenish his/her leather wardrobe, there is no better place than Agra.

I hired a rickshaw and also paid short visits to the Loha Mandi, Civil Line, Tajganj, Dayal Bagh, Taj Mahal Complex and the Rakab Ganj area. These places are superb to buy some authentic souvenirs and zari embroidery work at reasonable prices. Streets were loaded with awesome sweet delicacies like ‘petha’ and ‘gazak’. The rickshaw-wala also insisted me to visit U. P. State Emporium, but I asked him to take me back to the hotel as I was running short of time.

On my way to the hotel, the rickshaw-wala told me that the markets in Agra were frequented by the skilled craftsmen even during the Mughal rule. They used to bring with them their best wares in the hope to get the patronage of the Emperor. People believe that Empress Noor Jahan took a keen interest in opulent and exquisite embroidery and textiles. Therefore she employed a number of female dress makers to stitch impressive and grand robes for all the courtiers.

One item that was common in almost all the shops in Agra was the marble replica of the Taj Mahal. It serves as the pride of every shop there.

Bookmark In Your Favourite List !