Neil Island, Andaman
Showing posts with label Religious. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religious. Show all posts

Thursday 1 May 2014

Madurai


  • Madurai can be covered as a part of trip to Kodaikanal. As such apart from the massive Minakshi Temple, there is not much in the city.
  • Meenakshi Temple takes few hours to cover. They do not allow half pants and shorts as a respect to the goddess.
  • Our stay is worth a mention here. The Heritage, Madurai is among the most majestic hotels we have stayed in. Large rooms, larger parks and an absolutely engaging campus made our visit more special.

Trip: Bangalore > MaduraiKodaikanal > Bangalore

We started for Madurai early morning at 7 and as has been the ritual, we broke our fast at McDonalds Krishnagiri. Road from Bangalore to Krishnagiri is under construction. The slow pace was covered up by the fantastic stretch from Salem to Madurai. The 300 miles were covered in 7 hours. Heritage Madurai proved to be an excellent choice for hotel, thanks to Manish who booked in on cleartrip. The stay was royal. We unpacked and refreshed ourselves.

Golden Pillar @ Central Gopuram

Thursday 17 April 2014

Khajuraho

Trip: Delhi - Khajuraho - Gwalior - Delhi
  • Khajuraho can be planned as a weekend getaway from Delhi. Overnight trains at convenient time run but travel need to be planned at least a month given limited seats.
  • Temples should be visited early morning or in evening. Noon is hot unless its winter. Be ready for couple of miles walk around the complex.
  • Raneh Waterfalls and Pandav Cave are nearby attractions that one may cover. Hotels are aplenty and affordable. There is an airport also under construction.
Khajuraho happened to us so quickly that we were neither ready with appropriate duration nor with a camera fitting for the occasion. One fine morning we were just there. We reached this legendary temple city by train one morning. Hotels are in abundance near main temple complex. We settled in Ramada Khajuraho and freshened up quickly. Plan was to have a brunch near main temple and then start off.

Poses, Khajuraho

Sunday 26 January 2014

Kanchipuram

    Kanchipuram was a bonus and a surprise on our way to Mahabalipuram.  We decided to cover it on our way back. It was a decision I rue since the architectural richness of this city begs for more than a day to spare - not to forget the market of famous silk sarees which has developed its own brand.

    Sri Ekambereswarar Temple @ Kanchipuram

    Sunday 15 December 2013

    Murudeshwara

    We checked out of our Gokarna Hotel at 10 and started for Murudeshwara. We had to change at Kumta but given the frequency of buses, we were able to get them back to back and were staring at the massive complex before 1.

    Murudeshwara temple complex

    Thursday 20 June 2013

    Tiruvannamalai

    • If watching the seven moutain sized gopurams are not enough, visit the sanctum sanctorum for additional view of artwork.
    • Try out the tamarind rice preparation that is done within the temple. It is authentic south Indian and worth a grab.
    • Taking pictures inside is not allowed although you are allowed to take belongings inside so hide you shots properly.
    Tiruvannamalai was a stopover on way to Pondicherry from Bangalore. We would not have stopped had we not been surprised by colossal high temples appearing out of nowhere. Nobody had told us it was there and looking at the crowd, we were sure not many know about Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple.

    South Gate@ Sri Arunachaleshwarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

    Saturday 9 March 2013

    Halebidu


    Halebidu is in the middle of Belur and Hassan although through an alternate route. The Shiva temple at Halebidu is inspired by the Vishnu temple at Belur. What adds to the charm is a flowing river by the side - and seclusion.



    Belur

    Shravanbelgola - Chikmagalur - Belur - Halebidu

    The Chennakesava Temple, in Belur on our way to Chikmagalur, was ancient and marvellous. We stayed in the premises of this extensive work of art for almost three hours but were still not able to fathom the intricacies that were sculpted all over.

    Backside of Chennakesava Temple

    Belur was capital to art-loving Hoysalas. Approximately thousand years ago they started the construction for this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A similar construction started some hundred years later nearly 10 miles away at Halebidu but this one was for Lord Shiva. This twin set-up has been put up for UNESCO World Heritage Site waiting list and by the look of it, deserves it.

    Mandapam, Belur

    The most striking feature of the temple complex is the ceiling of central chamber. One can spend hours. We moved to one of carved pillars and took extensive photographs. Each pillar was different and beautiful.

    Sanctum Sanctorum, Chennakesava Temple

    We moved out and were dumbfounded to see that the entire outer wall was an extension of artwork that we had admired inside the temple. Elephants and horses were abundant. There were stories of war and important events carved on stone.

    Intricate rock carvings, Belur

    We had to reach Bangalore by evening and so we left. Halebidu was next and if it was anything closed to this one, we had another couple hours to look after.

    Trip details

    Friday 8 March 2013

    Shravanbelgola


    Having just missed a visit to the giant Bahubali statue on my last trip to Chikmagalur, it was imperative we take digress to see this place of holy importance to Jains. We took the turn and reached the small and peaceful town of Shravanbelgola. Almost unexpectedly, the statue is at the top of a monolith that takes some climbing.



    Thursday 27 December 2012

    Ellora

    Trip: Aurangabad > Ajanta > Lonar > Daulatabad > Ellora

    We started our trip to Ellora with a pint of beer. It was available in MTDC Restaurant right at the entrance of Ellora Cave Complex. We were little drowsy as we closed in on the main temple building. The concept of this structure broke some of our lethargy as the entire temple is carved out of 125000 cubic metre of one solid rock.

    Elephants, Ellora Caves


    Thursday 8 December 2011

    Patna

    A campus recruitment trip to my home town proved to be another opportunity to revisit the golden memories of  childhood. I started with a walk to the Zoo just to remind how I used to run or cycle to this place every morning with bhaiya.


    The Zoo was crowded for Tuesday morning which was unexpected. Watching closely I realized most of the crowd was couples who found the controlled wildness more suited than polluted high streets. Moving out quickly, I took an auto that took me directly to Gol Ghar. It is as representative to Patna as Jantar Mantar or Hawa Mahal is to Jaipur.


    The view from top of Gol Ghar is worth mentioning. The spread of city along the banks of river Ganges is clearly visible. After taking few pics I descended and walked to Gandhi Maidan area which has most of the cineplexes and eating joints. There I took a bus to my school, walked a bit around and then moved to Station area.


    My plan was to visit Patna Sahib but it was thwarted by the short winter day which meant it was dark after 5. Instead I settled for samosas and chandrakalas at my favourite joints near the station.

    Tuesday 29 November 2011

    Pavapuri

    Trip: Gaya > Rajgir > Pavapuri > Gaya

    Pavapuri was a short while from Rajgir - a drive of two hours. The first glimpse was enough to leave an impression. We parked our car on the roadside and took the only bridge for the majestic marble structure that was visible at the middle of a large lake.

    Pond@Pavapuri

    The bridge itself was made of carved red sandstone. The fishes in the lake had been allowed to grow large. The     Mahavir Temple, as it grew larger to sight, was a spectacle to watch.

    Bridge to Pavapuri Temple

    The temple is famous for being the place where Lord Mahavir was enlightened. It is a remarkable coincidence that the two places where Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir each were enlightened is not more than 50 miles apart.

    Marble gates@Pavapuri

    Sitting on the cool marble stairs of the temple was pleasant with the lake view in front. The lukewarm winter weather of late November morning was complimenting the overall atmosphere. We simply sat and chatted for a  while before starting back for Gaya.

    Tuesday 9 November 2010

    Vatican City

    Trip: Zugspitze > Pisa > Rome > Vatican City

    Next day we went straight for the Vatican the first thing in the morning. It is half an hour tram away from the central station of Rome. We were eager to see the smallest country that sat right in the middle of a bustling city.


    In front of Basilica, Vatican



    Monday 8 November 2010

    Rome

    Trip: Zugspitze > Pisa > Rome > Vatican City

    The original idea was to cover the five points of the cross decribed in Angels & Demons. However at 3PM the three of us were only checking into a hotel room. It was walking distance from Station. We now had exactly 24 hours in Rome  By 4 we had a definite plan which was bit different from the original one. Colosseum was the closest and hence we found ourselves walking towards the grand structure in no time.

    The Colosseum@Rome


    Friday 5 March 2010

    Chamba

    Trip: Dalhaousie > Khajjiar > Chamba > McLeodganj

    The town of Chamba has historical and administrative significance in the region. There is little for a tourist although a well developed marketplace and few nearby religious spots make it ideal halting place. It is said that in the month of August there is hardly space for parking in the town as pilgrims from around India come for the Manimahesh trek. A big festival is funded by the local government in this month.



    Saturday 4 September 2004

    Mount Abu

    • Mount Abu is less than 100 miles from Udaipur and overnight from Delhi and Ahmedabad via train. As such it is one of the accessible hill stations.
    • One day is enough to cover the major points. Sunrise Point and some far points can be covered in another day.
    • Ranakpur Temple near Udaipur is twin of Dilwara Temple here. Both are elaborate work of art. Enjoy the hospitality of Rajasthan
    There are few hill stations in western India and fewer as complete as Mount Abu. It marks most of the checklist items of a typical hill station - lake, spiritual centre, sunrise & sunset points. Proximity to Udaipur helps and a railway station at the foothill, well connected with rest of India is a winner. Consequently you will never find Mount Abu out of a typical hill station crowd.

    Guru Shikar, Mount Abu

    Saturday 22 June 2002

    Badrinath

    Glacial landscapes on the way@Badrinath

    Char dham of Uttarakhand

    Thursday 20 June 2002

    Kedarnath

    Kedarnath valley
    Jyotirlinga temple@Kedarnath

    Char dham of Uttarakhand

    Tuesday 18 June 2002

    Gangotri

    • Limited electricity supply means either you need to book a hotel with ample generator support or settle for a thick blanket.
    • Maggi and coke are the most hygienic breakfast you will get in this part of country. The Gangotri village is small. Trek around to see natural land formations around.
    • Gomukh is an overnight trip from here. The mouth of holy Ganges' origin has crumbled down. 
    Trip: RishikeshYamunotri > Gangotri > Kedarnath > Badrinath > Rishikesh

    We started from Hanumanchatti (Yamunotri base) for Gangotri at 10 and only stopped at Uttarkashi for lunch. En route to Gangotri we found a dam, the flowing water from which was creating a permanent rainbow. There was also a hot water spring some 40 km before our destination where we had bath.

    Ganges@Gangotri

    Monday 17 June 2002

    Yamunotri

    • One of the most arduous treks, Yamunotri takes one day to climb and come back but it is worth the experience of some of the most preserved glaciers in this area.
    • Yamuna originates from here which has made authorities block the entire mouth of the glacier. You can take a bath in hot water spring nearby.
    • Walk around the top. The view around with so many glaciers is mesmerizing. You can even walk on one of them or see water dropping inside which create a river eventually.
    Trip: Rishikesh > Yamunotri > Gangotri > Kedarnath > Badrinath > Rishikesh

    We hired a Sumo from Rishikesh for 1500 a day. It was going to be a long trip. The first morning was beautiful with a good weather and a mild drizzle. Passing Tehri was an event. The driver indicated demarcation up to which the reservoir will be filled. Our road was below that mark.

    First stage of trek, Yamunotri

    Monday 5 June 2000

    Vaishno Devi

    • Plan for two days. Trains go up to Katra from where it is a 6 hour trek most of which is moderate gradient. Eat light before you start your trek.
    • There are plenty of accommodation options at the top. Stay, refresh yourself and then go for the holy place. Expect a couple hour queue during peak season, thats May-June.
    • Eat Rajma Rice. Take a nap. Start early morning for Bhaironath which is an hour uphill, then the trek goes down all the way back to Katra. 
    I have been to Vaishno Devi couple of times. It has lately become more of a picnic-trek rather a religious trip, thanks to the cash rich Vaishno Devi Trust which has created kiosks all the way to the top. The trek takes around 6 hours from Katra. In peak season, more than 30,000 visit everyday so crowd is a given. One thing is sure when you plan this - the more the merrier.

    Me @ Vaishno Devi