Surfacing India

Mumbai Travel Guide for Travel Lovers - 1

noreply@blogger.com (Arnie) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:32:00 +0000

Having a good time in Mumbai or Bombay is fairly easy simply because Mumbai has a lot to offer.There is also no major hindrance to finding your way around. English is commonly used and even an average man on the street can speak and understand it well enough to guide you. Some areas that are a must to experience include -

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj at Juhu Beach

Chowpatty Beach - Come August/September, Chowpatty Beach comes alive as the devout Hindu population of Mumbai comes thronging to its sands to immerse their larger than life idols of Ganesha and incur his blessings. On every other ordinary evening Chowpatty is where the common man comes to eat and be entertained. A gastronomic paradise of bhelpuri, a savory snack made from puffed rice with loads of onions, coriander, a medley of spices topped with sweet and sour tamarind sauce, chuski ice balls dipped in syrup, pao bhaji buttered buns served with a spicy potato side dish or pungent chutney sandwiches. Chowpatty is an experience that should not be missed. I liked pani puri most and missing it’s taste now days.

Fort - The Fort area in Mumbai is choc-a-bloc with old Victorian, Gothic buildings. An important financial and commercial center this area is always full of activity. The BSE or the Bombay Stock Exchange on Dalal Street is also located in this area. Avoid the Fort between 9.00 - 10.00 a.m. and 6.30 - 8.00 p.m. when the office traffic is at its peak.

Marine Drive - Eulogized by Bollywood, Marine Drive caresses the seashore from Nariman Point to the foot of the Malabar Hill. Passing Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive is also famous as the Queen's Necklace. One of the busiest roads in Mumbai, it is also one of the breeziest due to its proximity to the sea.

Colaba - The hub of tourist activity in Mumbai, Colaba is known for its street stalls, cafes and kitsch ambience. Colaba is also home to the most pocket friendly guesthouses and economy hotels.

Hanging Gardens - Also known as the Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, they are built over 3 reservoirs, which store billions of gallons of water for cleaning before they are pumped to the thirsty city of Mumbai.

Crawford Market - With a 50 feet high sky lit awning, Crawford Market is the place to shop for a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and meat. It is famous for the frieze just above its main entry point that has been designed by Lockyard Kipling father of the famous author Rudyard Kipling. It depicts the rural Indian farmer amidst the wheat fields. The building is a blend of Flemish and Norman architecture. Named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of Bombay, the building, which was completed in 1869, was donated by Cowasji Jehangir to the city.

My Rendezvous with Almighty

noreply@blogger.com (Arnie) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Meri Vaishno Devi Yatra

Jammu, which is best known to the world as a city of temples, and spreads around the river Tawi, was the destination of my trip. Since a very long time, I haven't travelled out of Delhi so I was quite eager to start my trip.

I boarded from Old Delhi railway station to Jammu Tawi. Train reached an hour late as there was only single track and to make way for another train was coming from Jammu, it has to wait on other station. Whole station was covered with army personnel for security reasons.

Katra was the next stoppage of my journey. It is 50 km away from Jammu. There was one army headquarter, which caught my attention, on my way to Katra. Green was the color I could not forget whether it was trees or army, both were in good numbers on the way.

I reached Katra in the mid of the day, spent some time in a Shrine Board dharamshala near the bus stand. Reaching to dharamshala was not an easy job, people were after us like honey bees expecting to earn some money that is how it happens in most part of the India and we are often used to it.

Katra to the Vaishno Devi Temple

After having lunch, I started trekking to the temple at 4 ‘o’ clock in the evening. In a great enthusiasm, I walked very fast in the begging but it didn't last long. After trekking for 2 km stretch, i took rest for 10 mins. Initially i was thinking i could whole 12km stretch without any rest, but it all proved to be overconfidence on my physical strength.

*One need to careful of land sliding on mountains whenever it's raining. I saw it passing through trek route. Three days before my journey, landsliding had happened and, you can see in photographs.

There were many check posts in the route, due to security reasons. one has wait for his turn. Though one don't like to wait in queue, but as it's for our own security, one need not to bother about it.

As I get done with the first security check, it started to rain hard. I waited for some time but rain was not stopping, I bought a rain coat of good quality and started on. After covering nearly two kilometres, I was all sweat because of that rain coat and my body was not in contact with the outside air. Dirty water was coming down the way, as horse shit was getting mixed with rain water. My feet were in dirt but I had no option only to move on. At last, rain stopped and I took off my rain coat and for the first time i began to feel better. When I looked down whole Katra town seems to me small blocks of tiles. The natural beauty began to enchant me.

When you moved to one mountain, you will find other one higher than the one you are on. I talked to many people in my run. I got a few friends, one guy even suggested me to move on till we get near to the temple and we did the same with rhyming “Jai Mata Di”. The Junoon is the thing that makes easy for all people. I found the religious Junoon and Aastha in the people going up.

Some people were very fat but still making their way to the Holy Shrine. I reached up at 9 ‘o’ clock, rested for 20 min and took bath. Water was so chilling; I just had a bath in 3 sec. After that, I queued up for darshan according to the number on my permit slip. I went through small caves and finally went to temple, one of the priests put the sacred Chandan on my forehead but within second, I was pushed by the mob. When I came out of temple, I took a long breath and was feeling like having won a war. It was 1 ‘o’ clock, I didn’t get much stuff to eat. I spend the entire night on the top of the hill; in the early morning, I started my journey to Bhairav Baba Temple.

Bhairav Mandir is 2.5 kilometres away from Vaishno Devi temple and at more height than the one had seen. My legs were refusing to move on but Junoon that I mentioned earlier makes everything easy in the end. At 9 ‘o’ clock I saw the desired temple and started to get down the hills. Now again the weather took a new turn, fog was getting denser and denser. Cloud slowly hiding the sun and in the end it rained for 20 mins. This is the beauty of mountains; you don’t know what is going to happen in the very next hour. At 12.30 in the daylight i was all down the mountains. I didn’t relaxed there I took the bus to Jammu and rested there only for 7 hours in Shri mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s dormitory. At11:45 there was my train back to Delhi. It was nice journey, you could it from the photos but i could not forget the pain at the same time that my legs have been through.

Useful Information:

From Jammu Tawi Station to Katra:

Pick the Bus or Cab to Katra. Fares Varies. Choose as per your comfort and purse.

Stay at Jammu and Katra:

If you are a budgeted traveller, stay at accommodation provided by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Visit website for booking here.

Food:

Whole Katra to Vaishno Devi Shrine trek is full of restaurants of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. They provide good food at reasonable price. There are also restaurants of famous food chain like Haldiram, Sagar Ratna and others but they are close to Vaishno Devi temple.

You can also book helicopter ride from katra to vaishno devi bhawan here, incase you need it.

Don't wait for your own Vaishno Devi trip!

Mount Abu : A summer retreat, a peaceful sojourn

noreply@blogger.com (Arnie) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:24:00 +0000

With the beginning of spring season, Mount Abu was blossoming in all its glory. The first thing I did on reaching the one and only hill station in the desert was search a comfortable and cozy accommodation. I chose the accommodation at Hotel Lake Palace. It offered all the amenities that a modern day traveller looks for. Apart from this, the hotel was located on the famous Mall Road which was yet another reason to choose this very accommodation. I dumped my bags in my room and went for a wander outside. To satiate my hunger pangs, I entered Arbuda Restaurant again on Mall Road. I had delicious pav bhaji followed by a glass of lassi. Then, I basked in the sun and the glorious weather.

Later in the day, I decided to visit the far-famed Dilwara Temples. Carved out in the most exquisite marble in the world, the architecture of this popular Jain pilgrimage was extraordinary. Details of the carvings on the pillars and ceilings were heart-touchingly beautiful. It seemed to me an unbelievable creation of the human hands. The luminous marble shimmering in the dappling sun was a sight to behold.

Beauty bestows itself in an exceptional form in Mount Abu. And there were innumerable points wherefrom one could appreciate the natural beauty and watch the breathtaking sunsets. I decided to catch glimpse of the setting sun from the Sunset Point. The crowd that gathered here for a view of the spectacular sunset was large. Small colourful shops and souvenir sellers added to the carnival like environ. It was the most romantic sight I had ever seen. How beautifully red flirted with indigo before fusing in the horizon. I enjoyed every bit of it. Then, I relaxed for the day.

I woke up late next morning. After having lunch at the hotel, I was was ready to hop over to Nakki Lake, the flirtatious lake at the heart of Mount Abu. The aura of the place took away with it all my stress. I spent the evening roaming around the lake. I enjoyed thoroughly the cool breeze blowing across my face. Boating here was great fun. Spent an hour cruising in the middle of the pristine waters in the lake. The water gushing from the jet fountain amidst the lake was a delight.

I stepped onto the Mall Road now. Picked up some fabrics and a small bell, had Gujrati thali at Kanak Dining Hall and then I retired for the night.

A Blue Diamond in the crown

noreply@blogger.com (Arnie) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:12:00 +0000

Destined to reach Jodhpur the next morning, I started off with a light breakfast. Drove off and soon I reached Jodhpur. The sync here was so unlike other Rajasthan cities. I saw several hotels. None could beat the charm offered by the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one which had recently hit the news when Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar decided to put up their wedding celebrations here.

Known amongst one of the largest residences world-wide, the structure is a dream carved out in yellow sandstone. I received a warm welcome from the royal family of Jodhpur. Fashionable exteriors and intricate interiors were equally stunning. Stepping in the room was like entering the royal world. Peerless paintings enabled me peep into the traditional bygone lifestyle.

After every single corner of the palace mesmerized me, I moved on to step out to experience more colour and life scattered in Jodhpur. Amazing! How many shades of blue, I remarked. Almost all the houses in the city were painted in blue. This not only added beauty but provided protection against insects as well. I chose to sit and notice the impressions of the people passing by. Half grown boys running after one another, young girls performing household chores and women drying brilliantly-hued saris. All this made me realize how innocent and simple Rajasthanis are even in today's fast paced life. I smiled and moved on...

Shopping in Jodhpur was truly a rewarding experience. The markets of Jodhpur display an array of beautiful and antique buys. I picked up a beautiful scarf in tie and dye. Thereafter, I headed towards Sarafa Bazaar and laid hands on some exquisite jewellery in silver. And how could I forget to grab a pair of those famous handcrafted 'Jodhpuri jooties' (footwear) without whose mention the catalogue of Indian footwear remains incomplete. The range available at Mochi Bazaar was fascinating.

The best part about this vacation in Jodhpur was my indulgence in flavourful snacks and cuisine. The famous 'Shahi samosas' followed by a glass of 'makhana lassi' were perfect starters. Moving on, I halted on the airport road to dine at 'Chimney' known for its beautiful village-like ambiance. I am actually short of words that can describe the flawless decor of the restaurant. Thatched huts, floor paved in mud, open-air sitting area and indulgence in great tandoori delicacies made my evening.

And this was not all! The appetizing colours of 'laddoos' mounted over one another aroused hunger pangs in my stomach. I gobbled about half a dozen of these melt-in-the-mouth magic balls within no time at all. Sleep was all that I could now think off. Completely worn-out, I crashed for the night with thoughts of my next destination – Mount Abu lingering on and on...

Rajasthan in all its glory

noreply@blogger.com (Arnie) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:45:00 +0000

I moved forward from Bikaner to Khimsar. On reaching Khimsar, I stopped for a tea break at the Khimsar Fort Hotel. Overnight was spent at Khimsar Sand dune Resort, my retreat for the next two days. There were several clusters of cottages in the resort. The staff at the resort was amiable. They had planned breakfasts in the open and dinners outdoors. Dinner accompanied by Rajasthani music and dance added to the entertainment the desert offered.

Now I opted for some adventure amidst the sands. You will have to believe me when I say that messing with sands in Rajasthan is great fun. I started off my adventure in Khimsar with a jeep safari. I saw deer, sambhar and a couple of snakes too. The charm associated with a jeep safari amidst the desert landscape was one of its own kind.

In order to taste the true essence of desert and explore the dune decked terrain further, I had to hire a camel who was my companion for the rest of the journey. I thoroughly enjoyed the camel ride into the sunset. Watching the sunset from an elevated sand dune hypnotized me. I felt as if transported to another world altogether. Hot tea and sandwiches, what more could I have asked for? Nothing but sand could only be seen for miles. Nowhere can the sands be as spellbinding as they are in Rajasthan, I exclaimed.

The experience was enthralling. Changing colours of the sun over the desert horizon, moonlit flooded over desert landscape are sights not to be missed. Days drenched in sun and crisp nights... It will not be easy for me to stem out from the fond memories of Khimsar Tour.

On my way to the amber hued city - Jaisalmer, I had a sound sleep in the taxi. I asked the driver where we exactly were as soon as I woke up. “Outskirts of Jaisalmer”, he answered. I peeped out of the window. From retina to horizon, sand scattered upto miles could be seen. I feel it is the right place for a soul. I mean, a place where quiet sand sits below an endless sky is where soul exists.

The golden town of Jaisalmer is packed with colours, celebrations and laughter. No other city evokes medieval desert flavour better! True desert companions, camels in Rajasthan are real show-stealers. Apart from the colorfully dressed locals, I was amazed to see the well-clad camels.

Moving further, my eyes caught hold of an old yet stunning haveli. I immediately decided to stay here. The architectural structure was treasure in itself. Carved in sandstone, it was a five-storied monument. My hotel room was on the top floor and an exclusive view for miles to go seen from the balcony was an added charm. Meals tasted even better when served on the roof top. Watching the sun rise along with a cup of tea in my hand was a moment of pure bliss for me. The instant was perfect, something I could have only imagined.

Later in the day, I visited the famous Jaisalmer Fort. Built out of yellow sandstone, the fort is fondly called the Golden Fort. The Jaisalmer Fort adds an ethereal appeal to the city. The fairy tale like beauty associated with the fort enthralled me. Springing up from the vast stretches of the golden sands, the palace complex, beautiful carved havelis and several temples that the fort houses are equally beautiful. The colorful interiors of the fort exhibit a great deal of richness and royalty.

After a long time, I grabbed the camera to recapture my passion for photography. And then endless clicks capturing the awe-inspiring monuments, desert sunset, merry-making and celebrations. Photographing the lively and hospitable Rajasthanis was purely pleasurable. My Jaisalmer Tour was simply an unbelievable travel-in-time experience.

Savor true essence of India

noreply@blogger.com (Arnie) — Sat, 17 May 2008 07:29:00 +0000

Yet another journey, yet another expedition and yet again... a chance to explore India at its best. I started off from Delhi - the main gateway into India. Vast Indian diversity melts perfectly at the country's capital. The past amalgamates flawlessly with the present. From the airport, I boarded a taxi so as to reach the hotel. It was an hour drive away from the International Airport. I could see the streets pulsate with exciting activities as I passed by.

Soon, I landed up at the hotel and entered my room. The interior of the room was tastefully decorated and beautifully restored. After freshening up and having breakfast, I set off to begin exploring various corners of Delhi. Accompanied by Dhananjay, my guide for Delhi tour, I was first of all taken to Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. It is believed that if you begin the journey from a holy shrine, it will end up in good. Very true...

Jama Masjid is a monument of great elegance. The collection of several unique things makes the mosque even more interesting. I was truly enchanted to see a copy of the Holy Quran produced on the skin of a deer.

On stepping out from the mosque, I gobbled a plate of hot Jalebis from the famous 'Jalebi Wala'. It was delicious! Every fresh turn and every new curve in Chandni Chowk presented an entirely different Mughal aura before my eyes. If Dhananjay would not have pre-defined the route, I would have surely lost my way.

In the afternoon, I visited yet another architectural marvel - Qutub Minar. A leisure pad for the locals, the monument is impressive so much so that made it difficult for me to take my eyes off this magnificent monument. Other attractions in the complex were equally magnetic. I thanked Dhananjay for his contribution to this memorable Deli tour. Later, I stepped in at Chor Bizzare for tantalizing my taste buds. Apart from the food, the art deco of the restaurant too was beyond compare. I am not likely to forget this gastronomical journey ever in life.

Next morning I departed for Agra – the city of love. I enjoyed the soft music played in the taxi during the 5 hours drive. I stopped at Mathura as I could not resist myself from visiting the most beautiful Iskcon Temple en route. Now I continued the drive to Agra. Just a mere thought of the world famous monument Taj Mahal fascinated me alike other Indian and foreign tourists from all pockets of the globe.

Upon arrival, I went straight way to my hotel room. I decided to visit Taj Mahal the next morning. What better than shopping in Agra streets could I indulge myself in? Traditional handicrafts including rugs and gem stones were my first picks. A couple of bags and belts were also added to my shopping bag.

Applauded as the apex of Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal seemed to me nothing less than magic created by the hands of humans. You will have to believe that morning hours are the best time to see one of the seven wonders of the world. You will be bowled over to witness the changing colours of the Taj at different hours of the day. The icon depicts the proud passions of Shah Jahan's love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The tour guide helped me explore exquisite interiors of the monument in white marble. As I moved on, I turned back for one last glimpse of the majestic Taj Mahal.

Next I visited Agra Fort, a gigantic structure in red sandstone. Standing along its fence made me feel like touching the sky. Ah! The feeling was great. Incomparable... I must say. The aesthetic sensibilities of Shah Jahan, Akbar and Jehangir are perfectly interwoven in the architecture of the fort. Interesting, isn't it? The erstwhile aura that floats through the halls and structures inside the fort gripped me equally. As soon as dawn broke, I left for my hotel. The next morning bidding goodbye to Agra, I headed forward towards the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan – Jaipur.