Dhwanee

Ujjayanta Palace Agartala : A lovely view from Laxminarayan Temple.

2014-05-26T07:43:00.000+05:30

Took this lovely view of Ujjayanta Palace Agartala from Laxminarayan temple.

Sri Kasbeswari Kali Mata of Kamalasagar Temple : Tripura

2014-05-26T00:56:00.001+05:30

We were returning to Agartala after a lovely trip from Neermahal (will write soon a post on it), Sojol suggested to visit Kamalasagar Kali Temple. Kamalasagar Temple is located about 27km from Agartala in a small village called Kasba . It falls on Indo- Bangladesh border. The temple is placed on a hillock overlooking Kamalasagar.

The temple was built in the late 15th century by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya (1490- 1520).

There is a huge green field for parking vehicles. Colorful shops on side of the temple way sell all kind of offerings and prasad. Unlike most of the Hindu shrines of India where devotees usually light earthen lamps, candles are very popular in most of the temples of Tripura.

Information regarding the shrine in Bangla script.

The Devi idol is made up of sandstone.

Took a closer look of the devi by priest's permission. Devi here has dashbhuja as mahishasurmardini. A shivlinga is placed near her feet.

The shrine is a preferred place for wedding ceremonies. We saw many weddings taking place there.

After offering our prayers we moved towards our car. It was lunch time and we were very hungry.

There were many food joints but most of them were pre booked by the wedding families. These rock carvings are replicas of that of Unnakoti.

The chances of finding food looked tough but fortunately this shop had few last plates of rice, daal and a vegetable side dish left. The food was not that good but the place was very clean .

It was almpst 4pm. The view of sun rays touching the waters of Kamalasagar was breathtakingly beautiful. This water body was too dug by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya.

Indian border security force on duty. Soon we left for Agartala .

Tripura Handicraft

2014-05-24T06:33:00.001+05:30

Tripura is famous for its cane handicraft. Visited one of the handicraft shop there. If you are there and want to buy some stuff go to Govt handicraft shop as that offers their product in lesser pricing.

The material used mostly is cane, bamboo and wood.

Tripura cane work is considered one of the best in world.

These products are exported worldwide.

Cane boxes, lamp sheds, file covers, wall hangings, baskets, jewellery and many more.

These curtain panels caught my eyes. They are expensive and very elegant.

Cane furniture, false ceiling, bamboo partitions and many more.

Sankar Hotel : Where to eat in Agartala

2014-05-23T05:41:00.001+05:30

We wanted to taste the local cuisine. Sojol took us to Hotel Sankar a very popular but small restaurant. This eatery is recommended by Lonely Planet too.
I don't know how right this information is but sharing it anyway. The main hotel is the extreme left one as one sees three eateries standing together in a row with the same name. It is located in Netaji Shubhash Road. The street is crowded and narrow. The building itself is called Sankar building.

The hotel has very few tables and the minimal staff. They serve hot steamed rice, fish/chicken curry, bhajis ( fried vegetables), daal (lentil), salad and papad. Specialty for vegetarians is their heavily spiced Paneer curry.

We ordered both non veg and vegetarian meal which had a cauliflower and potato curry, 'Gourd peel dried fried with potatoes, chicken curry, fish cooked in mustard gravy, salad , padad and paneer masala. The meal was prepared in pure Bengali style. Food is priced like anyother average Indian hotel. Service is very fast. A must try for fish enthusiasts.

Sri Jagannath Temple Agartala

2014-05-22T07:47:00.000+05:30

Sri Jagannath Temple is located near the famous Ujjayanta Palace. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhdra this temple was built in 19th century by Maharaja of Tripura, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya.

The temple has a spacious premises.

A portion of the temple has an elaborate display of beautiful statues depicting Lord Krishna's childhood (baal-leela).

The idols display is pretty and interesting.

There are more than four such rooms. The display below depicts the day Lord Krishna was born.

This one showing Kansa's karagar (prison) where he kept his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudev.

As we heard the sound of bells , drums and sankha (conch shell) we rushed towards the main temple hall where noon-aarti had just begun. Devotees had gathered for the aarti.

Priest with aarti deep in his hand.

Soon the aarti began

I was lucky to catch this divine scene in my camera by kind permission of the priests.

After taking prasad we came out and visited other parts of the temple. The premises is full of idols.

The temple has this shelter for homeless people. (Above pictures).

Another small temple near this small pond.

The main temple closes down for an hour or so in the afternoon as I remember.

While writing this post I found in wiki that this temple is known for its octagonal base which represents the feet of Lord Jagannath.

Malanchabas or Malancha Niwas : Place where Guru Rabindranath Tagore Stayed in Tripura (1919)

2014-05-21T08:17:00.000+05:30

Our taxi driver Sojol took us to this hillock to show us this structure. This bungalow stands adjacent to Kunjaban palace . It was originally a kaccha house where Tagore stayed during his visit in 1919. The permanent construction was later built and given the name of Malancha Niwas.

Sojol told us that this house attracts visitors from around the world because of its association with great poet

We had very little time in our hands so took some quick clicks.

This was the original kuttcha house, which is in ruins now. A view of both the structures together.

Indo - Bangladesh Border : Akhaura Check Post Tripura

2014-05-20T11:03:00.000+05:30

Beating retreat ceremony at Akhaura ( Agartala, Tripura) check post attracts many tourists and locals too. Our friends suggested that we must not miss the opportunity to witness the same. It was just four km away from our hotel ( Ginger Hotel). It took less than fifteen minutes to get there by car.

The ceremonies in the two states of West Bengal and Tripura have been planned on the lines of the Wagah Border, but with the difference that they will basically be a cultural affair where songs of Rabindranath Tagore and Kavi Nazrul Islam will be sung, the officer said.

The retreat takes place between border security forces of both the countries.

We had to rush as the retreat had already begun. I don't remember the exact time but it was somewhere in between 4pm - 5pm. Many tourist were gathered there. Best spots already occupied.

The Indian side in red turbans/caps.

Bangladesh border force in their uniform.Both the sides getting geared up for the retreat.

The place gets all charged up. A collage of the beating retreat. The retreat is over within twenty minutes. We move back towards our car.

Noticed this interesting sign board.

A Glimpse Of Rubber- Plantation On Tripura Roads

2014-05-19T08:46:00.002+05:30

India ranks third in production of natural rubber (Caoutchouc) after Thailand and Indonesia. Tripura stands second after Kerala in the natural rubber production after Kerala. Last December while traveling on Tripura roads I captured few clicks related to rubber-plantation.

The rubber grown in Tripura is of superior quality. Rubber sheets hanging on both sides of the road is a common sight on Tripura roads.

Another common sight is these rubber sheet spread on road itself for further drying.

For a closer look our driver Sajol stopped the taxi and lead us to the rubber grove.

In the year 1963 Forest Department of Tripura introduced rubber plantation on trial basis which soon became a success. Rubber is harvested in the form of latex from the trees. Latex is a milky and colloid liquid which is secreted from the rubber trees after an incision is marked on the tree.

This latex is then collected in vessels or coconut shells which are attached to the trees. This process is called tapping.

Halved section of a coconut shell is commonly used as a collector vessel in Tripura. These shells are supported by a wire holder that encircles the rubber tree. Tapping is mostly done in early mornings as the internal pressure of the tree is highest then.

Look at the way an incision is designed. The tapping process takes about for four to five hours.Latex naturally coagulates hence blocks the tapping tube. It is very crucial to send the material for processing before it coagulated. The raw material now goes for further processing. The collected latex is transferred into coagulation tanks for the preparation of dry rubber or transferred into air-tight containers.

My kids collected seeds which were lying on the ground.

Sajol found a sapling and gifted it to my kids.

Dain Thlen Falls - Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

2014-05-16T13:06:00.000+05:30

Meghalaya (Sanskrit- Abode Of Clouds) is a beautiful hilly state in north east India. Cherrapunjee (Sohra : historic name) a place in Meghalaya is well known as the wettest place in world. Dian Thlen Falls is one of the most mystically beautiful falls of the state. A very interesting legend is related to this falls which I will tell you later in the post.

Just few kms before reaching Sohra a right side road diversion leads travelers to this pretty falls.

The distance is about five to six kms and the road is in very good condition.

The route is extremely picturesque. The area is thinly populated.You will notice very few houses on way.

Religious structures .

Pristine landscapes

And we see the bridge over the river which is related to the legend. Legend : The waterfall derives its name from a snake (Thlen) of a gigantic size which dwelt in a cave.The villagers used to frequent the heavenly market of Langhiang Kongkhon and had to pass the bridge of the gods and the caves of the Thlen.

Anyone travelling in even numbers was safe but in odd numbers one would be devoured by the Thlen. A great Durbar was called for in order to devise a plan to get rid of the snake permanently. It was believed that this snake was butchered here by U. Syrmoh a Knight of yore who fed him with red hot iron rod which killed the Thlen instantly.

A grand feast was held and the whole town partook the meal. However, one lady took a piece of the meat home for her grandchild but kept on forgetting until one day the Thlen was revived again.

Remnants of the tools used for the feast that have turned to stone can be seen even today.

The place is all covered with stones . This waterfall is considered to be a soft waterfall as it doesn't make a roaring sound while falling.

Kaath Aalu : Yam : Use in Assamese Cuisine

2014-05-14T10:45:00.001+05:30

Kaath Aalu (Yam) is a loved delicacy in Assamese cuisine. As a tradition it is an essential part of Bhogali bihu feast.

Kaath aalu is used in various styles in Assamese cuisine. It is added to fish curries, daals (lentils) , mashed ( pitika) and fried .
The yam is first peeled .

Kaath aalu is then sliced .

Tamarind powder (haldi), salt is added to the sliced pieces.

Heat mustard oil (preferably) and fry the slices and serve hot with rice.

Brahma Banana : Banana variety found in Assam

2014-05-14T07:39:00.001+05:30

Bhrama banana is a banana variety indigenous to Assam.

Bharat Moni Banana : Banana variety found in Assam

2014-05-14T07:28:00.001+05:30

Bharat Moni is another delicious banana variety indigenous to Assam in India.

Malbhog Banana : Banana variety found in north east India

2014-05-14T07:04:00.001+05:30

Malbhog banana ( Musa Paradisiaca) is a very popular variety of banana found in North East Indian states. It has sweet taste, aroma and also a high post harvest life.

Truth

2014-05-05T19:45:00.002+05:30

Kanheri Caves - The Main Prayer Hall (Vihara)

2014-05-03T11:43:00.001+05:30

A view of the main prayer hall (Vihara) at Kanheri Caves Mumbai. Will soon write a detailed post on my trip to the beautiful caves

Elephanta Caves - A Collage Of Excellent Rock Cut Sculptures

2014-05-01T11:50:00.001+05:30

Elephanta caves of Maharashtra are listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The caves are famous for their exquisite and vibrant rock -cut sculptures. Will soon write a detailed post on my trip to the Gharapuri Island where these caves are located. Till than this collage.

Mumbai Diary - The Gateway Of India

2014-04-30T16:21:00.000+05:30

Located on the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, overlooking Arabian sea stands this magnificent monument named Gateway Of India. It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Designed by architect George Wittet this monument was opened on 4th Dec 1924 by the viceroy, the Earl of Reading.

A very popular tourist spot and of course overcrowded too. Don't forget to carry your sun cap and sunglasses. We spent about an hour or so there , the sun was very unkind that day.

Took lots of pictures, strolled all around the monument many times. Taj Palace Hotel is just a stone throw away from GOI. Tried one of the many local photographers for family clicks and glad that the pictures came out fabulous. Not sharing those pictures here. I do recommend that you carry a pen drive or hard drive so that you can save the original clicks as you are handover ed the printed version only.

You will find many agents approaching you for selling Ferry Boat Trip to Elephant Caves. There are ample boats available at regular intervals.

The design of Gateway is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. The archs follow Muslim design while the decorations depict Hindu style.

Below is a view from the ferry boat which shows the majestic monument, Taj Palace Hotel and Mumbai docks.

Gratitude

2014-04-30T08:19:00.001+05:30

Support

2014-04-30T08:17:00.000+05:30

Present Moment

2014-04-30T08:15:00.001+05:30

Mumbai Diary - Bandra Worli Sea Link - Rajeev Gandhi Setu

2014-04-29T07:19:00.004+05:30

Bandra Worli Sea Link is also called Rajeev Gandhi Gandhi Setu. It is a cable stayed bridge which links Bandra west suburbs of Mumbai to Worli in South Mumbai. This link carries four lanes of traffic in each direction. It was opened for public on 30th June 2009.

The toll plaza has a toll collection system.

The link reduces the travelling time between Bandra to Worli by half.

The sea link is managed by an efficient bridge management system.

Mumbai Diary - Sri Sri Radha Rasa Bihari Temple ISKCON

2014-04-28T21:56:00.000+05:30

ISKCON Temple OF Mumbai is one of the most visited temples of India. It is located just very near to the Juhu Beach.

This marble beauty is spread over four acres of land .

The temple was opened in 14th January 1978. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple but one can take pictures around the complex.

It is an extremely beautiful and well maintained temple. The prasad distributed outside the temple is simply divine.

Mumbai Diary - Mannat, Shahrukh Khan's Bungalow

2014-04-28T21:28:00.000+05:30

Our taxi driver insisted that we see Shahrukh Khan's house "Mannat" located at Bandstand in South Bandra. It is a heritage bungalow which King Khan bought in the yeat 2005.

Later Khan built a six floor house right behind the heritage bungalow .

The house faces the beautiful seashore.

Mumbai Dairy - Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre

2014-04-28T20:54:00.000+05:30

A quick click from our taxi as we passed through famous Lilavati Hospital. It is a private hospital located at Bandra in Mumbai.

Beautiful Sun - En route To Shirdi Dhaam

2014-04-28T17:54:00.000+05:30

A capture from the car en route to Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.