Travel Diaries - Where we go Yesterday, World reaches Tomorrow.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar - City of Gates

2026-03-23T12:14:00.344+05:30

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is also known as "City of Gates", with as many as 52 gates constructed originally. Standing tall through times, gates still retain some of the original charm and stories associated. One should take time for a lazy stroll around the city to check the gates - Makai Gate, Delhi Gate and Mehmud Gate.

Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (CS Nagar) is a historic city in Maharashtra close to the Ajanta, Ellora Caves and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga. The city offers a blend of art, spirituality, and craftsmanship and stands as a gateway to India’s architectural legacy. On our unending quest to explore offbeat places, we landed at CS Nagar, with itinerary planned as follows -

Day 1: Arrival – Bibi ka Maqbara

Day 2: Ellora Caves – Pitalkhora Caves – Bhadra Maruti Temple – Panchakki

Day 3: Ghrishneshwar Jyotirling – Holkar Kund – Paithan Silk Mill - Daulatabad Fort – Sidharth Zoo

Day 4: Aurangabad Caves - Lonar

Day 5: Lonar – Ajanta Caves – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar

Day 6: Local Market and return

Afternoon was at peak when we landed in CS Nagar and evening had just set in when we checked in at our stay for next 3 nights. It was a perfect time to explore the spot popularly known as Mini Taj of the Deccan - Bibi ka Maqbara.

It is the burial place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Dilras Banu Begum (posthumous titled as Rabia-ud-Daurani). She passed away in 1657, one month after giving birth to her 5th child.

This spectacular monument was built by Azam Shah in memory of her mother. Azam Shah was fascinated by Taj Mahal and tried to imitate the design at Bibi ka Maqbara, construction was started in 1657 and was completed in 1668-69. Upper portion of the main dome of the monument is covered with marbles like at Taj Mahal; however, rest of the portions have normal construction, due to budget constraints as told by locales. Perforated jaali (net) work on windows is worth appreciating.

Bibi ka Maqbara perfectly set the tone for the coming days.

Day 2: Ellora Caves – Pitalkhora Caves – Bhadra Maruti Temple – Panchakki

Before 7 AM, we were on way to Ellora. Till now we had read about Ellora in the books only and within 30 minutes we were at the entry gate with entry tickets booked online.

A small walk and we were in front of the Grand Kailash Temple (Cave no. 16) - word Grand is too small to describe the aura of the temple and the carvings.

Built by Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in 8th century, the temple is carved out of a single rock as monolithic structure dedicated to God Shiva. Every part of our grand heritage is carved in stones at this temple.

There are total of 34 caves at Ellora with delicate carvings. Like Shiv Parvati Vivah and God Shiv killing demon Andhakasur at cave 29.

After having our lunch at Ellora, we set out to Pitalkhora Caves - a true hidden gem in Maharashtra’s Satmala hills. These ancient rock-cut caves, with their striking yellow colour and ravine settings will take you back into history. Far from the crowds, this remote spot is a must go for curious wanderers and peace seekers. Check out this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read more about Pitalkhora Caves, forgotten and abandoned spot. Still some rays of the evening were with us, and we got time to explore Bhadra Maruti Temple, while returning to CS Nagar. It is one of the rare temples in India, where God Hanuman is in reclining pose (sleeping posture).

Evening had not entirely retreated when we reached the last spot of the day, Panchakki (Water Mill), an engineering marvel built in 1744 AD is a shining example of Maratha engineering prowess, where falling water was used to run a fluor mill to grind grains.

Water was bought from a source 6 km. away through earthen pipes to an underground water tank. From the water tank siphon action used to lift the water to top of rectangular pillar and from where the falling stream of water used to drive a fluor mill, which is still revolving – but not grinding anymore.

Day 3: Ghrishneshwar Jyotirling – Holkar Kund – Paithan Silk Mill - Daulatabad Fort – Sidharth Zoo

Yesterday while going to Pitalkhora Caves, we had witnessed miles long heavy traffic heading towards for Ghrishneshwar Jyotirling. To avoid the rush, we started at 6 AM in the morning. By 7:15 we were inside the Jyotirlinga temple and walking towards the sacred sanctum of the temple.

It was a chilly morning, and as custom males are required to remove the upper clothing before entering sanctum. I tried to delay removing jacket, but as soon as I did, I didn’t feel any cold till the time we spent inside the temple. This is called as “Divinity”, our temples are proof of divine existence.

Jyotirlinga was reconstructed by Maloji Bhosale in 16th century, and present structure was restored by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in 18th century.

After praying and seeking blessings of God Shiv, we asked the way to Holkar Kund. A surprised shopkeeper told us to take right from the main road. This stepwell was constructed by Queen Ahilya bai Holkar in 18th century to provide much needed water to local population and for pilgrims to relax, take a bath before entering the Jyotirlinga temple. Measuring 240×185 feet, stepwell has 8 temples, each housing a Shivling at the four corners and at the centre of each side at the water’s edge.

Holkar Kund stands as an illustration of civic planning of the Marathas and their emphasis on public utility. Want to read more…

By 9 AM we were ready to have our breakfast at one of the roadside eateries, same from where we had our lunch yesterday. On way to Daulatabad Fort, we had a brief stopover at Paithan Silk Mill. Kids got a good time, watching how the Paithan Silk Sarees are made. Check out the mill –

Finally, we were at Daulatabad Fort, originally known as Devgiri Fort. This 12^th century Fort located on top of a hill was the capital of Yadav dynasty. Daulatabad was the spot chosen by Mohammad Bin Tughlaq to shift the capital from Delhi, forcing entire population of Delhi to relocate. The idea failed badly, relocation and reverse location lead to death of thousands of people from exhaustion, starvation and extreme heat.

One has to take 750 steps to reach to the top and enjoy some breath taking 360 degree views of the surroundings. Check out what I saw -

In the course you will come across giant Canons, Watch Tower, Step well, unique temples like Bharat Mata Mandir, palaces, deep trenches infested with crocodiles and aspects of military architecture consisting of hidden and confusing pathways. Keep at least 3-4 hours of time. Check a few pictures – Can not cover the fort is a paragraph, so stay tuned for updates. Check out the huge trench and Chand Minar, the 2nd tallest minaret in India after Qutb Minar in Delhi.

Not only Forts and Caves, CS Nagar has Siddharth Zoo, a nice place to visit with children. Zoo has number of animals like White Tigers, Snakes, Crocodiles, Porcupines, Bears and many more. Snakes’ section is the most visited spot in the Zoo and is always filled with curious kids.

Dinner time was still an hour away, so shopping at Paithan Gate market seemed the obvious choice. This also provided a chance to drive through the gates of Aurangabad.

After trying authentic local dishes for the dinner, we were back to packing for travel to Lonar tomorrow morning. Stay tuned for exploring Lonar, the crater lake formed by a falling meteorite 52,000 years back.

Keep exploring folks……

Bhadra Maruti Temple - rare reclining Hanuman Temple of Maharashtra

2026-03-01T05:00:00.003+05:30

God Hanuman or Hanuman Ji is pinnacle of wisdom, devotion, humility and bravery. Not to mention an ardent devotee of God Ram. Hanuman ji used to carry mountains like a feather and used to cross the oceans in one leap, however used to surrender at one mention of God Ram.

When God Ram was preparing to depart from Earth to Vaikunth (his eternal abode) at the end of Treta Yug, God Hanuman asked for permission to stay on earth to continue serving God Rama by protecting his devotees and listening to the chants of Ram. Goddess Sita blessed Hanuman Ji to be a CHIRANJEEVI (immortal) and allowed him to stay on earth, protecting the righteous people and religion. Wherever Ram katha, stories of God Ram are told, sung or presented – Hanuman ji is always present. Hanuman ji is always available for the devotees, that is why Hanuman ji is always featured as sitting or standing in temples.

However, there are few unique temples in India where Hanuman ji is depicted in reclining pose (sleeping posture). One such temple is around 30 km. from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, the Bhadra Maruti Temple at Khuldabad. Hanuman Ji in sleeping posture draws devotees and tourists from far off places.

White colour of the temple signifies the purity of the devotion and though simple in construction temple is way too charming. Modest entry gate is followed by a large hall to accommodate large number of people. Approx 8–9 feet long idol of Hanumanji is covered with orange vermillion (sindoor) symbolizing strength and vitality. The atmosphere is serene and charged with devotion as the devotees enter inside the temple.

Khuldabad was known as Bhadravati in ancient times and was ruled by king Bhadrasen, who was an ardent devotee of God Ram. He daily used to sing devotional songs while worshipping God Ram. During one of such recitals, Hanuman Ji descended to the place and got so much mesmerized that by himself took a reclining posture.

Bhadrasen was surprised to see Hanuman ji in reclining pose before him. When asked by Hanuman ji for a boon, he simply requested Hanuman Ji to reside at this place forever and bless the devotees. Hanuman Ji agreed and the place came to be known as Bhadra Maruti – Bhadra for King and Maruti for Hanuman Ji.

Hanuman Ji is considered a protector against negative influences, devotees visit here for courage and relief from planetary afflictions, especially related to Saturn (Shani, शनि). Temple sees moderate to heavy crowds depending on time of visit during the day. Roof the temple is decorated with murals and sacred hymns from Sundar kand are written in the interiors of the temple.

The temple as built in 17th century; however, the idol is believed to be very ancient. Temple becomes a vibrant space on Saturdays during Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami. Thousands of devotees gather in the premises on Hanuman Jayanti and rhymes of Hanuman Chalisa, bhajans (devotional songs) electrify the atmosphere. Outside the temple premises is a statue of Shiv Malhar, wherein God Shiv is in a warrior form, holding a Khadga (sword) - God Khandoba (also known as Malhari Martand) is flanked by his wives Mhalsa and Banai. Symbols of a Dog, tortoise and horse and located at bottom of statue.

Almost every devotee was worshipping the God Khandoba, who has killed demons Malla and Mani. Bhadra Maruti Temple is just 4-5 km. from Ellora Caves and Ghrishneshwar Temple and can be conveniently clubbed within the itinerary. We came to the temple after exploring Pitalkhora Caves. In the region dominated by forts and caves, Bhadra Maruti Temple is a spot for spiritual solace.

To summarize - The Bhadra Maruti Temple represents unwavering devotion and purity of intentions. Reclining posture of God Hanuman makes in a unique site of faith. Visitto Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar will not be complete without experiencing divine vibes at Bhadra Maruti Temple.

Other temples to find Hanuman Ji in reclining pose are in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh and Chhindwara, Morena in Madhya Pradesh. Keep exploring folks…

Holkar Kund - A hidden historic Stepwell

2026-02-18T10:14:00.013+05:30

Beauty of Indian architecture lies in the fact that how the soul is harmoniously connected with the surroundings balancing environment and natural forces. Structures have been designed according to the utility and support to local population. Likewise fortified citadels, hilltop forts for defence against enemies, stilt houses in flood-prone areas, courtyards in homes to improve ventilation in hot areas, temple complexes serving as social and cultural centres and stepwells in dry regions to conserve water.

Stepwells especially have been an important part of Indian architecture in dry and arid regions. They not only helped conserve precious water but ensured supply of water to the local population and respite from heat.

Ahilyabai Holkar Shivalay Tirth Kund is one such stepwell in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. It was constructed by noted Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in 18th century. Stepwell measures 240×185 feet and epitomises remarkable design symmetry. 8 temples, each housing a Shivling are located along its perimeter at the four corners and at the centre of each side at the water’s edge. This is a structure that functions as a treatise in architectural balance and sacred geometry.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is in drought prone Marathwada region and has long faced water scarcity. Holkar Kund is an example of indigenous environmental engineering, to store rainwater, reduce runoff and gradually recharge groundwater. We enjoyed the time spent here and worshipping the God Shiv in small temples along the edges of water.

The stepwell was constructed as a holy spot for local population to get much needed water and for pilgrims to relax, take a bath before entering the Jyotirlinga temple. Overshadowed by more celebrated monuments like Rock-cut caves, Holkar Kund stands as an illustration of civic planning of the Marathas and their emphasis on public utility.

Despite its historical significance and environmental importance, Holkar Kund remains totally unknown. Holkar Kund is just 500m. from Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple and 1 km. from Ellora Caves. Thousands of people visit Ellora Caves and Jyotirlinga temple daily, however hardly anyone comes to Holkar Kund.

Unlike grand stepwells in Rajasthan or Gujarat, Holkar Kund is simple, elegant and functional. Design ensures easy access to water throughout the year, even during dry seasons.

In today’s context of water stress and climate uncertainty, structures like Holkar Kund offers valuable lessons in sustainable, low-impact infrastructure. Such stepwells can connect modern engineering with traditional knowledge systems that once ensured resilience and self-sufficiency. Check out a virtual tour of Holkar Kund:

To summarize – Since visiting this spot, I learnt that heritage is not only about grand monuments, but also equally about the structures that sustained life and made difference to everyday lives of local population.

I hope with this blog will inspire us to discover places like Holkar Kund and take one small step toward honoring our past and thinking sustainable future.

Keep exploring Folks……

Pitalkhora Caves - A hidden and forgotten heritage

2026-01-28T16:41:58.077+05:30

How does it feel when you are about to step into an unexplored corner of the map and someone asks, how did you get to know about this spot? A moment when you feel rewarded for your offbeat explorations and feel proud on calling yourself “The Vagabond”.

Our cab driver was skeptical about reaching the spot. Gawtala Wildlife Sanctuary, check point operators viewed us with surprise while taking entry fees – as if as if travellers rarely take this way. Inside the sanctuary a few curious local eyes carried the same question - source of information on “PITALKHORA CAVES”. This is precisely the magic of exploring unknown.

~ 50 km. From Ellora caves in Chandikawadi village in Aurangabad district, Pitalkhora Caves is probably once in a lifetime spot. After entering the reserve forest and driving for another 500m. on a very rough road, we arrived at the point from where we had to take stairs to go down into the ravine. Around 250 well-constructed stairs were eager to take us to the Pitalkhora Caves.

Striking yellow colour of the caves resembling brass catches the eye, the moment one arrives and probably is the reason behind the name Pitalkhora, Yellow Valley in local language-

Pital means Brass and khora means valley in local language. We have just discovered another offbeat Gem. It was the time to go inside the caves and unravel the unsolved mysteries. Caves were constructed during 2nd century BC, which makes them one of the oldest caves in India.

There are in total 14 caves - 4 on one side and 10 on other side of the ravine and are approached via a steel bridge.

As you cross the steel bridge, Elephants at the foundation of the cave no. 4 depict a grand welcome stage for a majestic monument which was under construction. Circular arches on the doors like Vedic architecture arouses curiosity about the structure.

However, all the cells are empty. For some reasons, the caves were left incomplete. Stories like labour strike or non-payment of wages is told by locales, however seeing the stones - visible fissures and cracks in the seams appear to be logical reason on leaving the construction midway. One can still see 2 gatekeepers alongside the Elephants at far-left end.

Structured like a Vihara (monastery), presence of cells inside the caves can be seen. Due to gradual erosion of the structure, whatever designs which were present are disappearing fast. Caves beyond cave no. 4 were being constructed as living spaces, incomplete cells do tell a story:

We got company from a few visitors for few minutes; however, we were alone at the site for most of the time we spent here. Far from the humans, settlements the pin drop silence of the nature was disturbed only by chirping of the birds and movement of leaves with wind blowing. On the other side of the valley there are 4 caves. 2 of them were being constructed as prayer halls or Stupas, however left incomplete -

Pitalkhora Caves do not feature on regular itineraries, but for those looking to spend time with themselves - the place is not less than a heaven. As afternoon was retreating, the colour of caves was turning stark yellow, proving the significance of the name "Pitalkhora" -

Check the difference in colour with the 1st picture of this post. Had the structure been completed, it would have been another example of rock-cut architecture like Ajanta, Ellora and Karla Caves in Maharashtra and rock-cut carvings in Gwalior.

There is no entry ticket for visitors and there are no public conveniences at site. Please carry your water and light snacks as the site is located in a very remote part. Wear good shoes and avoid venturing out of the marked walkways to avoid any encounter with insects, snakes and animals.

With a little daylight on our side, we grabbed the opportunity to pray to God Hanuman at Bhadra Maruti temple, a unique temple where Hanuman Ji is in reclining pose on our way back to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

Keep exploring folks...

Gopachal Parvat: A Majestic Testimony to rock art in Gwalior

2025-12-05T11:00:00.005+05:30

Perched on the rugged slopes surrounding the historic Gwalior Fort and 3.5 km. from Gwalior railway station, Gopachal Parvat stands as another example of remarkable rock cut architecture in India. At the onset, we felt like stepping into a meditative world, surrounded by ancient stone guardians who have witnessed centuries of changing civilizations.

People mostly visit Gwalior for its colossalfortifications and royal legacy of Scindias. However, a visit to breathtaking Gopachal Parvat stone carvings offer a quiet glimpse into the region’s artistic heritage. These rock-cut sculptures were engraved somewhere between 7th - 15th century.

The most striking feature of Gopachal Parvat is the size and intricate details of the carvings. The hillside graced with approx. 18 colossal statues of Jain Tirthankaras rises like a serene and majestic visual spectacle. Towering statues more than 50 feet high, some in deep meditation with intricate details showcase a timeless wisdom and exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans who worked centuries ago.

Carvings at Gopachal Parvat retain much of their original charm, however like in other parts of country, face of many statues is broken.

Walking along the Gopachal Parvat, we came across cave complexes filled with both seated and standing Tirthankara images.

Sculptures are accompanied by symbolic motifs like the lotus, wheel, or lion speaking about the socio-cultural harmony that once prevailed in the region.

Despite their historical importance, the Gopachal carvings remain relatively lesser known compared to other monuments of Madhya Pradesh. That makes the spot a perfect offbeat place which is serene, quiet, and untouched by heavy tourist feet.

Gopachal Parvat stands as a reminder of India’s diverse artistic traditions. Urwai Gate, Western entrance of Gwalior Fort has another very treasure of rock-cur carvings, approx. 3.5 km. from Gopachal Parvat.

To summarise - Anyone visiting Gwalior, must take some time to explore the Gopachal Parvat stone carvings. These silent, monumental figures carved into the heart of the mountain offer a rare blend of spirituality, history, and artistic brilliance that will make every minute spent here a special time.

Keep exploring Folks...

Bhadawana Dham - hidden Oasis near Gwalior

2025-11-02T19:50:00.005+05:30

Rains are not just water dripping from the sky, it is nature’s way of breathing life into the planet. Fields turn green, rivers come to life and waterfalls starts roaring again. I was travelling to Gwalior, so I had curated a list of lesser-known places to be cover during this trip and Bhadawana Dham was right at the top of my list. Bhadawana Dham is a spot located next to a seasonal waterfall that comes alive during the monsoons.

While returning from Orchha, we had entire 2nd half reserved for Bhadawana Dham, enough buffer for rain induced delays. While the taxi driver was not so enthused about the spot, we were feeling happy about our decision and joy of unravelling another perfect offbeat spot, which is just 26km. from Gwalior. Driving through small villages and forest roads we finally arrived at this hidden gem. At this moment I glanced back to see the road, we just drove through.

An overflowing pond with waters with number of turtles visible made the perfect sight to being our exploration. As we tried to go near to the pond, some locales advised to not to go so close as snakes also swim freely in these waters. This added another dimension to the visit and urge to locate at least one snake and capture in the camera.

Standing at the bottom, we could see the stretch of the waterfall and people enjoying the waters. Also, the top of waterfall was within our reach, so we climbed all the way to the top to check what is in store for us - stretch of seasonal river and the gorgeous waterfall below it -

We came across an old temple dedicated to God Shiv, which carries immense significance to the locales here. And a few more steps we were on the top of the waterfall to experience the long course of seasonal river with number of small streams that were making for the waterfall. Standing there for some time we enjoyed the water cascading down through rugged rocks while enjoying supercool breeze.

Area is known as Jinsikhan and ca be truly called as a hidden place where nature and devotion merge. Depending on your choice, the spot can be a trekking getaway or just a day out for a family picnic till the time waterfalls has water. In summers waterfall goes dry, and place turns too hot to visit. Check out a virtual tour of the place with us –

Word of caution – The place is literally unknown, so please respect the local ethics and sentiments.

Gwalior is a treasure trove for astonishing offbeat spots. Keep exploring folks…

Road trip across Garhwal: Rudraprayag - Srinagar - New Tehri...Part 2 of 2

2025-10-02T13:00:00.006+05:30

After finishing whirlwind Day 4 roadtrip exploration of Rudraprayag, we were enjoying our 2^nd night stay at GMVN Mandakini Resort at Tilwara, but thanks to our never-ending exploration streak we were unable to explore the spot. Our cottage was at stone throw distance from the Mandakini River and gentle sound of the flowing water was calling for last 2 days. So, we promised ourselves that the very first thing in the morning would be to enjoy the riverside vibes.

Getting up early in the morning while travelling gives you extra hours, so with the first ray of Sunlight were blessed with the view outside our balcony -

With kids happily munching whatever we had - we passed through the trees to be at the riverbank. Mandakini River cutting through the mountains while soaking the golden sunlight rays was nothing short of a fairytale setting. Suddenly I realised about missing my daily workout routine, and then -

After almost an hour, kids asked for breakfast, and we realised it was time for breakfast and take our bags to the car. By the time steering wheel sprung back to action, it was only 8:30 AM and we were cruising to our 1st spot of the day – Koteshwar Mahadev Mandir in Rudraprayag. This formally started our Day 5 safari.

Day 5: Tilwara – Koteshwar Mahadev – Dhari Devi - Srinagar – Peepal Dali Bridge – New Tehri

River Alaknanda gushing from between an opening in the mountains makes a panoramic landscape and we were fortunate to come to Koteshwar Mahadev -

This is the place where God Shiv took refuge in this holy cave and meditated to Vishnu Bhagwaan for help. Read more about the sacred place. 2 hours went like blink of an eye, before we realised that we had a long road to cover to New Tehri.

Would have liked to stay here for a day/ night at least, but that’s life and needs to move.

Road to New Tehri was through Dhari Devi, we got to see the amazing temple once more and continued. We stopped at Srinagar to buy the delicacy Bal Mithai and Singauri. We didn’t get Bal Mithai as it is delicacy of Kumaon but got Singauri somehow after checking a couple of shops. Singauri is prepared with fresh Khoya and wrapped in maalu leaves.

Before leaving Srinagar, we stopped to check the wide flow of the river Alaknanda -

Now we had only 80 km. to cover for the day and thought of reaching New Tehri in next couple of hours. Little we knew we had embarked on an offbeat rollercoaster road, which will take us to a dreamland like ride. Instead of chasing kilometers we were pausing at short intervals, where tiny settlements were waving at us and we were wondering as how suddenly from drive mode we got into Scenic Mode. Terraced farms, clean surroundings and literally empty roads, we were enjoying the pure joy of an ideal offbeat drive.

While enjoying the drive we realised that there were very limited options to eat, so we parked our car outside a small eatery to enjoy Omelettes and got a few packed for the evening/ night, just in case.

As the cruising continued, we came across Peepal Dali Bridge, 390 m. long suspension bridge across Tehri reservoir. This Engineering marvel is a sight to be cherished.

It was around 4:30 PM and we still had 40 km. to be covered. Since hills get dark faster, I decided to twist the throttle hard to reach the destination as early as possible. However, the last stretch was real offbeat drive with totally deserted roads, not a soul in sight to confirm directions and google maps going haywire due to patchy connectivity. Undeterred we continued to cross bridges.

Seeking help from GMVN staff, we finally arrived at New tehri Lakeside accommodation with still some last rays of light, supporting last clicks of the day -

Day 6: New Tehri – Surkanda Devi – Water activities at Tehri Lake

We knew about the significance of Surkanda Devi Temple and how crowded temple gets in the afternoon, so we arrived at the temple before crowds and trekked for about an hour to reach the sacred spot. Head of goddess Sati had fallen at this place when God Shiv was carrying the dead body of goddess Sati, which makes it one of the most important shaktipeeth, out of 51 shaktipeeths. Starting early gave us some time to enjoy the hilly drive and capture breath taking twists of the road - (click to find more such amazing roads in India)

There is a ropeway to reach the temple, but we preferred 3km. trek to test our physical health. 360-degree view of the surroundings is complimentary for visitors. And we were glad at our decision -

By 3 PM we were back at Tehri Lake to try some water activities. Tehri Lake is a large, artificial reservoir formed by the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River. The lake was created when the old town of Tehri was submerged to construct the Tehri Dam. There are variety of water activities one can indulge, but we chose to listen the melodies of reservoir waters while on a relaxing boat ride -

Day 7: New Tehri – Rishikesh - Haridwar – Delhi-NCR

As all good things have to end. We started our return with amazing memories of last 6 days of road tripping. But not before last act of supporting local economy by shopping fresh fruits and vegetables from a roadside stall -

As we still had time in our hands so a dip in holy river Ganga at Haridwar was the best option to thank the Gods and close this wonderful road trip across Garhwal.

To summarize – Garhwal is a magical land of majestic mountains, temples and sacred rivers, all set against landscapes that will surely take your breath away.

To explore Garhwal:

By Train: Nearest railway stations are Haridwar/ Rishikesh.

By Road: New Tehri is well connected by bus services from Delhi and nearby cities.

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, 35 km. which is well connected to major cities by flights.

Keep exploring Folks...

"Aaram Se" - 2 hour run down in Lucknow

2025-09-04T15:37:00.004+05:30

It was a fine sunny morning, and Lucknow was painted in golden hues as I headed to deliver a talk at an Industry event. I was occupied with the slides and notes on “Green Hydrogen and Decarbonization” when driver’s voice broke through my concentration as he pointed towards “Rumi Darwaza”. My goodness – the towering monument looked like a portal to another age and at that moment restless vagabond jumped out through the notes and started exploring the skyline.

Driver further added that next to Rumi Darwaza is Bara Imambara, Shahi Bawli and Bhul Bhulaiya. By this time my presentation notes were back in the bag, and I asked about time required to explore all. For long I have had this habit of taking earliest possible flight and realized that I had some time before my session at the conference. Driver told me about 1.5-2 hours depending on my speed. I requested the driver if he could end the ride here. He happily agreed and said “Muskuraiye aap Lucknow mein hain”

The Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow is a grand gateway built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. Standing 60 feet tall, with intricate floral carvings and a massive central arch, it is a shining example of Awadhi architecture. Which was once a grand entrance to the city, today is one of Lucknow’s iconic landmarks. Rumi Darwaza translates to Turkish Gate, and many locals connect with Sublime Porte a similar monument in Turkey. However, Rumi Darwaza is considered more majestic and magnificent.

Suddenly my legs had gotten equipped with springs and in next 10 minutes I was at Bara Imambara entry gate. Bags are not allowed inside the premises, but to my surprise, they had a cloak room to safely keep my laptop trolley bag. One can buy tickets only for specific monuments or can buy a unified ticket covering all monuments. I knew for sure that I wouldn’t be able to cover every monument that day. But the ever-hopeful traveler was unable to resist, and I grabbed the unified ticket, desperate to soak in as much history as possible before the time ran out grand entrance made for the perfect start.

Without my luggage, I got supercharged and started running towards Shahi Bawli, ignoring requests from guards and caretakers “Aaram se Saahab”. But I was running against time.

Shahi Bawli is a huge stepwell type water reservoir, built between 1784 and 1794 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It is a multi-story building with interconnected galleries, open-arched windows and similar looking confusing/ hidden passages across different levels with stepwell at the bottom. It is said that Shahi Bawli was constructed to help the local population during the severe famine of 1780's, provide water and respite from scorching heat. Shahi Bawli is another proud addition in list of India's stepwells -

An intriguing tale surrounds Shahi Bawli. Its treasurer, Mool Chand Rastogi chose to committed suicide to avoid revealing details of hidden treasure to greedy British Army. It is believed that only he held the key and map to the location. Despite desperate attempts to locate the treasure, British were unsuccessful, and mystery of treasure stands till today. Check out virtually, the grand monument -

Clicking through dark corridors and shuffling across the floors, I forgot for a moment about my pending engagement, till I saw Bhul Bhulaiya from a window. In the next moment, I found myself standing at Bhul Bhulaiya entrance. Guards had again suggested “saahab aaram se” and take a guide, else you will be lost. Initially I decided against the idea of a guide accompanying me, but a slight look into the internals convinced me to go with a guide. Guide charges are ₹ 100 per person and will take a group of at least 10 people. I may have lost precious 5-10 minutes in waiting for guide, but it was worth hearing the stories about the monument and Lucknow city. meanwhile standing there, I turned around to click the amazing portrait of Asafi Mosque -

Bhul Bhulaiya is a complex and confusing set of paths and passages. The labyrinth has over 1,000 passages, some of them go nowhere, some of them take you to hidden balconies and only one arrangement to take you to next floor. Riddled arrangement of the passageways as everywhere in the world has a lot of hidden treasure tales associated and probably would have been used by then Nawab to escape potential threats. Have a look -

Guide told that all these structures were commissioned by the Nawab to provide employment to locales, while the region was reeling under devastating famine in the 1790s. As he was taking his sweet time, I tried to expedite at times, and we were at the top to get a lovely 360 view of the Lucknow skyline and the monuments inside Bara Imambara. While the guide was concluding I quickly captured few precious pictures of the moment and hurried down. This time the guide told “aaram se”, you will lose the way and will be unable to exit. But I made a perfect exit to collect my bag and rush off to the conference venue. While coming out, a Tanga (Horse Carriage) operator offered to take me around the place, but alas I had to go by saying next time.

We get such moments along the course of our lives. I was fortunate that I had a couple of hours for this rundown. Life is an unplanned journey - every turn brings a surprise to be discovered.

Lucknow is anglicized version of city name Lakhnau. Legend says city was gifted to Lakshman by his elder brother God Ram and was initially known as Lakshmanpuri and subsequently over the time came to be known as Lakhanapuri and Lakhnau.

Keep exploring Folks...

Mystical Koteshwar Mahadev in Rudraprayag

2025-08-01T10:40:00.007+05:30

How often we wonder to go to places we hear in epics like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shiv Puran and likewise? Over the time due to name change we are unable to locate them, however if we explore offbeat roads, we will definitely find these places. Such amazing spots are at times hidden inside some caves or situated in remote offbeat places with mesmerizing history and some are just fascinating spots to explore. Along the serene banks of the Alaknanda River and picture-perfect settings is Koteshwar Mahadev, a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty in the heart of the Himalayas.

Gushing Alaknanda River from between an opening in the mountains makes a panoramic landscape and glad we got a chance to be a witness to its wild currents, cliffs echoing its roar like an untamed extravaganza created by mother nature.

It was the 5th day of our mountain safari and Koteshwar Mahadev was the 1st spot in the itinerary. 3 km. from Rudraprayag confluence and approx. 500m. trek down to river bad opens a window to a realm of spiritual spot known as Koteshwar Mahadev temple. It took us around 45 minutes from GMVN Tilwara to arrive at parking spot and there after 10-15 minutes trek to reach the riverbed.

Koteshwar Mahadev is a natural cave temple with self-manifested (swayambhu) Shivling and the history of the temple goes back to Satya Yug. In Satya Yug, God Shiv gave a boon to demon Bhasmasura that if he places his hand on head of anyone, the person will turn into ashes. However, intoxicated by power demon decided to kill God Shiv and it is believed that God Shiv took refuge in this holy cave and meditated to Vishnu Bhagwaan for help. It was then Vishnu Bhagwaan in form of Mohini tricked Bhasmasur into placing his hand on his own head and demon got destroyed by his own boon. This adds to the spiritual significance of the temple, and one can feel the tranquility while praying and sitting inside the cave.

Just outside the cave, a natural waterfall continuously drips and worship the sacred spot.

Temple attracts lot of devotees during Shivratri and there are dedicated ghats to let devotees take a dip in sacred waters of Alaknanda.

There are few temples before the sacred cave where saints stay and meditate.

Post worshipping you will have ample time to click pictures of the cliffs or just sit in silence and feel the holy vibes. We had planned 1 hour for the spot but ended up spending over 2 hours here and kids insisted to spend more time here.

What a magical spell crafted over us by sacred spot and blessings of Gods? Had we known about the place beforehand, we might have stayed nearby to the spot for a night. Travel Koteshwar virtually with us -

To summarize, walk to Koteshwar Mahadev with its panoramic views of the Alaknanda River cutting through the lofty cliffs is as rewarding as the destination. Koteshwar Mahadev is not just a destination, but an experience of devotion, and connection with divine moments of past, where Gods were a part of. Thanking the Gods for allowing us to visit the sacred sport, we started again on Garhwal Safari, drive to New Tehri.

Keep exploring Folks…

Lohagarh, Bharatpur Fort – A testimony to Invincibility and Valor

2025-07-09T08:58:00.001+05:30

While travelling to Agra as a kid, I often used to see the buses plying to/from Lohagarh Depot on the highway. I used to wonder about the name Lohagarh and where Lohagarh was, as I was unable to locate it on my school Atlas. Gradually I forgot about Lohagarh name, till one fine day I got to know that Bharatpur Fort is known as Lohagarh, literally meaning Iron Fort. Yes, Lohagarh is one of the strongest forts ever built in India and despite numerous assaults from invaders and British, the fort remained unconquered. There will be no other way to feel the aura of this Fort, than standing in front of the gate.

Lohagarh justifies its name through its architecture that focuses on strength and resilience over ornamental stuffs like many forts in other parts of country. Lohagarh is a proud testimony to strategic brilliance of Jat rulers, particularly Maharaja Suraj Mal, who built the fort in 1733. The fort is surrounded by deep trenches filled with water, which were earlier infested with crocodiles to provide first line of defense against adversaries.

The fort was constructed with thick outer walls of mud instead of stone. This appeared crazy initially but proved highly effective in absorbing fired canon from the enemies. Bharatpur army used to retrieve the fired canons by the enemies from the mud walls and fire back the same canons on to the invaders/ attacking forces. Despite a prolonged assault, the British were unable to breach the fort, suffering heavy casualties and ultimately retreating in 1805. Maharaja Suraj Mal fought around 80 wars and remained undefeated. Tales of his bravery are fondly told till date at every corner of Bharatpur.

At one of the highest points in the Fort, a giant canon salutes God Hanuman, and place is known as “तोप वाले हनुमानजी”, God Hanuman with a Canon. This giant canon must have scared the hell out of enemies in those days.

1^st spot on the itinerary is Government Museum which is situated in the heart of Lohagarh which was established in 1944 under reign of Maharaja Sawai Brijendra Singh.

The museum is a treasure trove exhibiting an impressive collection of artifacts from erstwhile royal family of Bharatpur. Musuem is divided into Kachahri Kalan, Kamara Khas, Haman (Persian Bath), Cahaman Bagichi, Chappan Khamba and Baradari. Keep on exploring and keep on clicking.

Chappan Khamba is an intricate 56 pillared structure open from all sides at terrace of the museum.

Opposite to Chappan Khamba is the Baradari, a structure with 12 entrances. The museum is also a home to number of statues which are being discovered at various places around Bharatpur. Check out spell-binding stone craft depicting Dhola-Maru folk tale, Nar-Varah (Human Boar), Goddess Kali killing demon Mahishasur, Putna killing by baby Krishna, dancing Shiva and an ornate pillar.

At a walking distance from museum, Jawahar Burj stands as a symbol of aura and strength. At first glance it looked like an architecture puzzle which must have been made to target incoming attackers in case they were able to reach till this point.

It was constructed as a watch tower to keep an eye over approaching enemies by Maharaja Suraj Mal. Subsequently structures were added by Jawahar Singh to commemorate his victory over Mughal rulers of Delhi and so got the name “Jawahar Burj”. Intrinsically carved Barahdwari (12 door monument) is an attractive spot.

An Iron pillar depicting ancestry of Bharatpur royal family was erected by Maharaja Brijendra Singh.

Burj gives an epic 360-degree view of Bharatpur including canal surrounding Lohagarh.

Fort’s inner structures were equally fortified for warfare rather than aesthetics. However, Lohagarh house some palaces like Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, and Kothi Khas. Check out Kishori Mahal –

Kishori Mahal earlier was residence of Queen Kishori; wife of Maharaja Suraj Mal. Building now houses paintings depicting events from life of Maharaja Suraj Mal.

Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur was epitome of Bravery, Strategy and a Nationalist who successfully repelled invaders and safeguarded regions of Mathura, Aligarh, Agra till Rewari and established Bharatpur as a powerful state in northern India. Suraj Mal shifted the capital to Bharatpur in 1730 from Deeg as Lohagarh was nearing completion and Deeg was coming under repeated attacks from mughal rulers of Delhi. In front of Kishori Mahal statue of Maharaja Suraj Mal displays same elegance and authority that distinguished him during his reign.

Despite being a powerful king, he was a paragon of simplicity as well wearing local dresses and speaking language of people. Few lines in his honour, drawn from the Bharatpur folk tales -

लोहागढ़ के वीर पुरोधाओं की गाथा गाता हूँ, महाराजा सूरजमल से वीरों की याद दिलाता हूँ
अमर प्रेम था देशभक्ति का जिनके सिर चढ़कर बोला, माटी की रक्षा की खातिर जिनका खून हमेशा था खौला

चेहरे पर जिसके ओज हमेशा सूर्योदय सा चमक गया, अफगानी आक्रांता अब्दाली जिसका खत पढ़कर ही धमक गया

राजनीति और कूटनीति के बेहद अपार वह ज्ञानी थे, अंग्रेज-मुगल-अफगानी जिसके आगे भरते पानी थे;
भारत माता का वीर पुत्र वह हिंदू धर्म का रक्षक था, सत्यप्रिय,था न्यायप्रिय, अन्यायी दानव का भक्षक था

वही वीरता, वही सुशासन, कूटनीति रग-रग में थी, देखो यश गाथा आज भरतपुर की फैली सारे जग में थी

ना कभी झुका है ये ना कभी झुकेगा, ये हिन्दू का सिर है गर्व से उठेगा
फक्र है हमें सूरजमल के संस्कारों पे, भगवा ना झुका है भगवा ना झुकेगा...।।

To summarize – At Lohagarh, ancient walls breathe secrets of the past and invites history lovers to immerse themselves for a day and there are some unique temples like Lakshman Temple which is one of its kind in the World and Ganga Temple.

Keep exploring folks...

Road trip across Garhwal: Devprayag-Rudraprayag...Part 1 of 2

2025-06-18T09:29:00.012+05:30

A road trip across Garhwal in Uttarakhand offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Uttarakhand’s breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage and religious significance. It is often said that one can find peace here, just by looking at the mountains.

To explore and experience the soul of Garhwal, we planned a 7-day road trip to trace the course of holy river Ganga, across Garhwal going through Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kaudiyala, Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag - each stop rich in culture, spirituality, and natural charm. Starting early morning from Delhi-NCR, as we drove away from bustling Delhi-NCR, the landscapes also started transforming from urban chaos to serene hills A stop in the way before Haridwar for a quick breakfast sets a perfect tone for the exploratory drive as follows -

Day 1: Delhi-NCR – Neer Waterfall, Rishikesh – Kaudiyala

Day 2: Kaudiyala – Devprayag – Kaudiyala

Day 3: Kaudiyala – Devprayag - Jayalgarh – Dhari Devi - Rudraprayag – Tilwara

Day 4: Tilwara – Ukhimath – Deoria Taal – Guptkashi – Narayan Koti group of Temples - Kalimath Shaktipeeth – Tilwara

Day 5: Tilwara – Koteshwar Mahadev – Srinagar - New Tehri

Day 6: New Tehri – Surkanda Devi – New Tehri

Day 7: New Tehri – Rishikesh – Haridwar – Delhi-NCR

Around 5 hours into the drive, we were at outskirts of Rishikesh approaching our 1^st stop, Neer Waterfalls. Perfectly hidden on an offbeat road, the waterfall opens up like a khul-ja-sim-sim spot and offers a picture-perfect setting to enjoy the falls while exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

Drive beyond Rishikesh turns photogenic beyond expectations with winding roads weaving through lush green valleys. Driving for another 40 km. we reached Kaudiyala, our home for the next 2 nights. GMVN Kaudiyala mesmerizes with its panoramic views of the mighty Ganga, rushing and roaring through the valley below. One can stand for whole day in the lawns, writing poems on the course of Ganga.

Apart from majestic landscapes, best kept secret is Kaudiyala beach. White sands and sprawling waters transport you into a fantasyland. It's a magical haven where children are bound to have an unforgettable time.

Day 2: Kaudiyala - Devprayag - Kaudiyala

Starting early gave us the time to stop to enjoy a cup of tea on the way. Devprayag is the spot where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet and merge to form river Ganga.

Merging of river streams with waters of distinct colours makes for a beautiful spot to rest and soak in the spiritual vibes. Know more about history of Devprayag and connection with Shree Ram.

Day 3: Kaudiyala – Devprayag – Jayalgarh - Dhari Devi – Rudraprayag - Tilwara

Approx. 90 minutes from Devprayag is the Dhari Devi, considered as guardian goddess of Uttarakhand, and a lovely temple is in middle of Alaknanda River.

Read more about Dhari Devi goddess, which transforms 3 times in a day per cycle of life - girl in morning, young woman in afternoon and old woman in evening. Click to know about more such unique temples in India.

Picking up a few freshly prepared Bread Pakoras from a small kiosk and we continued the drive to Rudraprayag, thus saving some time for exploring the spots. It took us around one hour to reach Rudraprayag, a small town nestled at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Here serene beauty and a sense of divine calm await the visitors Check the dusky evening ambience -

Apart from the confluence, hilltop Rudranath temple and Chamunda temple at the confluence is worth visiting. It is believed revered Sage Narad ji had prayed at this place and got Music knowledge from Rudra (Bhagwan Shankar).

For the first time I came across a statue of Narad ji, spot is called as Narad Shila.

By the time, we finished exploring the hilltop temples, evening had started to set, and it was the time to bid adieu Rudraprayag confluence and to restart driving to Tilwara, our home for next 2 nights.

Day 4: Tilwara – Ukhimath – Deoria Taal – Guptkashi – Narayan Koti group of Temples - Kalimath Shaktipeeth – Tilwara

For Day 4, my car had requested a break, so we hired a local taxi as there was a lot of trekking in the schedule. Right at 6 AM we were on our way to Ukhimath, around 35 km. from Tilwara, Omkareshwar Mandir at Ukhimath is the home of God Kedarnath (Shiv Bhagwan) during winters. As the first ray of light unfolded, we stepped into divine Omkareshwar mandir to seek the blessings of Bhagwan Shiv.

After praying at Ukhimath, it was time to trek to pristine Deoria Taal. With such views, this road trip was turning into a soul-refreshing experience along the way.

Deoria Taal is associated with times of Mahabharata. This is the place where Pandavas were tested by Yaksha by series of questions in order to drink water from the lake. Check out the pristine Lake -

Till date water of the lake is not used for any purpose by the locales. Post Deoria Tal, we started to Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi which is considered as one of most sacred spots in India. Guptkashi means Hidden Banaras (Varanasi). After the battle of Mahabharat, Pandavas were praying to meet Bhagwan Shiv to get absolved from the sin of killing Kauravas (despite evil, Kauravas were cousins of Pandavas). However, Bhagwan Shiv did not want to meet Pandavas, so hid himself in this temple and took the form of Nandi and thus got disappeared.

That is why the place got its name Guptkashi, gupt means secret or hidden in Hindi.

A couple of kms. from Vishwanath temple is the Narayan Koti group of temples. Narayan Koti means abode of God Vishnu.

The only temple of its kind in the World dedicated to Navgrah (9 celestial bodies) and there are 2 temples dedicated to God Veerbhadra and Satya Narayan. Read more about Narayan Koti group of Temples.

Now the last spot of day, Kalimath Mandir was waiting for us. Little we knew that that this was going to be the most fascinating drive and spot of the trip. Check the views -

Kalimath is the ancient & mysterious Shaktipeeth dedicated to Bhagawati Mahakali, as significant as Kamakhya Devi and Jwalamukhi Devi.

Here instead of idol, a kund (pit) covered with a silver plate is worshipped. Read more on how Bhagwati Mahakali disappeared into the pit after stepping on Bhagwaan Shiv post killing demon Raktbeej. Sacred temple is located at sacred Saraswati River, locally called as Kali Ganga.

As night sets early in mountains, we had to return to Tilwara, but not before buying locally produced pulses (Bhat ki daal) and pickles from a local shop. We returned to GMVN Tilwara around 6 PM, closing a 12-hour continuous exploration of the fantasy lands.

We spent 2 nights in Rudraprayag, an ideal destination for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, or anyone looking to find oneself. However, a couple of nights more could have been planned. But as Mr. Rocky says, there is always a next round.

Journey Day 5 onwards - Starting with exploring the Mandakini Resort and a long drive to New Tehri. Click to join for part 2.

About Garhwal:

Garhwal is a land, known for majestic mountains, sacred rivers, cultural heritage and religious significance. Garhwal and Kumaon makes up for 2 administrative regions in Uttarakhand. Garhwal is the western part and Kumaon is the eastern part of Uttarakhand. (About Kumaon)

Nearest stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. Regular bus services are available from Haridwar/ Rishikesh to Devprayag and Rudraprayag. Better to get down at Haridwar station as most of the buses start from Haridwar.

By Train: Haridwar/ Rishikesh are connected to New Delhi with regular train services.
By Road: Devprayag is well connected by bus services from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and other nearby cities.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun which is well connected to major cities by flights.

Keep exploring Folks...

Dhari Devi Mandir - Guardian Goddess of Uttarakhand

2025-06-05T08:55:00.006+05:30

Beautiful roads lead to beautiful destinations and so was our journey from Kaudiyala to Rudra Prayag.

Holy confluence of rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda at Devprayag along with breathtaking views of green mountains and the gentle murmurs of the river Alaknanda, thereafter, kept us refreshed and in good spirits. Enjoying nature’s extravaganza along the way, we reached the enchanting Dhari Devi Temple which is majestically standing in the middle of the river Alaknanda in Srinagar district in Garhwal region.

It was around 12 Noon, we reached the sacred spot and were fortunate to get parking space close to the entrance gate, otherwise as told by locales cars get parked up to 2 km. from the entrance gate. From the entrance gate, we started walking downwards towards the temple. As we caught the first glimpse of the temple while trekking downwards, we could not contain ourselves from clicking breathtaking pictures of the view.

Dhari Devi is worshipped as the protector of Uttarakhand and is believed to safeguard the region from misfortunes. We bought prasad from one of the local shops and passed through vibrant stalls selling sweets, sacred offerings, artifacts and local dresses.

We went Inside the temple premises through a concrete bridge connecting the temple with the riverbank. Standing between the valley and river we felt fascinated and mesmerized by its intricate architecture. The most fascinating aspect of the temple is the transformation of Dhari Devi throughout the day - a girl in the morning, a young woman in the afternoon, and an old woman in the evening, showing the cycle of life. Statue at the temple is the only upper part of the Goddess Kali, while the lower part is worshipped at Kalimath temple.

After offering our prayers, we took some time to stand in the verandah of the temple premises and feel the airs coming from the mountains and breathtaking beauty of the Alaknanada river.

After clicking a few pictures, it was the time to return back to the riverbank and proceed to the hanging bridge beside the temple gracefully stretched across the river. As we crossed the hanging bridge to other side of the valley, the cool breeze and the gentle sway beneath our feet made us feel like we were floating in the air.

River beach remained, so after the hanging bridge, we walked towards the riverbank. The shore of the Alaknanda felt like a peaceful beach, where the soothing sound of flowing water calmed our excited hearts.

There are number of shops selling local juices, pickles and wooden souvenirs of Dhari Devi. Our contribution to local economy came in form of buying Rhododendron juice concentrate and Fig and Lingda pickles. If you do not want to buy a bottle, shops also offer one glass of juice for tasting for Rs. 20/ 30 depending in size.

Heart and feet were requesting to spend more time, but Rudra Prayag was calling, so we bought few freshly prepared Bread Pakoras from a small kiosk on the main road and started again. If you can eat while on the drive, you can spend extra time exploring the spots. While moving further we realized that some journeys touch the soul. Our visit to Dev Prayag the day before and now to Dhari Devi (47 km. from Dev Prayag through Jayalgarh) was not just a journey across places but an experience where nature and divinity were seamlessly knitted together, which is also the basic fabric of Garhwal region.

Keep exploring Folks…

Lakshman Mandir, Bharatpur

2025-05-25T14:00:00.001+05:30

Welcome to the only temple (mandir) in the world dedicated to God Lakshman and his wife Devi Urmila. Situated in the heart of the city, this unique temple is a major attraction in Bharatpur City. A grand entrance gate marks the entry to the temple and announces the towering presence of the temple.

Younger brother of God Ram, Lakshman is an incarnation of Sheshnaag, the king of serpents and Urmila is the serpent goddess Naglakshmi. Lakshman is a key figure in Ramyan and worshipped as an epitome of loyalty, bravery, and devotion.

Situated in centre of the city, the temple was established around 400 years back by a Naga Sadhu who was a devotee of God Lakshman. Temple is now managed by one of his descendants. The construction of the present temple was started by Maharaja Baldev Singh and was completed by his son, Maharaja Balwant Singh around 1870.

Statues of Bharat and Shatrughan along with their wives Mandvi and Shrutakirti are present in the temple along with God Hanuman. However, God Ram and Goddess Seeta are not present in the temple.

Temple is not a huge structure, but a place to experience peace in middle of a bustling city. Constructed out of Sandstone and white marble, temple features intricately carved doorways, ceilings, pillars, walls, and arches which exemplifies Rajasthani architectural grandeur.

Walls and pillars inside the main sanctum are carved with images of Sheshnaag showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Bustling market area alongside the temple provides number of options to satiate your taste buds with local delicacies like flavour packed Pyaz Kachori, sweet Imarti and spicy Samosas. While strolling through the lively lanes do stop at any of the stalls to enjoy Adrak wali Chai (Ginger Tea) and hear tales of bravery of Raja Suraj Mal from the stall owner as well as locales.

Lakshman Mandir is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of Rajasthan. While visiting Agra or Mathura, keep some time for Bharatpur, else a same day return from Bharatpur can be also planned provided you do not visit Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary.

Major temples in Bharatpur including Lakshman Temple remains closed from 11 AM to 5 PM, so please plan your trip accordingly. Deeg Palace, which is 35 km. from here is a stunning Jal Mahal located inside a lake: can fill up the afternoon sightseeing. If you are driving, park your vehicle in the Ganga Mandir parking lot and enjoy a pleasant walk to the temple premises.

Keep exploring folks…

Secrets of Kalimath Shaktipeeth - Where Goddess Mahakali disappeared

2025-05-01T09:00:00.006+05:30

There is some reason why Uttarakhand in called as Dev Bhoomi and when you set out to explore Uttarakhand, you will get answers at every turn. After exploring Narayan Koti temple, as we moved higher from Guptkashi on road to Kalimath, the offbeat route kept transforming from just excellent to mesmerizing with every turn. We only had ourselves for company and clicking pictures of the landscapes never was so enjoying.

Approx. 13 km. from Guptkashi in the valleys of Kedarkhand is the divine Kalimath Mandir. Located on sacred river SARASWATI, which is locally called as Kali Ganga, the temple site radiated nature’s splendor and divine aura of grace.

Crossing a bridge covered with flags and lined with number of bells, we got directed straight into the temple premises.

Kalimath is respected as one of the 108 Shaktipeeth and religious significance is equivalent to revered temples of Kamakhya Devi and Jwalamukhi. In this temple instead of an idol, a Shri yantra on a silver plate over a Kund (pit) is worshipped. It is believed that after killing demon Raktbeej Goddess Kali left the Earth though this Kund. Idol is hidden inside the pit and is taken out for worship during Navratras at Ashtami and worship is carried out at midnight in presence of chief priests only.

Along with Goddess Kali, Goddess Laxmi and Saraswati are also worshipped here forming a rare trinity of divine feminine energies at one space. Perhaps Hinduism is the only religion that worships of divinity for the female form where "power” and "energy" is embodiment as Goddess Shakti. It is very essential that we make our coming generations aware about our rich culture, traditions and legacy.

In the premises there is a temple dedicated to Sun God and Bhairav Nath.

Let’s know more about this place:

1) Goddess MahaKali had killed the fierce demon Raktbeej here who has got a boon that every drop of his blood spilled on ground will create another Raktbeej. As Goddess did not calm down after killing the demon, so Lord Shiva laid himself on the path of the Goddess. As soon as Goddess Mahakali set her foot on Shiva’s chest, she calmed down and thereafter due to embarrassment of setting foot on her husband got absorbed into the ground where the kund (pit) is existing and which is now a site of worship. Kalimath temple is another example of celestial feminine worshipped in her most primal and powerful forms.

2) All the Devs had prayed to Goddess at this place to end the terror unleashed by demons Shumbh-Nishumbh.

3) Kalimath is the place where greatest poet "Kalidas" was blessed by the Goddess.

4) Connection with Dhari Devi Mandir - Statue worshipped at Dari Devi temple is the upper part of the Goddess Kali, while the lower part is worshipped here.

It took us around 45 minutes from Narayan Koti temple premises to reach Kalimath temple. What we realised that Kalimath is not just a temple, but a timeless realm where the space between the earthly and the divine feels remarkably thin. One of the reasons why Uttarakhand is Dev Bhoomi, land of the GODS.

Keep exploring Folks…

Narayan Koti group of Temples

2025-04-01T08:53:00.007+05:30

When you are travelling just focus on the exploring the spots, rest all things like food and refreshment will automatically fall into place. This was the DAY 4 of our road trip and along with 2 kids, we were literally living up to this principle, as we approached the 4th spot of the day. Around 3.5 km. from the revered Vishwanath temple in Guptkashi on the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund highway is the sacred Narayan Koti group of temples. Once this place was decorated with 360 temples but now only 29 temples are standing to offer insights into the rich cultural heritage of the place.

The spot is hidden from the visitors’ eyes, and one has to trek around 500 m. from inside the residential colonies and farms to explore this marvel. Carefully we navigated through the tiny lanes between the houses and fields making sure not to disturb the local people. And all of a sudden, Narayan Koti temple premises with number of temples appeared in front of us.

On the left-hand side there are 9 temples dedicated to 9 celestial bodies.

This is the only temple site in the World where temples dedicated to all 9 celestial bodies Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Sun, Moon and two lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu are present. Find out the celestial bodies in one frame -

In front of the temples is a small kund or stepwell type pond known as Virbhadra kund or Brahmkund. Continuous flowing twin streams of water add the divine angle to the premises and makes spot truly picturesque.

On right hand side are temples dedicated to God Vishnu. The name, “Narayan Koti” means "Abode of Lord Vishnu" and here people worship God Vishnu in various forms.

Statue of God Vishnu and Goddess Parvati being carried by Garuda is worth spending time and worshipping.

The present temples were built somewhere before or around 9th century AD. Locales believe that these temples existed much before 9th century and are associated with Pandavas. After the battle of Mahabharat, Pandavas prayed to God Shiv and were searching for God Shiv to absolve from the sin of killing Kauravas. Though Kauravas were evil, but they were the cousins of Pandavas. It is believed that God Krishna appeared here to bless Pandavas when God Shiv did not obliged Pandavas. God Shiv hid himself in Guptkashi temple, that is why the place got its name as GuptKashi, "Gupt" means secret or hidden in Hindi.

Few steps from the premises there is another premises with 5 temples: 2 temples dedicated to God Veerbhadra and Satya Narayan and 3 smaller temples.

And also check out the statues in the temples:

Architecture and the peaceful ambience are the striking features of these temples. Perhaps not so known in tourist circles is better at times. One can easily spend an hour studying these temples.

While coming to the place, do not miss the direction board to Narayan Koti Temples. After praying at Narayan Koti, continue the journey to Shaktipeeth Kalimath Mandir which is 14 km. and 45 minutes form here and is the spot where goddess Mahakali had killed the demon Raktbeej. Keep exploring folks…

Prehistoric Cave Paintings of Bundi

2025-03-06T08:30:00.008+05:30

Bundi is known for its vibrant culture, majestic forts and stepwells. Very few people know that the rustic town of Bundi is also home to ancient prehistoric time cave paintings. Located in the hills and ravines surrounding the Bundi town, there are number of Prehistoric Cave Shelters where colours of rock paintings have not faded till date. Dating back to thousands of years, these cave paintings are one of the fascinating examples of prehistoric art in the country, to be explored.

On that fine morning, we started to explore the hidden cave paintings along with Sir Om Prakash Kukki, the renowned archaeologist of Bundi who is credited with discovery of these paintings. Within an hour we were at the site and ready to trek till the last accessible point to unearth secrets from the past. While on the way we came across water streams and landscapes known only in fantasy tales. Check out –

Glad such spots are away from mainstream, otherwise these will vanish for sure. We continued our way through varied landscapes, water streams and rocky terrain to reach the first of the rock shelters.

Kukki Ji informed that the artwork in the caves was carried out with natural pigments made from minerals, charcoal, and other organic materials available in the area itself. In these Cave shelters prehistoric people used to live and the paintings acted as a medium to spread information, teach children about animals, plants and civilization. Dark colours of these paintings make one wonder about the quality of colours which has not faded in thousands of years. Shelters have been carved safely inside cliffs, which is also one reason that the paintings have escaped nature’s fury and gradual erosion.

Majority of the cave paintings consists of animals, hunting scenes, community celebrations and some patterns, which are yet to be deciphered. Images of wild animals Like tigers, elephants, buffalo, deer and some strange animals which are no more present on the earth.

We also across some paintings which have not been understood till date. Likewise, this looks like a marine animal or fish type of organism with resembling tail. But the size of this organism has not been documented and found anywhere in the world.

While we were wondering with the sophistication of the Parietal Art, Kukki Sir guided the kids to draw their paintings with the red mineral stones which were spread around.

It was the time we realized that "Drawing is still basically the same as it has been since prehistoric times, connecting man and the world". These paintings are not just artwork but insights into the lives, beliefs, and customs of the early human societies that once inhabited the region. They also provide information on continuous evolution of the mankind and mistakes of the past which should not be repeated. These paintings are in most inaccessible spots in the area. Privacy was deeply valued as well as connection with natural world in these shelters. This one probably was a place of worship.

There are some images representing human figures with large hands / big heads. There are believed to be signifying Gods or mythological humans. Images depicting animals and hunting scenes are in majority, perhaps this was the way to share knowledge and safeguarding during encounters with animals.

Red and black are the dominant shades in the paintings along with touches of yellow and white.

Hands or brushes made from twigs/ animal hair might have used for applying the colours of the rock surface. Painting technique and knowledge of their materials proves why human race is still existing when many have perished along the times. Some paintings depict vegetation in those times -

To summarize, these prehistoric Cave paintings in Bundi are an important heritage site but are facing threats from human activity. Local people see influx of visitors as a threat to their communities fearing commercialization. However, these paintings are a proof of the creativity and resourcefulness of the early inhabitants of the region. Without offending local inhabitants, preserving these artworks is crucial for getting insights to the early human connection with art and culture, aspects which the materialistic society of today might be overlooking. By this I had so much got overwhelmed with studying the Rocks that I started thinking myself as a Petrologist. Sorry, I missed out sharing the treasured landscapes, we explored.

Similar cave paintings have been discovered in other parts India. Probably earlier societies were better connected than our anticipation or perhaps had shared cultural practices. One such similar cave paintings are located in Lakhudiyar in Almora, Uttarakhand.

Plan your time to spend here based on your trekking pace and interest. If you have even a slight curiosity in exploring such a subject, keep at least 3-4 hours. Thereafter continue to Bijolia group of temples' flawless architecture of precision carved temples will take you into a different world. Keep exploring Folks…

Sacred Devprayag confluence

2025-02-19T09:40:00.008+05:30

That Morning was pretty cold, and fog was spreading the wings when we started from Kaudiyala, but prayers to Sun God were soon answered, and sunlight appeared, and skies turned clear. Accordingly, our approach speed to Devprayag also increased and we were enjoying tracing the course of river Ganga.

All the rivers are considered as sacred in Hinduism and are worshipped. Why not, after all rivers have been a cradle of civilizations and confluence of rivers, also known as "Sangam," is considered auspicious. Devprayag Sangam has special significance as sacred waters of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form river Ganga.

This is one of the reasons why Devprayag, a small town (70 km. from Rishikesh) at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers carries so much religious significance. Also, Devprayag is an important spot in the Chardham Yatra to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. All weather roads have made the drive pretty comfortable, and it took us around 60 minutes including Tea break to reach Devprayag from Kaudiyala. Clicking the iconic view of the rivers’ confluence from the road is a must for everyone visiting Devprayag or just passing through it.

Seeing our excitement to explore Devprayag, a locale informed us of a way to take our car downhill on the other side of the ghats and yes, we were in front of the ghats, the most auspicious spot for bathing in divine waters here.

But we had to cross a foot over bridge on Alaknanda River to reach to the other side and in the walk, captured some breathtaking pictures of the river.

Not only the confluence and formation of river Ganga, Devprayag is considered a sacred space as Bhagwan Ram had visited here and prayed. The place where Bhagwan Ram mediated is Raghunath temple and is enroute to the ghats. Herein Bhagwan Ram had come to cleanse himself of killing demon Ravana, after returning from Lanka as Ravana was Brahmin. Bhagwan Ram is worshipped as Raghunath here. Stairs leading to the Temple are beautifully painted and immediately grasps your attention.

It is believed that navel of Vishnu Bhagwan is in Devprayag while forehead is in Badrinath.

This is the place where Bhagwan Ram had prayed to cleanse himself of killing demon Ravan. This is the beauty of Hinduism that everyone irrespective of status is accountable of his/ her actions. That is why Hinduism emphasizes on righteous living, continuous self-improvement and respecting cycle of Karma.

Below the Raghunath temple is a cave temple dedicated to God Shiv. An earthquake in 1803 had damaged the Raghunath temple, which was subsequently rebuilt by Daulatrao Scindia, then king of Gwalior. After praying to the Gods, we were at the bathing ghats to enjoy freezing cold waters at confluence. It is customary to take 3 dips. Once you have taken 1st dip, remaining 2 dips will be much easier. People from far off places come here to take a dip in the holy water of the confluence and take back holy water to their homes as well. Check out -

Naming of Devprayag also has a history. It is believed that sage Dev Sharma prayed to God Vishnu for around 10,000 years and promised the sage to come in Devprayag in Treta Yug. God Vishnu returned to Devprayag as God Ram to offer prayers and named the place ad Devprayag in memory of sage Dev Sharma.

Raghunath temple and the river Ghats surrounded by mountains create a spiritual landscape which attracts people from all over the World like a super magnet. Clear waters of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda is a visual treat, and every passing visitor gets down to click a picture of the confluence spot or make a video of Devprayag.

To conclude, such spots reinforce the existence of Gods and divine energy can be felt. People come here to find spiritual solace, otherwise taking a dip in chilling waters in freezing atmosphere cannot be suggested or logically described. Someone has rightly said – Science goes so far and then God comes along. Pray to almighty -

47 km. and approx. 2 hours' drive is another sacred spot, Dhari Devi Mandir which is situated in middle of Alaknanda River. Keep exploring folks…

Nine-Cornered Lake, Naukuchiatal

2025-01-01T08:46:00.006+05:30

From the windscreen, morning was appearing a like a BRIDE covered with elegant Fog with the backdrop of the hills. We decided that the best way to enjoy the Fog will be from the windows of our car. After an early breakfast, we started our drive for Naukuchiatal. Hardly 30 minutes into the drive, gentle rain drops started to fall and turned the landscapes to Awesome from Vow.

Nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, Naukuchiatal is a spot regularly overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbour, Nainital. After covering charming network of roads for 2.5 hours and taking a stone fall on the car, we arrived at check-in desk of KMVN Naukuchiatal. Surrounded by lush green hills, the Lake provides a postcard perfect landscape for clicking pictures. I was unable to stop myself from clicking a few shots before entering the KMVN Nine Corner Retreat.

Totally aloof from the hustles of any crowded tourist destination, this tranquil lake side spot comes with a captivating experience of serenity and chirping of birds. With such a view from the window, could not have asked for more.

So, we had a quick lunch and set out to embrace the vibes of Naukuchiatal, the "Nine-Cornered Lake". For those who love to kiss the waters, there are ample water activities like kayaking, canoeing, water zorbing, boating, hang gliding, and paragliding. Best part is the calm and clear water of the lake makes it an ideal spot for these activities, and the surrounding landscape adds to the magic.

Legend says no one or no mortal can view all nine corners of the lake in one go, if you are able to view the nine corners in one go, you will attain “Moksha”, eternal bliss. I did not try to test the legend but opted to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake with a walk with myself on some of the most serene tracks.

In the company of some wonderful fellows -

If you prefer to stay on land, road trail along the Naukuchiatal Lake is an exciting way to reconnect with yourself or to walk along with your beloved, enjoying the perfect melodies of the nature. Along with some amazing views of the hill side habitation.

Stretch of Naukuchiatal is the Lake only. There a few shops along the Lake reflecting the local traditions of the place and there are also a few quiet restaurants and Cafes. Nearby attractions include Bhimtal Lake, which is at the foothills for Naukuchiatal. Drive till Naukuchiatal offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Trip to Naukuchiatal will be incomplete unless you have tried the local cuisine. Traditional Kumaoni dishes, Aloo ke Gutke which is a spicy potato dish and Bhat ki Churkhani are must to be tried and KMVN offers all of these in authentic flavours.

Keep exploring Folks.

Divine trance at Kusum Sarovar

2024-12-02T12:02:00.004+05:30

Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan are always full of tourists, devotees and people seeking spirituality and peace in this divine place, where God Krishna once played. Such is the spiritual vibes associated with the region that even the extreme climate does not deter devotees from coming to this place.

No matter how crowded the popular spots become due to tourists, every place has some offbeat or lesser-known spots where one can spend peaceful time with the nature. One of such wonderful spots is Kusum Sarovar, located near the sacred Govardhan Hill. A huge stepwell type reservoir, surrounded by number of Kadamb (Burflower) trees, tranquil ambience and chhatris (cenotaphs) of erstwhile Bharatpur royal family summarizes the spot. On reaching the Kusum Sarovar, the majestic monumental structure in the backdrop of the reservoir makes up the unique first impression of the place.

Word Kusum is derived from Sanskrit language and means flower. The area in the times of God Krisha used to be a big garden place where Goddess Radha used to come to pick flowers to make garlands for God Krishan and God Krishna used to visit to meet Goddess Radha.

An ancient pond existed here since times of God Krishna and was renovated over the time by the various rulers. Present stepwell structure of the pond was constructed by Raja Veer Singh of Orchha. Subsequently Maharaja Suraj Mal added the gardens to the place and King Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur built the cenotaph in the backdrop of Kusum Sarovar in the mid-18th century in honor of Maharaja Suraj Mal, the illustrious ruler of Bharatpur, who defeated Mughal Empire multiple times.

The main cenotaph belongs to Raja Suraj Mal is located on the 1st floor -

and surrounding smaller cenotaphs are dedicated to the queens -

Intricately carved mesh theme walls of the cenotaph are worth appreciating.

All the cenotaphs are covered with brilliant carvings and murals show casing scenes from God Krishna’s events and spirituality, notably the lotus feet of God Krishna.

Not merely a piece of history, this sacred Sarovar is one of the key stops in 21 km. Govardhan parikrama. Devotees and tourists sit here and spend time with nature. Also, the reflection of the chhatris in the reservoir waters creates a spellbinding visual to the visitors.

Radha Kund, which is another spectacular spot is just 2km. from this spot and can be comfortably visited along with Kusum Sarovar.

If you wish to explore other temples of Govardhan, I will advise you to park your car at Kusum Sarovar and hire an E-Rickshaw. Lanes turn narrow for most of the temples and due to crowds, at times entry is restricted for personal vehicles at many points.

Keep exploring Folks.

Jahaaz Mahal of Delhi

2024-11-01T09:00:00.002+05:30

Mehrauli is one of the popular places in Delhi and is a must visit for anyone coming to Delhi. Mehrauli used to be the seat of power in Delhi, before being taken over by Red Fort. Iconic Qutb Minar in Mehrauli along with number of monuments, often defines the essence of Delhi heritage.

Mehrauli Archaeological Park with number of historical structures, rightly make Mehrauli a historical neighbourhood in South Delhi. Most of the monuments are seated in dedicated perimeter and can be comfortably visited, however some are situated in middle of densely populated areas. One such monument, located in a densely populated pocket is Jahaaz Mahal or Ship Palace. It was built in the year 1230 A.D and is a beautiful structure of grey and red stones, and provides a beautiful panoramic frame for your clicks -

Jahaaz Mahal is located next to a water reservoir, Hauz-i-Shamsi. When the adjacent reservoir is filled with water, the reflection of the monument appears like a Ship floating in water. That is how the name Jahaaz Mahal. There was no water in the adjacent reservoirs at time of our visit, so to check the authenticity of claims of forming a ship like image we tried to view the monument from different angles and from one side we got this image which is more or less looking like a floating ship -

The design is not merely decorative but probably was intended to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structure and the area as Mehrauli was the seat of Power and entrance to Delhi in those times.

Jahaaz Mahal was constructed by Shamsuddin Iltutmish and stands out among the monuments in Mehrauli Archaeological Park due to its distinct design. The structure includes number of living rooms and a large central courtyard facility, probably used by the royals for enjoying solitude moments. Surrounded by water channels, the palace presents a majestic sight that has captivated visitors throughout periods of history".

With passage of time, it is natural for structures to lose the lustre. Despite ravages of weather Jahaz Mahal has managed to retain much of its charm and grandeur to still attract curious explorers of Delhi history. Not only by design, Jahaaz Mahal is also a showcase of rich cultural heritage of Delhi, and it is the venue of annual festival of Phool Walon Ki Sair.

Visiting Jahaz Mahal offers a glimpse into the opulence of medieval Delhi and for an offbeat traveler, Jahaz Mahal is a must-see destination that encapsulates the essence of Delhi’s storied past. Not sure but such a monument may have been an idea behind the much illustrious Jahaaz Mahal in Mandu, which is one of the epitomes in Afghan architecture and was constructed after this monument in Delhi. Enjoy a walk-through of Mehrauli Archaeological Park -

For a pleasant experience, it is advisable to approach Jahaaz Mahal through Kalka Das Marg from Bhool Bhulaiya side or from Qutab Minar-Chhatarpur main road. It can also be accessed through Mehrauli Archaeological Park, however narrow and uninviting, dingy lanes may dampen your spirits to reach the spot.

Keep exploring Folks...

Sukh Mahal, a Hidden Gem of Tranquility

2024-10-02T14:50:00.000+05:30

Among the many jewels spread around in Bundi, Sukh Mahal stands as a serene statement to Bundi's royal past and architectural splendor. After dumping our luggage in the hotel, we set out to explore the city. Starting with much acclaimed Raniji ki Baori, we were advised to be at Sukh Mahal by the evening. As we reached Sukh Mahal by evening, we realised that evening is a perfect time to witness the majestic ambience of Sukh Mahal.

Truly a Historical Gem, Sukh Mahal is also known as Sukh Sagar Palace. It is a striking palace located on the eastern banks of Jait Sagar Lake which adds to its picturesque charm. Built during the 18th century as summer pavilion built by Rao Raja Vishnu Singh under the supervision of his architect Divan Sukhram, the palace used to serve as a summer retreat for the royal family. Surrounded by mountains from three sides the palace used to serve an ideal escape from the scorching desert heat by experiencing the cool breezes coming from over the lake.

Sukh Mahal is a fine example of Rajput architecture in Rajasthani style. The palace facade consists of intricately carved balconies, decorative jharokhas (balconied windows) and walls depicting scenes from stories of Gods/ Goddesses royal processions, and hunting expeditions. Its interiors are equally impressive, adorned with exquisite mirror work, colourful glass mosaics, and elegant marble flooring, reflecting the opulence of the bygone era.

One may sit and relax but walking in the lawns is a different ballgame. Sukh Mahal has immaculately designed gardens in the front of the palace with distinct Stonehenge type structures. Ideal for evening walk, but you will not be alone in the gardens as lot of monkeys will join you as soon as you step inside.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, Sukh Mahal holds a romantic tale that adds to its allure. Renowned poet and devotee of God Krishna, Meera Bai found solace in the tranquil surroundings of Sukh Mahal, resided here for a brief period and she composed many of her devotional songs praising her beloved deity.

Also, Rudyard Kipling stayed here for a couple of nights and fell in love with Bundi and while returning wrote these lines: ‘But the Englishman was grieved at heart. He had fallen in love with Bundi the beautiful and believed that he would never again see anything half so fair.’

Sukh Mahal stands as a prominent tourist attraction in Bundi. However, is not crowded, thus allowing you to sit at the faced and experience the calm vibes of sitting alongside a Lake. And the lake is one of the largest lotus lakes in Rajasthan. Enjoy a virtual tour of the spot.

Adjacent to Sukh Mahal is the Sukh Mahal Museum, a repository of Bundi's cultural heritage and historical legacy. Also known as Government Museum, it is housed within the palace complex. The museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, exquisite paintings, traditional textiles, and ornate weaponry.

Explore the museum's galleries to seek into Bundi's rich artistic traditions, royal lineage, and socio-cultural heritage. Highlights of the collection include intricately crafted arms and armor worn by Rajput warriors, and intricately embroidered textiles showcasing the region's craftsmanship.

To conclude - Sukh Mahal stands as a testament to the rich heritage and cultural legacy of Bundi and as the sun sets over Jait Sagar Lake, casting a golden glow upon the palace, one cannot help but be captivated by the timeless beauty of Sukh Mahal.

Keep exploring Folks...

The Absolute Trousers from Slowave

2024-09-01T13:22:00.014+05:30

And after a long search, I finally got those comfortable trousers...

Everyone craves for that perfect pair of trousers, blending with their legs. But finding that perfect pair of trousers that fits all parts properly at times feel like searching for a unicorn in your backyard - especially if you do not have that chiseled physique like super models they use for pictures on online portals, or the mannequins in stores' display!

Finding the right waist, butt, and rise fit is like unlocking a number lock without knowing the combination - tricky but satisfying once you get the code right. Whether buying from the markets or online portals, often I used to haggle around with these issues:

1. Thighs getting suffocated while pulling up the trousers and yet 5 inches loose on my waist.

2. Another collection not going beyond my knees. Either my hips just got exploded, or these are ultra skinny trousers or children’s pants found their way into men’s section.

3. Tight and small front pockets to even accommodate mobile phone properly.

The quest for the Holy Grail of trousers raged on, but eventually, I threw in the towel on generic, off-the-rack trousers and decided to have them custom stitched from a local tailoring shop. They might not have had the snazzy brand-name flair, but the arrangement was working somehow to keep me afloat as a reasonably dressed Guy.

One fine day, I stumbled upon “THE ABSOLUTE TROUSERS” at SLOWAVE. Though initially reluctant to order, but after checking size guides and every angle of pictures like a fashion detective, I decided to roll the dice and ordered them. I gambled with a size larger, just in case to avoid the dreaded return process, if the fitting didn't turn out as expected.

Till I got the delivery, I was praying and hoping to receive a good fitting pair of trousers. All my prayers were answered when the package arrived, and the trousers turned out to be just perfect! They are great for my favourite pastime - hopping up and down the stairs like a caffeinated kangaroo to get solace or much needed escape from routine office activities -

and these comfortable light grey trousers are also a great choice for long sitting desk work -

So, what makes Slowave trousers different?

1. Enough space on long front pockets to squeeze mobile comfortably. You need not take out the mobile while sitting.

2. 7 pockets including 2 secret zipper pockets, one on the front and one on the back side to keep your valuable wallet safe while commuting in crowded spaces.

3. Regular Fit is actually regular fit. No surprises here, unlike those deceptive sizes you find elsewhere. Plus, the elastic fabric ensures you’re cozy and flexible without any awkward tightness.

4. Breathable fabric for entire day comfortable wearing.

Finally, the packaging, which is last activity for supplier but the first to be noticed by the customer. I received the wonderful trouser in this lovely carry pouch -

Generally, trousers do not get that much importance as Shirts while buying. Fitting and preferred colour does the decision many a times. But after trying Slowave trousers, I firmly believe that keeping your legs comfortable is as crucial as flaunting that snazzy shirt. So, give your legs the VIP treatment they deserve and walk around in style with Slowave!

Step up your Style with Donvino Collections

2024-08-20T10:13:00.014+05:30

As per Unicommerce’s India ecommerce Index Report 2023 clothing stands out as the reigning champion of online returns and as reported by many reports return rates range between 25% - 40%. That means if you order two outfits, one of them is going back. Sizing issues and receiving wrong items are the major culprits causing returns across online shops. Receiving wrong items include different design from the ordered item and different fabric, it’s like receiving pink polka dots when you had ordered jet black trousers.

Now try to recall – if you ever had that moment when you were so scared of getting the wrong item that you ended up ordering everything in sight just to be sure you get “the” right one? It's like playing a game of “Will it Fit, or which one will Fit” with your expectations. I have also faced the same with online clothes shopping, whether it's general e-commerce sites or those fancy apparel boutiques. It’s like a lottery where you hope your fashion sense prevail, and you don’t end up stacking your wardrobe full of “what I was looking for?” outfits!

Getting the right fit in one go is a sheer magical moment or a big shock. To be very honest I had given up on ordering online for apparels for quite some time. Little I knew that I was for a big surprise while ordering from Don Vino. I braved my past ghosts and ordered for multiple products, only to receive the perfect products in first go. It felt like hitting a home run on the very first swing. Off late have never thought online shopping could be this easy and delightful.

Shirts for men are in abundance in the markets, but quality and uniqueness are important points to Be Yourself, Express Yourself and a well-fitting, attractive shirt can do wonders to your persona. Now, I had my reasons to put on the ordered shirt from Don Vino and get clicked in my own unique easy-going state -

Clothes are more than just a stitched piece of fabric; they represent culture, who you are, and how you want to represent yourself. Other than Blogging, I work on Decarbonization and Sustainability initiatives at apex levels of decision making, and this requires speaking regularly at various high-level events and conferences. This was the shirt I selected to strike a perfect balance with my professional look and appear exciting at same time without appearing dull.

Such are the companies, where you will not mind spending a few bucks more. What makes the difference in case of Donvino?

1. Comprehensive details of the product that included fabric type and type fit, regular/ slim fit.

2. Detailed and accurate size guide – I followed the size guide keeping aside my love for “M” or “L” sizes.

3. Close to realistic display pictures of the products on site – Too much fancy models and glittering pictures at times multiply the expectations to the extent that buyers tend to expect a Unicorn only to receive a llama and that too with a bad haircut. Unrealistic expectations from display pictures is also one of the primary reasons for returns. However, in my case received products were as per the expectations and in fact the 2nd shirt (the formal one) appeared better than the picture on the site. Full marks for the honest communication.

4. Finally - Rationally priced items.

In India, summers are humid and scorching, so staying comfortable is essential. Colours along with fabric play an equal part in ensuring comfortable wearing. Vibrant colours can add a dose of energy to your summer wardrobe and Don Vino has plenty of such designs.

To conclude - Don Vino apparels offer a great way to express your personality before you actually start talking. Give it a try…

Chinese Kali Mandir, Tangra - Kolkata

2024-08-01T09:29:00.001+05:30

While on a business trip to Kolkata, got to know about a temple dedicated to Kali Mata named as “Chinese Kali Mandir” in heart of Kolkata and surrounded by many Chinese eateries. Knowing this obviously upped the curiosity quotient to visit the place and I kept on thinking about the word Chinese added with the temple while meandering through the Kolkata streets to reach the spot.

Located in the bustling Tangra area, this temple is a unique fusion of Chinese architecture symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and cultures in country know as India.

As soon as I reached here, I was pleasantly surprised on seeing the traditional Chinese architecture at temple's exterior and ornate roofs with intricate carvings, and vibrant red hues. Inside the temple there is a magnificent statue of Goddess Kali, adorned in traditional Hindu attire.

Curiosity behind the temple history was poking my mind continuously, so I started talking to the temple pujari. Came to know that the temple was built during late 19th century by a Chinese sailor who miraculously survived a shipwreck off the coast of Kolkata. Grateful for his life, he built a temple for the powerful Goddess who had saved his life. With passage of time, the temple became one of the most visited spots for Kolkata's small but vibrant Chinese community, who continuously sought solace and blessings from Kali Mata.

Underlying spirit of Hinduism is “वसुधैव कुटुंबकम् ”, World is a family, and this temple exemplifies the essence. Not only Chinese, but Indians also visit this temple to worship and seek the blessings of Kali Mata and jointly celebrate the festivals. Temple becomes a cultural hub, when generations come together to celebrate Vibrant New Year celebrations and traditional dragon dances.

Tangra is also called as 2^nd Chinatown, and the trip does not end at Chinese Kaali Mata temple. There are several Chinese restaurants around the temple, serving authentic Chinese dishes. After praying at the temple, it was the time to quench the hunger and almost everyone recommended for "KIM FA" as "The Best" in serving authentic Chinese preparations in Kolkata. Loved every bite and intricate flavours of Vegetable Pak choi.

KIM FA is one of the eateries which still is being run by original Chinese owners. After all, to think well, love well, and to sleep well one must EAT WELL. Dinner bought an end to this lovely evening.

In essence, the Chinese Kali Mata Temple in Kolkata is more than just a place of worship. While devotees bow their heads before the goddess, they also pay appreciate the rich history, tradition, and faith that defines the soul of Kolkata.

Keep exploring Folks…

Temples of Khajuraho - A Journey into Architectural Marvels

2024-07-15T09:47:00.010+05:30

If the stones could have danced, Khajuraho would have made the whole world dance on its steps and if they could sing, their melodies would have surpassed any music ever known to mankind. Sounds unbelievable, but to believe this incredible fact, one must visit Khajuraho at least once in their lifetime. Khajuraho was the 1st site in Madhya Pradesh to be accorded UNESCO heritage status in 1986.

Majestic Temples with precision carved statues displaying colours from every aspect of life and stories of Gods, decorate every inch of space at the temples. Khajuraho Temples exemplify the Nagara (नागर) style of temple architecture. Each temple consists of a passage to main hall (ante-chamber), covered passage, main hall including (mandap) a sacred space for worship (sanctum), and additional halls (ardha mandapa) surrounded by an ambulatory passage (Pradakshina-path) with spacious windows and intricate carvings.

Temples in Khajuraho have been categorized into Western Group and Eastern Group of temples. Western Group of temples are confined within a huge premises while Eastern Group of temples are spread around Khajuraho. Western Group of temples are the first ones to be explored by anyone coming in Khajuraho.

Let’s start our exploration of Western group of temples, starting from first temple you will come across upon entering the premises –

1^st temple on the left-hand side is Lakshmi temple. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, this is a small temple and unless you pay attention, you may miss it. Temple houses this beautiful statue of smiling Goddess.

Next to Lakshmi Temple is Varah Temple (वराह mandir) depicting 3^rd avatar of Lord Vishnu as Boar, the 2^nd temple in the premises. Detailing of details, featuring intricately carved miniature figures of Gods and Goddesses on a monolithic Varah body measuring 2.6 m. x 1.7 m is legendary craftsmanship. Temple was built by King Anaji Chauhan in 12th century. Varah stricture is covered with 674 miniature carvings of various deities.

Varah temple is in a corner and opposite to much acclaimed Lakshman temple. So, like Lakshmi Temple this carving gem often goes unnoticed by the visitors as they directly head to Lakshman Temple, the 3rd temple in series.

Dedicated to Vaikunth Vishnu, Lakshman temple is noted for 3-headed form of Lord Vishnu. Central head is of human and other two heads are of Lion (Narsingh Avtar) and Boar (Varah Avtar). This statue is truly unique and one-of-a-kind. Built in the year 930-950 AD by Chandela King Yasovarman, the temple architecture is a literature in Symmetry, Geometry, and Engineering. Read more...

Behind the Laxman Temple is the renowned Kandariya Mahadev Temple, an epitome of exceptional Stonecraft and architectural brilliance. Kandara (कन्दरा) means Cavern or Cave. So, Kandariya means God of the Caves, that is Lord Shiva. Word Majestic sounds too Small here. Constructed during 1017 – 1029 CE, resembling 5 peaks of Mt. Kailash. You will be in a different world here. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple has been an inspiration to temples subsequently built across the World.

Dedicated to Sun God, Chitragupt Temple, shares the same premises as Kandariya Mahadev Temple. Till this point we have explored 4th and 5th temple in the premises. Though a smaller in size, the temple has exquisite carvings on the outer walls. The temple has around 900 sculptures carved on the walls and rests on granite foundation.

Opposite to Chitragupt temple and separated by huge lawns is the 6th temple of the premises Vishwanath Temple, which means Lord of the Universe. Dedicated to God Shiv, the temple was built by Chandela King Dhanga during the year 1059. It originally housed two Shivlings—one made of Emerald and the other carved of Stone. The Emerald Shivling went missing after death of king Dhanga. Vishwanath temple is considered in same league as Lakshman Temple and Kandariya Mahadev Temple. Check out the vast expanse of Vishwanath temple which looks like a castle in itself, along with intricately carved outer walls.

Opposite to Vishwanath temple, in the same premises is the Nandi Temple, the 7th temple and this is probably only temple where a temple dedicated to Nandi is still intact. Nandi sits peacefully in front of his master, God Shiv.

Next to Vishwanath temple premises is Parvati Temple, the 8^th temple in the list. Name is Parvati temple; however the sanctum houses a statue of Goddess Lakshmi. The structure was completely lost over the time and has been heavily restored. Temple gate is the noteworthy for intricate carvings depicting scenes of intimacy.

Next to Parvati temple is the Pratapeshwar Temple, 9th and the last temple inside the premises. Constructed around the year 1850, this is the recent addition to the lot and is vastly different from others. Perhaps the level of craftsmanship had ceased to exist by the time. See the difference with Lakshman temple in the background -

Felt like I was in a different world, the moment I stepped here in the Western Group of Temples. Though regular worship is not carried out in most of the Western Group of Temples, but the temples are sacred spaces. So, Shoes and Slippers have to be removed outside to enter the sanctum of all of the temples. Will suggest having comfortable slippers to walk around in the premises and to capture great pictures, keep a quality point-and-shoot camera with good zoom to capture the intricate details of the carvings, as you will find each carving here is more impressive than the last one.

Khajuraho temples are also noted for life pleasure carvings on outer walls. Though the extent of such carvings is hardly 5% of total carvings but that is enough to arouse the curiosity about Khajuraho temples. Along with spirituality temples communicate message to the society that like other important things in a person’s life, sexual desires are also an important part of life, and fulfilling sexual desires is not a sin. Check out some of the carvings, in which woman are giving helping hand and in one feeling shy of the act –

Finally, just outside the premises is the Matangeshwar Temple - is the only ancient temple in Western group where daily worship of Shivling is carried out. 9 ft. Shivling is one of the largest Shivling in India and is also called as "Living Shivling" as the Shivling is growing ever year. temple is always full of devotees and environment created by holy chants is just ecstatic. Built by Chandela king Chandra Dev in 10th century, this is one of the oldest temples in Khajuraho. Know more, how a magical stone gifted to eldest Pandav Yudhishthir by God Shiv took the form of Shivling...

That completed our exploration of Western Group of temples premises. Felt like I was in a different world, the moment I stepped here in the premises. Got to know while walking around from the temple priests, locales and guides that originally there were 85 temples in Khajuraho, but now only 22 exist.

The rich history of Khajuraho has been portrayed beautifully by poet Chandbardai in Prithviraj Raso -

Hemvati, daughter of the chief priest of Kashi, was renowned for her unparalleled beauty. One summer night, as she was bathing in a pond filled with lotus flowers, Chandra Dev (Moon God) got captivated with her beauty. Chandradev descended to Earth in human form and whisked Hemvati away to nearby forest, unaware of the fact that she was a widow. In flash of moment Hemvati also fall in love with Chandradev.

Realising his mistake, Chandradev sought to make amends and blessed Hemvati to bear a brave son. He instructed her to raise the child in Khajurpura, where he would grow up to be a great king and will construct temples surrounded by gardens and lakes. Chandra Dev assured Hemvati that her son would organize a grand yagya upon becoming king, absolving her of any wrongdoing.

Following Chandra's guidance, Hemvati left her home and gave birth to a son in a small village and named him Chandravarman. He inherited his father's brilliance, bravery, and strength. It is believed that by the age of 16, he used to slay lions and tigers barehanded. Recognizing her son's extraordinary valour, Hemvati worshipped Chandradev, who gifted Chandravarman the Philosopher's Stone and bestowed upon him the kingship of Khajuraho. With the stone, Chandravarman could turn iron into gold.

Chandravarman achieved victories in numerous wars and honouring his mother's wishes, built 85 unique temples in Khajuraho, each adorned with ponds and gardens, and organized a "Yagya" that cleansed Hemvati of her sins. Check the temples set against the backdrop of Gardens -

Now imagine the city at its peak with 85 majestic temples surrounded by lush gardens. Chandravarman and his successors continued to build temples and founded the Chandela dynasty that ruled Bundelkhand from 10th to 12th century. Chandravarman proudly identified himself as Chandravanshi, a lineage of Chandradev (Moon God). These illustrious temples of Khajuraho, known for their architectural splendour, were constructed between the years from 900 to 1150 under the patronage of the Chandela kings and remained a vibrant centre of worship until late 12th century. However, the fairytale ended here, and fate took a significant turn in 13th century when the Delhi Sultanate, led by Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, defeated the Chandela kingdom. These invaders tried to demolish the temples but were unable to demolish, due to unique interlocking construction, so they defaced the idols with an aim to deter future worship. Thereafter Khajuraho went into oblivion and got surrounded by forests. This disappearance probably shielded the Khajuraho temples from the desecration typically inflicted upon Hindu monuments by Mughal invaders. In 1838, a British army captain somehow reached this place and complex of temples was rediscovered.

Depending on your interest, keep at least 4-5 hours to reasonably explore Western Group of temples, otherwise for only clicking pictures one-hour is enough. People spend months here to study the temples and carvings. After exploring and clicking numerous pictures, indulging in shopping and savouring the culinary delights is the natural next step. Adjacent to the Western Group of Temples, there's a bustling market offering Khajuraho's unique Bamboo Silk garments and a wide array of artifacts. Walk a few steps to Chandel Market for getting even more variety and collection. I recommend Kishori Yadav shop for wide variety.

Next in the itinerary comes the Eastern Group of temples which are spread out in the outskirts of city, I will suggest hiring a local auto. There are also some amazing spots around Khajuraho to keep you occupied for 3-4 days, likewise -

1) Raneh Falls & Ken Gharial Sanctuary - 5km. and 200 ft. deep the Great Indian Canyon. Check out yourself

2) Pandav Falls and Caves - Ancient Caves where Pandavas stayed during exile time, beneath a Waterfall created by Arjun and alongside is a pond making fantasyland settings. See it yourself

3) Panna National Park

4) Teeth Mountain - Mountain Ranges shaped like human teeth. Biking to the spot and thereafter trekking to the top for enjoying panoramic views of the countryside.

Keep a good camera, an insulated water bottle as summers gets quite hot in Khajuraho and keep exploring Folks……