The Europe of India: Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Pondicherry or Puducherry, is a town tucked away on the Eastern seaboard of India. Among its diverse attractions are, a coastline of 32 kms, palm-fringed beaches, backwaters, fishing villages, beach resorts, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville, the French Boulevard town with its French heritage, and so on. The town offers a unique experience with its mix of modern heritage and spiritual culture. With a predominantly historical background, Pondicherry takes one centuries back in time.

This coastal town was a French colony till 1954 and still retains many colonial buildings, churches, statues and the systematic town planning by the French and is often called the Europe of India because of its town planning.  A remarkable degree of French influence in Pondicherry exists to this date. Pondicherry was designed based on the French (originally Dutch) grid pattern and features neat sectors and perpendicular streets. The town is divided into two sections: the French Quarter (Ville Blanche or 'White town') and the Indian quarter (Ville Noire or 'Black Town'). Many streets still retain their French names, and French style villas are a common sight.

Must visit places in every tourist’s itinerary:

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Situated on Rue de al Marine, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the most famous and prosperous ashrams in India. Devotees from all over the world come here for spiritual guidance and salvation. Established by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh in 1926, the spiritual tenets follow a synthesis of modern science and yoga. The main building houses the remains of Sri Aurobindo and Mother Mirra Richard. Their mausoleum is in the central courtyard, under the shade of a frangipani tree. The ashram has facilities for collective meditation and the members run various initiatives like farms, libraries, gardens and several small scale industries.

Auroville

With its name meaning ‘The City of Dawn’ is a township located 8 kilometers from Pondicherry. It was founded in 1968 by Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa and was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. This 30 meter tall building is globe shaped and has a lotus foundation urn. The idea was to create a universal town where people from all over the world would live in harmony and peace irrespective of caste, color, nationalities etc. During the inauguration soil from around 124 was placed in a lotus shaped urn to symbolize the idea behind the establishment of the township. The middle of the town is crowned by a temple which symbolizes the universal mother and is called ‘Matrimandir’.

Promenade Beach

The 1.5 km long promenade running along the beach is the pride of Pondicherry. Promenade beach is one of the main beaches in Puducherry.  Most of the landmarks are on the sea front : the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d’Arc, Dupleix, the elegant War memorial raised by the French, the heritage building “Mairie”, the 27 m tall old lighthouse, the circular shaped customs house & Gandhi Thidal.

Ousteri Wetland and National Park

Located on the Pondicherry-Villuppuram road at a distance of 10 kilometers from the town of Pondicherry, the Ousteri Wetland and National Park covers an area of around 3.9 sq kilometers. Geographically the place lies in the territory of both Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. The place is home to a huge variety of aqua-fauna and avi-fauna. The place is frequented by several tourists because of the house boat services offered here. The several unique species of trees and herbs here attract a huge number of migratory birds and has become an important ecological niche in the south Indian region. 

Land of Faith - Rajasthan

Rajasthan in India is the vibrant land of color and royalty. Religious Places in Rajasthan evoke a pure feeling of harmony and dignity. Rajasthan resound the pure and beautiful melodies of hymns, sung with love and devotion. The land is bestowed with a rich culture and heritage that spreads all around. The religious places in Rajasthan are not only places of worship but also monuments of great artistic beauty.

A number of tourists across the globe visit these places and get mesmerized by its charm and aura. The various Rajasthan religious places belong to different faiths which provide a perfect example of communal harmony. Rajasthan attracts thousands of devotees, pilgrims and lovers of art from all corners of the world to marvel at the wonders of architecture, craftsmanship and devotion.The sacred pilgrim centres in Rajasthan are not only considered as places of worship but are also exemplary of great artistic beauty.

So we decided to bring into light the two most visited Religious places in Rajasthan and spread some awareness amongst all(not that people are not aware but just in case).

Pushkar

Lying in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, the holy City of Pushkar is often described as the king of pilgrimage sites in India. The town is located at the shores of the Pushkar Lake, which was created by the tears of Lord Shiva. The town is one of the oldest cities of India and the date of its origin is unknown and is often associated with the Hindu mythology. The town is famous for its temples and various Ghats which are frequented by hundreds of visitors during the annual bath. The water of the lake is considered sacred and thus is responsible for the town’s repute as a pilgrimage spot.

Perhaps the most illustrious attraction of Pushkar is the annual camel fair. It is a five day fair held where people buy and sell livestock. But that’s not all; the fair is home to a large no. of tourist crowd that is attracted by the music, dance and various events that are held here during the camel fair. Camel races are one of the major attractions as well.

Pushkar has a magnetism all of its own, and is quite unlike anywhere else in Rajasthan. It’s a prominent Hindu pilgrimage town and devout Hindus should visit at least once in their lifetime. With 52 bathing Ghats and 400 milky-blue temples, the town literally hums with regular prayers generating an episodic soundtrack of chanting, drums and gongs, and devotional songs.Besides pilgrims, travellers have long discovered Pushkar’s charms, and small, budget hotels outnumber the temples and pilgrims guesthouses.

Pushkar is world famous for its spectacular camel fair, which takes place here in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika (October/November). If you’re anywhere nearby at the time, you’d be crazy to miss it. During this period the town is jam-packed with tribal people from all over Rajasthan, pilgrims from all over India, and filmmakers and tourists from all over the world. And there are plenty of camels and other livestock.

Pushkar is only 11km from Ajmer but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the Snake Mountain.

Ajmer Sharieff

Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims. It houses the Dargah or tomb of the 13th century Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims.Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar, about 11 km. from Ajmer, the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake.

Exquisite Kerala

God's Own Country 

Kerala, in south India, is often referred to as "God's Own Country". This coastal state is rich in distinctive traditions and culture, and lush unspoiled tropical beauty. Most of all, Kerala is known for its elephants, elaborate temple festivals, and the tranquil backwaters. The pace of life is slow, making Kerala the perfect place for a leisurely vacation.

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Backwaters are one of the unique attractions in Kerala, a chain of canals extending about 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes. Most of the Kerala backwaters are naturally formed and some of the backwater canals are manmade. Canals are remade for continuous traffic of men and materials. Before the modern transport methods like road and air transport became popular, the main cargo transportation in Kerala was through backwaters by 'Kettuvalloms'. 

The traditional cargoboats are called "KETTUVALLOM" - KETTU means to tie, VALLOM - means boat. So literally translated means boat which are made by wooden planks tied together with coconut ropes and painted with cashew nut oil outside. They are 70 to 100 feet long and 15 to 20 feet wide.

Master craftsmen of these Houseboats of Kerala, is now numbering. Only a few have tremendous knowledge and experience. Without a scale model or drawing, they build these magnificent and beautiful Kettuvalloms. The natural coir fibre once soaked in oil, seal the holes and at the same time yield a little bit on mild impacts saving the boat. The ‘valavara’ the roof of the Kettuvallom is made of split bamboo poles Coir ropes and bamboo mats. The art of roof making is specialty of certain villages in Kerala. You can observe by their deft hands how they make thousands of knots with ropes to make the skeleton and the various decorations.

Backwaters in Kerala form an inherent part of life in Kerala. Newspaper, mail and milk are delivered by boats, members of political party with red flags and Christian missionaries spreading the words of God, share the same boats along with fully made up Brides and wedding party.

These kerala Houseboats are converted ‘kettuvalloms’. They are designed for comfortable cruise and overnight stay. 

Coorg

The best way to enjoy Coorg and its legendary Kodava hospitality is to surrender to the charms of a homestay. In one of India’s fastest growing homestay regions, travelers are spoilt for choice. Opt for heritage homestays like Gowri Nivas, School Estate and Java Mane, wildlife lodges like Elephant Corridor and Kalmane, plantation retreats like Bamboo Loft, Alath Cad and Palace Estate, hilly escapes like Kabbe Holidays and Honey Valley or riverside getaways like Polaycad Bungalow, Silver Brook and Sand Banks. Staying with well-informed hosts is a great way to learn about the culture of this fascinating region. Kodavas trace their lineage through a maneypeda (clan name) and each clan has an ainmane (ancestral home). Built mostly out of wood, the richly carved doorframes, windows and ceiling panels are a visual treat. Check out the Nadikeriyanda ainmane while staying at Keemalekad Estate.

Try Kodava cuisine & homemade wines

Savour Coorg’s signature dish pandi (pork) curry, usually paired with kadambuttu (steamed rice balls). Other unique combination dishes include noolputtu (string hoppers) with kozhi (chicken) curry, paputtu (steamed rice cakes) with yerachi (mutton) curry and mutton pulao with kaipuli pajji (bitter lime chutney) or vegetable pachadi (raita). Vegetarians needn’t fret as Coorg cuisine integrates local produce like bemble (bamboo shoot), bollari (gourd) and kumbla (pumpkin) curry, with akki otti, ghee and honey. Wash it down with the perfect cup of coffee and homemade wines that range from betel, rice, orange, coffee, tea, banana, sapota, star fruit and other exciting flavours!

Visit the source of the Cauvery, South India’s holiest river

Pay your tribute at the unique Trimurti shrine at Bhagamandala, the sacred confluence of the Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi. Continue uphill to Talacauvery, where the Cauvery emerges from a spring. Collect some teertha (sacred water) from the tank and climb the Brahmagiri Hill for a stupendous view. According to legend, when the Goddess Cauvery took the form of a river to revive the drought-stricken land, people gathered at the base of the hill to receive her. The force of her currents was so swift that the pleats of the women’s saris turned backwards. To this day, Coorg women wear the sari in this manner. 

Go on a coffee plantation tour

Despite being Karnataka’s tiniest district, Coorg is the largest coffee growing region in India. A guided plantation walk through a coffee estate while staying in a plantation bungalow is essential to trace the journey of the wonderful brew from berry to cup. See how cardamom is grown and cured and pepper is harvested to make green, black and white pepper. Make sure to buy Coorg coffee, honey and spices like cardamom and pepper from the nodal towns of Madikeri, Virajpet or Gonikoppal. Enjoy the life a colonial planter at Tata Coffee’s Plantation Trails bungalows like Thaneerhulla, Woshully, Yemmegoondi and even a tea estate stay in a land known for coffee!

Bathe, feed and ride an elephant

Take part in the amazing Elephant Interaction program at Dubare Elephant Training Camp. An early morning visit allows you the chance to give the wonderful creature a bath in the Cauvery, feed it gigantic balls of ragi and jaggery followed by a ride in the adjoining jungle. Learn about pachyderms at the old forest rest house that serves as an interpretation centre. And if that’s not enough, head to Nagarahole, one of India’s best habitats of the Asian elephant. Go on a wildlife safari in the national park, though a drive along the highway is often more rewarding with frequent elephant crossings.

Discover amazing Waterfalls

Being a mountainous region criss-crossed with rivers and streams, Coorg has some stunning waterfalls. Abbi Falls near Madikeri, where the famous croc scene of the Bollywood flick Khoon Bhari Maang was shot, is easily the most popular while Preity Zinta’s Liril ad was filmed at a cataract near Karike. Mukkodlu near Kotebetta, Mallali near Somwarpet, Irpu near Srimangala and Chelavara Falls near Cheyandane are also easily accessible. But deep within the forests near Birunani lies the magnificent Sarathabbi, which only the most adventurous can reach.

An Untold Story of Haunted Shaniwarwada Fort

The Shaniwarwada Fort in Pune is a historical delight in addition to being one of the ghostly places in India. In fact, there are many who are of the opinion that the story that is associated with this fort is one of the most chilling stories. Lauded for its architectural brilliance, this fort has witnessed various strange occurrences.

Legend has it that during a full moon, the level of supernatural activity increases. The mysterious story surrounding this fort talks about how a young prince was brutally murdered by one of his very own relatives in the fort. Therefore, his spirit still haunts the place and in the night, sounds of him shrieking almost violently can be heard. There are many locals who actually camp at night on the fort grounds just to hear that little boy’s scream for help. A chilling story indeed.

Story is that Raghoba sent Ghardi assasins to kill his relative Peshwa Narayanrao to capture throne.Prince on seeing the Gardis baying for his blood began running for his life. He ran towards his uncle Raghoba’s chambers screaming “Kaaka! Maala vaachva!” (Uncle, save me!). The assassins caught hold of Narayanrao and hacked him to pieces with swords.

Here there are two interpretations of the legend. One was that Raghoba believed that Peshwa Narayanrao was just being taken captive, as Anantibai had intercepted Narayanrao and his screams were considered by Raghoba to be just a boy being captured. Another was that the young boy was slaughtered mercilessly in front of a mute, emotionless Raghoba as the boy kept on wailing “Kaka, maala vaachva”. Legend says that the boy was hacked into so many pieces that his remains had to be carried out in a vessel. This vessel was taken to the nearest river and the pieces were dumped there.

However, most visitors prefer to visit the fort during the morning hours as it is desirable. In fact, the fort is deserted at night except for maybe a caretaker doing the rounds.

The fort in all its glory included fortified walls, high gates, numerous halls, gardens, and fountains too. It included five gates which have stood the test of time and weather. It is said that the grandeur of the majestic architecture was lost when in 1828, there was a sudden fire inside the palace complex. It took a week to douse the fire.

It is said that Shaniwarwada is haunted! On full moon nights, locals can hear a boy yelling, “Kaka, mala vachva!”(Uncle, save me!) The story that goes around says that Narayanrao, an erstwhile Peshwa’s youngest son had to take up the responsibilities of his elder brothers, who had died under tragic circumstances. His uncle, Raghoba and his aunt Anandibai could not accept this. They hatched a conspiracy and as a result the young Narayanrao lost his life, all the while crying for his uncle’s help.  
What we see today is bare remnants of the erstwhile palace. There is a dargah outside the Wada that caught my attention. Parking outside the palace premises is free but it cannot accommodate more than ten cars. The garden inside is not well maintained either. The interiors of the palace are not accessible to visitors entirely, but whatever we got to see was haunting indeed. There were rooms with carved arches and what I liked best was the atrium outside. The palace has an impressive gate with spikes and I am sure in the Peshwa’s heydays, this would have kept away quite a few enemy armies.  

The fort is located in the hub of Pune’s busy area and is easily accessible via public transport too. Do visit it and have a dekho!

Wayanad - The ‘Green Paradise’

Wayanad District came into existence on 1st November, 1980 as the 12th District of Kerala consisting of Mananthavady, Sulthanbathery and Vythiri Taluks. The name ‘Wayanad’ is derived from ‘Vayal Nadu’ which means the land of paddy fields. It is a picturesque plateau situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the mean sea level nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala and on the sides of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States. The District was carved out from the then Kozhikode and Kannur Districts. About 885.92.sq.km of area is under forest. The culture of Wayanad is mainly tribal oriented. Wayanad also has inexplicable mountain caves, thundering waterfalls, large tracts of forest land, ancient ruins, tree houses, jungle trails and exotic wild life. It is a perfect place for both nature and adventure lovers. Wayanad is also the land of spices. Coffee, turmeric, rubber, ginger, cocoa are grown here.

Some of the adventurous places to visit:

Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak

Heart shaped lake

At 2100 meters above sea level, Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and third highest peak in South India. It is about 14 kms from Kalpetta district and is an ideal place for adventure lovers who are keen on trekking and mountain climbing. When you reach the top of the peak, you will get to see a heart shaped natural lake. The view from the top of the peak will leave you mesmerized.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

                                Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Just 42 kms from Kalpetta, this sanctuary has one of the biggest collections of wild animals like elephants spotted deer, tiger, wild bear etc. This rain forest reserve is spread over 345 sq kms and is connected to Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. You can enjoy elephant rides here in Muthanga.

Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Lake

Banasura dam is considered one of the largest earth dams in India and the second largest in Aisa. Located at 24 kms from Kalpetta, this dam is yet another picnic spot. The serene crystal clear water makes it ideal for boating.

The Ghost Town of Rajasthan: Bhangarh and Ajabgarh

Bhangarh is a deserted town with some 10000 dwellings established in 1613 by Madho Singh, younger brother of great Mughal general, Man Singh of Amber. Bhangarh was abandoned soon after being built and supposedly after it was cursed by a magician. Bhangarh fort offers an intact view of the medieval past. Apparently, the Bhangarh town had been desolated by an old Mughal invasion, and is just reverting back to being habituated again.

                                                                     Bhangarh Hilltop Fort 

Chhatri on the hill top on the side of Bhangarh fort Bhangarh premises are enclosed by a partially ruined wall. Other than dwellings, ruins of Bhangarh also include gardens, havelis, banyan trees and temples of Lord Someshwar, Gopinath, Mangla Devi and Keshava Rai but But the enigmatic attraction is a secluded Chhatri on the hill top which catches attention of all the travelers. In entirety, the random placement of all these sites within Bhangarh premises may look freighting and mysterious at the same time.

Chhatri Temple

Other Forts near Bhangarh:

 There are some other forts near Bhangarh those were also built in the same era and share the related history. Ajabgarh is a picturesque garrison fort between Bhangarh and Pratapgarh, with a lovely reservoir nearby. Ajabgarh fort was built by Ajab Singh Rajawat, The grandson of Madho Singh. Ajabgarh fort is in good condition, and offers an incredible panoramic view of the eponymous walled town and the well –preserved, but less visited temple of Shri Raghunath Ji and old Chhatris, all nearby. Pratapgarh is a remarkable fort situated on hill top which dominates the region. Pratapgarh and its vicinity are famous for its natural surrounding and scenic countryside. Pratapgarh town has two temples and a mosque.

Ajabgarh Fort near Bhangarh

Archaeological importance of the haunted town of Bhangarh:

Bhangarh is an ancient town of archaeological importance. During recent excavations different types of tools used by early man have been recovered from the prehistorical site of Bhangarh. The old town of Bhangarh, as the ruins show was surrounded on three sides by elevated hills where wild undergrowth is seen today. There were natural springs and waterfalls there and one such is found near the temple of lord Someshwar. The Archaeological survey of India (ASI) has put up a sign board at Bhangarh stating (among others): “Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited.” Lot of tourists who visit this Bhangarh affirms that there is a strange feeling in the atmosphere of Bhangarh, which causes symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.