YaatraTales

26/01/2024

Sharing memories from our trip to 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐚 & 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦 (𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐉𝐚𝐧)

𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩 in 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐚: 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭, the largest religious monument in the world spread across 400 acres - one of the wonders of the ancient world - originally built as a Hindu Temple by Raja Suryavarman II in the 1st half of the 12th century
Also visited The River of Thousand Lingas, Angkor Thom, Floating village at Tonle Sap Lake Island and the enchanting Apsara dance show in the evening.

𝐁𝐚 𝐍𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦: A French colonial hill station - the cable car ride to Ba Na Hills is the longest nonstop single track ride in the world at a height of over 5,800 metres - It’s most famous attraction is the Golden Bridge (“Hand Bridge”), a 500-foot long arched pedestrian bridge that appears to be held up over the world by 2 giant stone hands.

𝐇𝐨𝐢 𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦: Well preserved ancient sea port and now a UNESCO World Heritage centre - Coconut village mangrove forest a must-go destination for travellers.

𝐇𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is well-known for its many limestone mountains, pristine beaches, mysterious caves and grottos, explored through the luxurious Hal Long Bay luxury cruise

𝐇𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐢 - 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦: Famous for the Water Puppet Theatre, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Pagodas, Trishaw cycle ride and shopping at Old Quarter

People in both countries were extremely friendly and their hospitality was simply outstanding ... they love Indians 🇮🇳 The infra and facilities were world class though Cambodia is a poor country and Vietnam is a developing nation. Clean Toilets everywhere, no cheating by shopkeepers or hawkers and their local cuisine is amazing though we had food in Indian restaurants on most of the days. Thanks to Chariot World Tours for organising this tour for us👍

24/09/2023

The Western Ghats in monsoon is a delight to watch - green landscape and lovely waterfalls - Charmadi Ghat 👌

24/09/2023

The "Delta Point" located at an estuary where the Swarna River meets the Arabian Sea at Kodi Bengre Beach 👌

24/09/2023

The Whitehouse at Hoode Beach near Udupi (Karnataka) - just metres away from the Arabian Sea shore👌

17/07/2023

Kenya is known as the world’s best safari destination, with 50 National Parks and Reserves that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five – Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Wild Buffaloes.

The Wildebeest Migration at Masai Mara Game Reserve, is one of the '7 New Wonders of the World' and also known as The World Cup of Wildlife. Heralded as one of the Earth’s most remarkable natural spectacles, this perpetual procession of 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes, escorted by prowling assortment of big cats - lions and cheetahs, is nearly impossible to describe.

The tour started with a night’s stay at the beautiful capital city of Nairobi. This was followed by a visit to the Aberdare region, a mountain range in the central highlands of Kenya (4,000 meters above sea level), spread over 1,300 acres of wildlife reserve hosting animals like giraffes and zebras. From here we visited the stunning 'The Ark' (2,300 meters above sea level) in the heart of the Aberdare National Park. The Lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, that attracts animals like elephants, wild buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs etc.

Crossing the Equator to visit the savannahs of Lake Naivasha, is a must on the itinerary. At the Crescent Island, we spotted hippos, giraffes, zebras and a host of other animals and birds. Movies like Out of Africa and Tomb Raiders were shot here.

The Kenyan game reserves are home to tallest, fastest, strongest, heaviest animals in the world. Animals like giraffes, zebras, hyenas, Thomson’s gazelles, hartebeest, dik-dik, topis, hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles etc cannot be missed. And a wide variety of birds like the ostriches, rollers, vultures, hornbills, bustards and many more.

Discovering the unique culture and customs of one of the famous African tribes – the Masai tribes, through a walking trail to their village, is a major draw.

And finally what better way to experience the Masai Mara than to take a hot air balloon safari, gliding silently over the savannah at a height of 1,000 feet with spectacular 360 deg. view of herds of elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, wild buffaloes and other animals.

Lot of myths surrounding the country were busted after the visit. The roads and infrastructure is comparable to western countries; disciplined traffic and no honking; the toilets at pit-stops and tourist attractions are s**c and span; literacy level is high; education is free; local people speak English fluently; generally I found the people to be friendly and they love Indians. At some places we could taste Dosa, Idli and Poha for breakfast and Indian cuisine is widely popular👍

No wonder people who visit Kenya once, make regular trips thereafter ….

12/01/2023

Honeyvale Homestay is a premier coffee plantation located at Kottigehara in the picturesque hill-station of Chikkamagaluru district in Karnataka.

Hill estates are a part of India’s colonial legacy. The estate is spread over 200 acres of rugged mountain terrain, which is home to some rare flora and fauna. The lush green coffee plantation along with cardamom jungle, pepper vines, and aromatic vanilla garden infuses in you a sense of awe for Mother Nature.

The beautiful view of the 120-year old Bungalow, once owned by the British, with its surrounding plantation, peaks, and valley is a sight that never fails to impress the visitor.

Early morning your will be greeted by Peacocks, who visit the estate.

12/01/2023

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and part of Project Tiger, situated in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.

It boasts of a substantially large number of Tiger population and was declared in 1998 as the 25th Project Tiger of India.

The lofty hill range and green vegetation surrounding it from all sides make it look absolutely stunning. The mesmerizing Bhadra River passes through this sanctuary whistling soothingly, and hence it has given it the name Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spread over the area of 490 sq km, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and is home to diverse varieties of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is also a habitat for reptiles like king cobra and Indian rock python. A giant teak tree known as Jagara is the main attraction of this sanctuary, which is sought to be around 300 years old.

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is one of the must-visit spots in Chikmagalur where you can enjoy various activities such as jeep safari, trekking, bird watching, rock climbing, and water sports at river Bhadra.

Sighting a Tiger depends on your luck, but you can spot Leopards, Sloth Bears, Bisons, Wild Elephants, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Langurs, Wild Boars, Sambar and Spotted Deer during the Jeep Safari.

Among Birds, you can sight Serpent eagle, Grey headed eagle, Brahmany kite, variety of Cormorants, Egrets, Herons and of course River Terns during the Boat safari.

The stay at River Tern Jungle Resort Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary managed by JLR is simply awesome.

27/12/2022

A trip to “God’s Own Country” will remain etched in your memory, all your life.

A land blessed with lush green hill station with tea gardens as backdrop (Munnar), boat ride in a Forest reserve to watch exotic wildlife coupled with entertaining cultural shows (Thekkady), tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters with stay in a grand Houseboat (Alleppey), rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment (Kumarakom) and trip to a well preserved colonial land with ancient architecture (Fort Kochi).

Kerala isn’t just a destination; it’s a saga of experiences!

05/10/2022

03/03/2022

Ganga Aarti is among the most spectacular events, that takes place post sundown (6:30pm) at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the holiest ghats in Varanasi - Kashi - Banaras.

It begins with lighting up the multi-tiered ceremonial brass lamps and a well-synchronised and rhythmic chanting of the holy mantras.

While, some of the priests blow the conch shells to sanctify the atmosphere, other priests begin waving the incense sticks to worship Maa Ganga 🙏

View the short video on Ganga Aarti by clicking on https://youtu.be/-meJ3LZyhGg or the image below 👍

Ganga Aarti is among the most spectacular events, that takes place post sundown (6:30pm) at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the holiest ghats in Varanasi.It begin...

01/03/2022

An architectural masterpiece of a Temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava (meaning “handsome Keshava”), is located on the banks of River Cauvery at Somanathapura, near Mysore. Being nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage tag, recently, the site is a big draw among tourists. To know more about Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura please read the blog by clicking on the image below or the link > http://yaatratales.com/somanathapura/

An architectural masterpiece of a Temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava (meaning “handsome Keshava”), is located on the banks of River Cauvery at Somanathapura, near Mysore.

27/02/2022

Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura, soon to be a UNESCO World Heritage site, dedicated to Lord Chennakesava (meaning “handsome Keshava”) is located on the banks of River Cauvery 🙏

The Temple consecrated in 1258 CE, was built by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III and hence the name Somanathapura given to the place. It took 58 years to construct the Temple by more than 500 sculptors.

Located just 35 kms from Mysore, this temple is a classic example of the famous Hoysala architecture. Unfortunately the temple is no longer used as a place of worship because the idols have been broken and desecrated by the invading armies.

The interiors of the temples has beautifully lathe carved pillars and idols of Venugopala and Janardhana though the original idol of Keshava is probably to be found in London Museum. The ceiling is studded with carvings of Banana and Lotus flower buds and other design patterns. Even a square inch of the structure is not left unsculpted.

The pillars were carved by lathe machines of that era with manual rotary axis, which was very interesting thing to know. It makes one wonder the technological advancement of people living 1,000 years ago. The raised platform on which the temple is built is one of its kind in all of temples in India. This is a Trikuta temple complex housing three Garbha Grihas for Keshava, Venugopala and Janardhana.

The outer walls have Elephants, army contingent, scrolls and stories depicted from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagwat Purana. The carvings are so intricate, that you can even see the finger nails, rings on all fingers of each carving 🙌

26/02/2022

Watch how light passes through holes drilled into the intricately carved pillars made of sandstone - Chennakesava Temple Somanathapura 🙌

https://youtu.be/ePKS4qs7Img

Watch how light passes through holes drilled into the intricately carved pillars made of sandstone - Chennakesava Temple 🙌

19/02/2022

Prayagraj or Allahabad is one of the holiest cities of India, which lies at the confluence of 3 rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and the unseen Saraswati.

Prayagraj is crowned in ancient scriptures as ‘Teertharaj’ and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage centres of India ... to read ahead visit this blog ... http://yaatratales.com/prayag/ 🌹

Prayag is one of the holiest cities of India, which lies at the confluence of 3 rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and the unseen Saraswati.

18/02/2022

Varanasi or Benaras or Kashi (City of Lights) is believed to be built by Lord Shiva to live with his wife Parvati. Varanasi, which derives its name from the rivers Varuna and Assi, is the world’s oldest and continuously inhabited city. To read more about Varanasi click on > http://yaatratales.com/varanasi/ 🌹

Ancient ghats by the holy Ganges, the mesmerising Ganga aarti, amazing Temples, Sarnath stupa, BHU campus, bustling bazaars, narrow alleys and mouth watering street food

16/02/2022

Take a quick visual tour of Varanasi with me and enjoy the ancient Ghats by the holy Ganges, the mesmerising Ganga aarti event, amazing Temples, Sarnath Stupa, BHU campus, bustling bazaars, narrow alleys and mouth watering street food.

Varanasi or Benaras or Kashi (City of Lights) is believed to be built by Lord Shiva to live with his wife Parvati and acknowledged to be the world’s oldest and continuously inhabited city🌹

The trip was undertaken from 8th to 10th Feb 2022 just after COVID related restrictions were lifted and Ganga Aarti resumed at Dashashwamedha Ghat, after nearly a month.👍

https://youtu.be/28nhYcsg7GE

Take a quick visual tour of Varanasi with me and enjoy the ancient Ghats by the holy Ganges, the mesmerizing Ganga aarti event, amazing Temples, Sarnath Stup...

12/02/2022

Varanasi Ganga Aarti is one among the foremost beautiful religious ceremonies in the world. It is held at Dashashwamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath Mandir 🙏

12/02/2022

The mysterious Ratneshwar Temple of Varanasi tilts at 9 deg compared to Tower of Pisa at 4 deg 🙏

12/02/2022

Varanasi or Benaras or Kashi (City of Lights) - Land of Lord Shiva, ancient Temples, 88 Ghats on the banks of holy Ganges, the Spiritual capital of India and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world 🙏

Watch the photos and videos from Varanasi, which I was fortunate to visit between 7th Feb and 10th Feb - just a day after COVID related curfew was relaxed and Ganga Aarti resumed 🙏

12/02/2022

Prayagraj : The Sangam City - Land of Triveni Sangam or the confluence of 3 holy rivers - Ganga,Yamuna and the unseen Saraswati 🙏

20/01/2022

Reminiscing the moments from my trip to Pench National Park in Nov 2019, when the "Queen of Pench - Collarwaali", gave us a "darshan" at a close distance.

Collarwaali or Mataram, who gave birth to 29 cubs during her lifetime, breathed her last on 15th Jan 2022. Om Shanthi 🐅 🐅

17/12/2021

Goa - On a different note TM2021 - Tripoto

22/11/2021

Goa and Temples may not rhyme well since it is better known for its beaches, churches and now Casinos. The Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community were the early settlers of Goa, where they built Temples dedicated to family deities 🙏

Temples in Goa are known as "Devasthana" and used to be at the center of the village. Life revolved around them not just for religious but social purposes as well. Families who take care of temple upkeep are called Mahajans. Most of them are Kuldevatha or family deity temples of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, who dominated this region before the Portuguese took over.

These temples are a few hundred years old as they exist today. But all these are not located where they were originally built. They were located in various villages across the state of Goa or Govapuri as it was known.

But during the Portuguese period when the temples were being demolished, the idols were moved here by the Brahmin families and re-installed in and around Ponda. Temples were subsequently built and the influence of Portuguese architecture is visible on all of them in various forms and shapes.

In the photo album you will see the following 7 Temples:
1) Shree Devaki Krishna at Mashel
2) Shree Mangueshi at Ponda
3) Shree Narayani Mahalsi at Ponda
4) Shri Nagueshi at Ponda
5) Shree Navadurga at Madkai
6) Shree Shantadurga at Ponda
7) Shree Ramnathi at Ponda

16/08/2021

As we read lot of news and updates on Afghanistan, sharing this story, about my experience with an Afghan cabbie, from my blog “My Tryst with Cabbies across the Globe” ...

Circa June 2008, I was attending a conference organised by Hewlett Packard (my employer then), at Munich in Germany.

For my return journey back home, I requested the Hotel to book a cab for dropping me at the Airport. A friendly cabbie arrived at the Hotel lobby 15 minutes before the appointed time to pick me up.

Somewhat Asian looking, I picked up a conversation with this cabbie, who had earlier greeted me Guten Tag (Good Day in German).

The cabbie turned out to be an Afghan, who had settled down 6 years ago at Munich. He tried to speak with me in broken Urdu and became very emotional when I asked him about his homeland and his thoughts on India- Afghanistan relations.

Most of the cabbies, be it in India or abroad, are often well read and I think their political opinion is well sought after since their attachment to the print media is more than anyone else. The newspapers give them the right company, while they wait for their next Customer.

This Pathan, too, was well read. He felt bad about the war in his country and was very glad about India’s role in transforming his country. He echoed the feelings of his countrymen, by showing lot of interest in Bollywood and India’s rich cultural heritage. When I got down at the Airport, the Pathan embraced me in true Afghan style; wished me happy journey back home and asked me to pray for his country.

Maybe the thought that my flight to India passes over his Motherland’s airspace, excited him more ……

Read the complete blog “My Tryst with Cabbies across the Globe” - http://yaatratales.com/cabbies/ 👍

The cabbie is your first touchpoint in the new city you visit, with whom you strike a meaningful conversation. Sometimes they become friends for life.

15/08/2021

On the occasion of Bharat’s 75th Independence Day, today, here is a post on Andaman Islands, where our freedom fighters sacrificed their life for our country.

The name Andaman conjures up images of freedom struggle and political prisoners suffering at the hands of the British rulers.

Andaman derives its name from Hanuman (the Hindu Monkey God) and it was nicknamed Kaala Paani or Forbidden Land.

Andaman Islands, does not immediately strike to us as a tourist destination, which could give the Maldives or Pattaya or Mauritius a run for its money!! Maybe we should start calling it The Great Coral Islands for the pristine clean coral beaches…….

A trip to Andaman is not complete without visiting the Cellular jail, which had our Indian freedom fighters imprisoned from the mid 19th century till about 1940s. Hire a Guide, who will explain the history of this Jail, which can soften anyone’s heart, after hearing the hardship endured by our great freedom fighters. Hardship included extracting oil from kernels taking the place of bulls and cutting trees to make furniture. Any refusal met with stringent punishment from the sailors.

Veer Savarkar’s cell is a landmark in this complex. He had spent 10 long years in a small cell, most of the time chained. His brother was also jailed at the same time but both brothers never met during those 10 long years.

In the evening a special light and sound show is organised in the same complex. You may opt for English or Hindi version but you are guaranteed to be left speechless after hearing the gory history narrated by the Late actor, Om Puri. It is one of the highlights of this Tour.

The Viper Island at Andaman, is the place where the British had constructed an open space jail, much before the Cellular Jail. Viper Island, was named after the ship wreck event of a British trading ship named “Viper” in 19th century. The ruins of an old discarded jail, built by British in 1867, with yellow coloured bricks and the gallows are seen in this Island. The island is not inhabited by human population but one can see cattle grazing in the lush green meadows. The Great Tsunami of Dec 2004 had destroyed most of the Island.

The other important place to see is the Ross Island, which was the capital of Andaman And Nicobar islands during British rule. The British occupants had constructed some marvellous buildings here including a water treatment plant and hence this place was known as the Paris of the East. This island is now under the Indian Navy and is just 20 minutes by cruise from Port Blair. This was occupied by the Japanese army during World War II and Netaji Bose had unfurled the Tricolour at this very place in 1942. However the Japanese had bombed this place before occupying it and he hence we see only ruins now. The Earthquake in 1941 took its toll on the Island. The Tsunami of 2004 had also left its mark by destroying what was left of the Island.

To know more about the Andaman Islands and it’s important attractions, please read the blog >> http://yaatratales.com/andaman/

🙏 Bharatmata Ki Jai 🙏

Vande Mataram 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 🇮🇳

In the Picture: The name, Cellular jail, was derived from the solitary cells which prevented any prisoner from communicating with any other. Let's salute the Freedom Fighters of Bharat 🙏