20 June 2014

Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah

Dubai is a place which welcomes every individual with open heart, a place  which knows how to #JodeyDilonKo(bond hearts).
When ever I write about Dubai and related travelogues, I don't forget to mention the hectic work schedule. Weekends are always awaited for a refreshing outing or just to relax at home once in a while.. Today's post is about our trip to Fujairah, it was a family get-together from hubby's office.
All of us gathered at hubby's office(Emirates Airlines Head office in Dubai, it definitely needs separate post, to get you glimpse of Emirates Airlines building and view of Dubai airport and near by places from the building), and started our tour. The drive through the well maintained roads of UAE is a good tour in itself, which treats you with beautiful landscape.
Fujairah
Drive from Dubai to Fujairah
Fujairah
UAE national flags on the way
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
At the entrance of the Resort
With few breaks, we reached Miramar Beach resort at Fujairah. The resort has great ambiance. Its a beach resort, with few rooms with  balconies opening to the beach and few to the poolside. After freshening up, it was time to relax, but to our surprise, hubby's team was called for a team building training and we spouses were left for ourselves to enjoy. We had the tour of the resort, had some fun time at the poolside, still to find our spouses busy in their meet. 
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
Balcony of our room
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
View from Balcony
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
Another view from Balcony
And finally they finished their meet spoiling our half a day's fun. All of us gathered for the dinner in beach wear, the dress code for the evening. Then were some fun games and prizes for the well dressed couple and more.
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
The Lobby of the resort
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
The Lobby of the resort
The next day was thoroughly for ourselves. Had some great time enjoying at the beach. We were back home by evening, must say it was a much needed relaxing trip.
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
Beach side view
Miramar Beach Resort, Fujairah
Beach side view
The group
This is part of #JodeyDilonKo meet by Zindagi TV and indiblogger.

My Beautiful Food!!

Its wedding season and I always envy my mom when she says, she has a list of wedding parties lined up for the month. Being away from home, I always miss those parties not just for the occasion I get to flaunt myself in party wears, but also for the yummy South Indian cuisines. The perfect blend of sweet, sour, spicy dishes spread over banana leaf. For me, only time of the year when I get to enjoy such food is either during my visit to native or during Onam, when few of my mallu friends invite us for Onam Sadya. The beautiful food for me is a dish filled with a variety of salads(chickpeas salad, sweet corn and pomogranate salad, beans salad and so on) and desserts(kheer(which is mandatory) and a list of sweet dishes) round the banana leaf, follows the main course, variety rice(tamrind rice/ bisibele bath, lemon rice and the list goes on), followed by rice with rasam, and rice with yoghurt curry, rice with sambar and finally rice with buttermilk. The feast ends with fruits salad and Paan. In a metro like Mumbai, where its really tough to find banana leaves, serving this in a trendy Leaves-Fidenza dinner set would just be icing on the cake.
And yes of course my little one likes contemporary cuisine, served in style. Her listing of dishes for her birthday starts much before her day. This is her perfect party menu, assorted cup cakes on beautiful Platter, another platter with her favorite creamy spinach corn tart canapes and kiwi cream canapes, tortilla chips with cheese dip in beautiful Chip and Dip Dish, Watermelon and Strawberry lemonade in perfect tumblers
This is my entry for the contest "My Beautiful Food" by Borosil and indiblogger.

19 June 2014

Skywatch Friday - Etisalat Towers in UAE

Etisalat is the UAE based telecommunications service providing company operating across Asia, middle east and Africa. All their towers have spherical structure at the top, similar to golf ball, distinguishing them from other towers and easily notable from a distance. Here are few clicks of Etisalat Towers from across UAE.
Etisalat Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Etisalat Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
The spherical structure of Etisalat Tower 1, Deira, Dubai(clicked from Bur Dubai Creek)
Etisalat Tower at Ajman, UAE
Etisalat is the only company which provides communication services including mobile and fixed line telephone service, Internet service and digital television service, unlike in India where we have tens of companies providing service for every product.
So next time when you are in UAE and come across a similar structure, you know its Etisalat office:):)

16 June 2014

Red Fort / Lal Qila, Delhi

After our first day's tour of Connaught place, India Gate, Firoz Shah Kotla Fort, we had booked a day tour with Delhi Tourism HOHO bus service for the second day. With Red Fort not listed under our route with HOHO, we thought of visiting Red Fort before catching our HOHO bus. Red Fort was the first place we witnessed when we entered Delhi, staying just opposite to it, at Lal Mandir, we got its glimpse every time we left out for the city tour.
The red fort in old Delhi was the fortified palace of Shahjahanabad, capital of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. Constructed along the river Yamuna, the fort was commissioned when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort gets its name from its massive red sand stone walls, reflecting magnificent Mughal rule, its architecture is a fusion of Timurid, Persian and Hindu traditions.
And its known for the Independence Day celebration, when the Prime Minister of the country hoists the Indian flag and addresses the nation from the Lahore Gate of the fort.
Red Fort, Delhi
Naubat Khana, clicked from Diwan-i-Aam
After buying the tickets(a collective ticket for the main entrance and museums inside the fort), you enter the fort through Lahore Gate, the gate which faces Lahore, the city now in Pakistan. As you enter the Lahore Gate, is the roofed street called Chatta Bazaar, lined up with shops selling souvenirs. The two storeyed buildings are said to have catered luxury trade of silk, velvet, brocades, gold and silverware, jewelry and gems during Shah Jahan's rule.
Red Fort, Delhi
Diwan-i-Aam
The exit of the Chatta Bazaar leads you to the open space. Next is the Naubat Khana, a gate which takes you to the Diwan-i-Aam. Naubat Khana also houses the Indian War Memorial Museum. The museum has galleries pertaining to military history of India during first and second world war.
Diwan-i-Aam, a hall for the public audience during the rule, has the marble throne with intricate work. The walls and pillars too reflect great architectural beauty.
Red Fort, Delhi
The marble throne at Diwan-i-Aam
Red Fort, Delhi
Carvings on outer wall of Diwan-i-Aam
 There are a row of pavilions towards the back of Diwan-i-Aam. The pavilions are said to be connected by a canal known as Nahi-i-Behisht(Stream of Paradise).
Red Fort, Delhi
Diwan-i-Khas
The row of pavilions include, Mumtaz Mahal(which houses Red Fort Archaeological Museum), Rang Mahal(Palace of colours) for emperor's wives and mistresses, Khas Mahal(emperor's apartment), Diwan-i-Khas(hall of private audience), Moti Masjid(Pearl Mosque), Hammam(the imperial baths). All the pavilions have great marble work inlaid with precious stones. 
The Archaeological Museum exhibits the articles belonging to Akbar and his successors and Bahadur Shah Zafar. Exhibits include miniature paintings, manuscripts, porcelain and jade objects, textile, furniture and other belongings of royal rulers.
Red Fort, Delhi
Diwan-i-Khas
Red Fort, Delhi
Diwan-i-Khas
Further ahead is the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, meaning "Life Bestowing Garden" had beautiful gardens, which were destoryed during British rule. The garden presently has a reservoir with channels, with red stone Zafar Mahal at the center and two white pavilions Savon and Bhadon at the end.
Red Fort, Delhi
Window at Khas Mahal
Red Fort, Delhi
 Rang Mahal
Beyond the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, the road leads to Salimgarh Fort through arched bridge.
Travel Info:
Red Fort is at Netaji Subhash Marg. Nearest Metro station is Chandi Chowk.
Entry fee:
Indian tourists: Rs. 10
Foreign tourists: Rs. 250
Fort is closed on Mondays and open from sunrise to sunset rest of the days.
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Related Posts: Check out the complete series on Golden Triangle Tour.  

13 June 2014

Sky Watch Friday

A scavenger on a tree at Firoz Shah Kotla.
 
And the beautiful tree against blue sky.
 
 Happy Skywatching!!

9 June 2014

Firoz Shah Kotla Fort, Delhi

Delhi, the capital of Independent India, also has a great history as capital of several empires. The first instance of the region being capitalized was during Mahabharata, when Pandava brothers built Indraprastha and ruled the country from here. Though there is no much evidence about Indraprastha, the extensive coverage of Delhi's history begins with Delhi Sultanate. The modern city contains the remnants of 7 capital cities,
  • Qila Rai Pithore - dating 10th century, established by Prithviraj Chauhan, ruins visible around Qutub complex
  • Mehrauli - dating 11-12th century, established by Qutubuddin Aibak, present day Qutub complex
  • Siri - dating 14th century, established by rulers of Khilji dynasty, present day Hauz Khas is remanence of Siri
  • Tughlaqabad - dating 14th century, established by Ghiasuddin Tughlaq
  • Firozabad - dating 14th century, established by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, present day Firoz Shah Kotla
  • Shergarh - dating 16th century, established by Sher Shah and completed by Humayun after gaining back power from Sher Shah, present day Purana Qila
  • Shahjahanabad - dating 17th century, established by Shahjahan, present day old Delhi, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk
(Detailed history of the cities along with their present day monuments in following posts).
Of the Seven cities of Delhi, Firoz Shah Kotla also called Kushk-I-Firuz was the Fortress of Firoz Shah Tughlaq(1351-88). Built along the bank of river Yamuna, Firoz Shah established the fortified city of Firozabad, the fifth city of Delhi, as the capital of Delhi Sultabhjjnate.
Firoz Shah Kotla
The Main Gate
The Fort had a Palace, pillared halls, mosque, a pigeon tower and a water tank. The complex has a Pyramidal structure supporting the Ashoka Pillar or the  Lat. Attributed to Mauryan ruler Ashoka, this sandstone column was brought from Ambala by Firoz Shah. It stands on a three-tiered arcaded palace pavilion located near main royal residence. 
Firoz Shah Kotla
Firoz Shah Kotla
Ashoka Pillar on three tier arcad
Pigeons in the complex, not sure if this is the pigeon tower
Firoz Shah was a renowned builder, who was credited for the construction of several mosques, hunting lodges, reservoirs for irrigation, collages in and around Delhi.
Firoz Shah Kotla
The Baoli or well or water tank in the Fort complex is said to be the essential source of water to the fortress. The circular well, open to the sky, had pulleys to lift water. A complex system of pipes and channels pumped water to the roof of two storeys rooms around the well. From there it used to be used for watering the gardens.
Firoz Shah Kotla
Baoli
Most of the building material from Firoz Shah's city was robbed to build Shahjahanabad(1638-48). And its the ruins of the whole city which remains today.
Firoz Shah Kotla
Floodlights of Firoz Shah Kotla Cricket Ground visible from the Fort
Travel Info:
Firoz Shah Kotla is at Bahadur Shah Zafar Road. Nearest metro station, Pragati Maidan
Entry Fee: 
Rs. 5/- for Indian tourists
Rs. 100/- for foreign tourists
Fort is open on all days from sunrise to sunset.

Related Posts: Check out the complete series on Golden Triangle Tour

5 June 2014

India Gate, Delhi - A Photo Essay

India Gate, originally called All India War Memorial, commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I. The structure is 42m high and resembles Arc-de-Triomphe of France. The memorial has the names of British and Indian soldiers killed in Northwestern Frontier in Afghan war of 1919.
India Gate
The foundation stone of the monument was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 designed by Edwin Lutyens and dedicated to nation 10 years later by Lord Irwin.
India Gate
India Gate
Amar Jawan Jyoti was added after India got independence. The flame under the arch reminds of the soldiers who laid their lives in Indo-Pak War of December 1971.
India Gate
India Gate
India Gate
India Gate
India Gate
Travel Info:
India Gate is near Rajpath, Delhi. Nearest Metro Station, Pragati Maidan.
Entry Free, open all days morning to night.
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Related Posts: Check out the complete series on Golden Triangle Tour.  

3 June 2014

With Love, for you Appa!!!

The house was all set to welcome the son, the son who was a husband and a father. He was coming home for a vacation after 2 long years from UAE. Everybody at home were eagerly waiting for him. Then he comes, bringing a smile on everybody's face. There stood a 3 year old girl hesitating to go to that person. She had seen him in photographs and knew he was her dad, but still shy and had a strange look. She gives a glance at her mother, as though seeking her permission to go to him. Mom blinks her eye, asking her to go to him. Father opens up the gifts and toys he had brought for his little one, with every toy, she sits with him for few minutes and runs away with the toy. Finally he takes 2 long days to make her comfortable. The little girl is non other than me and this is what my dad narrates me, every time we go through my childhood photographs. Ever since I have been his Princess and Pride, and he has been my Role Model guiding me at every stage.
Appa(my father) and me
20years later, the little girl is grown up. As so said history repeats, there comes a wedding proposal for the girl from a NRI guy. Father who knew what staying away from wife and daughter was, accepts the wedding proposal only with the condition, that the guy had to take his daughter along after marriage.
Love you appa for being what you are, I missed you then and now as well, staying far away from you and mom. And now while writing this post, am just back from my native, after spending a month with my parents, and badly waiting for my next vacation to meet them.
I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com.

2 June 2014

Delhi, The (Political) Capital of India - The First Impression


The drive through Yamuna Expressway from Agra to Delhi was indeed a relaxing one, after the day tour of Agra. The first impression of Delhi was of those well connected highways well with in the city. We reached Chandni Chowk, were we had booked our room. Being Monday (didn't have Delhi Darshan) and Holi festival the next day, we were advised to stay indoor. But with our itinerary planned for the day, we thought of exploring the city ourselves.
Next morning we found the entire Netaji Subhash Marg empty, with most of the public transport closed for Holi. With no Metro running, we hired an auto rickshaw for a tour of near-by places.
Rajiv Chowk
Tri-colour at Central Park, Connaught Place
He took us through Connaught Place. The tri-colour flying at Central Park, caught our sight even before entering CP. This monumental flag is the largest tri-colour in the country measuring 60ft wide and 90ft long, weighing 35kgs. The flag flies on a 207ft tall flagpole which makes it visible from quite a distance.
Connaught Place
Connaught Place officially called Rajiv Chowk, is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centers of Delhi. It houses the headquarters of several firms and used to be headquarters of British. Said to be modeled in Georgian architecture, after Royal Crescent in Bath, it creates concentric circles, inner circle, middle circle and outer circle. This planned area also houses Palika Bazaar, the first under ground market, and restaurants and other small eating outlets.
Connaught Place
After munching at Domino's, we took the Parliament Street to head to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Built as a residence for the British Viceroy during British rule, Rashtrapati Bhavan is presently the official home of President of India. Spread over 130 hectare, the President Estate has President's official house, halls, guest rooms, offices along with presidential garden, large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stable.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan
Sansad Bhavan is the house of the Parliament of India. The structure is circular in shape, based on the Ashoka Chakra. The building is surrounded by large gardens, the sandstone railings fenced off on the perimeter is modeled after Great Stupa of Sanchi.
Sansad Bhavan
Sansad Bhavan
Detailed post on India Gate in following post.
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Related Posts: Check out the complete series on Golden Triangle Tour.