Aga Khan Palace and its significance in Indian Freedom Movement

It was during a visit to one of our cousin's place in Pune that we visited Aga Khan Palace. It was just a day's trip to Pune and during our casual talks, did I check with cousin about the place. All he said was, its just a small building with few photographs of Mahatma Gandhi displayed. I remembered from our visit to Mani Bhavan about the significance of Aga Khan Palace, and didn't want to miss the visit.

The palace was built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. It gained significance during the Indian Freedom movement, when it served as prison to Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai and Sarojini Naidu from 1942 to 1944, following the launch of Quit India Movement.

There is ample parking inside the campus and you need to walk through the lawns to reach the palace. The palace is multi storeyed structure and known for its Italian arches on all floors. Its only few of the rooms which are open to public which display photographs and portraits depicting Gandhiji's life. Even though we visited on weekend, it was not that crowded and we could easily get along the palace.

Inside the palace campus are samadhis of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, who lost their lives during their captivity in the palace. There is also samadhi of Gandhji, which is said to have his ashes.

Travel Info:

Aga Khan Palace is on Pune-Nagar Road.

Timings: 9AM to 12:30PM, 1:30PM to 6PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for adults and Rs. 2 for kids

Narayani Dham, Lonavala

Going on with my posts on Lonavala, here is the post on Narayani Dham. I used to view this place, every time I travelled to Bangalore by bus, and wondered about it. Then only to be told by one of my friends who visited Narayani Dham. Being just next to Mumbai-Pune Expressway, you can easily get a glimpse on this place while travelling. On one of our drives to Pune, we planned a visit to the Dham. We took the first Lonavala exit on the Expressway and that made us to take a tour of whole Lonavala city to reach the place.

Dedicated to goddess Narayani, the temple is a beautiful white marble structure. The entrance is a 4 storeyed structure, there are fountains lined up on the pathway from entrance to temple. I had seen few of the pics on net, with beautiful view of the temple from the entrance, but when we visited the pathway was covered with roof and that hide the complete view of the temple, not sure if that arrangement was permanent.

The main deity of the temple is Ma Narayani and on the either side of the main shrine are shrines dedicated to Ganapathi, Hanuman and other Hindu deities. You can plan your visit during aarti or even a visit at night to get the view of the beautifully lite temple.

The deities are beautifully decorated with glittering jeweleries. There is accommodation and veg food available at the dham. Other attraction for kids here is Goshala, where you can feed the cows.

Travel Info:

Temple timings: 6:30AM to 1PM and 4PM to 10PM
Visit here to plan your trip to Lonavala and other posts on Lonavala here.

Weekend Getaway to Silvassa!!!

Its been over a year now that I visited Silvassa and Daman, though I had documented on Daman, Silvassa was left out for certain reason. So here it is.

Clock tower

Silvassa, the capital city of Indian Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is around 3hours drive from Mumbai. You can plan a day trip to Silvassa or connect with Daman for weekend drive from Mumbai. We started off early morning and took NH8. After a short breakfast break and a visit to Simandaraswami Jinamadir, we reached Silvassa by 11AM. This small town has quite to offer, the tribal museum, a century old church, lion safari, deer safari and some beautiful nature trails.

We reached Silvassa, booked our room at Woodland Regency, our plan was to explore the city for the day and leave for Daman the next morning. Woodland Regency is just near Silvassa bus station and you have Tribal Museum and Church of our Lady of Piety at a walkable distance.

Tribal Museum

The tribal museum showcases the tribal culture of Silvassa through a collection of masks, musical instruments, traditional jewelery and hunting tools. There is also a souvenir shop which sells warli paintings, bamboo crafts, palm leaf mats, all handmade by tribes. You should definitely pick a warli paiting from here as a souvenir. The entry is free and photography is not allowed inside the museum. Just next to Tribal museum is Silvassa Art Gallery, a collection of warli Paintings for display and sale.

Paintings on the outer walls of the museum

Church of our Lady of Piety

Opposite to tribal museum is Church of our Lady of Piety. Built in 1897 by Portuguese the church is said to be one of the oldest standing buildings of Silvassa.

The interior too is very beautiful and painting of Last Supper on the curtains on one of the walls attracts your sight..

While Silvassa city preserves its history and tribal culture through the Church of our Lady of Piety and Tribal Museum, the city lives up to its name Silvassa, 'silva' meaning wood in Portuguese, with its surrounding greens. The place was also called Vila de Paco d'Arcos by Portuguese.

Vasona Lion Safari

We had heard about the Vasona lion safari which is around 5km from Silvassa town and headed to the safari, after our city tour. Unfortunately, the safari really doesn't have much to offer, but with kids, its a one time visit place. While we visited, there were just one lion and lioness which were in real bad condition. You are taken on a 10-15mins drive through the safari in a closed van with grilled window.

With the very bad safari experience at Vasona, we gave a second thought whether to visit the near by Satmalia deer sanctuary, which is around 5km from the Vasona. When we checked with the maintenance staff of Vasona, we were told Satmalia was very different from their's and there were more than 300 deers.

Satmalia Deer Sanctuary

We drove to Satmalia, the best part of this safari then was we could drive inside the park in our own vehicle, with the deers wandering around in the wide spread woods. 

But as per recent updates, you can't drive through the park in your own vehicle. Park provides you safari facility in gypsy vans, which is a half an hour drive  through the park. You find deers almost at every 2mins drive. There are 300+ deers, which include Nilgais, cheetals and sambar.

There is a watch tower near a lake inside the park, which gives a beautiful view of the park. Being summer, the park was mostly dry and the deers really looked very badly fed. 

Dudhni is around 30km from Satmalia and 40km from Silvassa and well known for its lake. There is boating and other water sports like water scooter, water jet, kayaks and canoes at Dudhni lake. Vanganga lake, which is around 5km from Silvassa is yet another lake which attracts most tourist for the Bollywood movies shot here. It was already 6PM by the time we were done with Satmalia and had to skip Dudhni and Vanganga and next morning we left for Daman.

Travel tips:

Location: Silvassa is around 180km from Mumbai, 130km from Surat and 30km from Daman

How to reach: 

• By Road: Gujarat State Transport Buses operate between Vapi and Silvassa at regular intervals. Driving direction: Drive on NH 8 from Mumbai, Surat and Daman.

• By Train: Nearest railway stations Vapi 18km and Bhilad 12km

• By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai 180km

Accommodation: Silvassa has many budget, small hotels and luxury resorts, you can book according to your choice.

Vasona Lion Safari:
Timings: 9AM to 5AM
Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee:  Rs. 25 for Adult and Rs. 10 for kids
Satmalia Deer Sanctuary:
Timings: 7AM to 11AM, 3PM to 6PM
Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee:  Rs. 25 for Adult and Rs. 10 for kids(No extra charge for gypsy ride)

Rediscovering the Portugal Dynasty at Daman - Part 4

Part 3: Rediscovering Portugal Dynasty At Daman-Part 3

Jampore Beach: After covering the Fort area in Moti Daman we headed to Jampore Beach. This is almost 6kms from main city. Driving through narrow roads leads you to the Beach. We were surprised by the number of vehicles parked here, while we hardly got to see any person out near the Fort area. Green Palms and casurina fronds makes a beautiful sight.. Food stalls are put up on the shore, a narrow opening between the stalls leads you to the beach... You can enjoy pony ride, camel ride and even paragliding here.

Devka Beach: 3km drive from Nani Daman leads you to Devka Beach. Just like Jampore Beach this too has hotels and souvenir stalls. Main attraction here is the popular amusement park, which has various gaming instruments and musical fountain. We couldn't spend much time here and headed back to Nani Daman. 

Had lunch at Gurukrupa, one of the best restaurants if you are looking out for veggie food. Then drove through the Jetty area. This drive covers you the view of Fort and Light House at Moti Daman and a visit to Nani Daman Fort. 

This Fort in Nani Daman in popularly known as St. Jemore Fort. The Fort enterance as a Gigantic statue of St. Jemore, flanked by two colossal human sculpture on either sides.

St. Jemore was one of the most eminent and deeply revered priest of the Catholic Church of Daman. Inside the Fort is the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea.

The other attraction in the Fort is the Jain Temple that bears 18th century murals depicting the life of Mahavir Swami, the 24th Theerthankara of Jainism on its interior walls.

Rediscovering the Portugal Dynasty at Daman - Part 3

Continued from Rediscovering the Portugal Dynasty at Daman - Part 2

This part is about the churches in Daman. Daman, has many churches and chapels dating back to 1500's, with Portugal influence..

Bom Jesus Church is one of the oldest churches here in Daman. Founded in 1500s and reconsturcted in 1603, this church sees a steady stream of visitors.



 It is dedicated to the infant Jesus, with statues of six saints and an impressive architectural facade.

The scrolls and floral patterns add to its beauty, as do the richly decorated wood panelling, ornately carved balcony and the gilded Baroque altar. This was the former Se Cathedral of the Aechdiocese of Daman.

Church of Our Lady of Remedios: This church dedicated to Lady of Remedios was built by Rui De Mello De Sampaiyo, governer and captain of the city in 1607AD. Main alter is carved and gilded with 17th century engravings. Moti Daman was made a separate parish in 1673.

Just adjacent to the chappel is this staue of Lord Jesus in the garden.

Chapel of Our Lady of Rosario: The chapel was closed and we were told by one of the officials there that this comes under the Archaeological Survey of India and is opened once in a while. History of this church too dates back to 17th century and the interior is magnificantly carved with stories of christian saints which are depicted on the lateral walls. The ceiling is decorated with multicoloured rose petals cherubic golden angles. The alter of the chapel is supposed to be example amongst all Portuguese churchs in India..

The Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary: Against the fort wall is the chapel of Our Lady of Rosary dating and gilded wooden panels illustrate stories from the lives of the blessed saints. The ceiling features charming carved golden cherubs. The staute of Mary of Rosary was placed in the altar in the thanksgiving by the Porgutuese Commander for rescue from a Maratha attack by Shivaji. 

Church of Our Lady of Sea: Located in Fort of Nani Daman, Church of Our Lady of Sea is counted amongst the most revered holy places in Daman. 

Part 4: Rediscovering Portugal Dynasty At Daman Part 4

Rediscovering the Portugal Dynasty at Daman - Part 2

Part 1: Rediscovering Portugal Dynasty at Daman- Part 1
Pargola Garden in Moti Daman fort, is a commemorative monument built as a symbol of tribute in the revers memory of Portuguese soldiers who laid their lives during the liberation struggle in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Dadra and Nagar Haveli was a Portuguese colony who unschakled themselves in the year 1954 from the Portuguese Union and merged into Indian Union in 1961.

The structure in Greek architecture, bears resemblance to the Pantheon at Athens.

The garden is very well maintained with lush green grass and colourful blossoms.

Part 3 Rediscovering Portugal Dynasty At Daman - Part 3

Linked to 52 Photos Project

Rediscovering the Portugal Dynasty at Daman - Part 1

Recently i was offered a Guest article exchange by Glad2baWoman. Their article Varanasi Vingyors was published on my blog. I had written an article on my last trip to Silvassa for them which is yet to be published. Meanwhile will continue with my other posts of that trip.
After our first days trip at Silvassa, we stayed at Woodland Inn a good budget accommodation with adjacent hotel Amanthran, which serves just a perfect veggie food. Next morning we started for Daman which is around 30kms from Silavassa.
History:
The first Portugese encounter with India was by Vasco da Gama who reached Calicat in 1498. In 1500 Pedro Alvares Cabral arrived to trade for pepper and other spices. In 1505 Francisco de Almeida, in 1509 Afonso de Albuquerque. By then they had control over Anjediva Island, Cannanore, Cochin, Quilon. In 1510, Albuquerque defeated Sultan of Bijapur and establishes permanent settlement in Velha Goa(Old Goa). Later they acquired Madras, and by 1531 several territories from Gujarat Daman, Salsette, Bombay and Bacaim and Diu were under their control. Since then, Daman was under Portugal rule. In 1947 after India’s independence from British, Portugal refused to leave their control of their Indian possessions. In December 1961, Indian militarily invaded Goa, Daman and Diu. Where they were faced with insufficient Portugese resistance and on 19 December 1961 the Governor of Portuguese India signed the Instrument of Surrender, ending 450 years of Portuguese rule in India. The new territories became Union Territories within the Indian Union, and later on 30 May 1987 Goa became the 25^th state of Indian Union and Daman and Diu was separated from Goa and continued to be administered as a Union territory.
450 years of Portuguese rule had left a remarkable impact on the culture and heritage of these places. Comparatively Daman is less explored by tourists as compared to Goa. Daman nestles near the mouth of the Damanganga river as it embraces the Arabian Sea. Moti(Big) Daman and Nani Daman the twin towns of Daman district lie on the either banks of the river.

We reached Daman by 11 in the morning, we headed to the fort at Moti Daman.

Unlike most of the forts, this is part of the city. Dating back to 1559AD, features two imposing Gateways and houses most of the administrative offices.

The fort area has few churches, and Garden(separate posts on these). Other gate of the fort heads to the river bank.  

 New bridge which connects Moti Daman and Nani Daman

Old Bridge

There is an old light house within the Fort which was constructed to provide guidance to all the inbound and outbound sea traffic. 

The old lighthouse is not in use now and the road next to the outer wall of the fort leads to the New Light House. 

 View of the New LightHouse from the fort

 There is lot more to explore in Daman, following posts coming up on the other tourist attractions in Daman.

Travel tips:

•  How to reach
• By Train: Nearest railway station is Vapi, which is 7km from Daman and well connected to major cities.
• By Road: Buses from Mumbai to Ahmadabad and Saurashtra pass through Vapi. Number of Gujarat State Transport buses operate daily from Vapi to Daman.  Cabs ply between Vapi and Daman. Driving from Mumbai, on NH8 take deviation at Karambelli village, between Bhilad and Vapi.
• By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai, which is around 3hours drive.
• Accommodation: There are government and private accommodations ranging from Rs.150 to Rs.2000.
• Best time to visit September to May

Part 2 Rediscovering Portugal Dynasty at Daman Part 2

Linked to Skywatch Friday, Travel Photo Mondays, Our World Tuesday, Outdoor Wednesday

Dhamma Giri- A Photo Essay

Continued from here

Dhamma Giri, came to us as a big surprise. I was browsing for a day's trip from Mumbai, and came across Dhamma Giri meditation center in Igatpuri. We had been to Buddhist Monastry in Madikeri and felt this would be something similar. But instead this is a meditation center and nothing to do with any religious practices.
Dhamma giri is one of the World's largest meditation centers, dedicated to the teaching of Vipassana Meditation as taught my S.N Goenka. You can find more information on the center and meditation courses on their site http://www.giri.dhamma.org/..

A Day Trip to Vihigaon and Igatpuri

My hubby gets alternate half and full offs on Saturdays.  Last Saturday being a off for him, we planned for a day's trip to Vihigaon and Igatpuri, as we had other priorities for Sunday...

Igatpuri is a hill station in Nasik Dist of Maharashtra state. With the arrival of monsoon, this is the perfect time to visit this place... Our plan was to start with Vihigaon Waterfall, then Igatpuri and if time permitted wanted to cover Bhandardara.
We started at 9, took NH-3 Mumbai Agra road, the drive through this route was awesome with lush greens on both sides. We stopped at Vithal Kamath near Asangaon for breakfast..

Jain Temple - Simandharaswami Jinmandir

This weekend we had been to Silvassa and Daman(detailed posts coming up soon). On NH-8, in Nandigram Thirti, in Nandigram Village is this Jain Temple. Dedicated to Simandhara Swami, this Shwethambar Jain Mandir was built in 1989.  There are other small temples as well in the campus.

 The temple is made of Marble with great intricate carvings.

 Jain devotees from across Gujarat and Maharashtra visit this place. 
Linked to Our World Tuesday, Tuesday Around the World, last picture for Tones On Tuesday.