CloseUp Cupid Games Challenge!!!

Here I take the CloseUp Cupid Games Challenge to propose by hubby, to be my Valentine all over again after 10 years.

This post is part of Cupid Games Challenge by CloseUp.

Kutch Diaries - Bhuj City Tour, Part 2

Previous Post: The Fortified Palaces of Bhuj
Sharad Baug Palace: By the time we were done with the palaces inside the fort, we were getting late for Sharad Baug Palace, which closes at 12noon. We drove to Sharad Baug, which is on the other side of the Hamirsar lake. Sharad Baug palace is in the middle of Sharad Baug(a garden, baug meaning garden), hence the palace gets its name.
Unlike Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal, we could hardly find any visitors here. As you enter the gate, there is a plant nursery, and a small room, which is the ticket counter. Then you walk through the park, to reach the palace. We were said, being just next to Hamirsar lake, this park attracts lot of migrant birds, though only birds we could find were bats, hanging down most of the trees.

 

The palace was the king's residence till 1991 when the last king Madansigh died, which was then turned into a museum. Its only few rooms of the palace which are open to visitors now. The display includes royal furnitures, utensils, precious metal works, including a Wimbledon trophy.

There is a coffin in one of the small rooms, a preserved leopard and a tiger. And the main room, has royal furnitures and a preserved tiger.

Though there are very limited exhibits, the museum is worth a visit and has a collection of few rare and precious items from around the world.
As you are out of the Sharad Baug and drive towards the bus station road, you find the famous Ram Dhun temple. Just behind Ram Dhun temple is Ramkhund stepwell.

Ramkhund Stepwell: When our taxi driver, showed us the route to the step well, we gave a second thought, if he was referring to The Ramkhund one of the Archaeological sights. The road is very narrow and you need to walk the lane with stinky litter on either side. Then, there was a temple where we checked again and we were directed to yet another small lane ahead. We finally found the Tourism Department board which read Archaeological sight.

Ramkhund is a step well, with a small shrine. The well, was quite low on water, that the steps were visible. We were told there are sculptures depicting characters from Ramayana and Dashavathar, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which of course was not visible due to water level. This place too is less in crowd, which makes your visit refreshing. You can feel the coolness as you get down the steps towards water.

Travel info:
Check my post Kutch Diaries Travel Plans, to plan your trip to Bhuj.
Sharad Buag Palace is in Sharad Baug, close to Hamirsar lake.
Entry Fee: Rs. 10/-
Timings: 9AM to 12noon, 3PM to 6PM, closed on Fridays

Ramkhud Stepwell is behind Ram Dhun temple at the Hamirsar Lake.
Entry Free
Timings: Its an open well, can be visited any time.

Kutch Museum: Just across Ram Dhun Temple is Kutch Museum, which was unfortunately closed, being a second Saturday. We were told the museum has the collection of Kutch art works, embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments. Also the excavates from Dholavira, the archaeological site containing the  ruins of ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
Entry Fee: Rs. 5/- for Indians and Rs. 50/- for Foreign nationals
Timings: 10AM to 1PM, 2PM to 5PM,
Closed of Wednesdays, 2nd and 4th Saturdays and public holidays.

Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Museum, is yet another museum which we had to give a miss, because of time constraint. This too has the collection of Kutch art forms.
Entry Fee:  Rs. 10/- for Indians and Rs. 50/- for Foreign nationals
Timings: 11AM to 1PM, 2PM to 5PM, closed on Mondays.

Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai - A Photo Essay

Of all the beaches of Mumbai, we find Gorai and Aksa beaches to be the lone, less in crowd to spend time at. And Gorai village is just after Bandra for a visit during Christmas. The narrow lanes through the woods, and the crib and stars in front of almost every house, makes you feel as though you are driving through old Goa. Apart from the beach, Gorai attracts tourists to Essel World, one of the first amusement parks of Mumbai, and Global Vipassana Center.

I had visited Global Vipassana Center at Igatpuri long back but managed to visit their center in Mumbai only December last. The Global Vipassana Pagoda at Gorai is no less than any Buddhist Temple of South East Asia.

Vipassana is a technique of meditation re-discovered by Gautam Buddha. The technique remained alive for about 500 years in India, and then-after gradually lost. It was preserved in Burma(Myanmar), and so are the gates of the Vipassana centers named the Myanmar Gate. Know more about Vipassana meditation here.

The entry gate/Myanmar Gate is a Red structure, with golden decors and dragons on either side of the gate.

Though there are steps directly from Myanmar gate to Pagoda, the entry is closed and you need to walk through the road next to the main entrance. At the ground level are the huge Bell tower and Gong Tower which attract most of the kids.

On 2nd level is the main Pagoda, world's biggest piller-less stone structure dome. Visitors can have a walk through the Pagoda from gate 7.

You can walk around the pagoda or spend some time with family, its very well maintained. There is another small pagoda to the north, were an audio recording is played for 10mins and anybody can sit and meditate in batches for free.

Also are statues of Akash devi and devatha and a Ashoka Pillar on this level. There is also food plaza, were you get veg snacks. 

On the 1st level is a painting gallery, depicting Gautam Buddha's life. Also is a library and a souvenir shop, where you can shop Burmese items, books on Buddha's life and Vipassana meditation.

As you exit the 1st floor, there is a beautiful statute of Gautam Buddha in a garden, where you can sit and relax, just before leaving the Vipassana center.

How to reach: 

The Global Vipassana center is just next to Essel World, about 3km from Gorai beach. As you drive through Essel world main entrance, you find the entrance gate to Pagoda, you drive another half a kilometer to reach the Myanmar gate.

By Jetty: From Borivali Station(West) take an autorichsaw/taxi/bus to Gorai Creek

From Malad take an autorickshaw/taxi/bus to reach Malad Jetty

Then take Ferry of Essel World to Pagoda

By Road: Drive through Mira-Bhayandar Road to reach Gorai.

Visit http://www.globalpagoda.org/ to know more about Vipassana Pagoda.

Get Set Bolt!!!

I have mentioned in many of my previous posts, how my hubby's craze for driving and cars, has helped me travel more. The more he drives, the more I can explore;) When I received e-mail from Blogadda for the Get Set Bolt activity, I just grabbed the opportunity, without giving a second thought.
As part of the activity, few of we bloggers got the glimpse of the new Tata Bolt and were introduced to few of its cutting edge features which makes it stand-out in the present HatchBack segment. For the activity, I opted TCS Neptune a mall near-by my place, though Viviana was nearer, by the time I got to know about the Arena, the schedule at Viviana was long over.

The Bolt and its features, which makes it stand out in its segment:

Lot of considerations go before getting a car on road. I am stuck to my TV screens, every-time I watch Megafactories Tata Nano on Nat Geo, how each and every factor needs to be considered, especially when designing a car for Indian roads. So here is what Bolt comes with:

• Safety: What is the most important feature that you look for in any car? Yes, its safety, even before the looks and the price. The new TATA Bolt comes with the 9^th Gen ABs by Bosch for improved braking, Corner stability control and dual airbags, which makes the car more safer in its segment.
• Looks: 

• Exterior: Though the first look of Bolt reminded me of Tata Indica V2, the new tail lights and projector head lights, with sharp shoulder line profile gave it a refreshing look.
• Interior:
• Segment Superior: The interior is quite spacious and comfortable with rugby shoulder seats. 
• ConnectNext: 
• The touchscreen infotainment by Harman gives you the access to array of entertainment. 
• MapMyIndia's most localized maps with voice guidance, offers you the best smart phone based GPS navigation. 
• Advanced Bluetooth, voice command recognition, SMS notifications and read outs, keeps you connected with your world. 

•  Ride: Though I haven't taken the test drive yet, here is what I was told about its features,
• Multi Drive: Bolt comes with Multi Drive feature, where you get to select between Sport, Eco and City. Sport mode when you need a burst of power, Eco mode for excellent fuel efficiency, for those long drives on Expressways or City mode for a perfect balance between the two.
• Engine: Revotron 1.2T, with 84bhp, Turbocharged MPFi petrol engine and speed sensing steering wheel, make Bolt stand-out in the Hatchback segment. 
• Plush Ride: Driving on Indian road, is really not an easy task. You need not go off-road for adventures, as Indian roads in monsoon, are no less than any off-road adventure. The suspension provides plush ride quality which helps Bolt ride easily over potholes.

So go take a test drive (register here) to experience the all new TATA Bolt. For rate inquiry and online bookings do visit here. Meanwhile have a virtual tour of the car in the videos.

PS: Arena being in the company premises, photography was restricted.
“This post is a part of the Get. Set. Bolt. activity at BlogAdda.”

Kutch Diaries - The Fortified Palaces of Bhuj

Previous Post on Kutch Diaries Rann Utsav, A Photo Essay

The second day of our Kutch tour was Bhuj and Mandvi City tours. After a tiring first day tour, kiddo was not ready to wake up early. While most of the palaces of Bhuj open at 9AM, we finally got ready, had masala Puri and dal for breakfast and started with our city tour by 9.
We started with the palaces of Bhuj, Rani Ka Kas, Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal in the fort complex. Though the best way to visit this fort is by a walk through the narrow lanes of Bhuj, we didn't have enough time and had to drive through. Our taxi driver was very keen in guiding us, through the city. When I checked with him, if the damaged buildings were because of the earthquake, he said, most of the natives of Bhuj were NRIs and they keep demolishing even the new houses to build better ones. He also said, few years back a huge amount of money(in crores) of an NRI family went unclaimed at a Bank because of no nominees.
It was just then that we reached the fort entrance, the vehicle drives in and there is paid parking in the fort complex. The fort entrance is completely in ruined state, with few small stores selling water bottles and packed snacks on either side of the entrance.

The fort entrance

Rani Ka Khas: As you enter the fort, you find a red stone building standing just in front of you, Prag Mahal and adjoining the fort wall, is a completely ruined building. We were told it was the ruins of Rani Ka Khas or Rani ka Vas, which had a bad damage in 2001 earthquake. The remains have some beautiful intricate carvings on the window frames and the ceiling wall, which proves the palace would have looked really beautiful.

Ruins of Rani ka Khas

Prag Mahal: Built in Italian Gothic architecture in Italian marble and red stone, this palace is said be named after Rao Pragmalji II. With the 2001 earthquake and a massive thief in 2006, the palace had lost its significance, till senior bollywood star Mr. Amitabh Bachchan took personal interest in restoring it.

The entrance to the palace takes you directly to the first floor, the first floor has very few artifacts, animal heads. This hall reminded me of the Bhau Daji Lad Museum of Mumbai, which has a similar architectural design.

The second floor has few rooms which have dusty cupboards and dressers with royal dresses and artifacts, and some huge utensils. The corridor on the second floor opens to a terrace, with the clock tower. You can make out the restoration work which has gone to make the tower stand after the earthquake. A climb up the tower gives you a bird's eye view of the Bhuj city. The stairs are really steep and me and hubby had to go turn by turn as kiddo was not ready to take those scary steep steps.

Aina Mahal: Just next to the Prag Mahal is Aina Mahal. While the building is very small compared to the huge Prag Mahal standing tall in the complex, this palace has a great treasure of artifacts, when compared to the former. While you are allowed to photograph here as well, but strictly prohibited from using flash.

Entrance of Aina Mahal

Built in Indo - European style, the palace dates back to 18th century, during the rule of Lakhpatji. The palace was built by Ramsinh Malam, who was a artisan trained in Europe for 17 years. Its said that the artisan established a glass factory in Mandvi and manufactured china tiles in a factory in Bhuj, for the construction of the palace. The walls and ceiling are constructed with marble and decorated with gold and mirror, and most of the palace flooring is of China tiles.

Center room

The palace has several rooms with in. At the center is the main room, looks more like a Durbar, with seating and few musical instruments at the center, Many glass lanterns and chandeliers hung around. Adjoining small rooms have collection of coins, swords and other artifacts.

The mirror work on the ceiling

Off all the rooms, one of the room has the royal belongings of the king, made of precious stones, and hug mirrors on all the walls of the room. The corridor around this room too has mirror work and an ivory door.

Carving on the door of the royal bed room

Inside the royal bed room

The corridor around the room

You come back to the center room and then out through the single entry. While we came out, there were a few college students who had come on excursion, it was good to find them eagerly listening to the history of the palace. From fort, we had to rush to Sharad Baug which was about to close at 12.

Travel Tips:
Bhuj Fort is well with in the city of Bhuj, in Kutch district of Gujarat state, in India.
Check my post Kutch Diaries Travel Plans, to plan your trip to Bhuj.

Entry Fee:

Prag Mahal: Rs. 20/ Adult, camera fee: Rs.50

Aina Mahal: Rs. 20/ Adult, camera fee: Rs.50

Four wheeler parking: Rs. 20/- 

Timings:

Prag Mahal: 9AM - 12noon and 3PM - 6PM

Aina Mahal: 10AM - 12:45PM and 3PM - 6PM, Thursdays closed

Next post on Kutch Diaries Bhuj City Tour - Part 2

Kutch Diaries - Rann Utsav, A Photo Essay

Previous post on Kutch Diaries - Kutch Diaries - Rann of Kutch
Kutch is known for its rich culture, heritage and handicrafts. Being the coastal district of India, it was the destination by land and sea for people from Africa, Middle East and Swat Valley(even today Mundra port is one of the major ports, connecting India to Middle East and Far East through sea).  Its also said, a river system shared between Kutch, Sindh and Rajasthan and Kutch was the major trade hub of Indus Valley delta. Settlement of nomadic migrants from Rajasthan, Sindh, Afghanisthan and Iran, brought with them culture and handicraft.

With the present day scenario, artisans are facing real backing and don't get paid for the work goes into the making. Gujarat Tourism started Rann Ustav a cultural extravaganza which holds a kaleidoscope to various art forms of the region. Started with a month long event, presently the Ustav runs for 3 months(usually from December to March), when people from across India and beyond visit this place to experience its rich culture, heritage and art, along with beauty of Rann of Kutch, the salt flats of Kutch.

The art forms include embroidery, bandhani(Tie and Die), block printing, metal bells, leather art, pottery, wood carving, Lacquered Wood and more. Here is a photo essay of the stalls at Rann Utsav, most pics are linked to Khamir an organisation, which is a platform for craft, heritage and culture of Kutch region. A space to engage and develop its rich creative industry. Do visit the link to know more about the art forms, their origin, the process, the artisans and villages of Kutch where these art forms exist.

Kutch Embroidery

An artisan working on embroidery, you get embroideries on cloth, which you can get stitched on Sari blouse or Kurtis

Lacquered Wood, thats a rotating top and few wooden boxes and spatulas with painted kaleidoscopic designs

Hand lathe and the wooden items in making

Patch Work

An artisan working on patch work

Block Printing

Kutch Weaving

Leather work

Metal Bells, this set of 7 bells, had unique sound in every bell

This home decor had two forms of arts from Kutch, the Kutch embroidery along with the Metal Bell.

More creativity into Bells

The bead work, these are hair clips and finger rings

 

Wood Carvings

This is a wind charm, the pair of dolls dressed in Gujarati dress move in a pattern that resembles Garba, a dance form of Gujarat, with the blow of wind.

Other stalls, not native to Kutch,

Colourful Lanterns

 

Rann Utsav is a great initiative by Gujarat Tourism, and there is no middleman involved and artisans are paid for their work directly. 2001 earthquake destroyed much of Bhuj and its villages, where artisans lost their workshops and raw material. So do visit Rann Utsav and shop these art works to help sustain this wealthy treasure of art. 

Next post on Kutch Diaries Fortified Palaces of Bhuj