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Assam Getaway: A Family Vacation Itinerary
We took a 6 day trip to Assam in the year 2023. Below is our itinerary and the day by day map of our beautiful experience during the Bihu festival in Assam. In April 2023, we landed at the Guwahati airport and drove down to Kaziranga, reaching our place of stay just past sundown. We managed to catch a glimpse of what was in store for us in the next few days on the way when we spotted rhinos, wild buffaloes and swamp deer on the way to the national park. We retired for the day after a welcoming cup of strong tea and a sumptuous dinner, all set for…
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Mughal Splendor: Exploring Itimad Ud Daulah in Agra
The Itimad-ud-Daulah tomb is popularly known as Baby Taj and is considered to be a scale prototype for the construction of the Taj Mahal, for Ghiyas Beg’s grand daughter Mumtaz Mahal. We visited this tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and his wife Asmat Beghum, in Agra. The story Nur Jahan, the wife of the mughal emperor Jahangir, commissioned the mausoleum for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Ghiyas Beg was born in Teheran and emigrated to India when his father died, and the family fell out of favour with the Shah’s court. During the emigration, robbers waylaid Beg’s caravan and their fortunes only turned after the birth of his second daughter…
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Chini Ka Rauza: A Blue-Tiled Marvel in Agra
We visited the Tomb of Shukrullah Shirazi, known as Chini Ka Rauza during our visit to Agra. When we told the cab driver that we wanted to visit a place called “Chini ka Rauza”, he had no clue where it was. Other than few locals, nobody else seemed to frequent this place. We booked a cab from an aggregator and our cab driver was a local of Agra. When we told him our destination, he rolled off all the popular tourist haunts. And then asked us in a surprised tone why we wanted to go there. He followed this up saying that he’s never visited the place in his lifetime!…
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Kangla Fort and Museum: Manipur’s Historic Jewel
In the heart of Imphal, Manipur, lies the historic Kangla Fort, a treasure trove of tales and a testament to the rich heritage of the region. Our visit in April 2023 was a journey through time, as we explored the various facets of this ancient fort. Approaching the fort, we first encountered a moat that encircles the stronghold, creating a sense of mystique. The moat, a protective embrace for the fort, sets the stage for the wonders within. As we crossed the threshold through the Western Gate, we were greeted by a striking sight — a bronze statue of Raja Nara Singh mounted on a Manipuri pony, sword drawn in…
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Chausath Yogini Temple: Hirapur’s 64 Goddesses
In February 2020, we visited Hirapur, a serene village located approximately 20 km outside of the bustling city of Bhubaneswar in the Indian state of Odisha. Our primary destination was the enigmatic Chausath Yogini temple, a remarkable testament to ancient Indian architecture and religious devotion. This temple, dating back to the 9th century CE, is shrouded in mystique, with its circular layout, divine deities, and a unique connection to Hindu mythology. The Chausath Yogini temple, also known as the Hirapur Yogini Temple, stands as a remarkable relic of India’s rich heritage. Constructed during the rule of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty, this temple is believed to be one of the four Yogini…
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Kaziranga Sanctuary: Realm of the One-Horned Rhino
In April 2023, we visited the captivating Kaziranga National Park, a wildlife haven nestled in the northeast of India. This sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and, most notably, as the home of the one-horned rhinoceros. Welcoming the Dawn in Kaziranga Our day commenced with the break of dawn, setting the stage for an adventure of a lifetime. Two Journeys: Elephant and Jeep Safaris Our visit was a journey of two safaris, each with its unique charm – a serene morning elephant safari and an exhilarating afternoon jeep safari. Up Close with Rhinos: The Elephant Safari Experience The elephant safari, scheduled for 7 AM,…
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Gangaikonda Cholapuram: The Pride of Cholas
In June 2017, we had the chance to explore the magnificent Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a remarkable place that holds a significant piece of South Indian history. This temple, located in Tamil Nadu, India, stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty’s architectural and artistic prowess. The history The history behind the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is quite interesting. It was built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, the son of the famous Chola king, Rajaraja Chola I. In the early 11th century, Rajendra Chola I embarked on a victorious military expedition that led to the conquest of the Ganges region, earning him the title “Gangaikonda,” which means “the one who…
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Undavalli Caves: A Blend of History, Culture, and Craftsmanship
In September 2019, my family and I embarked on a journey to the beautiful city of Vijayawada, situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, India. Our visit was marked by a stay at the Bhavani Island Resort, run by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), which offered a tranquil retreat in the midst of nature. One of the highlights of our trip was the exploration of the Undavalli Caves, a remarkable rock-cut temple complex perched on a hillside. Undavalli caves – History The caves, believed to have their construction initiated in the 6th or 7th century AD, have a rich history of royal patronage that continued until the 16th…
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Manipur’s Loktak Lake: A Voyage Beyond Floating Islands
In the heart of the Northeastern state of Manipur, India, lies a natural wonder that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the northeastern region, is a place of incredible beauty, rich cultural significance, and fascinating ecological features. Our journey to this mesmerizing destination in April 2023 was an unforgettable experience, where we explored the unique landscape of Loktak, its floating phumdis, the local culture, and witnessed the breathtaking sunset over the lake. Our adventure began with a visit to the Hotel Sendra Park, which is situated on the southern side of Loktak Lake. We were drawn to…
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Unakoti – One Less Than a Crore Stories
The way to Unakoti We had planned to visit the Unakoti rock carvings as the first destination in Tripura. The rock carvings are located about 180 km from Agartala, where we stayed. We started from Agartala at about 7 AM as we wanted to be back before sundown. Once we left Agartala, there was a short stretch of state highways before the road rapidly ascended into a hilly section. The two-lane road gradually became a 4-lane well-paved highway but still traversed across the hills. The weather was overcast and the greenery in the hills made for some breathtaking views. Options for food stops on the way to Unakoti are extremely…
