When we plan a trip to foreign countries we are sure of two things; one visiting the capital of the country and another is to see at least one Unesco World Heritage Site. One of our unrealistic dreams is to visit all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, what is achievable is our own country's remarkable heritage sites. Having visited only a handful, we have miles to go before ticking down the distinguished list. Consider it as a lazy post, so without much ado the list goes;
1. Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam-1985
2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam-1985
3. Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya, Bihar-2002
4. Humayun's Tomb, Delhi-1993
5. Qutb Minar and its monuments, Delhi-1993
6. Red Fort Complex, Delhi-2007
7. Churches and Convents of Goa, Goa-1986
8. Champaner Pavagadh Archeological Park, Gujarat-2004
9. Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka-1986
10. Group of Monumetns at Pattadakal, Karnataka-1987
11. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh-1989
12. Rock Sheleters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh-2003
13. Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh-1986
14. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra-1983
15. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra-1983
16. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra-1987
17. Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Maharashtra-2004
18. Sun Temple, Konark, Orissa-1984
19. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan-1985
20. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan-2010
21. Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu-1987
22. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu-1984
23. Agra Fort, Uttar Prades, 1983
24. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh-1986
25. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh-1983
26. Mountain Railways of India
27. Nanda Devi and Valley of Floers National Park, Uttarakhand
28. Sundabans National Park, West Bengal
29. Western Ghats
30. Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Rajasthan-2013
31. Rani Ka Vav, Gujarat-2014
32. Great Himalayana National Park, Himachal Pradesh-2014
33. Nalanda, Bihar-2016
34. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim-2016
35. The Architectural Work Of Le Corbusier, Chandigarh-2016
More than 400 years old Portuguese Church. Elevated exterior and amply decorated interior compels one to marvel at the artisan skills.
Except knowing it as one of the union territories we were totally ignorant about Daman. Cousin "G" newly got posted here. It was his idea for us to visit his home clubbing with Diu and Gujarat.
After breaking our journey in Kolhapur from Bangalore we reached Daman around 1 o'clock. Daman is at a distance of 533 KM from Kolhapur. The route was;
Kolhapur-Karad-Satara-Pune-Thane-Talasari-Bhilad-Vapi-Daman.
Info: Captain Diogo De Melo was heading toward Ormuz when his boat was caught in wild blizzard, so accidentally he anchored in Daman in the year 1523. From then onwars Daman remained a Portuguese colony for more than 400 years until 1961, 14 years after Indian independence. Less popular than its cousin "Goa" where tourists throng, Daman offers a vibrant Portuguese architecture and culture.
In the wintry afternoon passing through a various colonial buildings, we reached the Church of Bom Jesus. The church was completed in its present form in 1603 A.D. More than 4 century old church is dedicated to Bom Jesus. During the early days of the Portuguese rule it functioned as a parish church. Beautifully arched brown wooden door goes well with white background. Elevated exterior and amply decorated interior compels us to marvel at the artisan skills of that period. Lofty ceiling, carved and gilded altar embellished with the statues of six saints are mesmerizing. The intricate designs on the main altar, adjacent altars, and pulpit were incredible.
As it is noon we had the entire church for ourselves and the amazing feeling we had can't be described in words. If this is not absolute peace and serenity we don't know what it is.
Yakshagana, a unique theater form found mainly in coastal Karnataka and Malenadu region of Karnataka. It is a blend between dance, music, dialogue, story, resplendent costume, face painting.
I always loved Yakshagana. As my dad writes Yakshagana Prasanga (songs and story), I was introduced to it from a very young age, be it Bayalata (open theater) or tent aata (closed theater). It stats at night and ends in the morning. When I was young, definitely it wasn't the Yakshagana that lured us. Down the memory lane: Early dinner at home, carry a mat and blankets, roam around stalls selling Bhel (Churumuri), peanuts, ice candy, sugarcane juice; stuffing everything to hearts content. We used to get pocket money for this special occasion. The program starts around 9.30 or 10. By this time crowd would have gathered. We spread mattress religiously, cover ourselves from blanket in chili winter. Effect of dinner and sumptuous snacks kicks in and we sleep like babies through the humdrum of program. Next morning, get up and go home. We get to bunk next day school because of our all night endeavors. That is how my love started. I slowly started developing genuine interest in this incredible theater form. I even had the opportunity to learn this. Alas! Spending grueling months in practice while my friends whiling away the time seemed like a bad idea then. Then teenage happened followed by college and work. The last Yakshagana I watched was 2 years back on Ganesha Chaturthi festival. Then it wasn't a full fledged dawn to dusk show, rather a small 3 hour show.
One will be very well acquainted with it if he/she is from coastal Karnataka (North Canara, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada), Malenadu (Shimoga/Sagar), or part of Kasaragodu. There are 7 types I'm told, but I've watched Tenkutittu and Badagutittu.
Yakshagana is being compared with Western tradition of Opera. The music is a combination Karnataka and Hindustani music, though of a different category with musicians playing instruments like Chande, Maddale, harmonium, etc. It doesn't matter if the story is mythology or modern, the characters will make sure the audience will have light moments with their witty, philosophical dialogues, completely staying in the original character. It makes me so proud to be part of this rich, cultural art form (remotely indirect).
I'm longing to watch Yakshagana with same good old day settings sans sleep, preferably a mythological one, something like Krishna-Sandhana, Bhasmasura-Mohini, Rukmini Swayamvara, Bhishma Vijaya.
PS-My dad's "Shruthi-Panchami" was a blockbuster, running more than 100 days, even in Mumbai. I hope I'l be able to publish all his works in the future.
Written By: Pallavi
If God grants us a wish to visit 10 countries, what those top most countries will be? Basically we aren't religious; however, hypothetically speaking, we would be jumping up and down with excitement and would have died before we could even fulfill our wishes. So without further ado our list goes like this not necessarily in that order.
1. Greece
2. Egypt
3. Italy
4. Peru
5. China
6. USA
7. Australia
8. Istanbul
9. Japan
10. Switzerland
We are blessed to be born in India, so it is not in the list, otherwise it undoubtedly would have top the list. Has anybody noticed there are three European countries? It goes without saying we are fascinated and hypnotized by that continent. If wishes were horses!!! Sigh.......
"A legendary warrior, instrumental in guerrilla warfare, truly the lion of Kerala"
Just by fluke we reached Palazzi Raja's tombstone. We sheepishly admit we had no idea whatsoever about this fellow. Architect Eugene Pandala designed the Pazhassi Kudeeram, a memorial for Pazhassi Raja at his burial spot in Mananthavadi, Kerala. There is a underground museum which houses a collection of memorabilia of Pazhassi. Sadly it was closed the day visited as it was Monday. It is said museum displays Pazhassi Raja's sword as well.
Born in erstwhile Kottayam Royal family in January 3, 1753, Pazhassi Raja was prince regent. He was the mastermind behind the guerrilla warfare against British, which was later known as Cotiote War. With his small battalion of local tribal people he caused a serious damage to the enemies from year 1774 to 1805. For sophisticated British he became a bitter pill to swallow. This is where their infamous divide and rule came in handy. Some insider back-stabbed Pazhassi by leaking his hiding spot in jungle. A gun battle ensued between two and Pazhassi was killed in the process. However, the nature of his death is controversial. Folklore says he committed suicide by swallowing diamond to avoid the captivity.
Our strong belief is for some reason South Indian freedom fighters weren't given due credits for their patriotism and one name that tops the list is Pazhassi Raja. Our history book never taught about him. He was the first person to revolt against East India Company and their brutality against the natives in the early 18th century. Yes, way way before Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. This legendary warrior is a household name in Kerala who was fondly called Lion of Kerala. Through his uncommon war skills he tormented British for almost two decades. If anyone happens to be in Wayanad it is worth a visit. We even put the movie "Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja" in our "To Be Watched" list.
Singapore has been a hot favourite destination for many Indians. It is always a featured package among tour operators and travel websites. If it is not for Botanical gardens we wouldn't even have considered this country.
On 4th July, 2015 Singapore got its first and only UNESCO World Heritage site. Yes, we have an unattainable dream of traveling around the world. We have taken a baby step in that direction. And that country must offer at least one heritage site.
Singapore botanic gardens is very well connected through metro. It was just 4 stops away from our place of stay. Because it is a Sunday a lot of people were lazying around. A few people huddled in a group to play some games. Another family trying to create the ambiance to celebrate Halloween. Children of different shapes and sizes were scattered all around the place without a care in the world. Though cloudy we were perspiring gently due to country's topical climate.
Info: Agri-horticultural society founded the site in 1859. This 158-year-old tropical garden is located at the hem of Orchard Road. In 1877 eleven seedlings of para rubber were successfully planted here. These rubber trees were instrumental in booming rubber trade, first in Peninsular Malaysia and subsequently throughout the world in the 20th century.
As we walked the trail we noticed a sign saying leaf litter. The fallen leaves are kept untouched around the trees. The microorganism present in the litter helps in plantar growth. And it also keeps the roots moist during hot weather. Coming from the belt of western ghats we couldn't control ourselves from sneering at this.
The Symphony lake was excavated in 1974. The location is marked by a stone from the survey. Interestingly the arrow points towards Greenwich, London in the United Kingdom. Considered to be the oldest ornamental water-feature in Singapore, the swan lake was constructed in 1866. As the name suggests there were two swans floating gracefully across the lake. Also, the lake provides water for garden's plant around the Tanglin Core. Lotus leaves floating like saucers on the water is another highlight.
Rainforest, Evolution Garden, Ginger Garden, National Orchid Garden, Bonsai Garden, Foliage Garden, Trellis Garden, Jacob Ballas Children's Garden are the various other gardens within this garden. If we were Singapore residents we would have explored each and every one with great detail. Time was major constraint on our limited period of stay in this fine city. And strolling for minimum 4 hours is not an easy feast on our fit physique (pun intended).
PS: Other botanical gardens of World Heritage significance are Classical Gardens of Suzho, Botanical Garden of Padua, Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. A nice way to spend a couple of hours in the midst of pristine rainforest, lakes and variety of gardens.
Address:
1 Cluny Road
Singapore 259569
Opening Hours
5am - 12am Daily
Admission: Free
