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
Famed as largest "Earth Dam" in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia, Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad is very picturesque and peaceful with plenty of photo ops.
We were dead tired after the strenuous trekking to Edakkal caves. One can imagine sunny summer of Kerala. Wayanad being a hill station wasn't helping either. Sweltering weather tried maximum to dampen our spirits. We prayed for heavy showers to pour down and wash off our tiredness. And our prayer was answered a little late in the evening. What a down pour it was! That is why always be careful about what you wish for.
One have to walk a mile or so and ascend a few steps to reach the dam. Otherwise opt for a jeep service that is available from ticket counter to boat jetty. It is 100 rupees for up and down services for 8 people. Many children climbing up and down the steps inspired us to walk.
A reservoir was built on a tributary of Kabini river in the year 1979. The region has seasonal dry periods, so Hydro electric power project was initiated to supply water to domestic and irrigational purposes. Famed as the largest "Earth Dam" in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia, the dam was named after "Banasura" son of Bali Chakravarthi. His daughter, Usha was married to Lord Krishna's grandson Aniruddha. A massive pile of rocks are used to build the dam.
The surrounding areas are submerged as it usually happens when a dam is built. There is nothing like standing in front of these drowned islands, pristine water, and enchanting mountain ranges. A steam of balmy breeze swept over and over. oh! The divine feeling. Speed boating looked interesting, but not good enough to break the enchanting spell casted over us.
Info:
Visiting Hours: 08:30 a.m. to 05:45 p.m.
Boating Hours: 08:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. (Boating tickets are available at boating location)
Entry Fee:
Adult-Rs 15
Child-Rs 10
