Kolad’s wonderful valleys and marshlands give this place a magnificent look. This picturesque locale with enthralling sights is highly recommended for those who enjoy the charm of nature while indulging in the exhilarating adventure activities. This place also has some really beautiful waterfalls and Rocky Mountains. We visited Kolad during the monsoon season and trekking in that region has a unique charm at this time.

Kundalika is one of the fastest flowing rivers in Maharashtra and water from the nearby dams is the engine that drives river rafting, which is a famous adventure sport of this region. Since it was monsoon the river volume was at its peak and it is also the best time for this activity. River rafting was a fun filled two hours ride when we had immense fun and at the end, it left us breathless. The 12-kilometre stretch of exciting rapids makes this sport even more adventurous.

After the adrenaline rushing activity, we visited the Kuda Caves. It is a perfect example of Buddhist cave art and architectural excellence. It is basically a group of 13 rock cut caves built 200 feet above sea level. At the entrance of the caves, carved structures of elephants greeted us and inside the cave we saw stupas of Lord Buddha along with paintings, sculptures, and inscriptions inside the cave.

The Bhira Dam is a must visit place here as it is regarded as one of the biggest hydroelectric projects in India. It was constructed by Tata Power Company and this dam is also known as Tata Power House Dam. The lush greenery along with the spectacular surrounding makes this place the perfect place for picnics. We enjoyed a short picnic at this place along with many other families who were just relaxing and having fun.

The next place in our itinerary was the Tamhini Falls, which is one of the most popular falls of this region. The beautiful place with the picturesque valley around it makes this place perfect for a romantic getaway and we also got to spend some real quality time together against the backdrop of the falls and the stunning surroundings. We also saw various birds near this waterfall since it was the monsoon season.

Ghosala Fort located in the Roha Hills is a perfect combination of architectural excellence and cultural blend. This Fort is situated amidst the Revdanda and Salav Creeks. Inside the fort, we witnessed two very beautiful temples and a small Dargah. The views from the fort was amazing and we also learned that this fort was used for defense activities.

Our short trip to Kolad turned out to be truly amazing. We spend a great time together in the backdrop of the picturesque locale.

We had our stay planned at a homestay. And when we reached, it was a very comfortable one with extremely friendly hosts.

New Delhi and old Delhi are the two sides of the same coin. New Delhi is a perfect example of modernity and progress. While old Delhi is a reflection of the ancient culture of the city.

We started our sight- seeing with the famous Jantar Mantar. Located at the heart of the city, it was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, to trace the astronomical phenomenon. The most imposing structure here is the yellow Sun dial, which is a huge instrument used to calculate the time of day accurately. Jantar Mantar has evident marks to signify the thirst for scientific knowledge in Indians from an early age. After visiting this place, I feel that your visit to Delhi will remain incomplete without a look at this spectacular observatory.

Lotus Temple was our next spot. It is an elegant and beautiful temple whose outer leafy structure was a huge lotus flower. This temple stands as a praying house of the Bahamians’. The architectural design is commendable and its beauty will fascinate you. It has a very peaceful appeal that will soothe your senses.

The next place in our itinerary was the famous India Gate. This place is said to be the tomb of the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the Country. It is a quiet place which ignites a feeling of patriotism in you as you take a stroll around this monument bearing names of all the martyrs. This place is India’s pride as it symbolizes victory.

The last destination that we visited was the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India and the last architectural work of the Mughal Dynasty. It is constructed on a beautiful red-sandstone porch and is covered with intricate carvings and with verses from the holy Koran. The main prayer hall is made up of magnificent marble domes and the four elegant towers are made up of red-sandstone and white marble.

Being the foodie couple, as our friends called us, we had to try the street food and we had a great time exploring the local cuisine. The aloo chat and gol gappa were amazing. The mutton kebabs were so delicious that it was just melting in your mouth. And after the spicy food, it was definitely time to go for the jalebi and kulfi faluda to soothe thevtaste buds.

This trip was really memorable as it was the last trip before our marriage and my fiancé sealed it by proposing marriage for the second time!

You can enjoy the cheerful old-meets-new ambience and the vibrant lifestyle at your own pace, without encountering the frenzy that sought-after tourist spots possess, especially in peak season. A die-hard history buff, I enjoyed every moment of my Lucknow tour, what with a comfortable homestay to cater to my needs and provide me guidance whenever I sought advice. This tour was planned with great excitement because I had read a lot about the “City of Nawabs”. And when I landed at the sights, they were much better than their textual description.

Bada & Chota Imamabara with Clock Tower and Baradari

When you buy the ticket to the awe-inspiring Bada Imambara, you are eligible to enter the smaller one and two other monuments nearby. This is an enormous building with a mosque, step well and a huge hall in its courtyard. The famous “Bhulbhullaiya” is further inside. The labyrinth tricks and intrigues you with its winding ways and when you come to the exit route, leading to the rooftop balconies, it feels like you have cracked a mystery. The Chota Imambara is also enchanting. The Clock Tower is quiet and quaint, exuding a strong sense of oblivion. The Baradari, overlooking a lake comes forward as an ideal Summer Palace, where anyone would wish to live.

Residency

Coming here is like taking part in the historical siege that took place at the spot during the First War of Indian Independence. The enormous structure, partly in ruins, bears a remarkable tragic brilliance that is easily visible from the walls, carrying bullet marks and scars of cannon balls. The beautiful museum gives you plenty of food for thought. The gardens further delight your heart and when you have tired yourself from walking all around; your soul feels satiation of a unique kind.

Rumi Darwaza

Exotic and beguiling, this imposing gateway is the mix of Turkish and Mughal style architecture. Decorated with lavish embellishments, it makes you feel as though you are a royal dignitary, entering the city.

Culinary Delights

Had it not been for “Daawat-e-Ishq”, I would have missed the mouth-watering delicacies of the hospitable city. The Tunde kebabs at the Chowk and the Biryani had me raving for days and how can I not mention the slurpy chaat, kulfi and gol gappas, offering as many as 12 kinds of water flavors. And yes, the Sheermal was simply awesome, exactly like the Lakhnavi Tehzeeb (culture), you are always longing for more and even the slightest dose is sufficient to fulfill your hunger.

Lucknow had me awe-struck thoroughly and I have to say, I am in love with the city.

I visited Kolkata during Christmas and my friend managed to take a few days leave from her work and was generous enough to offer me to show around the place. I had taken a short detour to Delhi to visit my family and then hopped on a train for Kolkata. The taxi ride to the homestay that we had arranged for our stay through the majestic Howrah Bridge made us feel so welcome. After having an early lunch at the homestay which comprised of authentic Bengali delicacies, we hopped on to a bus and got down at Eden Gardens. Though we couldn’t see much from outside, seeing the legendary stadium made us feel happy. We enjoyed a boat ride at the Princep Ghat and it was a beautiful experience. I must say that the Vivekananda Bridge looks amazing from Princep Ghat. The view of the sunset from here was completely mesmerizing. We got back to our homestay and our extremely friendly hosts had our dinner ready. And not to mention, it was as amazingly delicious and had us wanting for more though we were full to the brim.

Early next morning, we went to Tiretti Bazaar and we gorged on Tibetan food. I was stupefied hearing that this is a daily affair in Kolkata. Next, we went to the St. Paul’s Cathedral since it was the Christmas day and even though it was a little crowded, I felt at peace. About a 10 minutes away from the church, we went to the famous Victoria Memorial. The beauty of the splendid white monument is beyond words to explain. Next, we went to the India Hobby Centre. They had all those miniature vehicles which I really loved. Our hosts had mentioned about an eatery in Park Street that served the most delicious biriyani. And we found ourselves seated at the restaurant and truly the biriyani was not only different but it was exotic.

Next on our list was the Indian Museum. It is the largest museum of India and is of great historical importance. We spent the rest of the evening roaming in the streets of Park Street. Tiny twinkle lights hung across the streets and it was a sight to behold. Hundreds of people had gather around the street to join in the festivities. The happiness of the people is so infectious and contagious.

The next day we went to Belur Math and we crossed the Ganges by a steam boat and reached Dakkhneshwar. The whole journey was very enjoyable.

Our amazing trip was made even better with the finger licking Bengali cuisine and the happy atmosphere. The other biggest reason why Kolkata is believed to be the ‘City of Joy’ is probably the warmth of the people that makes you feel at home.

This time it was Nagpur that had caught our fancy and thus we were on our way to visit the Orange City. We had our stay booked at a homestay and we were happy that it was not only cozy but had friendly hosts.

Nagziri Wildlife Sanctuary: Where Animals Rule in Their Natural Habitat

 In accordance with our usual plan, our very first stop in Nagpur was its famous Nagziri Wildlife Sanctuary. We got there as early as possible and took a gypsy safari ride around the sanctuary. And we were absolutely spellbound at the sheer beauty of the place! The lush green jungle and animals roaming in their natural habitat is a sight to behold. And we (as well as our cameras) drank in the sights like we could never get enough of it. Bison, cheetahs, peacocks – the sights were amazing!

However, the best part of the trip was when we stopped close in view of a few of the water bodies in the park and waited – waited for the star of the jungle: the elusive tiger. For it was ten times rarer than any other sight in the sanctuary to actually get sight of a tiger. But we did!

In fact, we saw two! Two majestic, powerful, striped cats languishing near the waterfall! It was absolutely the most wonderful and inspiring thing we saw the whole day. And it suddenly became clear why seeing them was such a sought-after activity for any visitor.

Both of us were incredibly reluctant to leave the reserve at the end of the day. But our memory cards were full, so that at least gave us reason to get back to our homestay.

Exploring the Sights

 We spent the rest of our trip taking in the other well-known sights in Nagpur.

We visited the Deeksha Bhoomi, which is an impressive Buddhist temple that I would advise all those who visit Nagpur to see at least once. It is an absolutely beautiful place and the serenity of the temple is incredibly contagious. The Ram Dham Park was our next visit, where we had a grand time watching the many cultural shows that they put up here.

Visiting the Nagpur Ramtek Temple and the Jain Temple in the same vicinity was what comprised the tail end of our trip. The architectural finesse of the temples was astounding and the climate supported the picturesque view the structures made. It was a beautiful and relaxing sight.

Nagpur is truly a city of beauty, and it offers engaging sights that will remain in your mind long after you’ve left.

Vaishno Devi Temple: An Impressive and Relatively Younger Temple

After dumping our luggage at our homestay, which was a comfy place, we made our very first “research” trip or rather sightseeing to the Vaishno Devi Temple. On our way there, we were also lucky enough to get random details from our guide and driver about the city – like how “Rourkela” actually meant “Our Village” in a local tribal dialect, and how Rourkela had hosted India’s first public sector steel company (established by German companies).

Once we reached the temple, it was a fairly short trek through. But seeing the architecture and carvings all along the structure – both on the outer sides and inner walls of the temple – made every moment worth it. Even better, the temple is actually situated upon a hill, so the subsequent view of the city down below is one doubtlessly worth beholding.

Gazing Up, Up, and Up at Lord Hanuman at the Hanuman Vatika

The Hanuman Vatika was our next stop and even before reaching, we knew that this statue of Lord Hanuman was amongst the largest statue in the country. The surrounding garden was a pleasing layout, and there were several other statues of other deities in the area as well. But of course, the Hanuman statue stood out because of its enormous size.

Indira Gandhi Park: Plenty of Fun

The next day, after a sumptuous breakfast at the homestay that comprised of ghugni and pooris, which was spicy and delicious. We visited the Indira Gandhi Park, a beautiful place and invitingly inexpensive. But other than seeing the animals here, what we really had fun with was the toy train which took us all around the park.

Exclusivity of Each Waterfall

We dedicated the last tail of our trip to the different waterfalls that one can witness at Rourkela. The most appealing element of these waterfalls is that each one has an exclusivity that makes it stand apart from the rest. We saw the Khandhadhar Waterfall after a short trek through the mountain. And the breathtaking sight had us in awe of its beauty. The Khandhadhar Waterfall is amongst the highest waterfalls in India. The countryside view along with the gush of water added a refreshing touch to our trip. The Barehipani Falls is another waterfall that we visited. The exclusivity of this waterfall is the different levels through which the water falls to create the fall. At the Joranda Falls, we saw the water falling at exactly 90 degrees. Amazing! The only thing is that we had to watch this waterfall from a distance.

Rourkela is a place of abundant history and interesting sights. So, if you are planning a trip here, be sure to you will have a great time exploring and also relaxing.

Without getting a room at the hotel, we settled for a homestay. And I must say that this was the best thing that happened for this trip. After a 3 hour drive away from Mumbai, we were cordially received by our friendly host and the place was simply amazing.

The first place we visited in Pune was the Aga Khan Palace. It was constructed by Sultan Mohammad Shah in 1892 and is related to Indian Independence movement. Many important freedom fighters were imprisoned in this palace. During Quit India Movement of 1942, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi along with Mahadeobhai Desai were put under arrest in this palace.

After grabbing breakfast, we visited Bund Garden. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we enjoyed a boat ride in the backwaters developed by the bund. The bund garden is filled with beautiful flowers. This was followed by some fun activities at Appu Ghar and then Chaturshringi Temple. It is located on the slope of a hill and is a symbol of power and faith. We had to climb more than 100 steps to reach the shrine of Goddess Chaturshringi.

Our next stop was Darshan Museum. If you are in Pune, you shoudn’t miss visiting this place for anything. We were mesmerized by the 100 minute show that they offer free cost. It was an enriching experience. Being an IT professional, I was seriously impressed with the new-age technology that they used.

Pune is home to a number of monuments and gardens but we choose to go to the Panshet Water Park. It is located between Varasgaon Dam and Panshet Dam. We had great fun indulging ourselves in all those water sport activities. My personal favorite was the water scooters. We were pretty hungry from all the adrenaline rush and thrill and decided to call it a day. We enjoyed the most authentic Maharashtrian lunch at our homestay that was delicious, to say the least.

The next morning we visited the Pataleshwar Cave Temple. Bulit from basalt rock, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. We had some breakfast enroute to David Synagogue. The architectural style is spectacular with huge frontal pillars in Gothic style. A clock tower overlooks the whole city. It is one of the major attractions of Pune and is filled with tourists. Our last stop in the itinerary was Flying Safari. We friends love adventures and one of the main reasons why we chose Pune was because of Flying Safari. It is a major institute for providing paragliding training. Needless to say, each one of us tried paragliding and we were giddy with happiness.

Even on our way back to Mumbai, we had a smile plastered on our faces from the excitement that we had.

It is true that the project started smoothly and life was pretty comfortable in the homestay where I was put up. My hosts at the homestay took care of my needs and my mentor, Sudeep sir ensured that I got good work. But the questions that were playing in my mind, while I was still in the train awaiting to reach netherworld, got answered towards the end of the month-long project, when my mentor asked me to accompany his family to a trip around the city. The trip was divided into two days.

It began with Nandankanan Zoological Park, courtesy the entreaties of sir’s 5-year old daughter, who loves going there and always insists on the zoo trip when any guest comes to her home. So, we were at the park after the homely breakfast. The zoo houses a wide variety of wildlife like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic lion, python, crocodile, fishes, etc. It is really lovely as you are instantly transported to your childhood and with a cherub around you, fun and frolic comes along naturally. We clicked hundreds of photos and also shared the best ice cream on the banks of Kanjia Lake, located in the zoo campus itself.

Now it was the turn of Dhauli Hills, the site of Shanti Stupa. The hill is lined up with rock edicts bearing Buddhist relics and penance of the great Mughal Emperor Ashoka. The imposing lion looking over the Daya River plains had me hooked. It was so awe-inspiring that I stood frozen for minutes, only to be shaken by my sweet little companion, who cannot sit quiet for more than a minute. We also paid obeisance at the ancient Shiva Temple, situated on the hills.

The next day was reserved for Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves, finely carved out of stone and offering a treasure trove for history and art lovers. When I was taken to the Khandagiri summit by sir to take in the breathtaking view of the city, I realized what gem I had been living in till date. I felt thankful for thanked God from the bottom of my heart for his wonderful plan and what could have been a better way to express my gratitude than to go to the ancient Lingaraj Temple.

When it was time for parting, my dear mentor gifted me a bag full of the sweet Chhena Gaja, a famous sweet of the state whose taste still lingers in my mouth just like the sweet memories of the trip. It was relish by my folks at home too.

Bhedaghat

A completely enchanting sight, the magnesium-limestone cliffs on the Narmada River look magical under the moon light. Possessing the ability to change colors, they are truly one-of-a-kind. Passing through the 2 km gorge on the motorboat, starting from Panchvati Ghat, feels like a walk through fairyland. The gurgling waters and the glowing rocks produce a heavenly symphony, leaving you awestruck during the whole ride.

Dhuandhar Waterfalls

Near to Bhedaghat, this waterfall derives its name from its appearance that resembles like smoke. A scenic marvel, it mesmerizes you beyond description and you can stand for hours admiring the charming spectacle. To heighten the charm, there is also the facility of cable-car ride that lets you move to the other side of the gorge.

Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir

A delight for religious souls, this temple is situated on the banks of Hanumantal and looks magnificent in its fort like structure with multiple shikhars. Built in the 17th century, it is the largest independent Jain Temple of India. Moving around the temple gives you great joy, as the tranquil lake and the awesome structure look very intriguing together.

Durgavati Fort

The brave queen of Jabalpur- Durgavati, who put up a strong fight against Mughal emperor Akbar, is revered as a martyr. The Gond ruler had built many temples and tanks for the people and the fort is associated with her. Shrouded in mystery and majestic myths, the palace is said to possess gold bricks and other treasures of the Gond rulers. Anyone can get easily besotted with the understated charm of the old fort.

Dumna Nature Reserve Park

Here is a lovely park replete with wildlife gems and recreation facilities like boating, fishing, toy train, etc. You can easily sight chitals, jackals, wild boars and numerous other species of birds and animals. Near to the park is Khandari Dam, built in 1883 and carrying a huge capacity for water storage. Calm and cool, the dam is a stupendous sight to behold.

Relishing the “Khoye ki Jalebi”

A unique delicacy of the city, the mouth-watering jalebi feels like nectar. It is so tempting and tasty that you just cannot limit your intake to a normal quantity. Even a disciplined diabetic like me ended up eating more than one.

A completely pleasing place, Jabalpur feels like home away from home where you can hang out with history and nature, without any interruption.

So, as it happened, after the wedding we were left with two more days and since there was nothing much to do, uncle planned the trip and to kill time and I joined merrily to explore the marvels of this sweet little city. It all began with the Udaygiri caves. Situated within 10 km from the town, the site is housed on a small hill and carries sculptures, carved out of the rocks. It is a series of 14 caves that were carved during the Gupta period. The rock-cut sanctuaries and the excavations on the hillside, belonging to 5^th century BC, are wondrous works of architecture. Shrouded in mythology and religion, the caves have many inscriptions and carvings, related to Gods and their avatars.

The most prominent among them is of Lord Vishnu in his Varah avatar. The Shiv linga, Goddess Durga killing the buffalo demon Mahishasura and Ganesha are also enchanting. The caves are a complete cocktail of mystery and history. You are sure to feel an instant connect with the past and can sense your soul drifting into the recesses of the mystical monuments. It is a pity that the place is not well maintained. Though the Archaeological Survey of India has taken it under its wings, one wishes, it was better preserved.

Having surveyed the cryptically charming caves, it was time to pay obeisance at Bijamandal. This 1000 years old temple houses remarkable artifacts and sculptures from the bygone eras. The verdant compound with green grass beds looks amazing in company of the dark archaic rock structures. The detailing is so neat and images so engrossing that you cannot cover everything in one day. How I wished I had some more time in hand. I had anyway made a mental note to come to this place again and examine every sculpture closely. Till then, the photographs would be sufficient to cure my longing.

Last on the list was Heliodorus Pillar, another monumental wonder that bears testimony to the rich heritage of India and the charming influence of Hinduism on foreigners. It is a stone column built by Heliodorus, the Greek ambassador of Indo-Greek king, dedicated to Lord Vasudeva whose temple lies opposite to the pillar. Also known as Khamb Baba among the local people, it is worshipped in great numbers especially by those who belong to the fishermen community. The Garuda on the top and the inscriptions in Brahmi tell a beautiful tale of love and devotion.

Vidisha woke me up to the glorious history of India. A memorable trip, it will always remind me of our brilliant past.