Mumbai (I)

Bombay is the name many would associate this place with; though the name change was officially done as early as in 1995. It has been so in the case of Chennai/Madras, Kolkotta/Calcutta, or Bengaluru/Bangalore. People in and outside India, at times slip into the habbit of using the old names, and then quickly revert  to the prevailing ones. Especially the older generation has a stronger attachment with the old names - for them so much  more is associated with it than just the name. But all said and done, the place changes, you give it a new name or not. And so has the city of Mumbai.

Mumbai is an old city, which has had its share of reigns and regimes, fame and splendour, and the city still holds her head high, as she stands along the Arabian Sea, savouring the salty breeze and the taste of success  as the leading city in Central Asia with the hightest GDP to her pride. Its a place full of life, pulsating with action, passion and a sense of joi de vivre that seems to suffuses the very air. People here are known to be pumped up with grit and determination, who give their all, be it their work or their beliefs, who go about their paths steadfast driven with their  thirst for excellence. Each individual has the freedom to live life on his own terms, and reach for the elusive rainbow too. It all happens here in this magical city.

Several comparisons have been drawn between New York and Mumbai not without cause. The energy levels which seem to flow through both these great cities binds them in more ways then one. The city draws people incessantly and once drawn in its not easy to let go...such is the charm of Mumbai . Once a Mumbaikar he'll  always be one. The relationship with the place over the years, becomes special and intense too.

My visits to the city, initially, used to be filled with awe and admiration for the pace of the city, and the purposeful stride of every pedestrian (they are plenty), the sheer conviction behind every enterprise started out (be it a panwala shop or the towering ultra modern designer studio), and ofcourse struck by the seemingly smooth mingling of the old and the new. The temples, churches and the darghas in Mumbai have seen tumultuous history sweep past them, and they have withstood it all, silent and resilient.

The Mumbai Suburban Railway, the life- line which is what it literally translates to, for many in Mumbai; a mechanical carrier of an astounding 1.6 million commuters every day, not just physically transporting them to their destinations for the day, but commuting and helping them to reach their dreams which they hold on to fast, even as the metallic wheels chug on, every day of their lives.
( ...to be contd.)

An interesting perspective
http://www.nishasondhe.com/#a=0&at=0&mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=6&p=0

Websites from which the above pictures were taken :
travelguidemumbai.com
mumbai77.com

Indian Architecture - Part I

Architecture in India has been influenced by varying cultures and it has constantly kept changing adapting, resisting and flourishing in accordance with the times. It prides itself of some of the marvellous wonders of the world, edifices which has withstood the vagaries of time and men, almost a veritable reflection of the nation, which has also stood tall through the ages.

Remains of
Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus valley Civilisation ( 2600 to 1700 BCE ) was characterised by well-planned cities and houses, which would put any blue print of today's city plan to shame! The presence of drainage systems and public baths showed advanced standards of hygiene and sanitation and innovative planning. The cities had shops, workshops and even barracks. Amazing architecture existed during the Vedic period (2000 - 600 BCE) too,

Sanchi Stupa

followed by Mauryan Era ( 321–184 BCE). Architecture during Mauryan Era was characterised by extensive usage of wood, pillars, decorative walls; stupa ( raised structure) formed an important part of this Era. The Sanchi Stupa is one of the many Stupas which is a good example. This was followed by the Satvahanas Period when several Buddhist Stupas,

Ajanta Ellora

Chaityas (Buddhist Shrines) and Viharas (Buddhist monastries) were built. The Karla Caves in Pune and The Stupa at Amaravati, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves near Aurangabad are sites which are thronged by people from all over, to marvel at the monumental splendour, even today.

Ajanta Ellora Caves

The Gupta period ( 280 - 550 CE ) features large stone figures, large and small bronzes scultpured in the refined Gupta style. The world renowned Nalanda University was constructed around this period, though it had its decline with the growing ire and jealousy from other religious factions. All that remains now are the ruins, which stand in muted silence, spealing of what could have been.

Ramayana - the moral epic

This is one of the oldest and most widely read Indian Epic. It is very much a part of the Indian culture and the characters and occurences in this long story is interwoven in every Hindu Indian's life; so much so that constant references are made to it, at different instances till date. Comparisons are drawn, morals ellicited, examples higlightened, or even mistakes refered to, to save oneself from similar repercussions. The main protaganists being Ram, his brother Lakshmana and Ram's wife Sita, the story focuses on the tribulations that the three of them had to face, when they were banished into the forest for a period of fourteen years, unjustly.

It is one of the few topics, that unites the entire nation; there are few minor differences in the course of events or details as the narration has changed, over the centuries, while it was handed down in various forms through several generations. In the North people still revere and worship Lord Ram and Maruti,his aide, and the number of temples amply bear proof to this. Whereas in the South, the reverence is to a lesser degree, and they do not form the main Gods, and they come under the subsidary level. But yes they do have temples for 'Ramar' and 'Hanumar' sprinkled all over; the names refered to have slight diffrences too.

The epic has been among the most important literary and oral text of whole of South Asia. So much so that it has its influence spread across Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Tibet and other Asian Countries, where Hinduism is followed. The book is considered a treatise on moral values, to be followed or refered to when one is steeped in doubts about self or confounded by the choice of action to be adopted; it is also an authentic and conscientious reflection of the values and ethics, which the great sages of yore felt, should be passed on to generations, as a testimony to the dictum that Goodness alone prevails, integrity can and will vanquish all evil and virtuousness triumphs eventually. And this incredibly inspiring  literary work has managed to capture this essence and retain it too through the endless cycle of years or yugas, and still remain unblemished, both enlightening and entertaining the reader of this grand epic.

Ashoka the great!

And so was he called, the great Emperor who ruled India some 2,200 years ago. The legacy that he left behind was so tremendous that to this date, he is remembered and revered, and his 'chakra' - symbol of dharma, for which he gave up his entire life, stands tall stamped with a seal of righteousness and pride as part of the National Flag and National Emblem.

Go..Go..GOA

Goa - spells beauty and fun rolled into one. It has always been a huge draw, especially for visitors from countries where the sun hardly shows up. And it is rumoured that in the recent past, Goa's population is being over-shadowed, by the rising inflow of Russians!!

Right from the early 70's when the Hippy Culture was at its peak, Goa has been THE destination for many across the globe; to the present when the November-December period transforms the place to a magical land of festivities and endless frolic. The climate around this time is extremely pleasant and just right as against the humid hot summers during March-June period, or the dripping wet monsoon during the June-September period. But there are visitors who swear by this beautiful rainy season which transforms the hot sweltering Goa to a misty, dewey, sometimes drenched paradise of greenery, where the Rain God stays and rules relentlessly. The landscape is a vision which could only be best described as heavenly!


The most amazing part about this place being, it has this sensuous laid-back feel to it, that you are almost lulled into a trance, where the world around you seems to come to a gradual halt. All you want to do is  stretch, unwind and let your senses do the rest; take in the gentle sunrays and the insistent sound of the waves, as they gently seem to wash all your troubles and stress to a faraway land. There are many instances when you are left with a feeling of sublime serenity and tranquility.

The place Goa is not for those, who are into speed, action, and thrills alone; yes you do have your share of adventure and loads of fun, and wonderful memories, but they are always laced with this beautiful and languid pace, where you are gifted with time, as the clocks do stop ticking,and you get to stand and stare, without a care; drink in the visions of nature spread before you; awaken your taste buds to sensuous culinary creations, mastered over ages; marvel at the abodes of worship which have stood tall, along this sea coast for centuries.

Goa, is a favourite for many, but I would think, one has to personally experience the place, breathe in the air, feel the salty waters lap at your feet, and discover the wonders of the place one by one, slowly without trying too hard; and then it sweeps over you the spirit of the place; its more of a pleasure while treading slowly into her, and allowing the beautiful place to speak for itself, rather than watching from the edge, and getting back in a rush. So if there is to be a trip to Goa, set aside a few days, more than just a weekend, IF you want to sense the true essence of the place. And ofcourse you will be lured back, it is tantalisingly addictive!!

India is an unique and intriguing place, for any visitor. And there are bound to be countless inhibitions and fears, which are compounded more by the facts(so-called) and information rattled out by not-so-knowledgable agencies or individuals across the globe. Somehow India seems to hold the fancy of many, and based on their vague and coloured vision, which emerges from a multitude of factors, the actual or the real picture is very rarely perceived. So here in this site, we would like to give you a crystal clear, picture of the amazing country and its awe-inspiring facets and shades, its true and vibrant splendour.

As a native of India, I would strive to put forward information and facts, and personal observations too, which would serve to clear your hazy concepts about this country, and also draw you further into this voyage you have endeavoured to take up, by taking you through the right paths and lanes, therby making your journey a satisfyingly incredible one.

This site is also for residents of India, wishing to travel around, and looking out for some inputs on where, when and how of the major tourist spots and with more focus especially on South India.

Readers are always welcome to comment, and do let me know if there is any section which I need to throw light on, and I would gladly oblige. So welcome to India, and have a wonderful stay!

Welcome to India

For the traveller, who has decided on India to be his next pit stop, a huge welcome, to the land of amazing grandeur and versatality! You have not made a wrong choice, but an incredibly life-changing one, memories of which will enthrall and bemuse you for years to come. So hop aboard, and I'll guide you through some basic facts and features, which you will find useful and handy when you land on this traditionally and naturally mesmerizing land of culture and fusion! Feel free to explore and enquire. I'm all ears (eyes), so pop in your queries and qualms, and be sure to be reassured with a clear and valid answer. Hope your pre-tour trip to my site has served the purpose, in making your actual trip to India a memorable and pleasurable one.