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Showing posts from 2014

Hunting the Haunted

No matter who we are and from where we come from, one thing that connects us is an inexplicable fear of the dark because deep inside we all know in the dark lies the mysterious, the unknown, the super natural. Ours is a land where the tales of paranormal floats like water. We wanted to explore the dark and unravel the stories behind the unexplained that whether these tales are real or just legends. While talking to locals, we came to know about two places in Pune which are believed to be haunted and we tried to know the story behind it. There are many buildings and places of the bygone era which give the city a unique texture but these old places gave birth to legends which some believe are haunted. Many believe When the city goes to sleep in night, something comes alive. Our first destination was a 1858 hotel called Napier. It is located few yards from the most happening places of the city, M.G.Road. People say after mid night many incidents have been reported of a white

Digging into the caves of Buddhist Monastery - Karla and Bhaje

Around 50 kilometers from Pune, aloof  in the middle of Paddy fields and Ghats, a small road head towards a hill top where one of the oldest Buddhist caves are located. These shrines came into existence  within the period of 2 nd century BC to 2 nd century AD. The place,definitely made for prayers by Buddhist monks  corroborated by Stupa kind of structure in its main hall.Not very far away and dated around  the same time,are the caves  of more celebrated  Ajanta and Ellora. We climbed  around 500 steps before reaching the cave site. Karla and Bhaje are situated on different hill tops but the kind of architecture and model does replicate. There are around 16 caves out of which cave 8 is main hall and only accessible to visitors. It is believed these caves are of Mahayana Buddhism. The Caves used to act as Buddhist monastery. There are pillars on both sides of the hall and a stupa is present at the end of hall. On some pillars,engraved writings in Pali language ca

Quest for best Hyderabadi Biryani

As I landed in Hyderabad, the foodie inside me woke up and my belly was carving for Hyderabadi biryani. It was raining heavily when I reached my brothers  place and was ready for the trail of Best Hyderabadi  Biryani. Born and brought up in the region of awadh my heart always goes for Non-Vegetarian food and I was in Hyderabad whose delicacies Biryani and Haleem had risen and accomplished a cult status. Biryani in Hyderabad is known to be a lot spicy whereas Lucknowi Biryani is moreover like a Chicken pulav where emphasis is given more on Meat than Rice. Idris and Wahid Biryani are like Institutions for authentic Lucknowi Biryani. Bengali biryani is known for using Potatoes with meat while Kashmiri biryani uses asafetida as their speciality. It was dusk when I started my journey. My first stop was Paradise in Hi-tech city Kondapur region. Paradise is one of the most famous eateries and has many eateries around Hyderabad. We ordered Full chicken biryani, it was served soon

The Curious case of Visa Balaji

A few months ago, one of my friends told me he has to apply for U.S. Visa, so he needs to go to Hyderabad for it. I was perplexed that why do he needs to go so far when he can easily apply from Pune. Then he mentioned a temple’s name in which he will pray to get U.S. Visa. Before that I had not heard about the place he mentioned, Chiklur Balaji which is a must stop for every Visa aspirant. Chiklur Balaji Mandir is a small temple located in the outskirts of Hyderabad. So, recently when I was in Hyderabad I decided to visit the place and try to find the story behind it. I reached Chiklur early morning to avoid crowds but there were already a lot people queuing to get in. Most of them seems city dwellers rather than mere villagers. Chiklur is located on the banks of Osman Sagar Lake. Quite Inquisitive I decided to explore the place and try to find this bizarre story which was connecting something superficial like a Visa to a spiritual deity. I met Mohan and his family who had c

Exploring Agra - Beyond the Taj Mahal

    Whenever Agra is mentioned on the World map, it is only associated with the Taj Mahal. Indeed, Taj is the most beautiful monument on the planet. But the City Agra has a lot more to offer than just Brand Taj. Agra is one of the vertexes of the golden triangle, Delhi and Jaipur being the other two. I have seen people rushing back to Delhi or Jaipur after their Taj visit. I have spent four years of my life in Agra and I am bringing you few other facts and places which you need to keep in mind while traveling to Agra.         1) Agra Fort The Sandstone Fort built by Akbar stands tall on the banks of River Yamuna. A fort which was once the residence of the most powerful family of India has different segments which are brilliantly crafted and showcases the Indo-Persian architecture. Diwan-i- am (House of Common), Diwan-i-Khas (House of Lords), Sheesh Mahal, Moti Masjid are favorite attractions of the place. It has a prison cell where Shah Jahan was kept when Aurangzeb

Bun-Muska and chai– A slice of life in Pune

We are so busy and engaged in our daily lives that we are getting drifted from our family and friends. People in yesteryears held a stronger bond with their friends and there are few landmark places in Pune which bears testimony of the life we have left behind I am talking about the culture of Irani cafes and restaurant which is facing the brunt of modernity and finding it difficult to thrive in this changing times. The slowness and calmness of such cafes are not in sync with the fast and busy world. That’s why a major chunk of this iconic break-fast joints have put down there shutters and only few remain continuing their legacy. Here is my list of the last remaining four cafes and restaurants so that people can still enjoy the innocence of Bun-Muska and Irani chai over much hyped Starbucks. ·          Café Goodluck Perhaps, it is Pune’s most iconic Café. Every Punekar including Narayan murthy and Sharad Pawar were regular to the place and it’s not possible for a person

Allahabad - Exploring the Land of three Rivers

The land of Prayag or Allahabad where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meets was always a special place for Hindus. They continue to come here from different parts of Globe to take a holy dip in Ganga and ask forgiveness for their Sins in life and free them from the cycle of rebirth. Once called the Oxford of the East, Allahabad has lost its glory in this Modern world. It was once the capital of United Province, now called Uttar Pradesh at the time of Britishers. From Asoka to Akbar, the City was a center of Statesmanship, art and culture. The time has gone and so is its glory, but it has protected its heritages and past to get vanished in current time. I visited Allahabad a few days back and found there are many places of my Interest. They can be a mythological place or a Modern architecture. The City has seen it all. I am listing out a few of my experiences and will welcome if you want to add anything in the list:-- 1)       Take a holy dip in Sangam The two great rive

Te Amo - Daman

As my friends in India were supporting Portugal in FIFA World cup 2014, I traveled to India’s strongest connection to Portugal, Daman. This small Union territory borders with Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It turned out to be same as I had expected. The place is quite similar to its counterpart Goa, which was also a Portuguese colony but has a lot of unexplored places than Goa. It’s laid back beaches, Portuguese architecture buildings and awesome sea food has forced me to love the place. So, if you are planning to travel this small town, here are 5 things you should do here: 1) Take a walk in Moti Daman . Moti Daman is the old city of Daman situated around Moti Daman  Fort. The place has numerous Portuguese style buildings. These grand buildings which was once ruled by Portuguese is now been converted to Indian government offices. You can’t find people speaking Portuguese on road in any other part of Country but in Daman. The atmosphere has charm of its own a

Into the Wild - A Photo Essay of Tadoba Tiger Reserve

I was never a Wild life enthusiast till I got a chance to witness the serenity of a Jungle. Tadoba wild life Tiger reserve, one of India’s largest tiger reserve has around 60 Tigers including cubs. It is located in Chandrapur district in the Vidharba region of Maharashtra and nearest City would be Nagpur. It is an infinite treasure trove of innumerable species of trees and plants. The tribals and their mysteries will leave you unravelled and you will be mesmerized by stories of their forest deities. I am taking you on a Photo Journey of Tadoba which was captures by my friend cum Brother Santosh Pandey. Indian Magar- The sleeping Crocodile First Glimpse of the princess And She arrived.. We could only breath after she left A herd of Deer in search of their meal The Night watcher on duty Ready to fly.. The White socked Bison There are also Human ancestors out there – Langur The flora and fauna found deep

30 things to do before 30

It’s time for a confession. With each passing day we all are getting old. I don’t want these days to pass, but no one can help it. There will be new responsibilities in future. We have to face it. There was a time when I was 14 and life was fun. We used to aim for mangoes on the tree and those stone hurled green mangoes were tastier than these Alphonso’s. When I was 20, there were not many Social media Apps but we friends could sit and talk indefinite from Dusk to Dawn. But these days are over and our lives have changed in last few years. But the child within me is not yet dead. One of my friend told me that he has prepared a list which he needs to do before turning 30. I really liked the Idea and was determined to create one of such list for myself. I still have Four years and few months before I reach this number 30. So, I decided I would challenge myself and will try to complete as many as possible before I create a new list “35 before 35”. It’s a personal list but I am

5 weekend Getaways in Western Ghats

Relationship between Monsoon and Western Ghats is quite special. It is one of the first region of our country where monsoon hits after the scorching summer. As a result, many getaways have come up over the years in the Sahyadri. I am listing out my 5 favorite weekend getaways in Western Ghats which you should try this monsoon.                                                 Lonavala/ Khandala         There is a reason why Aamir khan asked Rani Mukherjee to come to Khandala. This small town on Mumbai-Pune highway is the most famous weekend getaway and you can feel its beauty only by being there.                                                               Matheran         Perhaps the best place in Sahyadri. Its pristine beauty is delight for your eyes. It’s No Vehicle Allowed policy is unique in true sense. So you will not hear a single horn in this India’s smallest hill station. It’s only place in Sahyadri Mountains which is accessible by a beautiful toy tr

A perfect day at Seashore - Tarkarli

I woke up when Sea waves started touching my feet and I was fully drenched in Ocean water. I realized I was lying on the beach after the Morning walk on the white sand beach of this Village called Tarkarli. I looked up and saw both sides on the beach and there was not a single living being visible. I stood up and started walking towards the water. There was this wet white sand and as a wave arrived, the white sand under my feet moved away from me and forced me to change my position. I tried to hold me tight so that I should not change my position with each coming wave. However it seemed the Sea wanted me to learn that with each wave in your life, wherever you are standing some sand will move away and you need to change your position in life. The morning cool breeze had brought a flock of sea birds on the shore who were trying to find their meal for the day. I walked on the shores of the beach as waves flow started to reduce with each ray of the sun. Fishermen preparing for the