Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from September, 2014

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