Digha , A sun shining weekend gateway

DIGHA
A perfect weekend gateway

Digha : A perfect weekend gateway for family and friends. If you love beaches and want to spend your weekend with the sea and sand than You must visit Digha . It's a coastal resort town in the east Indian state of West Bengal, border of West Bengal and Odisha. 

It's easy to reach Digha from all parts of India by train and flight. For flight one need to book it CCU(Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose) from there head to Howrah railway station to access trains. There are five trains which one can avail for Digha.

     Digha beach
     Photo @sahelibasu

1. Tamralipta Express (train no: 12857)

2. Paharia Express (Train no : 15722)

3. Howrah - Digha super AC express ( Train no: 12847)

4. Kandari Express (Train no: 22897)

All train takes more or less 4 hours to reach Digha from Howrah. As it's a very popular vacation destination so there are many hotels with different budget. In these days through OYO you can get great deals on single occupancy or double occupancy. If you really want to avoid the rush and crowd then avoid the festival times. Otherwise this place has much more to offer and you can experience the best view of Bay of Bengal.
Digha beach
 photos@sahelibasu
                                                                                                                               

Places to visit: 

1. Shankarpur: A small beach village with an wide open view of Bay of Bengal. It is a regular fishing harbor located 14 kilometers in east of Digha.  Do not miss the red crabs on the beach. It looks mesmerizing when millions of them are out on the warm yellow sand bed. 

2. Talasari: It is approx. 8-10 km from Digha. It is the conjunction of Subarnarekha and Bay of Bengal. The place offers the lush forest of palm trees and mangrove forest. once you cross the mangrove you can access the beach.

Mangrove forest in Talasari beach
photo @sahelibasu

Subarnarekha river in low tide
photo @sahelibasu

Talasari beach
photo @sahelibasu


There are other two places for beach lovers . First one is Mandarmani and the other one is Taaj pur. These two can be traveled separately. Otherwise if you are planning for a long trip you can destined those places by giving one day gape in between.

Ending the Blog here ..... will be back soon guys. All the best!.

   

BHUTAN : One step closer to my soul

KUZOOZANPOLA :  BHUTAN 

one step closer to my soul

Less words, lifetime memories and heart full of happiness.

Bhutan has everything of it's own. It is complete within itself quite successfully. So to experience that difference I planned out a small trip to Bhutan. If you are planning for a short trip to Bhutan remember few things which will help you out always:

1. Never take a guide, be yourself (follow the traffic rules).

2. Travel in local bus to experience the authenticity of Bhutanese people, which will change your all misconception of living life and the best way to see the difference between our country and Bhutan.

3. Go for local food .

Lets start the journey.

There are several routs to reach Bhutan. It is always better to start your Journey from The India (for my overseas friends). In India there are few routs which will take you to Bhutan without any hassle.

As I live in Hyderabad I choose a morning flight  for kolkata (CCU) and started my journey from there. Train is my most comfortable and favourite vehicle so I booked my tickets prior in Kanchankanya Express (train no 13150) from Sealdah (boarding time: 8.30 PM) to Hasimara (destination time: 10.46 AM). There are many trains which are connected to the north Bengal from where Bhutan is easily reachable. 

Next essential thing is the PERMIT or VISA. India, Bangladesh and Maldives citizens are the luckiest one to travel in Bhutan without Visa. only the thing needs to be done is the Permit. Now there are various ways to make the permit. Those who are flying from India to Bhutan can easily get the permit done in The Paro international airport immigration service. I made my permit after reaching Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing is the border of India and Bhutan. 

closer view of Bhutan gate.

I took a share auto from Hasimara railway station which took only 40 rupees in INR and dropped me to the Phuentsholing border by 30 minutes. I had to rush because the Immigration office closes at 5 PM (originally 4.25 pm IST). Few things you required to make your permit such as-

1. Hotel booking receipt.( book from any hotel booking site where you don't have to pay initially, later you find your hotel as per budget like booking .com).

2. Complete travel plan on a white paper. ( from the starting date to ending date with places).

3. Identity proof (passport/ Voter ID) and passport size photo.

You need to fill up the Immigration form by stating the dates, purpose and ID no etc. Attach all your documents carefully along with the form and submit to the collectors. You need to go through a basic verification while submitting the documents. Once the documents are submitted you need to wait for at least half an hour for the final call where you will be actually appearing for the identification. It wont take more than 40 minutes. All total keep 2-3 hours for your permit depending on the rush. 

The most important thing to remember is the duration of permit is maximum for 6 days. If there is any extension required can be done from Thimphu Immigration service center. 

As I finished my work little late so I had to stay back in Phuentsholing. There are many hotels in Phuentsholing in reasonable prices. I stayed in a hotel call 'Karma' . The charge is 500 fr single and 800-1000/- for double. 

Another important thing is to buy a local sim card which can be issued from Phuentsholing. They will charge 100-150 with the talk time and you will get a pre activated sim card. 

Next day I started my Journey to Paro from Phuentsholing. You need to reach to the bus stand little early or better if you can buy the ticket in last night. Bus is the best mode of travel ,suggest not to travel in cab because its quite expensive and boring. The bus fare is 210/- per person from Phuentsholing to Paro which is approx 7 hours journey with the lunch break.

Phuentsholing bus station

Here starts the journey ........... The landscapes are lustrous and picturesque. you will be crossing several mountains on your way to Paro and the believe me this journey will be the most remarkable and memorable journey of your life.

view from the bus 
you can fill the change of weather very easily. The roads are beautiful with its surprising turns and twists which will make your mind and soul calm and peaceful. In between the bus took a halt for the lunch break. you can have your lunch with in 100 rps. They will serve you hot brown rice and any curry (veg/ non-veg). with this yummy lunch and a breathtaking journey I reached Paro around 4 pm and started searching for hotels. there were few localities from Paro in the bus so I got helpful information from them regarding hotels. After a quick search I found a very good hotel call 'Hotel All Season' and booked a single room fr 600/- per night. They have a restaurant inside so you can have your meal there also. After a quick refreshment I went out to explore the beauty of Paro. It's a town with good and humble people, breathtaking views of snow capped mountains, monasteries and few rivers.
                       
  
Beautiful Paro

I was truly amazed to see the beauty of Paro. As I was very excited for the next day trek to the 'Tiger nest monastery' , I started accumulating data related to the journey such as cab service, ticket fare, timing etc. I booked a cab for the next day which asked for 1100/- for the pickup and drop. It was quite a far so I agreed. My pick up time was 7.30 am in the morning and here I go for the most awaiting trek of my life 'Paro Taksang'.
The Tiger nest monastery has its ancient Buddhist mythology and the story of guru Rinpoche made me so curious to visit 'Tiger nest'. It is considered as one of the sacred Himalayan Buddhist site and was built on 1692. So my driver dropped me at the foothill from where I bought the entry ticket (500/-). Few things are important to carry - water bottle, cap, sunglass, dry fruits or biscuits and a full sleeve jacket/ T-shirt (visitors are in sleeveless not allowed in the Monastery) . It's better that if you keep one whole day for this trek and always recommended to start the trek early because the weather at the mountains change drastically. Near the ticket counter you can borrow walking sticks (50/-) or you can carry your own. Walking sticks are very helpful to balance your body weight and support on the stiff trek. The highest elevation is 10,232 feet.The whole trail a bit stiff you can complete the trek within 6-7 hours including the visit in the Monastery.


Starting of the Tiger nest trek
The whole trek includes uncountable beautiful spots. The lush green jungle of Pine and in between the you could see the mountains are popping up.
                                           

on the way to Tiger nest

Dodging the mules and horses I was making my way to the top. It was quite exciting and you could see the that the Monastery is on the other part of the mountain and you need to trek down and up again to reach the destination.

  close view of Tiger nest

Once you reach the Monastery you will found a check post where you need to show your ticket and keep all your belongings except money. Phone is strictly prohibited inside. inside the Monastery there are six different temples where you will find a mixed feel of history, faith, believe and thrill. The constructions, paintings , architecture, signs and symbols all will take you to the revealing mystery land from where you will never want a return. I completed the visit by 30 minutes and started trek down. It was an awesome experience where your expectations of trekking meets an adventure with a touch of history and myth.

I was a bit tired after the trek and reached to my hotel and decided to make few sketches of beautiful Paro.
   
sketches of Paro
If you are a nature lover and want to see the beauty of nature then it's recommended to spend more days in Paro rather than Thimphu and Punakha.
Next day I left for Thimphu as I needed to extend my permit from the Thimphu Immigration office. As I mentioned before that bus is the best transport to travel in Bhutan so I boarded in the bus and reached to Thimphu which took two and half hour.

 
Busy life at Thimpu

The modernization has touched Thimphu and the population is more though it's amazing to see that the cars don't blow their horn and people crosses the roads by following the zebra crossing only. What a blessed country!! It was not that hard to find a hotel in Thimphu. I got a room for 800/- and made my permit extended for three more days. At the evening I explored the local markets and bought some souvenirs for friends and family.

Next day I decided to visit the Buddha point and planned to leave for Punakha. Though the Buddha point was made for commercial purpose but I was very keen to see the Buddhist jataka paintings inside the museum. The gigantic golden sculpture of seated Shakyamuni will mesmerized you. Its almost 177 feet in height and creates a surreal effect with the wide open blue sky and mountain as a backdrop. Cab is the only option to visit the place and it's easily available.

                     
Buddha point, Thimphu

View from Buddha point

After experiencing the amazing view I went to the bus stand to catch my bus for Punakha. The journey was beautiful and crossed several mountains to reach to Punakha.

 
On the way to punakha

Punakha is another beauty of Bhutan. This place is quite rural and population is also less. the main source of income is cultivation. The beautiful juncture of Pho and Mo chu river is truly sublime. The main attraction is Punakha Dzong , A 17th century fortress. It serves as the administrative purposes and religious purposes. The lush green Punakha valley is mesmerizing.


Punakha Dzong

There are few more places in Punakha which should be in your bucket list. I could not complete because of my limited time. Places like - Chimi Lakhang, Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, Talo, Punakha ritsha village etc. All these places are holding the untouched beauty of nature , peace and harmony. The nature is so well preserved here that feels like a fantasy land on earth. I returned on the next day to Thimpu as I had to back to Phuentsholing to end my journey.

Here comes the end of my journey. If you have any queries related to trip feel free to write at
sahelibasu22@gmail.com

All photos taken by saheli Basu

   

Paigah Tombs : The lives lost in alleys

Paigah Tombs: The lives lost in alleys 

The history stands still between the creepers of our daily life. The time runs and takes its necessary action  for change whether it's good or bad but the memory stays. I am grateful to visit one of the rarely visited place -" Paigah Tombs", Hyderabad. My love and passion for the Islamic architecture added another feather on the hat by visiting this quiet, peaceful, solitary and pleasing site. 

When I checked about it in the Google before visiting did not think that I will be proven so wrong . As I wanted to make my Sunday little active so traveled to the Paigah Tombs seeing the most trustworthy and all time favourite Google map. While travelling I could not believe that a heritage site which was built over 200 years ago exists in between the over crowded area (Santosh nagar) in Hyderabad. The narrow passages leads mysteriously to the graves of the ancient ancestors. The whole site is so misfit to it's surrounding and that is why it stands out 'Uncommon'.

                         

The site is the best example of the simplicity infused with the intricacy and exquisite explanation of decor.  The diversity echoes in each and every corner of the site. The extensive manner of decoration shows the influence of Greek, Persian, Deccani and Rajasthani styles combined with the Indo Islamic style. The Noticeable thing is the use of 'Jali' which is quite common in Islamic architecture but here the varieties of jali creates the exaggeration of beauty. 

                                           

It was Abdul Fateh Khan Tegh who gave the Paigah nobility. He was given the title of the 'Shams -Ul-Umra' (the Sun among the masses) by the Nizam II. The Paigahs were the most influential and aristocrats among the royal families of Hyderabad Deccan. They were administrators of the Nizams. Their contributions in managing courts, armies, palaces made themselves the 'Right hand man' of the Nizam family. It was since 1797 that two families started inter marrying and strengthened their bond.

The major complex of Paigah Tombs consists 27 major  tombs stunningly executed with the fine inlay work and marble craftsmanship. The geometric design on the tombs are really noticeable and each tomb is unique and executed differently maintaining the Islamic culture.

The different flower motifs as border shows the detailed observation and intricate detailing. Each and every corner of the site explores uniqueness.

 

The open premises leads to the one block to another. while walking in the corridor I was feeling so blessed and was trying my best to penetrate the essence of the heritage inside me. I was trying my best to experience the difference which I felt crossing the tombs. It was an unusual experience to be the spectator, thinker and imaginator at the same time. I was struggling to be consistent while my mind and soul were drenched into the mist of imagination.

The presence of a Mosque inside the tombs premises made it very interesting. It is said that at the noon the whole Mosque's reflection falls in the water. So I tried my best to capture the shot.

As an artist I found this place fascinating and also it encourages us to know more, more about the time, history and the evolution. This place makes a difference of being uncommon into the commons. 

Photographs taken by Saheli basu.

Chowmahalla Palace : Embraces the grace

Chowmahalla Palace

This is the 'ONE' which will help you to have the feeling of royalty and elegance. The Chowmahalla Palace  is under the must visit list in Hyderabad tour. So believing in that I visited the palace and stood amazed by its 'Everything'. 

Now the best twist is the location. You can't assume that a whole and humongous palace is hiding beside a busy, daily road and the playground. As google map is my best friend so the husky voice took me to the exact destination. I stood still when I entered to the gate and felt myself a great discoverer seeing the ancient history with its beauty. After the security check and the successfully declined the guide I started my own discoveries. I always believe that we should travel as per our interest and explore the places the way we want. 

First thing which will take your breathe away that is the architectural style and the elegant colour combination. The word which suits best is the 'Magnificent' . The palace was built over 200 years ago and it is meticulously restored. 

The Nizams,  the beholder of the great tastes stood always the legendary patronage of art, architecture and science. The construction of the palace was initiated by the Nizam Salabhat Jung in 1750 and the Nizam Afzar-ud-Dawla Bahadur who ensured the completion  between the 1857 and 1869. Literary the Chowmahalla means four . It spreads over 45 acres but unfortunately 12 acres remains. 

So after the small history Let me tell you the arrangement of the architectural spaces. Once you enter you will find the beautiful fountain inside a rectangular pool. The palace stood behind the pool.

There are two courtyards , southern and northern. The southern courtyard is the oldest complex in the premises. It is under restoration. It includes the four big palaces -Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal. In these Aftab Mahal is the grandest in appearance. It is two stored building with elegant marble and wood work. It shows the influence of European facades of Corinthian pillars.  The Northern courtyard is fully restored and opened for visitors. It opens a long corridor with number of rooms which indicates the administrative wing. 

The noticeable feature is the architectural planning of the palace. The whole place is divided included the open green premises meticulously. Walking around it , the ambiance will take to the age of it, you can feel the royalty and the glorious history. The contradiction of the history and the contemporary will definitely  create a tension, passion and solitary feeling which can not be shaded off easily. 

                                           

The amazing vintage car collection is the next which can't be missed. These are the another signature tastes of the royalty. The collection includes Rolls Royce, Ford Tourer, Wolseley and many more. 

                       

The description of the glorious history will remain incomplete if I don't mention the elaborate ammunition collection of the Nizam's. The humongous collection included never ended variety of weapons across the dynasties. The walls are fully occupied up to the ceiling with the collection and indeed the aura of display gives the final touch to make it more vibrant.

                       

Hope these will give you the nitty- gritty about the palace. Time to wind up of this chapter and there are more lined up. So visit Hyderabad, eat drink and cherish the flavour of the Nizams in your heart.

Serene Chikmaglour

The coffee lovers…… take a sip, relax and breathe the smell of coffee by visiting the small hill station named ‘Chikmaglour’ . It literary mean the ‘small Mangalore’. I am not going to make you bore by preaching the information about it rather than giving the essence of it which I felt and cherished in my heart. 

So… as per the India map and trusted google map advisers you can reach to chikmaglour through any of your comfy mode of vehicle . As per my observation it’s best to drive . The place stands very simple, common until you unveil the adventures . Chikmaglour located in the foothills of the Mulayangiri range. Staying in the coffee estate will flavour up your trip more. There are many easily accessible home stays which can be booked by trip advisers very easily. I stayed in the ‘Estate view’ home stay which is 35 acres and fully occupied by coffee trees, beautiful stream walk and many unknown gorgeous flowering plants. The beauty of the surroundings will take you far from your daily life chaos and will allow you to breathe, breathe and breathe.  Roll your eyes  and be witness to the unmodified, raw, rooted ,untouched nature. 

There are places to visit but by upgrading the taste, visit the places which will bring some adventure, laughter, relaxation, fantasy and romanticism in life .  So start your day by visiting Mulayangiri Hills. This is the highest peak in Karnataka. The height is 6,276 ft. The peak gets its name by a small temple at the summit. This is a must visit because you will be amazed to see the beauty of the surrounding mountains and greenery. The cold breeze and the bright sunshine will make your heart warm and make your mind calm and ignited both. Your heart will be hungry for more and the spark will turn into the fire to  complete the summit. Once you reach the top the experience will be exclusively your experience. The realization of the beauty will open a new door to you with many explanations. 

Next destination is the Jhari water falls to sprinkle some chill water on your warm, ignited heart and mind. This water fall is near Attigundi near Chikmaglour. Jhari falls situated on the way to Baba budangiri from chikmaglour. It is surrounded by the dense forest and the coffee plantations. The touch of the cold, freezing water is perfect to wash off your daily life’s tension. Spend some time there and regain energy to trek back all the way up. 

Next day another water fall is awaiting to be visited ,that is Hebbe fall. It is little far approx 66 km from Chikmaglour. This water fall is situated inside the Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary. It cascades down from 550 ft in two stages to from big and small falls. A pool is formed by the waterfall where you can splash water and go back to your childhood and perform some madness. make yourself free and nature will take care the rest. Experience the wild and sublime beauty of the nature. 

Except all these places there are many small tourists spots to visit but if you want a remote, adventures gateway do not skip these three major places. Visit and make it your own cup of coffee.