Moon – Page 21 – Footloose Forever

Weekly Photo Challenge: Ephemeral Moon

March 29, 2015March 29, 2015Posted in Photo challengeTagged blood moon, moon, Nature, nature photography26 Comments

moon, blood moon, ephemeral moon, moon's phase

The moon puts on an elegant show, different every time in shape, colour and nuance. ~ Arthur Smith

I once asked my parents why they kept my name ‘Moon’. They said they liked this name when one of my aunts suggested it for me. When I was young I had so many embarrassing moments with my name which was uncommon in our community. Anyway, I don’t know when I started liking my name. Probably when I realized I like the source of my name that is, the moon very much. 🙂 Ever since I felt a connection with the moon and am always charmed by its magnetic existence.

The moon is an enigma to me. Its appearance – ephemeral but its presence – eternal.

That night when I looked through my window I was amazed to see the half-moon with a reddish glow which was transient. I didn’t waste time in capturing it with my ‘third eye’ – my camera. 😉 🙂

She came. She saw. She conquered.

March 25, 2015March 27, 2015Posted in PhotographyTagged khoai mela, shanibarer haat, Shantiniketan, sonajhuri14 Comments

baul, shantiniketan, santiniketan, sonajhuri, shanibarer haat

Shanibarer Haat (Saturday Market) by the Sonajhuri Forest is an event not to be missed at Shantiniketan. The market is a colorful, vibrant place to feel the heartbeat of life in Bolpur-Shantiniketan. Last January we made a short weekend trip to Shantiniketan. As I was wandering around in this makeshift market I spotted this ‘little aficionado’ approaching towards the baul sitting underneath a tree. She was curious about the ‘ektara’ (an indigenous single-stringed musical instrument used by local folk singers). I don’t know what she spoke to him, as I couldn’t hear anything from a distance. A moment later they became friends and she started assisting him in his music with a ‘jhunjhuni’.

It’s true that friendship doesn’t know boundary… 🙂

P.S: You can also check out my complete guide on Shantiniketan tour – A refreshing Weekend Trip to Shantiniketan.

Private Cab Services in Kolkata for Comfortable Journeys

March 23, 2015Posted in KolkataTagged kolkata taxi service, private cab service in Kolkata, private cab services Kolkata, taxi service in kolkata19 Comments

taxi service in Kolkata, private cab service in Kolkata, cab service, taxi, Kolkata, kolkata cab services

If this is not your first visit to Kolkata you may already know about the whims of Kolkata taxi drivers. Taxi refusal is a common problem in the city. Sometimes cab drivers switch off the fare-meter and ask for a fixed rate which is always higher than the actual fare for the distance. Sometimes they are simply ‘not interested’ to go exactly where you ask them. So if you don’t want unnecessary hassles in getting around in the city book a private cab service in Kolkata in advance.

Why private taxi service in Kolkata is a wise choice

Kolkata is a booming metro. Traffic jams, over-crowded public buses, long queue for auto rickshaws are common to see in peak hours of the day. Overpopulation and the inflow of crowd from the suburban areas makes situation even worse on weekdays. On the contrary, scarcity of public transport on holidays is another side of transportation problem in the metro.

So whether you are a tourist or a business traveller private taxi service in Kolkata is your best option to dodge such troubles and explore the city conveniently.

Things to consider before hiring a taxi service in Kolkata

There is no dearth of private taxi services in the city. But how would you choose the best cab service in Kolkata that will best suit your requirements? Comfort, convenience, budget and security are some of the factors that influence our decisions while travelling. Following are some points to consider before you hire a private cab service in Kolkata.

Fare: Do a little research on current cab fare rates in Kolkata. It will save you from being overcharged. Cab fare depends on distance, type of vehicle and the basic charges fixed by the local transport authorities and it may vary depending on the time you will be travelling. For example, distance between Dum Dum Airport and Esplanade is 18 km and estimated travel time is 33-35 minutes which can extend to 1 hour during peak time. Therefore, private taxi charges may also vary accordingly ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 400.

Flexibility: If you are to travel late at night or early in the morning check in advance on availability of service at that specific hour. Do they charge extra for providing cab after normal service hours? Will they pick you up right from your place or you need to walk to a certain pickup point? These are some questions you need to ask before hiring a taxi service in Kolkata to ensure comfort and convenience.

Fleet: Inquire about diversity of the fleet and what type of car you’ll be provided. When it is a group of two or four a Swift Dzire or Tata Indigo is okay but for a large family/group an SUV might be the right option.

Facility: Will they offer service tailored to your interest? Top rated private cab services in Kolkata offer services customized to their clients’ needs.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Fresh

March 22, 2015Posted in Photo challengeTagged dew, dew drops, fresh, freshness, Nature, nature photography, Photo challenge20 Comments

hibiscus , china rose, flower, red, fresh

And my heart springs up anew, bright and confident and true. And the old love comes to meet me, in the dawning and the dew. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

What is more fresh than the flowers we offer in worship?

Hotels in Kolkata to lookout for – Practical Tips

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015Posted in KolkataTagged hotel bookings in Kolkata, hotels in Kolkata, Kolkata accommodation, Kolkata hotels, list of hotels in Kolkata11 Comments

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When you are on a backpacking tour or a personal business trip to Kolkata you probably would not like to spend thousands of bucks for an accommodation. What if you get a list of hotels in Kolkata depending on your budget and preference of location? It will save your precious time in searching for the best hotels in Kolkata and you can fully concentrate in your tour of the city.

victoria memorial hall, kolkata, hotels, best hotels in kolkata, hotel bookings in kolkata — Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata

Deciding the Right Location

Kolkata is a big city with thousands of accommodation options in different areas. While some people tend to look for hotels near the airport to save time it can actually cost you more. Most of Kolkata’s tourist attractions and commercial zones are in the downtown. So, it will take you minimum 30-40 minutes to reach the city centre from the hotel by taxi. If you travel by public transport to slash the cost of transportation be prepared to sacrifice more time because of traffic jams and frequent signaling on Kolkata roads. However, the ultimate decision should always be based on an individual’s priorities.

Benefits of Choosing Hotels in Downtown Kolkata

Choosing a hotel in Kolkata’s bustling business precinct such as Esplanade and Park Street will save both your time and money in getting around. This area is not only home to a range of decent hotels but also houses a several restaurants, bars, shopping malls and theaters. Having a shelter in downtown Kolkata ensures easy access to the city’s popular commercial and entertainment hubs. If your budget hotel excludes meals don’t worry. This area opens up a plethora of choices regarding eateries and food stalls to satisfy your eating needs without hurting your pocket.

List of Top Budget Hotels in Central Kolkata

It is better to book hotels in advance to avoid hassles. Here are the names of a few hotels in the heart of Kolkata that are known for quality service at affordable rates. Hope the following information helps in your hotel bookings in Kolkata.

Innra Kolkata Hotel is run by one of Bengal’s most trusted jewellers Anjali Jewellers. So, you can expect quality service and high standard of accommodation at this hotel located at Boubazar in central Kolkata.

Hotel Dreamland near Kolkata GPO offers an array of amenities for business travellers including onsite restaurant and well-equipped conference hall. If leisure is your priority you can choose from villa style rooms having access to swimming pool.

Dee Empresa Hotel at Park Street ensures comfort and convenience for both vacationers and business tourists with well-appointed AC rooms featuring television, telephone and housekeeping service. Guests can enjoy dining at the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant.

Hotel VIP International, Park Street offers accommodation featuring modern fittings and equipment along with a range of amenities including Wi-Fi access, concierge, travel desk and complementary pickup.

Sudder Inn, strategically positioned at Park Street offers quick access to Kolkata’s shopping and leisure districts. Neat and clean air conditioned rooms come with television, telephone, Wi-Fi access, hot and cold water supply and more.

Rambling in the Ruins of Chittorgarh

March 17, 2015May 23, 2015Posted in RajasthanTagged Chittor, Chittor attractions, Chittor Sun temple, Chittorgarh, Fort, Jauhar, Kirti stambh, Krti Stambha, Mira bai temple, Rajasthan, Rana Kumbha Palace, Rani Padmini Mahal, things to see in Chittorgarh, Vijay Stambha43 Comments

Chittor, chittorgarh, ruins at chittor, chittor attractions, things to see in chittorgarh

Chittorgarh – the name instantly invokes a mixed feeling of awe, veneration and thrill. The moment I read the name in our itinerary the names like Rana Pratap, Mira Bai, Rani Padmini thronged my mind. Chittorgarh is a place full of historical sagas of chivalry, sacrifice and spirituality.

Our Rajasthan tour plan was like this – Jaipur – Pushkar (via Ajmer Sharif Dargah) – Udaipur (via Chittorgarh) – Mount Abu (via Haldighati) – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur.

So we left Pushkar early in the morning and reached Chittor in the afternoon on our way to Udaipur. The fort is situated on a hill and you can take a tour of the entire fort area by auto rickshaw. We booked autos from the auto stand near Hotel Padmini. It took Rs. 100 per head. The cost included auto fare and guide’s charge for our group.

Chittorgarh was a fortified town in time of Rajput rulers. I assume it took years to build such a huge fortified town which is also the largest fort in India. The guide said there are total 113 temples inside the fort apart from palaces and monuments. Once the capital of Mewar Rajputana (Southern part of Rajasthan) Chittorgarh is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was ruled by Guhilot and Sissodia dynasties from 7^th Century AD until captured by Emperor Akbar.

Unfortunately, it was already 5 pm and we had too little time to explore the entire fort area. This is one of the downsides of joining conducted tour by travel agencies. Ours was a large group and you know the proverb … too many cooks spoil the broth. 😛 We always fell short of time. Anyway, I roamed around and explored the palaces, memorials and temples as many as I could before the dusk.

Sun Temple

Surya Mandir or Sun Temple in Chittorgarh is the place where Rajput kings offered worship to sun god. The temple erected in 8th century stood the test of time for over a millennium. The intricate stone detailing on the temple walls and columns is a treat to the eye.

Krishna Temple (Kumbh Shyam Temple)

This is the temple of Mira Bai. It was built separately beside the sun temple. The Rajput rulers were worshipper of Surya (the sun god). But Mira Bai despite being a Rajput daughter and the queen of Chittor was a devotee of Lord Krishna and later chose the life of a saint.

Mira used to sing devotional songs and won people’s love with her soulful singing and sacrifices. This is the temple where Mira Bai contemplated for the last time and nobody had seen her after that. The legend says her mortal body was merged to the icon of Lord Krishna in the temple.

Vijay Stambha

We started our Chittorgarh tour with Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) which is the emblem of Chittor’s glorious past of valor and heroism in protecting their motherland. The monument was built by Rana Kumbha (1458 AD-1468 AD) to celebrate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa in 1440 AD. The tower has over 150 steps to the top balcony. I bet if you can make it to the top it will be the most rewarding experience to enjoy a 360 degree view of the fort.

Rani Padmini Mahal

Queen Padmini’s Palace is situated in the middle of water. The path through the garden entrance led us to the room where Allauddin Khilji is said to have a glance at the reflection of Rani Padmini on a mirror while the queen stood at the gate of her palace.

It is said that Padmini the wife of Rana Ratan Singh was so beautiful that the story of her ravishing beauty reached the ear of Nawab Allauddin Khilji and he came all the way from Delhi to Chittor to see her. But it was against the dignity of Hindu Rajputana that an outsider will look at the queen. Again, they didn’t have the choice to refuse Khilji who had a strong army. So they arranged it liked that.

Jauhar Kund

Later in 1303 Allauddin attacked Chittor and killed Rana Ratan Singh to possess his queen. But the queen and all other female royals committed suicide by burning to death called Jauhar. This was a custom meant for Rajput female royals. Whenever the kingdom was defeated and captured by the enemy (especially Mughals) they committed Jauhar to avoid the shame and indignity at the hand of enemy. The huge pyre where women jumped into the fire was called Jauhar Kund.

Bramha Temple

The Brahma Temple in Chittorgarh was built by Rana Kumbha to honour his father. The adjoining garden called Charbagh houses the cenotaphs containing the ashes of Chittor’s kings starting from Bappa Rawal to Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur.

Gaumukh Reservoir

Built adjacent to Bramha Temple this reservoir holds water for sacred functions and worship. As the name reveals the shape of the reservoir resembles the mouth of a cow, the sacred animal in Hindu religion. The cascading structure with the reservoir at the bottom creates a wonderful vista.

Other Attractions in Chittorgarh

Apart from this there are Rana Kumbha Mahal or the Palace of Rana Kumbha, Kirti Stambh, Fateh Prakash Museum, Naulakha Bhandar or the ‘Nine Lakh Treasury’ established by Rana Kumbha are some of the main attractions of Chittorgarh. Fateh Prakash Museum opened in the residence of Maharana Fateh Singh, is located near Rana Kumbha Palace. The museum remains open from 10am to 4pm daily except Fridays.

After about 2 hours of rambling in the ruins of Chittorgarh it was time for us to leave for Udaipur. 😦 The stone edifices looked mysterious in the dying daylight. I wished I could stay there for some more time. But Udaipur was beckoning. It looked even more beautiful in the light of setting sun.

What I realized is that you need at least one day to explore and enjoy the beauty of Chittor. The place has so much to offer that it is an unjust attempt to accommodate everything in a single post. I wish to share more glimpses of Chittorgarh Fort in future. 🙂

Weekly Photo Challenge: Wall – If you ran into one don’t give up

March 14, 2015September 21, 2015Posted in Photo challengeTagged Photo challenge, photography, wall art, wall painting, walls27 Comments

Shantiniketan EZCC wall painting, tribal life

Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~ Michael Jordan

And that’s what I tried to do with my camera. 🙂 I think I can share these wall photos in response to this week’s photo challenge – wall.

Painting of Lord Shiva on a wall at Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi.

A wall in Varanasi depicting the story of the ancient epic Ramayana.

Walls where time has left its mark. Ruined walls inside Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan.

A wall that is meticulously carved to intricate details. The wall of a Haveli (palace) in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

The wall that exudes grandeur and opulence of the medieval kingdom of Rajputana. The interior walls of Amer Fort Palace, Jaipur.

On the contrary, this wall speaks of tribal life in Bengal, something very simple and down to earth. Wall paintings at Srijani Shilpagram, Shantiniketan.