Travellers always have this fascination of  taking back a memorabilia from the city they are visiting as a glorious testimony of the journey to an unknown land. While each city has its array of emporiums and curio shops addressing this very need of travellers, it is another matter and an adventure in itself to skew through the unfamiliar surroundings, bargain with the locals and finally take home a souvenir that has somehow more value attached to it because of the preceding hunt.

In Ahmedabad, the vibrant city of Gujarat, India, this discovery may happen in a street market at Law Garden. While pockets become lighter and bags in the hands grow heavier, the eyes continue to be dazzled by the great traditional shopping fiesta offered from one corner of this busy street to the other.

Law garden is called so because of the Law College in the vicinity and it is indeed a peaceful garden in the heart of the city with plenty of play area, lush green lawns, and shaded green avenues for families to spend some relaxing moments all around. But what many come here for is not the peace and tranquillity offered inside the garden gates but the hullabaloo of activities present around it.

Shopper's Paradise. Courtesy Sudhamshu via cc/Flickr

The entire boundary wall of the garden has been utilised by enterprising gujaratis to open up their tea stalls, snack shacks, gaming shops, children rides, soda shops and to the uttermost delight of many traditional apparel hunters, hundreds of shop selling authentic Gujarati costumes and jewellery.  

It seems it is festival time 365 days a year on this side of the garden that plays host to these shops. The shimmering dresses and the glittering jewellery displayed temptingly all across the street coax every passerby to give a second glance and even stop for some impulse buy.

What you can find here

  Those who have visited the states of Gujarat or Rajasthan in India may have been greeted quite often with the sight of local women wearing a voluminous long skirt called the ghagra or the lehenga with a matching top and an unstitched cloth called odni or duppatta covering their head. It is the traditional wear of this part of India made hugely popular by bollywood movies and the great Indian weddings. What you can find in the law garden street shops is exactly the same apparels and ornaments coming straight from the creators of these items. Choices are plenty and before you splurge on the first design that you find, it is wise to traverse the length of the road and shortlist the best of the best.

The Vibrant Ghagra-Choli, Courtesy sudhamshu via cc/Flickr

Here is a list of the things you can get here,

Chaniya choli or ghagra choli – The Indian version of the skirt and top these are the most common of the items in display at every shop and interestingly with the most varied designs. Owing to the creative abilities of the creator each pair of ghagra and choli is a customised work of art. Although certain design elements prevail like the use of flower motifs, mirror work, stars and colored glasses, the ultimate costume is unique in its own respect and it is hard to find two pairs the exact replica of each other. If one notices there are regional difference too in the design patterns. While the more intricate thread work is visible in the Kutchi patterns, the other gujarati designs are adorned more with mirror and glass work. But regardless of their birth place, all are hand stitched and exquisite.

Kurta Tops – Ahmedabad is known to be a very fashion conscious city and there are many who have blended western influences with ethnic Indian wear giving rise to a new breed of garments called the kurta tops that can be worn with an Indian salwar or the ubiquitous blue jeans. The amazing design choices for this particular kind of tops is endless in the law garden shops and with the price range, any sane shopper may wish to take everything home!

Angarakha/Kurta Dhoti – Men may not feel left out after all, because there are plenty of shops selling traditional Gujarati wear for men too. The typical angarakha a frock style loose kurta for men is hugely popular garment choice during the festival season from September to November when the entire country celebrates Navaratri and Diwali. It is especially worn by men performing garba dance. There are special vivid colored, small sized costumes for kids too that can make your little boy the centre of attention of any party.

Silver Jewellery – As you keep buying your dresses it is easy to accessorize them then and there with some shops selling exclusively easy- to- wear silver jewellery. Most of course are not made of the precious metal and thus priced exceedingly low. From small studs, to drop earrings to complete set of a neck piece, matching earrings and bangles you can find almost any design complimenting your buy. The best part is, the shop owners are the creators themselves and if you ask for it, you can get a particular design of your choice with matching coloured stones, made to order in minutes!

Jewels galore , courtesy mckaysavage via cc/Flickr (This particular photo is of a shop in Rishikesh but the merchandise and display is very similar to the ornament shops in Law Garden, Ahmedabad)

Bed sheets/Cushion & Bolster covers – There is no easier way to make India come alive in your home than with these amazingly beautiful hand stitched bed sheets and bed covers. The colours are as dynamic as the country itself and patterns showcase the traditional Indian love for elements of nature and wildlife. There are again plenty of designs, shapes and sizes to choose from. For those who want a special something to adorn there walls there are also many wall hangings that you can get here. Peacocks, lotuses, creepers and the lovable Indian God Ganesha, the artisans have much in store for the connoisseurs of wall art. 

Stationary – Folders, visiting card holders and pen stands get a visibly new meaning around these street shops. The designs are simple and more essentially hundred percent eco-friendly made of cloth and hardboard. They not only make good souvenirs to gift friends back home, but also can be great to portray your love for the eco-friendly goods the chic way.

Hand bags – Cloth hand bags never cease to go out of fashion and that is why here too you can see unlimited shapes and sizes of bags that can be used anywhere, from carrying college notebooks to loose change or to just ethnically accessorise a party dress.

Handy tips

• Bargain, bargain and bargain. The rule of thumb at these street shops is to give less than half of what is asked for. Do stick to your price once you have quoted it and you would surely reap the rewards of buying much more than you expected at the same price.
• Take a local with you. It is best to have a local as an aid if you are here for the first time as the shop owners are quick to recognise an outsiders especially if you come from another country. Apart from the ease in conversation, the local friend may also save you from the job of bargaining.
• When buying any apparel, whether a chaniya choli or a top, make sure that the shop owner unpacks and shows the complete set to you. There are sometimes stitching errors that go unnoticed if you do not check before you buy.
• Always dryclean the first wash as the colors run and may spoil the entire dress if not washed carefully.

To know more about Ahmedabad, visit Gujarat Tourism

So you want to avoid crowds, get in out of the summer heat, and not have to travel too far? Check out this round up of secret gems around Delaware. (And pstt—none costs more than $10 for adults, and 4 are free admission!)

1. Air Mobility Command Museum

Photo courtesy AMCM.

I visited the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Museum with my father (a pilot), and my daughters, who were then 18 months and 4. All of us had a great time, and had the place practically to ourselves. We could touch, examine, and climb into helicopters, small planes, and huge planes.

And because the hangar where the museum is housed sits just south of the Dover Air Force Base’s airstrip, you can see planes taking off and landing while you eat a picnic outside.

If You Go: Free admission and parking. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. 1301 Heritage Rd., Dover Air Force Base, DE 19902-5301. (302) 677-5938 or http://amcmuseum.org/index.html.

2. Delaware Folk Art Museum

Photo courtesy of the Delaware Folk Art Collection.

Nestled in Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, the Delaware Folk Art Museum is housed in the Blue Ball Barn. Originally a dairy barn built by A. I. DuPont, the barn has been certified eco-friendly (LEED) and reconstructed beautifully to showcase more than 120 folk art pieces. After you tour the exhibit (self-guided, with interactive touchscreens throughout), the kids can run around the 27,000 square foot playground at the park.

If You Go: Admission included with annual Delaware State Park Pass, or pay the park entrance fee. Open daily from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1914 West Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19803. Phone: (302) 761-6952 or http://www.destateparks.com/attractions/folk-art-collection/index.asp.

3. Delaware Sports Museum

Image courtesy of the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame.

Our state’s sports hall of fame was founded in 1976, but didn’t have an actual home until 1993. Now housed at the Delaware BlueRocks’ Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, the Delaware Sports Museum has inducted more than 240 athletes, coaches, journalists, administrators and officials representing 27 different sports.

If You Go: Admission: Adults, $4, Seniors (over 50), $3, Ages 13-19, $2, 12 and under, free. Open Tuesday through Saturday, Noon-5 p.m. 801 Shipyard Dr., Wilmington, DE 19801-5154. Phone: (302) 425-3263 or www.desports.org.

4. DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum

The Museum’s Director, Dale Clifton, Jr. fulfilled his dream of finding a real historic maritime artifact, and since then, has continued his search with the goal of educating others about our maritime history. Entrance to the DiscoverSea is free (donations are accepted). More than 10,000 objects are always on display, with other holdings on loan to other museums around the world. From china that sunk with the Titanic to Spanish coins, an undamaged sand hourglass from the early 1800s to weapons salvaged from deep below the sea’s waves, the DiscoverSea Museum is a virtual treasure trove.

If You Go: Admission: free, donations accepted. June, July, and August, Open daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 708 Ocean Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Phone: 302) 539-9366 or www.discoversea.com.

5. Historic Houses of Odessa

I’m always somewhat surprised when people travel to Williamsburg for historic houses, when Odessa is so much closer. And less expensive.

Historic Odessa was known as Cantwell’s Bridge back in the mid-18^th century, and it still looks much as it did back in the 1700s. Five houses make up the core of the Main Street, Odessa: the Corbit-Sharp House (c.1774); Wilson-Warner House (c. 1769); Collins-Sharp House (c. 1700); Brick Hotel (c. 1822); and Odessa Bank (c.1853). Tours are highly hands-on, and include playing colonial games, “shopping” at a general store, and telling time with a pocket watch.

If You Go: Admission: Adults $10.00; Groups, Seniors, Students $8.00, Children under 5 are free. Open March through December, Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. (last tour is at 3 p.m.). Main Street, Odessa, DE 19730. Phone: 302.378.4119 or www.historicodessa.org.

6. Iron Hill Museum

Photo courtesy of Iron Hill Museum.

In what used to be a one room school house, the Iron Hill Museum houses a plethora of artifacts from northern Delaware, including rocks and minerals (including iron, the plentiful element from which the hill got its name), artifacts from the Lenni Lenape Native Americans, fossils from when Delaware was under an ancient sea, and much more.

If You Go: Admission: 7 and up: $2, seniors and children under 6: free. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Saturday Noon-4 p.m. 1355 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE 19702. Phone: 302-368-5703 or http://www.ironhill-museum.org/

7. University of Delaware Mineralogical Museum

Photo courtesy UD Mineralogical Museum.

More than 6,000 awesome rocks and minerals await visitors at University of Delaware’s Mineralogical Museum. Sparkling crystals, metallic copper, and exotic formations of rainbow tinted growths from all over the world make up this collection.

If You Go: Admission: Free. Summer hours vary, so check the website or call 302-831-8037 for current hours. Located in Penny Hall, Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716.  http://www.udel.edu/museums/exhibitions/2009/mineralogical.html

8. Elsie Williams Doll Collection

Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown is the only college campus to have a collection of domestic and international dolls—more than 600, from countries as varied as Cuba and Germany. The dolls, valued at more than $100,000, are dressed in beautiful, detailed clothing, and come in all sizes and styles.

If You Go: Admission: Free. Open during library hours. Stephen J. Betze Library, Owens Campus of Delaware Technical & Community College, Route 18/404/Seashore Highway, Georgetown, Delaware, 19947. Phone: 302-856-9033, http://www.treasuresofthesea.org/other.html#doll.

The Dead Sea

When we visited Jordan, we ate lunch in what was then one of the lowest restaurants on earth. But, it wasn’t low in the sense of being cheap, or because not very nice people eat there. Jordan’s Dead Sea Spa hotel is 400 metres below sea level, which is as low as you can get on the surface of the Earth.

However, since our visit, another hotel and restaurant has been built, even closer to the sea shore, which beats the Dead Sea Spa’s record.

The price of the lunch included use of the hotel’s private beach and facilities.

We were driving from Amman, the country’s capital to the ancient rock city of Petra, and had options of taking the main road, or that running along the banks of the Dead Sea. It was an easy choice, really!

The Dead Sea is an inland sea, surrounded by land on all sides. The River Jordan flows into it, as do several others. But, nothing flows out, because water can not flow uphill. It just evaporates away in the sun, leaving the water many times saltier than the oceans are. Most visitors like to bathe in the waters of the Dead Sea, because there is so much salt in it that it’s impossible to sink.

Floating in the Dead Sea

It makes it difficult to swim in, but easy to float. Many people like to be photographed floating in the sea, reading their favourite magazine. There are no fish, and very little can grow on its shores. That is why it is called the Dead Sea. We were warned we must be very careful not to swallow any water because it is poisonous. I got a little splash on my lips, and certainly would not want a mouthful!

It stung a little bit, too, where I nicked myself shaving that morning … but that nick healed in record time.Some doctors recommend bathing in the Dead Sea because the waters are said to be able to cure some skin complaints. We bought a packet of Dead Sea salt to take home and put in the bath

Salt Crystals

A lot of people like to take the ‘mud treatment’, and say that does feel good; whether it actually does you good, I am not qualified to say. Most of the beaches have a ‘mud man’ but he was not around. So, we applied the mud ourselves. You can not mistake it; it is the stuff that feels like wet talcum powder.

If you feel like a hot tub after swimming in the salt or mud, there are naturally heated hot springs and pools, and even a hot waterfall not far away. The showers at the hotel were closer, but not so much fun.

We were told that the lowest point on earth is getting lower. Jordan is a desert country, and needs a lot of water for the farmers’crops. They take the water they need from the rivers that flow into the Dead Sea. When we went on our way again, we saw a new dam being built on the Moujib River, which is one of the best known for its spectacular wadi; the narrow canyon cut through the rocks.

This means that the level of the sea is dropping. Even the Jordan River itself, with water taken from it by the Lebanese and Israelis before it even enters Jordan, is almost stagnant, and contributes little. Scientists say that, if something is not done soon … they suggested building a canal from the Red Sea … the Dead Sea will be completely dried up in about 50 years.

As children, my brother and I always looked forward to our summer holidays when we would be visiting some unknown part of India with our parents and spent glorious days frolicking and exploring a place. The memories of these visits today come in flashes and almost always revolve around particular incidents rather than the whole trip and the sightseeing. Like what I remember of Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations of India is not the hills or picturesque locations, but a toothbrush (a childhood treasure) bought from the town Mall that could be detached, kept in a box and joined together again to be used for brushing. I also faintly remember looking from a roadside telescope towards the peak of a hill that on keen observation looked just like a seated camel. It is only now that I know that the rock is still there and indeed known as camel rock, one of the hotspots of Mussoorie.

Courtesy crowGraphy via Flickr

Mussoorie was discovered like many other hill stations of India, by British Army personnel named Captain Young in 1820. With the hues of blue and white decking the entire region, clouds, trees, mountains and waterfalls etched like a perfectly painted picture, the small hill town was fondly known to be called as the Queen of the hills and soon became a much sorted summer destination for British officials and later also for Indians. The town was home to Sir George Everest too, the first surveyor general of India and the man who gave his name to Mount Everest. His home, Everest House is still here and can be visited.

Mussoorie lies 35 Km north of Dehradun, the provisional capital of Uttaranchal and a gateway to the Garhwal Hills. Perched on a horse-shoe shaped ridge above the Doon valley, the life in this small town centres around the Mall, the main street decked with eating joints, shops, and interesting buildings, some of the Raj era. Many fascinating items are up for grabs in the array of small shops in the Mall but what is a real bargain here, is the varied range of woollens made by the Tibetan community living in the region and working wonders on yarns for centuries.

While street shopping has its charm, the real glory of Mussoorie can be felt when you take time to wander off towards the hills. There is a ropeway from the Mall to Gun Hill, a hill called so because of the gun that was perched on the peak and fired blank exactly at mid-day to help people adjust their watches. This pre-Independence practice has now ceased however the hill still succeeds to fire-up exhilarating emotions when on a clear day it blesses mankind with heavenly view of the greater Himalayan peaks of Nandadevi, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Kempty falls, Courtesy bijoy mohan via Flickr

Where there are the hills, there are also the waterfalls, and true enough Mussoorie has its share of gurgling water cascading down the twists and turns of the mountain paths and creating magical rhapsodies on the way. The refreshingly cold water of most of this falls, like the Kempty falls lying 12 km northwest of town, the Jharipani falls or the Bhatta falls on the Mussoorie-Deradun road, gives every visitor a chance to feel the magic of the mountains, soothing the body, mind and soul.

Mussoorie is best visited in summer months from April to June, but September till November is also a good time when the view of the Himalayan ranges is particularly awe-inspiring. Uttaranchal as a state is known to be blessed with natural beauty all around. For hikers, lovers of adventure sports, trekkers, and nature-lovers, the whole area is like a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Budget travellers and those who can travel the world with a rucksack are particularly in for a delight with the warm smiles and cool breezes giving you company all the way. Just keep your camera handy and breath-in every fraction of this picture perfect setting.

ZigZag Railway, near Lithgow, NSW

Although the trains of the ZigZag Railway, in Australia’s Blue Mountains will fascinate an enthusiast, even someone who has no interest in the machinery would admire the engineering skill that went into a line designed to overcome a serious obstacle.

The whole purpose of a railway is to reduce the friction of the wheels, to enable a heavier load to be carried for the same amount of power. That lack of friction works against the train if it has a steep slope to climb or descend. The usual way is to tunnel through the hill, avoiding the slope altogether.

'City of Lithgow' at Clarence

This, though, is very expensive, and, when they built the railway westward from Sydney in the 1860s, Engineer-in-Chief John Whitton did not have the money available to him. So, he decided to climb and descend the mountains by way of zig zags.

If you’ve ever tried to climb a hill on foot, on a bicycle or in a car, you’ll know that the easiest way up or down isn’t a direct route. It’s best to approach at an angle, and you’ll probably need to reverse direction at least once. You may have noticed that many mountain paths and roads form zig zags, usually, with a tight turn to be made at each angle.

So, when the railway reached the mountains in 1866, it needed to climb to a height of over 3000 feet. They did this by means of the Lapstone Zig Zag. This needed very little work, apart from laying the trackbed and the rails, and has now completely disappeared. But, to descend the mountains on the other side, at Clarence, much more work had to be done.

Over the next three years, the Lithgow Zig Zag was built, but, instead of just laying the track, as they had at Lapstone, they had to build bridges and short tunnels as well as the zig zag arrangement.

Clarence Station

Trains would descend down a gentle diagonal slope to a station called Top Points, where the engine would be unhitched. It would ‘run around’ to the front of the train, couple up again, then set the points to proceed further down the slope, but in the opposite direction, to Bottom Points Station. Here, the engine would ‘run around’ again, before proceeding on its way to Lithgow.

By 1907, however, traffic on the railway had increased so much that the laborious procedure on the two zigzags was causing unacceptable delays, so tunnels through the mountains were proposed to replace it. The ‘Ten Tunnels’, as they’re known, were completed in 1910; Clarence was by-passed and the Zig Zag Railway fell into disuse. The trackbed was used as a walking trail for the next 65 years.

It wasn’t until 1975 that a group of enthusiasts thought that such a fine feat of engineering ought to be preserved, and used for the purpose for which it was intended. So, it was decided to rebuild the railway, using largely volunteer labour. But, probably for reasons of economy, they laid the track to the 3’6″ (‘Country Railway’) gauge, rather than the original ‘Standard’ 4’8½”. Since this gauge was rarely, if ever, used in New South Wales, it meant that locomotives and carriages had to come from Queensland and South Australia, where it was more common.

Even now, the railway is run by the ZigZag Railway Co-operative. This, with the exception of a very few salaried employees, is a consortium of volunteer enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation of this historic formation, and the skills associated with the operation of steam trains and other veteran carriages and wagons on it.

Diesel Railcar at Clarence

On week-days, or on days of serious fire risk, they usually use a diesel railcar for the trip. It’s an old train; a vintage, metallic-finished diesel, but, on a Wednesday, or a week-end or holiday, there’s usually a steam engine running.

The coaches came from the Queensland Railway, although there are older coaches from the South Australian Railway in a siding. One of the engines is a beautifully preserved, ex-Queensland Railways unit built by Walker’s Limited, of Maryborough, Qld., in 1956.

'City of Lithgow' at Top Points Station

The round trip takes about 45 minutes, and if it’s a steam train, the engine will ‘run around’ at the Top Points and Bottom Points stations; passengers are welcome to leave the train at these times for photography, or just to stretch their legs. If you’re lucky, and can come when two trains are running, you can photograph the other train, too … preferably, as it toils up the hill. A diesel, however, doesn’t have to ‘run around’ when it changes direction; the driver merely takes up his position at the other end of the train.

At the Bottom Points Station, it’s only a short walk to the platform of the Sydney-Lithgow railway. If you’re going back to Sydney, the line will pass through the tunnels which replaced the ZigZag Railway.

If you’re going the other way, the line goes beyond Lithgow … and will, eventually, on its way to distant Perth, reach the Nullarbor Plain, and the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. Truly, a complete contrast to the zigzags!

Vintage Carriage

At the start of the sixteenth century, India was invaded by a man named Babur who overthrew the Sultan of the day and proclaimed himself to be the ‘Emperor of India’. He eventually did manage to invade and bring a vast territory of India under his rule and thus began the great tryst of Mughals with India.

But even among the Mughals there was one emperor whose approach to governance, broad mindedness, acceptance of different religions and his intelligence not just made him a beloved king among his people but a visionary who is still respected for his great forsights. He was Mughal Emperor Mohd. Jalaluddin Akbar.

Akbar brought many changes in his lifetime, like strengthening Hindu and Muslim ties, introducing a modern system of an army owing allegiance to the state, creating a new religion that was an amalgamation of many, and also creating the first planned city of the Mughals known as Fatehpur Sikri, now also a World Heritage Site.

Sikri by Jorge Bassy- 2KPhoto.com via Flickr

Sikri

It is said that there was a Sufi saint named Salim Chisti who lived at a place called Sikri in the Vindhya mountain ranges about 26 miles from Agra. Akbar made a pilgrimage to this saint and was blessed with a son Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) and so as a token of his reverence to the saint he dreamt of building a city at Sikri that he named Fatehabad.

The new capital thus began taking shape with a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. In 1585 the construction was complete giving shape to an Emperor’s dream and one of the most enchanting works of architecture done in India.

What to see

For those visiting Agra to have a look at another Mughal masterpiece the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri will be a sharp contrast to the white marble monument as the later is predominantly made of red sand stone. Although time and weather have had there chance to ruin the splendor of the place, what remains is still remarkable and that is sensed even as you just see a glimpse of the city from a distance.

With plenty of time, a local guide and a thirst to relive the golden days of Indian history, tread on to witness one outstanding monument after another some of which are as follows,

Buland Darwaza

 Literally translated as the Mighty Door, this gate erected in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan is regarded as one of the biggest and grandest gateways of the world. The 13 meter flights of steps to the gate only add to its grandeur.

Jami Masjid

One of the largest mosque in India, it has a central courtyard, a hall and also tomb of royal ladies.

jami masjid by amanderson2 via Flickr

Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti

It is the place of worship where the emperor himself went in need of a son. Saint Salim Chisti’s dargah is still frequented by many looking for a blessing or answers to their problems. The beautiful lattice work done on the dargah is eye-catching.

Dargah by paul-simpson.org via Flickr

Anup Talao

A square water body that has pathways leading to the central platform. It is believed to be used for artistic performances as well as casual game or chat session for the Emperors and his Queens.

Turkish Sultana’s house

At the corner of the pool is this pavilion with beautiful carving adorning the ceiling.

Daulat Khan-i-Khas

It is the private chambers of the emperor himself. The structure is two storied with library and common room in the ground floor and royal bed chamber in the upper floor. This chamber has been connected well with all the queens’ chambers through corridors.

Palace of Jodha Bai

Known to be Akbar’s favorite queen, the palace of Queen Jodha Bai is the largest monument as well as the most lavish.  It has a 9 meter guarded gate to the east and also secure high walls.

Sunehra Makan

The golden house as it is called was palace of Queen Mariam-Uz-Zamani. The palace I called so because of the heavily ordained golden murals all across the palace. It also has inscription of verses written by Akbar’s brother Faizi.

Panch Mahal

It is one of the most beautifully crafted monument of Fatehpur Sikri. A five storied structure with each upper floor smaller than the one below giving a tower like appearance. The single dome kiosk at the top gives a magnificent view of the city.

Panch Mahal by paul-simpson.org via Flickr

When in Agra it is a must to reserve half a day visiting this intelligently planned city of an emperor. It was only for 13 years that the royalties lived in this city, before moving back to Agra because of water scarcity. But what remains here to this day is helping breathe life into past people and history even today.

In India it is still fairly simple to leave urbanization behind and reach a place where the only things you run into are lush green meadows, wild flowers and quaint hill tops. These destinations are not what you will find in tourist maps, but what the path going out of a crowded city will automatically lead you to.

Saswad near the city of Pune in Maharashtra is one such destination. Hidden amidst the effervescent Sahyadri mountain ranges, the place is a jewel of an abode for someone who weighs far more importance to nature than nightlife. If you are living in Pune and desperately in need of a break or if you are a traveler dying to see the India of the small towns and villages, Saswad is a good place to begin.

Flickr photo by Swami Stream

This fledgling town has as much natural beauty as history hidden inside the walls of long forgotten fortresses and temples. In fact it has given to India many of its eminent saints, leaders and authors. Saswad was also once the epicenter of many activities of one of the greatest Maratha rulers- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Things to See and Do

The exploration of Saswad can begin right for the foot hills of the mountain one has to climb to reach the town. The valley is known as Dive ghat and has a beautiful lake call Mastani Lake built by Maratha ruler Bajirao Peshwa for lady Mastani.  As you climb along the serpentine path cut through the mountain, the view becomes ever more mesmerizing and trekking is most certainly a viable option here.

Saswad looks particularly heavenly during the monsoons and if that is the time you opt to visit, the gurgling sounds of seasonal waterfalls, cascading from every crevice down the mountain will only add to the adventure. Some of these falls are at a distance, but most are easily approachable and irresistible when all you wish to do is splash around in the cool natural springs.

Once you reach the plateau, it has its share of roadside eateries, mountain caverns turned into temples, and scattered villages, but what you see most are green pastures, fields and acres and acres of land with freshly grown figs, custard apples and sapodilla. Women and men sitting at the roadside shacks are more than eager to part with these delicious, freshly picked fruits at an easily bargained price. But be sure to buy ample as once you have tasted them you will definitely want to have some more.

One of the first historical monuments that comes into picture as you approach the town is Fort Jadhavgarh, a 300 year old fort that has been recently renovated and converted to a hotel. If you have the time and the money to spent, it is a fantastic experience in itself, with also a museum attached with the hotel.

The town itself looks sleepy, and laid back with just one main market place and fewer eating places, but as you dig deeper into the small lanes, another fort wall shows its existence. It is actually the Purandar Wada, a dilapidated structure today, but considered to be Maharashtra’s oldest standing structure of the era when Peshwas rules the kingdom. It was the residence of a minister in Peshwa’s court named Ambaji Purandare most probably in the year 1710.        

The road to Saswad and beyond is also a major pilgrimage route. There are ample temples and shrines spread within the town limits and also further at places known as Narayanpur, Jejuri, Pandharpur, Morgaon and Bhuleshwar.

Sacred Nandi Bull at Sangameshwar Temple

A temple worth a visit in Saswad more so for its historical significance rather than the religious one, is the Sangameshwar temple at the confluence of two rivers Karhe and Chambli. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be built during the Yadav era what is particularly interesting about the temple is the huge Nandi Bull adorning the path leading to the sanctum sanctorum and looking majestic in every way. During monsoons, when the rivers are overflowing, the view of the ancient temple and the water bodies is breathtaking.

A short distance from Saswad at a place called ketkawale is also a temple dedicated to Lord Balaji, which is a magnificent replica of the world famous Tirupati Balaji temple.

View from malhargad fort, Flickr photo by DraconianRain

For historians, the area is flooding with information on India’s great past. The forts of Malhargad, Vajragad, Rajgad and Torana are all located at a yawning distance from the town. Maratha Rulers were known for their ace gorilla warfare skills and the knack to built forts that lie hidden behind the great Sahyadri Mountains. There are many instances in history when the mighty Mughals attempted to scale and conquer these forts but failed. One look at the way the forts stand today is enough to realize the immense difficulty the Mughals must have faced and the brilliant architectural knowledge the people living in those era had.   

You can have an impromptu picnic at any of the many meadows you see here, or you can live for a few moments like a king in the heritage hotel in the vicinity. You can forget frozen foods and taste the goodness of farm fresh fruits for a change or you can even get yourself invited to the small huts of villagers living in the area with a big smile and even bigger hearts. You can walk, ride a bike or climb a mountain. You can even ride a wild horse grazing happily somewhere around if that is what you feel like doing.

What you can experience best in a place like Saswad, is an India untarnished, unpolished and unspoiled by commercialization. Spend a day just exploring and accepting the place as it is, and you will have seen a part of India, not shown in any guide books.

Good weather while traveling is like the precursor of all good things to come. When the sun is shining gently and the breeze is soft and cool, even the uninteresting start looking like the perfect setting for a photographic pause or simply a moment to introspect.

In India, the weather is hot almost all through the year and although a well versed tourist is ably prepared to deal with the extra hard sunshine, with lots of sun-screen lotion, hats, sunglasses and loose clothing, you might also want to double check and avoid the scorching summer months, before you embark on the journey to this land.

With India, another important reason to be extra cautious about the weather is because of the visible dissimilarity of the whole thing. Being such a dramatic combination of different topographies, the same month and the same season may look and feel quite different, depending on your choice of destination.

Here is a rough guide of the weather scenario in India and the best time to visit the different regions of the country.

The Weather

India is primarily a country of three seasons, summer, rains and winter broken by short spells of spring and autumn.

The summer temperatures in the month of April-June across the country can go as high as 47-48 degree Celsius though the northern parts like Kashmir are still blessed with cool climates. Winter months from October to February are cooler and pleasant and many trip advisors do suggest traveling during these months, to avoid extreme heat, humidity, sudden rain spells, and sunburns. Winter is also the time for many major festivals and therefore a good time to see the country in all its colorful glory.

North

Mountain Region, including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The states have short spells of summer but prolonged winters that are cold and dry. The lowest temperatures are recorded in the Himalayan belt averaging below 7 degree Celsius.

Dal Lake, Kashmir. Courtesy Tony George via Flickr

North-East

Himalaya Region including Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Cold, humid winter with short and pleasant summer months. The states are still worth a visit any time of the year except rainy months from June to September.

Rain. Courtesy judepics via Flickr

Northern and North-Eastern Plains

This area includes states like Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, and part of Assam and Sikkim and other north-eastern states. Also parts of central states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh.

The states broadly coming under humid subtropical category, experience very hot summers, followed by heavy rainfall and dry winters.

Hill-stations located in these states can be visited in summer months. Other destinations make good winter vacations.

West

Rajasthan and Gujarat are the major states of the region with low rainfall, and extremes of temperature in summers and winters. Months from September till March are good for traveling to these destinations especially if you are interested in the desert safaris.

Sun 'n' Sand, Rajasthan. Courtesy ManojVasanth via Flickr

South, South-West, South-East

The states in this area experience tropical Savannah climates with long, dry seasons, high summer temperature and mild winters. Coastal areas are mostly humid in summers and extremely humid in rainy season.  The eastern coast receives winter rainfall from the receding Southwest monsoon.

This area includes states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Again summer is avoidable, as is the monsoons.

Weather Enduring Tips

• To prevent dehydration drink plenty of fluids.
• Add an extra pinch of salt to the food.
• Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.
• Use hats, sunglasses, sunscreens profusely.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothing.
• Prefer wearing sandals over covered shoes.

For most tourists, Goa in India is the place where you can forget time for a while. Here things move in their own sweet pace without the hassles of a fast edged life and the need to do ten things at a time. It is an ideal location for the counter therapy needed by work obsessed individuals. A land where you can just laze around, relax and keep laptops & planners at bay while enjoying a dip in the sea and the fiesta on land.

Recline and Relax, courtesy diametrik via Flickr

Although every single shore of the Arabian Sea touching the Goan landscape is mesmerizing, there are a few beaches that seem like the crowning glory of this spectacular destination.

One among them is the Calangute Beach in North Goa.

The Beach

Calangute beach is just 15 Km away from the state capital Panajim and that makes it very easy to locate and reach. With narrow roads and coconut trees lining the path, a rented two-wheeler seems like the most preferred choice to move around while you also take in the beauty of the land.

As you reach closer and closer to the beach, two things catch your attention. The strong smell of wet shores alluring you towards the sea and the countless shops lining the street sides selling everything from trinkets, toys, books, bells, hats, grocery to the obvious beach wear.

Street Vendors, courtesy Paul Mannix via Flickr

Nearer the shores, are endless shacks smelling of sea-food and busy preparing some of the most mouth-watering preparations of sharks, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, mussels and other catch-of-the-day.

It isn’t easy to leave all those temptations behind, but not difficult either once you have seen the sea. Calangute is like one large stretch of uninterrupted, heavenly piece of land where the sea loves to dance around like a flamboyant flamenco dancer.

Once you are here, the feet automatically choose the shortest distance towards the water leaving footprints on the golden sand and finally letting the saline water engulf you with open arms.

Coastline, courtesy diametrik via Flickr

The complete stretch is safe and filled with everything a beach essentially means. Frolicking families, aroma of sea food wafting from the shacks, eager hands building sand castles, colorful crowds, beach umbrellas, and also hippies scattered here and there, who actually discovered this beach in the 60s and made it so popular around the world.

What to do

Along with the sun, sand and the sea to your disposal, Calangute also offers adventure sports like parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing. The seafood is well accompanied by local liquor made of cashew nuts called the feni. And during the afternoons, when the sun is a little hard to bear, you can always indulge in endless street shopping at the Tibetan market, Saturday bazaars or other street shops.

Up, up and Away, courtesy $holaydevil via Flickr

When to visit

The period from June to October brings heavy rains in Goa and therefore is avoidable. Anytime after October till February is good time to visit. March to May is good too if you do not mind the sunny summer.

Sunset, courtesy diametrik via Flickr

The followers of Sikh religion make a beeline to Amritsar, India all through the year, to a place which is considered the most sacrosanct abode of worship in their community. This place is Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple and one of the most ordained temples of the world.

The Golden Temple. Courtesy travelmeasia via Flickr

History of the golden temple

It is said that the fourth guru or spiritual guide of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das excavated a tank in 1577 which was called as Amritsar (Pool of nectar of immortality). Eventually people inhabited the surrounding area and a town started taking shape.

The fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev planned to build a temple in the area as he felt a need for a central place of worship for the followers of Sikh religion. It is then that the foundation of the temple was laid by the Sufi Saint Mia Mir in December 1588 and by 1604 Harmandir Sahib was built in the middle of the lake.

At a time in India when Hinduism and Islam were the major religions followed by most people, the building of this temple played a significant role in strengthening the roots of Sikh religion and unifying the community.

It was Guru Arjan Dev’s plan to keep the temple doors open for all sections of the society devoid of any religious differences. That is why he ordered the temple to have four entry points instead of one. Also unlike a Hindu temple where the lord is placed in the highest pedestal, here the temple was built in a lower level and inside was kept Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest literature of the community and considered the 11^th and eternal guru of the Sikhs.

Later on, the temple suffered attacks by men of Ahmed Shah Abdali and was substantially rebuilt in 1760s. But it was the great donations of wealth and material made by the revered king of Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh that gave the Golden temple its rich architecture and opulence. The golden plates which cover the exterior of the temple’s upper floor and domes, as well as its exquisite marblework was done under his patronage.

Architecture

Courtesy txd via Flickr

The golden temple is an exquisite example of synergistic blending of the Hindu and Muslim architectural style. It is built on a square platform in the centre of the pool, with heavily ordained doors each in the East, West, South and North directions. There is a causeway from the main entrance that leads to the temple. The other end of this bridge is connected to the pradakshina path or the circumambulatory path that allows devotees to move all around the temple.

The main structure is a three storied building on top of which is a low fluted dome having lotus petal motif at the base.

What to see

For a first time visitor, the Golden temple can easily become a quick lesson in the history of Sikh religion along with the spiritual experience. The premises has many shrines in memory of past Sikh gurus, heroes and martyrs and also a museum teaching the values of the religion and giving a glimpse of its past.

Walls in the premises are adorned with memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and include commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars.

There is no discrimination aganst any caste in these sacred grounds but it is ensured that a visitor does not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or use other non prescription drugs while in the shrine.

Community Service. Courtesy travelmeasia via Flickr

What is a practice in any gurudwara or temple of the Sikhs in the world and quite a sight in the Golden Temple is the langar or the community meal that is organized everyday here. It is one of the most organized community services that even a first time visitor can be a part of. The meal is prepared by the devotees as well as served by them. And any person can come and have this meal in the divine grounds.

Best time to visit

Amritsar is in the state of Punjab, known for its lush green fields and jubilant people. Winter months are best to visit from October to March, although any time of the year, Golden Temple has its door open for all.