Visit to Rock-cut-temples of Elephanta Caves

A day long excursion to the Elephanta Caves located on an island hill about 10 km from Mumbai in Arabian Sea was one of my memorable experience amongst many during Mumbai visit. We left early morning hiring a cab for The Gateway of India. Standing on banks of the vast Arabian Sea, this giant structure was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary on 2nd Dec 1911. The Structure was a combination of  Hindu and Muslim architectural styles:  the arch of Muslim style & the decorations of Hindu style. Near Gateway of India stood another magnificent building "The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel". A hotel that served as host to several big names of the world & that witnessed fearful terror attacks in 2008 stood firmly as if signifying Good always overcomes evil. As soon as we entered the campus of Gateway of India we were surrounded by people booking tickets for ferry ride to The Elephanta Caves. We booked our tickets costing Rs 150 per head for to and fro journey to the cave islands containing the rock cut temples that dated back from 2nd Century BC to 12th Century BC .

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel & Gateway of India

All the ferries were double- deckers with proper sitting arrangements in both. We chose the top deck which provided unrestricted view owning to properly lined chairs along the periphery. After all fellow passengers boarded our journey over Arabian Sea began. The city of Mumbai gradually diminished in size & finally was out of view. While sailing towards our destination we saw Navy fleets, ships, sea birds.. My camera clicked all its way and then after almost an hour journey an island came in view.

At Elephanta Island the ferry stopped at the end of a long pier. It doesn’t take much time to walk to the stairs leading up to the caves, but Maharashtra tourism runs a miniature train to cover this distance. We boarded this train that had cost us Rs 10 each (pretty less fare compared to the time & energy it saved.) . The train left us near the stairs that led to the Caves. Though I didn't count the number of stairs it must have been well over 100. For aged people who couldn't climb there was facility of palanquin service..wooden chair tied with two bamboo stick. We preferred to walk, on either side of the staircase were locals selling souvenirs, guidebooks, berries & fruits. As our climb was interrupted by sessions of Seeing , bargaining, purchasing presents we didn't realize the height we had climbed until we reached the top and the ferry ghat looked palm size.

The cave comprised of five rock-cut excavations of which three were rock cut temples.  Cave -1 (the main cave) ,dedicated to Lord Shiva was the main attraction and it dated to mid 7th century AD.  It consisted of a pillared hall with a small shrine & four entrance doors flanked by guardians.  While the massive but graceful figures of divinities, guardians & certain architectural features such as square pillar with cushion capitals suggested Chalukya influence, the depiction of mountains and clouds  plus hairstyle of women suggested Gupta influence in Art. The figure of Lord Shiva in central panel of the back wall signified all three parts of Lord- creator,destroyer & protector.  The carvings on the cave walls were true masterpiece and left me in awe.  We hired a guide who explained stories behind different carvings and guided us from one cave to the other.

Carvings on the cave walls

 

Caves on the Elephanta Island

We spent a great time amidst these old carvings getting awed by their beauty. It was past noon when we finished exploring each cave and started our return journey. When we reached the base of staircase we realized we were extremely hungry. All the while we were so lost in the beauty of the caves that we were not aware of the time we had spent! At the base we quenched our hunger at a restaurant & then waited in queue for the miniature train to take us back to the ferry ghat. During the return journey we sat at the lower floor of double decker ferry as the top was already full.. It was almost evening and the water sparkled as sun's rays fell over it... Everything looked so beautiful coz my heart was satisfied with a beautiful day spent in completely different way exploring the unknown !!!

Heaven on earth...Nainital

The joy of visiting places and getting to know the unknown is the best feeling one can have. I have been to many hill stations and comparing any one with the other will be doing injustice with Nature. I was blessed to be able to spend a few days in Nainital & being my Birthday gift the trip meant a lot more than any other. 

On route to Nainital

We got down by train at Kathgodam Railway Station and hired a cab for Nainital. Cabs, shared taxis and buses are easily available on this route. It was early morning when we began our journey towards Nainital. With each curve of road sun's rays played games over the mountains sometimes giving shade to one peak at other times lightening it up. Also along the road there were small waterfalls adding surprise elements to the forward journey. 

Waterfall on route to Nainital

Witnessing sun's game & experiencing the surprise elements we reached Nainital. We booked room having lake view in Hotel on Mall road, got freshened up & soon were ready for making memories in this beautiful hill station. The view of Naini lake, with mountains surrounding from all sides and clouds kissing the surface of water with its movement was magical. It drew us like a mgnet & hence our first spot was automatically fixed. 






We strolled through the narrow pavement bordering the lake and reached the place for booking boats. Boating on the magnificent lake at a height of 6,837 ft above sea level was awesome. We were accompanied by a localite who kept giving us several information about Nainital. According to him Nainital city got its name from this lake, the northern end of the lake is called Mallital, while the southern one is called Tallital.. Hypnotized by the beauty of Nature & his stories we spent a good time in the lake.

After the cool boating experience we hired a cab for sightseeing. Our 1st point was Naina Peak, the highest point around, 2615 mts above sea level. This is also known as China peak / Cheena peak.  From here I got the bird's eye view of the mango shaped Naina lake that I had sailed on few minutes before and the city of Nainital surrounding it. The road to Naina Peak had forest of vibrant rhododendrons, soaring deodars and cypresses. After capturing the beauties via camera we moved on with our journey.

After traveling few minutes we reached the Himalaya Darshan View point ,nestled at a height of about (2300 MT) from this spot we got a glimpse of mighty Himalayan ranges and valley view of lower forested ridges. The view was eye soothing, here there were facilities of viewing different peaks by telescopes & binoculars. Luckily when we went the sky wasn't cloudy & we got a clear view of all the peaks.

Sadiatal cascade, on Kaladungi-Nainital national highway was our next place of visit. Nearby area also had Himalayan Botanical Garden containing rare medicine plants, ferns, butterfly park & aquatic garden.  The water of the cascade was icy cold. We had some snacks and tea from stalls near the cascade and went on with our journey




Our next spot was Echo cave garden, located at Sukhtal, its was a natural park containing inter-connected rocky caves and hanging gardens. The walk through the narrow path cut from rocks, crawling inside the caves , sitting beside the muscial fountain and witnessing the rare flowers maked the visit to this park exciting & informative. 

From here we went to St. John in the Wilderness,  a tranquil place located in Mallital.  According to the facts, this church was established in the year 1844. Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta, came here to establish the foundation stone of the church. During his visit, he fell ill and had to stay in an unfinished house close to the forest. Therefore, the church came to be known as the St. John in the Wilderness. The church serves as a memorial for the victims of the landslide of 1880 and has a brass plaque, where the victim's names are written.


After spending some time there our cab driver brought us back to where we had started our journey - Mall road. On either side of the street were small stalls, shops, peddlers selling different items.  If you are in Nainital then you should buy candles for you will find infinite variety of candles here. We strolled our way through Mall road buying some gifts for close ones until we reached Naina devi temple

Considered as one of the 'Shakti Peeths' and a significant religious site, the Naina Devi Temple is one of the most important places of worship in Nainital. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at the same spot where this temple is built, hence the name Naina Devi. Inside the temple complex, there was a huge Peepal tree that seemed like sheltering the visitors. Across the Peepal tree was an idol of Lord Hanuman. Within the inner sanctumwere sculpted figures of three deities; in the centre are two netras (eyes) that represent Naina Devi, to the left is Mata Kali Devi and to the right, Lord Ganesha. We offered our prayers to MA shakti here.  Prasaad and other requisites for offering prayer was easily available at the entrance. The temple located just beside the vast naini lake with mountains surrounding gave me goosebumps. One can spend hours sitting in its campus which is so serene.

Mall road leading to Naina devi temple

 After spending a good time in the temple campus we strolled back towards our hotel .On way back we stopped at two churches - St. Francis Catholic Church also known as Lake Church & Methodist church. At evening after sunset the view of Naini lake with lights lit all around in the mountain gave a mesmerizing view. Although we could have had food at our hotel I preferred going out for dinner. The Mall road was busy with tourist trying to pick the gifts of there choice at the lowest rate. We climbed few stairs to reach Machan restuarant. My Dad had arranged for a birthday cake with a pretty candle on it.. Cutting cake at around 2084 mts above sea level experiencing beauty of Nature was bliss... This is one birthday I will cherish forever !!!!

Scotland of East.. Shillong

Shillong, one of the smallest states in India and home to the Khasis, is widely known as "Scotland of the East". Situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet this town surrounded by the rolling hills around reminded the European settlers of Scotland & hence the name. I experienced the beauty of this place few days back. My jouney towards this beautiful hill station began in morning from Paltan Bazaar at Guwahati. After almost half an hour of driving on plains the twisted roads began . I personally enjoy ride through these curves because with each turn a new view comes alive. We halted at Nangpoh for tea, while my family got busy with refreshments me & my camera got busy clicking..

On route to Shillong

The curves increased with time and so did beauty of surrounding landscape. After almost a journey of 2 hours 30mins we reached our first spot "Umium Lake" , a reservoir located in the hills 15 km to the North of Shillong. Barapani, as localites call this lake is vast surrounded by hill from all sides. Spending some time here we moved forward towards Shillong town.

Umium Lake

In Shillong we first went to Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong which covers the Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya. This church is built in place of Church of the Divine Saviour,  a Wooden church built in 1913 and destroyed by fire in 1936. Interesting architecture, peaceful surrounding & beautiful carvings inside the Church awed me.

Cathedral of Mary Help of Cristians

View from Top of Church

Next we went to Shillong Peak, the city derives its name from this Peak which is 1965 mts above sea level. Being the highest point in Meghalaya we got a bird's eye view of entire Shillong town. There's provision to view different Shillong points by telescope from here. As located inside the Air force camp permission was needed to visit this spot, getting the permission isn't difficult it can be easily obtained at the entry gate of Air force camp near the peak.

View from Shillong Peak

From Shillong peak we next went to Elephant falls, this falls was originally called Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew by the Khasi people because the water falls into three step. The Britishers renamed the falls because there used to be a rock resembling an elephant near the left side of the main falls, it was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1897. In order to view the 2nd and 3rd fall we has to descend through many stairs (although i didn't count it must have been more than hundred) & cross bridge both built cutting rocks. At times the falls came very close & at other time it went far. The walk through the stairs was interesting as I came across many ferns & unique plants. 

1st fall

Bridge, stairs & 3rd fall 

Our next destination was Shillong Golf course. Apart from the scenic beauty it is one of the largest & one of the fewest natural Golf courses of Asia. Located on both sides of road, the Golf course had pine and rhododendron trees surrounding it. Perfect location for a good game of Golf in the lap of Nature.

Shillong Golf course

From Golf course we headed towards Don Bosco Museum, this seven-floor Museum situated at Mawlai, Shillong offered me an unforgettable experience of the Northeast by means of over 14 aesthetically pleasing and informative galleries. Their race, dress, food habit,  communication method, folk dance, weapons, musical instruments and lots more.. In fact it was like an encyclopedia of North east. Spent a good time there getting information & trying to understand North eastern culture. On the top floor in the Audio visual room I saw two documentaries one on folk dances and the 2nd a brief summary of Northeast India in form of a song.. it was lovely. After the audio Visual we went for the walk in Skyline. Here again I got the view of the beautiful Shillong town.

Shillong Town as viewed from Skyline over DonBosco Museum

Our final destination was Ward's Lake & Botanical Garden. Ward's lake is an artificial lake having chock-full of fish, ducks & swarms located at the heart of the city. Encircled by a winding walk-way and is inter spread with gently sloping flowerbeds, Lotus pond, musical fountain and innovative illumination this place is best suitable for having quite time holding loved one's hand. I found many couples sitting chatting & fun making here.

Lotus flowers at Ward's Lake

A great day spent in the beautiful hill station..Lots of places visited.. lots of memories made.. There is truly too much to explore all around the world all it needs is eagerness in eyes and passion in heart.. 

History revisited at Bandel

Visit to Bandel,a suburban area in Chinsurah-Mogra block in Chinsurah subdivision of Hooghly district in the West Bengal turned out to be my escape from regular boring routine life... Situated around 45km away from Howrah, Bandel can be easily reached by boarding a train of Howrah - Burdwan route and getting down at Bandel Junction.. So on one sunday in order to quench my thirst of exploring I visited Bandel..

This places houses 'The basilica of the Holy-Rosary' popularly known as the Bandel Church which dates back to 1599.  According to history the Portuguese establishment at Chinsurah called Australian Monks from Goa to build a Monastry & a church in 1599. The church was destroyed by Mughal Siege of Hooghly and four priests were killed. Fr. Joan da Cruz survived and with thousands of Christians was deported to Agra fort. They were condemned by Emporer Shah Jahan to die at the mercy of ferrocious elephants . Surprisingly the elephant with his truck raised Fr. Joan da Cruz on his back and carrying him before Shah Jahan knelt before him as if pleading for mercy. The emporer impressed by this miracle set the prisoners free. Shah Jahan not only sent them back to Bandel but also gave them money and 777 bigha of land to reconstruct the church. 

Standing on Bank of River Ganges this church is amongst the oldest church in West Bengal, India. Magnificent Prayer hall, Corridors with several paintings, picturesque location & interesting architecture made the visit great. 

                                                                                 

From Bandel Church I went to Imambara, the structure was started in the year 1841 by Haji Mohammad Mahasin & completed in the year 1861.  Again situated at bank of Ganga , this two storied building consisted of a mosque, the walls of which were decorated by the texts from the Holy Koran, ranged rooms, lovely lanterns, a wide entrance of main gate flanked by two nos. of giant towers & a massive clock tower in between them, a beautiful fountain, beautiful zafri ,colourful glass on windows & a sun clock.  Here I experienced the beauty of Muslim architecture..

My next destination was Hansheshwari temple at Basberia. The structure of this temple was representation of Tantrik Satchakrabhed. I was awed by the distinctive architecture of this temple. It consistied of 13 minars or Ratnas, each built as a blooming lotus bud. The temple was built in the beginning of the 19th century. The main deity is the blue neem-wood idol of the four-armed goddess Hanseswari, a manifestation of Goddess Kali. The temple campus was extremely quite & serene. I offered my prayers in feet of Ma Hansheshwari.

In this same complex was Ananta Basudeb Temple, a temple of Lord Krishna. Built by Raja Rameswar Datta in 1679, this temple had exquisite terra cotta works on its walls. The temple was built in the traditional eka-ratna style, with curved cornices. The tower on top of the temple was octagonal. The terracota works depicted stories from the great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as from lilas of Krishna.

I felt too young amidst these old structures that have been surviving for so many years. After spending great time in Bandel I finally started my return journey . It was about 7 in evening. My camera must have totally enjoyed clicking all the way. Travelling is always blissful & a day filled with so many ancient place visit re-energized my senses... Till I make another journey to another place...