The constant traveler
Pictures, tales and insights from my 30 years travels to India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka
Thanjavur
Posted on April 20, 2017
People call it the “big temple” and the talk is of the probably grandest structure in South India, the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur. The top of the temple is adorned by a 70 ton rock and till date the speculation is on, on how this giant rock was brought up there more than 1000 years ago. The tenple is not s colorful as many other and that makes him sort of a change. Is the size that impresses and its simplicity. The temple feels like an oasis, just a wonderful place to see.
If you are in Thanjavur you have to make sure to visit one of the famous Veena makers. The Sarasvati, or Rudra Veena is a South Indian classical instrument that hasn’t changed much since the times of the vedas, almost 3000 years ago. Its a string instrument made from the wood of the jack fruit tree and it takes a craftsman several weeks to create one instrument. To visit these craftsmen is like visiting a museum, where literally thousands of years greet you in a still active environment.
The backwaters
Posted on August 27, 2015
The Backwaters
Lounging on a deck chair, moving gently, immersed in a rippling , scented silence. Can there be better ways to explore a new world than this? Once, these houseboats were barges, transporting rice along the large and intricate network of lakes and canals that cover the central part of the state of Kerala.
Around the expanse of Lake Vembanad, the backwaters of Kerala are a unique and fragile-ecosystem unlike any other in the world. Enveloping the port towns of Alleppey and Quilon on one end, they stretch like a patchwork quilt clear across the state, up to Calicut in the North. Some are no wider than an arm span, navigable only by canoe. Others are dual carriageways, deep and rippling, sometimes broadening out into vast misty lakes, sometimes curling into twisting worm turns, hemmed by paddy fields and fed by a thousand fat streams from the high ranges of the Spice Mountains to the East.
Experience Tip
To really enjoy the backwaters we suggest at least a 2 night stay on the house boat. Not only can you really get the feel of the cruise, but you will also be able to visit temples, churches and villages on the way, or take a leisurely stroll into the lush and green paddy fields. The boatmen will stop on the way to show you the various trades of the area, like Coconut Farms, Coir spinning and other typical small enterprises.
As an added benefit you will also leave the one night trails of most of the boats, which makes the experience calmer and richer.
For an undiluted and unforgettable experience, please have a look at: http://www.cghearth.com/spice-coast-cruises
Nyatapola temple, still standing tall
Posted on August 27, 2015
The Nyatapola Temple was built in 1702 A.D. under the rule of King Bhupatindra Malla. This beautifully sculptured building is considered one of the tallest pagodas in the country and is a lovely example of the immense workmanship that went into buildings of this type. This five-storey temple stands over thirty meters high can be reached by walking up a flight of steps that leads to the top of the platform. As you walk up these stairs you will notice that there are statues on either side of you, on every step.
The temple is dedicated to Durga, the destroyer of all evil.
Note: The temple was unaffected by the Earthquake in April 2015
Mystic Love
Posted on August 10, 2015
Love is when you give a piece of your soul you never knew you had it
Himalayan Stories – Light plays
Posted on June 6, 2015
The play of the sun rising over the horizon, painting the sky in a myriad of shades and colours remind me of you…..
SwaSwara, listening within
Posted on May 13, 2014
The inner voice of the Self. That echoes on a fabled beach, shaped like the very first sound of creation, Om. A perfect setting, for communion of mind and body. Crafted in colours of the Earth, in harmony with the land that nurtures her. Celebrating simplicity and purity, saluting local ethos and heritage. It is an invitation to journey into the Self, powered by yoga and meditation. Come, say hello to the song and celebration within you.
SwaSwara is an expression of the power of wellness in a space rich with healing energy. All the elements of nature embrace you here, resting and rejuvenating body and spirit.
Neither a spa nor an ashram, SwaSwara is a sanctuary for your ‘Prakruti’ or the innermost nature of an individual, that special blend of qualities that makes you unique. It is an introduction to a life plan that will reconstruct the mind and body, creating balance and harmony within. SwaSwara is managed by people who transform their own lives, while creating memorable holiday experiences for you. Journeying into the self is a maxim that we advocate. While you practise it when on holiday, we get to do it on the job.
Visit http://www.swaswara.com
