Happy Independence Day

Remember long freedom struggle behind this independence. 

The Romantic Love Flavour

Amazing heritage Jaray ka Math can be simply define as a story with the flavour of love and beauty written on stones in approx. 800 A.C. monument at BaruaSagar JHANSI is just 20 KM from Jhansi Railway Station.

No I am not a Tourist, I am a Traveler

As a well-traveled individual I love to see and experience beyond the norm and the obvious. Anything which is in its originally unique and authentic form excites me and anything which is specially modified to attract tourist and lacking its character is not excites me.

In most of the cases I primarily travel for business meetings and extend the motive to see and feel something which is unknown to me, something which is spatiality of that particular area no matter if it is famous or not.  

In my opinion travelling is easy and gives more opportunities to get happiness, one just need to check Wikipedia for city features detail else talk to the local peoples like your auto driver / rickshaw puller hotel staff or anyone which is comfortable to talk about their city. I had lots of good travelling experiences with this kind of discussion, like visited Somarama Shiv Temple in Bhimavaram Andhra Pradesh, Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur Kerala, meeting with Shri Dabral Baba in Ujjain Madhya Pradesh, tasted Specialty food of different places.

The main difference in traveler and tourist I guess tourist like to spend time doing what everyone commonly does. They visit the most common places, and eat what they love to eat and easily get even in their hometown. Travel in the most familiar vehicle and finally back to home with the experiences which they planned while planning the trip.

A Summer Morning

Combination of summer vacations and an important family function made lots of our relatives come to our home.  After 6 days long brothers wadding ceremony, we all were in mood to relax, but few people still floating with same energy. These young and energetic children were planning for a morning hike at Sipri Mountain and requested us organize the plan.

Because all these kids were excited so I instructed them for few other things to make my trek interesting and easier like to prepare sandwiches, carry drinking water and give me wakeup call on time etc.

Summer this year is extremely hot here in Jhansi, so we decided to hike in the early morning.  Our plan was to get to Khalsa College through Dhyanchand Statue at hill top.

We rose early and started at 5 AM to assure reaching to Dhyanchand Statue point before sun rise and also the trek would be completed while it was still cool. Just in few minutes we started hiking the most dedicated planner started fearing from height and hiking, after few minutes of encouragement situation came in control and all of us started walking to towards height.

After making everyone casual, things got easier and speed got faster. But till then we (Me and Abhyuday) understood that they are too immature to complete the trek. So we decided to return back from mid of the trek. 

Sipri Hills - Jhansi

Parichha Dam Jhansi ( A Beautiful Picnic Spot )

Jhansi is surrounded by many Dams the names of few are MataTila Dam, Sukma Dukma Dam, Parichha Dam, Pahunj Dam etc. 

Parichha is famous for several reasons but from tourism point of view it has a beautiful dam on river Betwaa and near by park and garden. There is a vast reservoir and brilliant place for water sports and swimming. You will find lots of groups and mostly school children coming here for picnic and boating. Parichha also has a thermal power unit at the same dam. This is situated around 30 KM from the City.

Photographs from the entries we received in Photography competition on World Heritage Day Event at Govt. Museum Jhansi on 18th-April-2014.

Photography by Atul Gaur.

Parichha Dam

Jarai-ka-Math Barua Sagar

Jarai-ka-Math is a beautiful temple dedicated to goddess Amba in Barua sagar, 20 K.M. from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Jarai-ka-Math was Built during the reign of the Pratiharas. The temple dates backs to approximately 860 AD, this red sandstone temple is a pancharata shrine of the Panchayatan type, in which the main temple is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the four corners. Declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1928, the temple is an excellent example of early Pratihara architecture.

The temple is a repercussion to the vigorous temple-building activity which became a characteristic feature of the Chandellas. The temple is dedicated to Devi (Amba or Durga) whose multifarious forms are represented in the profusely carved sculptures along the temple walls. The temple stands on elevated ground dominating its surroundings. The main image of the deity is missing from the sanctum sanctorum. Only the pedestal, and the jeweled right foot of a female placed on a lotus stalk, remains. This detail is traditionally associated with the goddess Tara or Mateswari. The placement of a miniature, sixteen-armed image of a goddess on the central lintel of the entrance further supports the conjecture that the temple is dedicated to a goddess. Erotic sculptures, akin to those at Khajuraho, also grace the Jarai-ka-Math.

Photographs from the entries we received in Photography competition on World Heritage Day Event at Govt. Museum Jhansi on 18th-April-2014.

Beautiful Jhansi

Palace of Rani Laxmi Bai

Explored old Buddhist and Hindu Temple at Deogarh Lalitpur

Explored group of temples in caves on the bank of river Betwa near Nahar Ghati Deogarh, Rock cut images of 

God Vishun and God Buddha. These temples are approx 1500 Years old. We can name this revealing history.

500 A.D. temples explored at Deogarh Lalitpur

500 A.D. temples explored at Deogarh Lalitpur

500 A.D. temples explored at Deogarh Lalitpur

500 A.D. temples explored at Deogarh Lalitpur

3 caves revealed with rock cut God Vishnu and God Buddha Images 

God Vishnu

Bank of River Betwa, Deogarh Lalitpur

Gautam Buddha Preaches in a rock cut image 

Buddha sitting on the lotus 

To know more about Deogarh Lalitpur, click here

Amazing BaruaSagar - Jhansi India

It’s been 2 months since we went on this fabulous trip, but I am pretty sure its memories are still fresh in the minds of both of us; We 2 people went together became good friends and hopefully will remain so.

In the month of February on a weekend break i decided to do a day trip to BaruaSagar which is a town 30 KM from Jhansi, known for its magnificent lake of the same name, which was formed about 260 years ago. BaruaSagar is a beautiful town with the numbers of historical monument from 860 AD to 1700 AD. I had put a post on GJAC wall that I am looking for if someone will join me for this trip and just in an hour time I received message from Amit that he would also like to join the same. So we discussed and finalized the plan and started accordingly @ 10 AM on one Sunday morning in February month.

It was a foggy day and there was huge fog at 10 AM also, I reached at Amit’s home and we started our journey at 10:30 A.M. to BaruaSagar He was driving the Bike and I was on the back seat. The killing cold breeze was whispering in our ears all the time. Its took 40 minutes to reach at BaruaSagar lake and the same fog or more was there also, complete 90 KM²  Lake covered by huge fog. We parked our bike at lake parking and started our trek from Lake Park and then reached on lake spent some time with scenic beauty of the lake, captured the same in Camera and had Tea & snacks which I brought from my home.

BaruaSagar Lake

After gratifying our eyes with the view and filling the fresh air in our lungs we walked towards the fort which is just at other side of the lake, we walked on the boundary wall of lake approx. half of the km or more, to the north east side of the lake at the boundary of the fort are ruins of 2 old chandela temples, architecture looks old and simple.  The older one Temple is known as Ghughua Math, this temple added one unexpected value in the trip.  We walked through the fort’s gate and seen the Owl brood sleeping on a tree.  

Ghughua Math Temple

The Fort is a historical monument, located at a great height and gives an excellent view of Barua Sagar Lake. It is situated on the top of a hill. Archaeological Survey of Uttar Praddesh had restored the fort. Picturesquely situated on an eminence, commands an excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape. For the next one and half hour we were just exploring the fort and saving the memories in camera. It was absolutely more than expectation experience.

View of Lake from Fort

Entrance of BaruaSagar Fort 

We both were busy in our activities and waken when Amit’s phone rang; it was a call from home asking how much time he will take to return back. Automatically everything started running in fast forward motion. In 10 minutes of time we were on bike in returning direction. Still I tried to convince Amit for 20 more minutes because Jarai kaa Math A temple dedicated to Goddess Amba excellent architecture of approx. 800 AD. Finally he got agree till reaching there. The temple is at the left side of the road while returning from BaruaSagar to Jhansi.

Jarai-ka-Math was built during the reign of the Pratiharas. The temple dates backs to approximately 860 AD, this red sandstone temple is a pancharata shrine of the Panchayatan type, in which the main temple is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the four corners. Declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1928,

Jarai-ka-Math

Jarai-ka-Math

Jarai-ka-Math Main Temple

The temple is an excellent example of early Pratihara architecture.  The temple is dedicated to ‘Devi Amba/Durga’ whose multifarious forms are represented in the profusely carved sculptures along the temple walls. Erotic sculptures, akin to those at Khajuraho, also grace the Jarai-ka-Math.

We reached home @ around 4 PM, with the awesome trip of 6 hours. As the saying “We don’t remember days, we remember moment”… moments are still in my mind. 

A Morning Walk - Narayan Bagh Jhansi

In the mid of march It is the best time for a morning walk because winters are moving out and summers are just knocking the doors. I got up early in the morning that day; started my bike. I reached Narayan Bagh and parked my vehicle on gate at 6:30 o’clock in the twilight. Just a minute’s walk inside I got a rough way on the left side of the walk way. I turned left and walked a bit till the dead-end found nothing interesting and came back on the main walkway clicked some photographs of park and raising sun light backside of trees.

walk way

Narayan Bagh

As the sun finally rose over the park, I returned back came out from the park and took my bike towards laxmi talab captured few pictures of old boundary wall on Laxmi Talab and returned back to Maha Laxmi Temple and Raja Gangadhar Rao tomb.

Laxmi Talab

The real spring weather at the mid of March is a perfect accompaniment for a morning tour of the Narayan Bagh & Laxmi Talab.

When I have done with ‘made my day’ kind of internal feeling achievement, I started my bike and turned towards Jhansi Shahar - the old city area and stopped at Dhappi Halwai’s shop, world famous in Jhansi ;-) for its Raita Samosa, tasted the traditional breakfast of Raita Samosa and Jalebi It is a must do activity for the people feel adventure in tasting street food.

Deogarh: an astonishing destination in Lalitpur Uttar Pradesh

The Indian State of Uttar Pradesh is blessed with historical and religious marvels, which make it a beautiful tourist destination.

This time I was looking to go to a place where I could spent the time in peace. I was not in mood to cover many places which needs much time.  The idea of this vacation was to relax and refresh. Deogarh has been on my list for quite a time and 2 days break was suitable for it.

Deogarh is a small village in the center of Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, The sanctuary is spread over the area of 5.4 sq kms and established in 1977. The main species found here are Nilgai, leopard, Sambhar and wild boar. Deogarh located about half hour’s drive from Lalitpur and 2 and half hour drive from Jhansi which is splendid entrance to the Bundelkhand, rendered well-known by the legendary Rani Laxmi Bai.

Deogarh is a heartening mix of forest beauty and devotional ambiance

After spending numerous hours of planning and search on internet, the itinerary was finalized. We planned to reach Deogarh from Delhi via Lalitpur. One can reach via Jhansi too but its closer to Lalitpur. We booked 2 rooms in Jain Dharmshala. Jain Dharmshala and UP tourism rest house are the only options available there to stay in Deogarh.

On the Travel-day, we reached Lalitpur in the morning @ 6:30, The Weather God was happy and it was drizzling that time. We took an auto from the railway station itself and set course to Deogarh . It took us 40 Minutes to reach the place.

The Jain Dharmshala:

The Dharmshala was located on the road in the mid of forest area. The location was perfect for the peaceful stay. It is 100 rooms Property and mostly empty at times. On those days only 4 of us were the guest there. I was just in love with the location and the ambience. 

Jain Dharmshala Campus

What made me choose Deogarh:

·         Offering good view of nature, wild life and best of class temple architecture from 5^th to 14^th A.C.

·         Away from crowd and peaceful place

·         Ecotourism and Exploration

The weather was cloudy in the morning and in the day time by the afternoon the sky became gray. After getting fresh and delicious morning breakfast of Aalu ka paratha & Tea at dharmshala, we decided to explore the village. We got all the information of the place by the manager of the dharmshala. We decided to have lunch at dharmshala because there are limited options.

A small village and forest with the 1500 years of historical treasure one can see all around and the light cool breeze was icing on the cake.  Mainly we visited Dashvatar Temple and Jain Temples at fort of Kanali.

We came back to the dharmshala at 2 PM had lunch and went to a small lake which is just 100 mtrs. Away, we spent the entire evening at the lake. The scenery, weather and calmness did not let us go back.

Places to see:

·         Dashavatar temple: fine Gupta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the earliest known Panchyatan temple in north India. The terraced basement above the high plinth is decorated with sculpted panels. The figures of Ganga and Yamuna adorn the carved doorway leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Three large carved panels along the side walls-the Gajendramoksha panel, the Nar Narayan Tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu-depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology. Only the lower portion remains of the spire, which was the most important part of the temple.

Sanctum Doorway

God Vishnu on the lintel

Gajendra-moksha

Penance of Nara and Narayana

Sheshashai Vishnu

Dashvatara Temple

·         Jain Temple: These 31 Jain temples are somewhat later in origin that the Vishnu temple, but are no less remarkable. They are situated inside the fort of Kanali on the hills overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain centre from the 6th to the 17th century. The temples abound in panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, votive pillars, votive tablets, Jain images visible from all sides and pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures.

Jain Temples Campus

Jain Temples Campus

Jain Temples Campus

·         Varah Temple

Varah Temple

Varah Temple

·         Raj Ghati & Nahar Ghati

·         View Point

·         Museum  

Deogarh, Lalitpur-UttarPradesh

Things to do

·         Early Morning & Evening Walk in the foreat

·         Roam around Deogarh

·         Boat ride at Betwa River

This is the place you love for its silence, peace greenery and clean air. The feel of going back home would never be there.

When you are visiting the Sanctuary please make sure that clothes or dress is in camouflage color which is khaki, green, etc. Do not make a loud noise which can disturb the lifestyle of the animals there. Do not Litter paper or throw leftover food in the forest. Proper precautions should be taken while doing photography which will not disturb the animals and birds there.