Golden City,Amritsar

Every year we go to northern India for vacation , our aim is to explore India. 
This time it was to Amristsar, A must see place in india,we preferred going by Shathabdi  from Delhi and enjoyed beautiful farm fields and sighte of punjab. Amritsar is  small city with narrow roads everywhere. We reached  Amristsar on  Guru Nank Jayanthi, Visited Jalian Walla bagh on the same day and next day morning  the Golden Temple , Bada Hanuman temple and evening to the Wagah Border.

Golden Temple, A must see temple in India. we spent hours in golden temple sitting by the lake on the sparkling clean floor,admiring the beautiful Golden Temple in front, enjoying the sight of golden fish being fed by the patrons.

Golden Temple

Did you ever sit down to eat with hundreds of other people simultaneously? It’s quite an experience.The world’s largest dining hall serves up daal, chapati and vegetables to tens of thousands of visitors every day, nearly 24-7

Lunkar at the temple

We visited lord Hanuman (Bada Hanuman) Temple,Amristsar. It is customary for couples who are bequeathed with a boy after receiving blessings of Lord Hanuman to offer their children as part of Langoor Sena (soldiers of Lord Hanuman)at the temple. One of the Main Attractions of this temple is the Langoor dance performed by the devotees.Snap from temple side.History is, "It was visited by Lord Rama himself".

This is the same place where Hanuman got the royal horse released from Luv and Kush. This temple has a great religious importance and it is said that, the 'Ashwamedha Yagam' was performed by Lord Rama here.

We had a lavish dinner of Dal Makhani, Chole and Paratha from Amritsar at Kesar da Dhaba  (one of the oldest dhaba in Amritsar). This single plate was more than enough for the two of us. 

 

Known for its famous food, the maze like streets of Amritsar is brimming with small eateries and Dhabas which use desi ghee for most of its dishes. The aroma of good food lingers in the air and is quite an experience.

Traditional Book Binding 

Street Foods

The Jallianwala Bagh was bounded on all sides by houses and buildings and had few narrow entrances, most of which were kept permanently locked.

Hotel had arranged a taxi  to Wagah boarder, and we were soon on my way towards the country’s border with Pakistan. The taxi driver drew my attention to the passing trucks from Pakistan carrying herbs, dry fruits, raw material for making cement, etc. Likewise, trucks from India were carrying foodstuff to Pakistan.

We were 1 km away from pakistan

Everyday, the Wagah Border ceremony attracts many tourists, both Indian and foreigners. A true feeling of patriotism hits you when the space echoes " "Hindustan Zindabad" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" non stop.

I noticed a group of Gujaratis performing garba along with Punjabis dancing on Bhangra music

Saw khalsa university too where many movies shot. 
The building reminded me of the movie " Veer Zara". :-) 

Rajvilas Jaipur

Oberoi Rajvilas,Jaipur, A 32 acre property has been designed in such a way that it soothens the mind and body. A worthy for the praise. This hotel was the reason for our Jaipur visit. As I entered the place I felt like a princess.we had a warm welcome along with a royal stay.

                                                    At the lobby

         Built around 18th century Shiva temple where guests can offer prayers.

 

The greenery with Ayurveda trees,lawns and and the walk path are perfect stay being away from busy life. It has purple jacaranda and Gulmohar trees surrounded with plants.

Interiors are appealing with wooden furniture's,wall paintings and antique wall hangings.It has huge brass door and yellow tiles placed on the sides of the path.

                                   The hotel recalls the days of Rajputs

                                   Pretty parrots,Morning alarms of the hotel                                     

        Peacock,parrots and other birds chirping woke me up in the morning.

Hotel has international fine dining space as well as Indian traditional cuisines with folk music.

Suryamahal Dining

South Indian Breakfast

Gazals during dining at night

                                        Rajvilas special Panipoori

Rajvilas has 3 types of luxurious rooms. kohinoor villa,luxury villa,royal tent and luxury tent.

Few pictures from the luxuary villa

Cozy corner in the room

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 Letter opener in a creative way 

          Good night message along with next day breakfast menu in advance :-)

Hotel has a herb garden and they uses herbs from there to the kitchen

Luxuary Tent along with traditional entrance

                                                         Mud Walls 

                               Beautiful hand paints on the Wall

Thank you my blogger friends for reading the article. Do visit the place. 
Its an "once in a lifetime experience".

A deep sensitivity to nature

I happened to drive through this place during our trip to Kottayam from Chennai recently. It's Batlagundu, 30 km from Theni and one and half hours from Kodaikanal.

Filled with green hilltops and mountains, coconut trees, cool breeze to complement the scenic beauty and overall a mesmerizing view everywhere. I have captured few clicks.

On the making of  cane craft items

Saw some cane small scale manufacturers and got to spend some time with one of them. Here  they manufacture and supply various cane products all over Tamilnadu. I purchased a cane laundry basket in reasonable price. 




Drop here when you pass this route.

(Images by Veena Murali and are copyrighted)

The Farm, Chennai

Though I have lived in Chennai for years and have heard about The Farm, Semmenchery, Chennai many a times but never got an opportunity to visit. We visited the place a few weeks back basically to allow our lil boy to spend some time amidst nature and farm animals. What surprised us was the fact that The Farm was equally entertaining to us as it was for our son. A typical farm set-up, truly gives a complete village atmosphere feel.

Open dining space allows a natural dining experience with chirping of birds and some unadulterated oxygen. (they have a closed dining space too)

                                 Open kitchen for their special Pizza. 

Made from the base to the final pizza (they have a wood fired oven to bake the pizza)

 Shop that sells fruits, vegetables and other edible products grown or made in the farm. 

Cows, buffaloes, poultry, horses are some of the animals here. A tour allows you to interact with these animals. 

The Farm is a must visit place for kids and adults equally. A welcome break from the urban lifestyle and stresses, this place allows us to unwind and energize. 

(Images are copyrighted by veenamurali)