Trip to Udaipur 6: Visit to Sajjangarh Fort

While we were boating in the Lake Pichola during evening, I was watching the many beautiful picturesque forts/hotels/properties lighted beautifully far amidst the hills. I was not sure what were they but the Boat driver was telling us about them which I can’t recall now. He was telling us about the fat weddings and parties that took place here and there. He was telling about the famous movies that were shot here. One of the songs of the Bollywood movie “Yaadein” was picturized here in Jagmandir, an island on Lake Pichola. Also, once during the birthday bash of one of business tycoon, Shakira (You’re correct, same Shakira who is known for her number “Hips Don't Lie”) also fascinated the crowd with her sizzling performance.

Then there was another beautiful place which was Hotel FatehGarh Palace and where the famous “Rakhi Ka Swayamwar” reality show filmed. He also told us about the Yeh Jaawani hai Deewani movie starring Ranbir Kapoor was also shot in Udaipur and yes we have watched the film and can feel the same. We were staying in hotel Wonder view Palace and near the same place, many scenes were shot. And one of the upcoming movie Prem rattan Dhan Payo starring Salman khan was also shot in City palace in Udaipur. Apart from above, there were many famous movies and songs while were shot here but let’s not divert. All that I will cover in a different post covering City Palace.

During boating only, one of the places high amidst Aravali hills that caught my attention was Sajjangarh Palace. It was illuminated with beautiful orange light and the Boat driver told that is another must visit place in Udaipur. Since it is famous for sunset, we planned to visit it next day while returning from Haldighati trip. 

Next day, we reached at the foothills of Sajjangarh fort at around 4 pm. The first shock was ticket. Tickets were very expensive. For camera also, there was special ticket and also, for going up to the fort, you have to take their taxi whose ticket was also significant. I didn’t remember the cost but total cost me around 800 bucks which were expensive by Indian standards. Their taxi took 20-25 minutes to take us to the top and that route was very scenic. In a small distance consisting of steep elevation, you will gain great heights. Once reached at the top, be ready to get mesmerized by the beauty of the Fort, Panoramic views of the city and the connecting wild life sanctuary. 

Panoromic view of the city. On left, there is Fateh Sagar lake and on Right, Pichola

Enterane gate

From the top, you can also see the famous lakes of Udaipur, pichola and Fateh sagar along with glimpse of entire Udaipur. One can see how beautifully Udaipur is surrounded by hills from all the sides. In the earlier days due to its strategic location surrounded by Aravallis hills from all the sides, it was considered to be very safe as this place was difficult to find.Initially, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar kingdom. One day, Maharaj Udai Singh meets 1 sage in forest who advised him to shift his capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur. As there were quite frequent attacks in Chittorgarh, Maharaj Udai shifted the capital to Udaipur. The advice of sage came out to be so true that today in City Palace, there was special temple in City Palace dedicated to that sage.

This fort was built by Maharana Sajjan singh primarily to watch the monsoons clouds and also to view his ancestral home in Chittorgarh. That’s why, it is popular as Monsoon Palace. It is said that on a clear day, one can see the Chittorgarh. 


  

Some other route closed for public, opened only for  forest officials

Beautiful Udaipur surrounded by Aravalis from all side ,thius making it quite safe from attacks as no one can imagine that there is city over there after crossing Aravallis hills. Same reason why Maharana Udai singh shifted capital to Udaipur

View from the top

Sunlight filtered through clouds. 

Presently this is owned by Forest department. It is one of the cleanest and close to nature place and there is no reason you should not visit this palace. I highly recommend this place. And yes, this is famous for sunsets.

However, when we visited, the weather was cloud and we couldn’t see the very clear sunset. Looking at my pictures, I felt I missed the great opportunity for taking very good photographs. All these pics are taken from Nokia Lumia.

No doubt, this place is heaven for photographers. Just go to this link to enjoy the true beauty of the place. Thanks to this link for helping me to truly bring out the beauty of this fort.

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Trip to Singapore - 4 : Southern Ridges Nature Trail

13 September 2015

The southern ridges consist of 9 Km beautiful track that offers splendid views of Singapore and nature. This place is again not so famous among tourists but being a nature lover who loves to walk in open and green spaces to breathe some fresh air, I was very much attracted towards it.

There are various small nature trails interconnected by bridges each having identity of their own but still they are called as Southern ridges.

Below route that starts with Marang trail and terminates at West coast park. It passes through numerous famous places in sequence below:

Marang Trail à Mount Faber Parkà Henderson waves àHilltop walkàForest walkàAlexandra Archà Hort parkàKent ridge park.

Sequence that I covered as part of my walk is as below (took me 2 hours to cover below 4-5 km track at leisure pace) :

 Marang Trail à Mount Faber Parkà Henderson waves àForest walkàAlexandra Arch

The Marang Trail obtained its name from 

the Marang fruit, more commonly 

known as Johey Oak

There are many entry and exit points. Most famous entry is either through Marang trail or directly starting from Mount Faber Park if you are not interested in taking too many stairs ( Marang to Mount Faber consists of only .8 km but with elevation of 70m) and ending your journey at Alexandra Arch passing through Henderson waves and beautiful forest walk.

I started my trail from Marang trail which is simply exit ‘D’ from Harbour Front MRT station. This trail is less than 1 Km and should take you to an elevation of 70 meters (equivalent of a 24-storey building) at top of Mount Faber which is 2^nd highest point in Singapore. It is bit difficult and I was sweating profusely when I reached at the top but the views were worth it. Cable car was starting from this point to take you to Sentosa Insland. But today I was on my mission of visiting southern ridges. 

This sudden elevation is the reason that many people booked cab till Mount Faber and starts their walk from this place.

View of Cable cars on their way to Sentosa Island Via Harbour Cable point

Mount Faber Park. Very Clean. Cars and Tourist
Buses were quite frequent on this track. It has
dedicated shaded place for peddlers.

After capturing some panoramic views and continue my path, I reached Henderson waves, structure not to be missed.

Me posing at Henderson Waves

Various small tracks of Southern ridges and their distinct identity

 It’s the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore         and constructed in wave like fashion.           It would be difficult for me to further describe it in words so sharing its pictures. Wave forms will be lit from 7 pm -2am every day and looks magnificent. 

View of the city from Henderson Bridge

Continuing on my path and saw numerous paths going in different directions with proper signboards however at 1 or 2 places they were missing so I had to wait until I saw some joggers to inquire the route to forest walk. It was quite easy.

I was very excited once the Forest walk started. It looks amazing. It consists of 1.3 km track of crisscross metallic structure that offers you an unique experience of walking through the forest at a height of 3 to 18 meters from ground. It was descend for me so I didn’t feel tired. This part of the route I enjoyed most and covered with very easily.

1 point to note that I saw most of the people going in opposite direction and it looks to me that that path is also quite famous among locals. Then there is Alexandra Arch that connects to the HortPark but as this point, I took exit and begin to wait for bus for my Hotel at Orchard Road. Lighting hours for Alexandra Arch are  7 pm – 12 am daily when LED lights keep on changing and keep you spellbound.

Alexandra Arch

It is at this location famous B-school SP Jain Institute of management is located having main branch at Mumbai.

I took this exit from Alexandra Arch to take Bus
 from SP Jain School of management.

Finally, I can say this trail is not as difficult as MacRitchie trail and offers numerous entry and exit points. People can directly come by Cab to see the Henderson waves.

Finally, when I completed this track I started dreaming of covering this trail in a rainy season with carrying umbrella and thought how beautiful it will be. Thought not the entire track, but Forest walk is pretty much safe in a rainy season. Also, Forest walk is lighted from 7 pm – 12 am & 5 am – 7 am daily. Seeing this , I came to know this place is more famous for evening and night time walks as compared to morning walks.

This place is worth and every nature lover must visit this to experience bliss especially in a densely populated urban jungle of Singapore.

Also, Henderson waves and Alexandra Arch along with the Forest walk were selected for the competition to seek the best concepts for bridges. Being at such places, one can imagine cultivating greenery and nature is a culture and if people really want they can create gardens and nature friendly places anywhere. Shortage of space is not an excuse for the government to shy away from developing the parks. This is 1 important lesson that every country should learn from Singapore.

  

For the more information refer the below site literally having all the details one wants to refer before beginning his trail: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

If you like to read about my other blog on MacRitchie trail, refer here

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Trip to Singapore - 3 : MacRitchie Reservoir Trail

11 September 2015

Mac Ritchie Reservoir is nature’s park for those who love the open areas and fresh air and want to appreciate the nature in all its Glory.

Macritchie is not very famous among tourists. It is a place which is generally visited more by regular Singapore citizens or expats working here for several weeks. But, it you are nature enthusiast and wild life lover or practicing for marathon or runner, then you cannot afford to miss this place.

There are numerous beautiful reservoirs that bound Singapore’s nature reserves namely Bedok reservoir, Jurong lake, Pandan reservoir, Serangoon reservoir, Fort canning reservoir but the more famous and bigger are  MacRitchie Reservoir, Lower Peirce Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir out of which MacRitchie is the oldest and most beautiful one. Macritchie is supplying water to the island even long before British settlement. As a gateway to unspoiled forest and waters, the park is a popular venue for schools and organizations to conduct cross-country events, allowing participants to run through various trails while embracing the wonders of our native biodiversity. The iconic MacRitchie bandstand continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Singaporeans, and is often used to host performing arts presentations.

For the more information refer the below site literally having all the details one wants to refer before beginning his trail:

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

I started from Reservoir Park at 11 am and completed 11 km trail at around 3pm. Though I was quite tired but the beautiful sceneries and landscapes and professional runners kept me motivated to complete the trail. And once finished I was rejuvenated like never before. Below are the views as soon as I started my trail. I was mesmerized. This beauty amidst corporate jungle of Singapore is unimaginable.

Either one can start his trail from the main gate from the reservoir park which is having designated parking area, changing clothes area, bath section, restaurants or from the car park at Venus drive. Those interested to see Tree top without much walk can opt for Venus park entrance. Entrance is free.

Reservoir main entrance à Tree Top walk is around 5 km

Venus main entranceà Tree top walk is 3 Km

Tree Top Walk is a  free-standing suspension bridge spanning
Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang, the two highest points in MacRitchie 

Total length of the walkway is about
250m and its height from the forest is 25m

Since walkway allows only 1 way traffic, the total trail would be 7-11 Kms depending on your entrance. You can also take exit from the middle but those are not having enough signboards and can confuse you and lead you to join main area only after some excursion. Prefer to take any exit in middle only if you are local or well equipped with routes. I was feeling quite tired after 6 Km and then ask one of the guy how to exit in between. He told me 1 way but that was so confusing that I preferred to complete the 11 Km trail.

Once you cross this bridge, then starts the endless series of stairs. I was wondering why they are not ending. 

But once they completed then started the most beautiful part of the Reservoir, walk by the river, nearly around 5 km. Its a paradise for photographers. 

And then finally the last picture the glimpse of which told me that I was near to the point from where I have started. Yes, The feeling of completing it cant be defined in words. Its an experience that Will always stays with me. Also, Forgot to mention that I covered this track alone and even without listening to music but listening to sounds of nature. That was bliss. 

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If you like to read about Southern ridges trail in Singapore, refer here.

Trip to Singapore- 1

Singapore is my 2^nd country that I visited after Dubai. This visit happened within month after I returned from Dubai. Also, there is long list of blogs pending from trip to Dandeli, to Dubai as well as Singapore due to nature of my work which is kind of very hectic from last few months.

Unlike Dubai, I was on a short business visit to Singapore for 30 days which means I have 4 weekends and 8 full days for Singapore visit. I was very excited and also planned to utilize my time in Singapore effectively.

Singapore Flyer

Hotel Marina Bay sands to Singapore is what Burj Khalifa to Dubai

My Stay was at the Hotel Novotel, Clarke quay which is situated in the heart of the city for 1 week and in Hotel Holiday Inn express situated in Orchard road.

Let me tell you the places that I cover during my stay and I am quite satisfied as I covered good number of places.

Day 1: I covered Marina bay sands, Merlion Park, Little India, Esplanade, Mustafa café.

Day 2: I went to Singapore Flyer

Day 3: I went to Sentosa island, Universal studios

Day 4: I visited Botanical gardens

Day 5: Spend time in some coolest places in Clarky quay like Red dot and enjoyed the Green Beer of the Singapore.

Day 6: Visited garden by the bay

Day7:  Covered MacRitchie forest trails consisting of 11 km nature walk

Day 8: Visited Pulau Ubin island, known for cycling in a lush green pollution free environment. There is no diesel/petrol operated vehicles.

Day 9: Went to southern ridges that included Henderson waves consisting of 9 km walk.

Some of the other things that were on my list but I missed are, Jurong bird park, Night safari, Kusu Island.

I must say I was stunned by the greenery in the Singapore. I have not seen a place where you cannot see the trees. Also, there are so many parks and runners path/nature trail for people who love to take long walks amidst nature. For nature lover, it’s a heaven.

All these areas will be covered in detail in subsequent blogs. If you like this post, please like my Facebook page.

Skywatch Friday - Mahabalipuram's Sea beach and Coastline from the Light house

This is my 6th  entry in Skywatch Friday and I am really delighted to be the part of this as it

gives me the opportunity to see the beautiful skies across the World as well as to showcase my

photograph.

These pictures were captured on 1st February in Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram,

one of the UNESCO site of India.


To see the beautiful Skies around the world, visit Skywatch Friday page.



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Auroville's Banyan Tree - Geographical Centre of Auroville Township

 Even after watching the introductory video at Auroville, people were ignoring this tree like any

other tree and its hurts me that they failed to admire its beauty, shape and size and its peculiar feature of aerial roots which means their roots are above the ground and grow from branches towards the ground and become new trunks.

 

Banyan tree is also known as Vatagach ,Nyagrodhah, Bargad, Vata, and in India it is also referred to as the ‘wish fulfilling’ tree. This tree has numerous health benefits.  Some of its useful parts are leaf buds, bark, latex and used in medicines. 

This very special tree, The Banyan, was chosen by the Mother to be at the heart or center of the Auroville Township, and she called the centre 'Peace’. It is also geographical centre of this place and holds a special significance in Auroville.

A walk to remember - Post 2 :Auroville Visitors Centre(VC) to MatriMandir

1km Nature' walk from VC to MatriMandir

Auroville, pronounced as Aurovi, is an experimental township founded by Mirra Alfassa commonly known as Mother. This is not a tourist place actually; however, this place attracts a lot of tourists. I will cover what it is all about in another post. This post is about the advice for the common visitors. 

If you happen to visit this place, First of all you have to report to Auroville Visitors centre to collect your free pass to visit MatriMandir. Here you will be shown 1 short video of 10 minutes to educate you about the Auroville, its aims, objectives and instructions and directions to be followed in Auroville.

After collecting your passes, you have to walk to MatriMandir viewing point which is about 1 km long Nature's walk, from the visitor centre. There are shuttle buses also available free of cost but I would recommend you to walk down the path to reach Auroville. 

Not because it is simply a nature walk full of greenery but because you will encounter lot of wisdom in form of boards on your path to inculcate in your daily life. 

Nature's walk

This is not 100 year Banyan tree that is referred commonly in Auroville but another Tree with its peculiar feature of aerial roots which means their roots are above the ground and grow from branches towards the ground and become new trunks. This Romantic gesture caught my eyes immediately.

Trip to Patnitop: Jammu& Kashmir, India

Patan Da Talab

 

Patnitop is a small hill station in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir. It is 130km from Jammu and is on the NH 44 that connects Kashmir valley with the rest of India via Jammu. This highway is 663Km long and run from Jalandhar in Punjab to Uri in J& K which is 18km from the line of control. 

This highway is also recognized as most strategically important road and passes through some of the most difficult terrains and also shutdown frequently due to landslides or snowfall especially in winters. 

Sorry to distract, let us come back to "Patan Da Talab." Yes Patnitop was known as “Patan Da Talab” sometime back which means Pond (bathing place) of the princess but as British people   couldn’t record the correct name of this place and captured it as Patnitop in their records and this place become popular as patnitop over a period of time. 

4^th Jan 2012

Katraha -->Patnitop -->Jammu

Why now?

 

The idea of writing this post comes to my mind because I am really missing winter this time and all the associated luxuries. This is the first time in my life that I have not witnessed winter as Presently, I am posted in Hyderabad.  

Our journey to patnitop was kicked off at 11 am from Kathara in a tempo traveller. We started quite late because we have returned from the Vaishnodevi, same day in the morning at around 5am. We took a sleep for 4 hours. We were close to group of 10 people. 

 

This was my 2^nd trip to patnitop but in a way, it is first because my last trip was in summer of 2005 and Patnitop in summer is quite different from Patnitop of winter. This time, we were welcomed by thick blankets of snow all around in patnitop. 

 

This place is really a perfect place to appreciate the beauty of mother earth. It is a very small city with small population and there are not many hotels and resorts. That is why everything looks so natural here without human intervention. 

What you see in Patnitop all around is not hotels/resorts but dense cedar and Deodar forests and greenery all around and If you happen to visit this place, then this complete place gets covered with snow turning it into white forests. The vastness of the nature is enough to make you realize that you are not more than an iota of dust on the earth. Summer is a peak season in Patnitop.

 

We reached at 3pm in Patnitop and spent 4 hours playing in snow with snow. At around 5, we saw some sunlight and it is amazing view to enjoy the heat of sun when it is really required. But, sunlight was only for 5, 10 minutes and soon it become very dark and cold. We started for our next destination, Nathatop, which is 14km from patnitop but unfortunately, the route was closed due to heavy snowfall. We then spent some more time in Patnitop. 

At such natural places, one can find very good quotations painted at different places on road about nature and its importance and that is always inspiring. I have read lot of quotations but right now, I am able to recall only one “Pollution is a tax human is paying for misusing the nature.” This place was so beautiful that returning to Jammu was a painful process. But I must say that survivals at such places are really challenging and not everyone’ cup of tea. 

 

  
There is also very famous place called Sanasar Lake 20km from patnitop but we couldn’t visit it due to time constraints. 

 

We reached at Jammu at around 10 pm soaked in memories of Patnitop and started our search for hotels. Fortunately, we easily found one good budget hotel. This is the advantage of big group that you easily get good discounts. After that, we had our dinner and then simply retired in our rooms for rest contemplating about how the day went.

Next day, we planned for local sightseeing in Jammu. I was particularly excited about visiting the famous Raghunath temple which was once attacked by the terrorists. 

You can read here about another post which is part of same trip.

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