Pune - City of Peshwas

Pune-City of Peshwas

Well-known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune is brimming with heritage monuments belonging to the old-era of Peshwas. The city is a convenient stopover for travellers driving to the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and the pilgrim point of Bhimashankar. The historic city of Pune was a strong bastion of Peshwas during the Maratha reign and its forts, palaces, temples and museums have their origin during the times of Shivaji and Peshwa regime.

Aga Khan Palace

Aga Khan Palace

 

My journey of the city began with the elegant Aga Khan Palace that is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the destination where Gandhiji along with his wife, Kasturba Gandhi and other freedom fighters like Sarojini Naidu and Meeraben were in confinement during the Quite India movement. Laid out in a sprawling garden, the massive monument is of immense national significance since it has preserved the milestones achieved by Mahatma Gandhi during his life.

Osho International Commune Centre

 

This is a not-to-be-missed destination for those interested in yoga and meditation. Standing in the lush forested area on Koregaon Park, Osho International Commune Centre is widely known as Bhagwan Rajneesh Ashram. The ashram is a spiritual health centre that has devotees trickling from all across the globe. For visitors intending to know about yoga and meditation, there is a silent tour organized for them.

Shaniwarwada

Shaniwarwada, Pune

 

 

We were quite eager to know about the conquest of the Maratha empire during the reign of Shivaji and we moved to Shaniwarwada that was the chief residence of Peshwas during the bygone times. We spent a lot of time in the imposing fortress built by Baji Rao I down the memory lane in 1780. One should be careful negotiating the steep, rock-cut staircases leading to the fort. This heritage grandeur formed the significant destination for signing the treaty between the East Indian Company and Peshwas against Tipu Sultan way back in 1790. We could capture panoramic glimpses of the city from the fort.

 

Lal Mahal

Lal Mahal, Pune

Away from Shaniwarwada is another heritage structure of Lal Mahal at Budhwar Peth that was the brainchild of Dadaji Kondev, the mentor of Shivaji. The monument was built in 1640 and has the memorial of Jijamata, the mother of Shivaji.

Peshwa Energy Park

 

Peshwa Energy Park, Pune

Spread over 7 acres of land, the Peshwa Energy Park was earlier a zoo and was initiated by Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) funded by the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Resources.

 

Parvati Temple

 

Resting on the hillock, Parvati temple is the place to head for devouts and history buffs. We had to climb a flight of 108 steps to reach the shrine that provides a panoramic view of the city. We were on our last leg of the city tour and visited Parvati and Devdeveshwar shrine. Before departing, we peeked into the nearby Peshwa Museum that has the relics used by the Peshwa dynasty. There are scenes depicting the Maratha War and the portraits of Peshwa rulers.

Stunningly attractive Goa

Stunningly attractive Goa

For those who would love to immerse themselves in the world of sunny beaches and golden sands with vignettes of Portuguese charm reflected in the priceless monuments, a visit to Goa would make their holiday memorable. 

 

I had missed out on my earlier attempts to make it to Goa but it was sometime in April, this year, I was determined to make a two-day detour of the one-time Portuguese bastion on the invitation of Goa Tourism to have a glimpse of Goa Food and Culture Festival 2015 held in Panjim.

Calangute Beach

A view of Calangute Beach

 

On reaching Goa International Airport, a 45-km scenic drive to the seaside city of Panjim brought us to Miramar Residency owned by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). The drive offered glimpses of the river Zuari, St Sebastian Island and St. Jacintha Island on the way. Soon after refreshing at Miramar Residency, we were on our way to Calangute, just 17 km from Panjim in Bardez district of North Goa. 

 

Calangute Beach

 

Calangute sea beach is the largest in North Goa and is densely crowded with a steady stream of tourists. 

Konkani delight Ambat Ambati at Destination One

There are a number of beach shacks that we could sight on the beach and one can enjoy water sports facilities like parasailing and water skiing on the beach. 

We lunched at Destination One of Calangute Residency, a property of GTDC after Goan food demonstration session in the 

restaurant.

Panjim

River Mandovi in Panjim

 

Since I had limited time in hand, I decided to visit the Miramar Beach the next morning. Lying close to Miramar Residency, the Miramar Beach is at the confluence of river Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. 

Miramar Beach, Panjim

 

 

The beach is one of the most visited beaches in Goa and one can enjoy sound views of Panjim city. It was a pleasure to visit Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2015 hosted by GTDC that was held at Campal Ground on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg in Panjim.

Ponda

Tropical Spice Plantation at Keri, Ponda

 

 

We drove around 30 km from Panjim to head to Ponda to visit the Tropical Spice Plantation that is snuggled at Keri hamlet.

 

Cashew nut Tree at Tropical Spice Plantation

 

The 250-year-old plantation site has opened its doors for travellers over the last 17 years. 

 

Cinnamon tree at Tropical Spice Plantation

 

There are 30 species of spice flora in the spice garden and our spice trail made us get close views of the spice plants like cinnamon, cashew nut, red pepper and lemon grass. One can also come across pine apple plants with the ripe fruit and star fruit.

Old Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa

 

 

No mention of Goa can be made without Basilica of Bom Jesus on Old Goa Road in Old Goa popular as Velha Goa. Listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica has preserved the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Although it was my second visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, I could rarely recollect my memory of visiting the basilica along with my parents during my formative years. 

 

The huge monument that exhibits baroque architecture is the only church in Goa that is without any plaster on its exterior walls. The church is only 9 km from Panjim on the banks of river Mandovi and represents elegance and simplicity. In fact, there are lots to see in the monument exhibiting Jesuit architecture.

Based on the inscriptions, the foundation of the huge church was laid way back on November 24, 1594 by the then Archbishop of Goa during the Portuguese regime. The monument was completed on May 15, 1605. The church is widely known as Bom Jesus that implies “infant” Jesus or “good” Jesus. We entered the main altar measuring 54 ft high and 34 ft wide with huge pillars made from basalt. The imposing three-storied façade is a distinguished blend of Ionic, Corinthian and Doric architecture. 

 

The altar of St. Francis Xavier

 

The main entrance has two small entrances and the façade has three letters in Greek inscribed on the top –IHS that connotes Jesus. Beneath the choir, we came near the altar of St Anthony on the right side and the wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier on the left. Getting an opportunity to come near the altar of St. Francis Xavier was a moment of bliss for me.

Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2015

 

Adjacent to the Basilica of Bom Jesus is another heritage attraction. It is none other than the massive Church of St. Francis of Assisi that was set up in 1661 representing a fine example of Portuguese architecture. The church is plastered with lime and built on laterite blocks. The heritage structure stands as the reminder of the religious group of St. Francis who visited Goa during 16^th century.

Taiwanese Odyssey-III

 

Taiwanese Odyssey-III

 

Enchanting Sun Moon Lake

 

Sun Moon Lake

Best described as the “Pearl in the Central Mountain Range”, the Sun Moon Lake is the largest, fresh-water, alpine lake in Taiwan and is a veritable paradise for tourists. 

 

Lying in the Nantou County, the charming lake is on the western side of the Central Mountain Range and has the magical powers to soothe the tired nerves and rejuvenate the human mind.

 

Sun Moon Lake

We were at Hotel De Lago overlooking the Sun Moon Lake set in the backdrop of green mountains. 

 

The lake has a mirror-smooth surface and its water colour varies from pale to deep blue. One can take the 1.5 km long winding pathway to capture the magical aura of the lake through lenses.There is a 6.9 km bikeway trail around the picturesque Sun Moon Lake.

 

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Pavilion at Sun Moon Lake

 

Admiring the beauty of the lake, we visited the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Pavilion where the Chinese leader used to take break to spend his vacations. 

 

A view of Shueli township from Sun Moon Lake

 

We took up a 45-minute cruise of the lake at Shueli and went past the lonely Lalu Island that divides the lake into two halves and the lake gets its name from this island.

 

A view of Lalu Island

 

The lake was once under the domain of military cops. 

 

View of Ita Thao

 

After cruising the lake, we reached Ita Thao that has the Sun Moon Lake Station -octagonal in shape with a dome.

 

Sun Moon Lake Station

 

A seven-minute cable car ride from Sun Moon Lake Station brought us to Yuchih township. We could get some unforgettable views of the lake at a height of 1000 metres high from the cable car. Yuchih town is reputed for its tea production, mushrooms and orchids. It has a similar growing condition of Indian Assam tea and has been producing black tea since the times of Japanese colonization.

 

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village- A journey back in time

 

At Yuchih township, we reached the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village that enjoys the distinction of being the largest indigenous theme park in Taiwan. Here we had a chance to experience the lifestyle of nine, distinct aboriginal tribes of Taiwan including Paiwan, Bunun, Amis, Taroko, Puyuma, Rukai et al. The Sun Moon Lake in Yuchih township area was known as Shue-Sha-Lian in bygone times.

 

Naruwan Theatre at Yuchih township

 

We arrive at Naruwan Theatre to watch the martial art and dance performances of the tribes. It was indeed an out-of-the-box experience to walk past the life-like tableaus of aboriginal tribes engaged in their daily chores like monkey rites or a ball game.

 

Life-size tableaus at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

 

There are live demonstrations of Paiwan women crafting handicraft works from glazed beads. There are wood carved lintels on display that form the traditional art of Paiwan and Rukai tribes and this formed the significant culture of the Pacific belt. We walked past the quaint houses of Paiwan and Bunun tribes and it took us to a journey back in time.

 

Tribal dress on display

 

Once our visit to Formosan Aboriginal culture Village was over, we came near the grand Ritz Palace and the European-style garden.

Taichung

Giant goat lantern at 2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival, Taichung

 

We travelled to Taichung from Yuchih township to watch the 2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival that took off with a gamut of events including six minutes of fireworks.

 

2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival

 

The USP of the festival was the flaunting of giant goat lantern measuring 24.4 metre high that heralds good luck and prosperity for the nation. There were scores of lanterns in the shape of various animals on display at the lantern festival.

Taichung Metropolitan Opera House

 

Taichung Metropolitan Opera House

 

The most complicated building in the world; Taichung Metropolitan Opera House came up sometime in November, 2014. Designed by a Japanese architect, the building is designed like a cave.

 

We halted at Howard Taichung and the very next day, we visited Miyahara that specializes in Taiwanese desserts and sweet delicacies like variety of sun cakes and black sesame peanut desserts. Opened in 2012 on Chungshan Road, the outlet is widely famed for its local sweet delights.

New Taipei City

 

A 1½ hour drive from Taipei took us to Pingxi in the eastern part of New Taipei City that enjoys the age-old tradition of releasing sky lanterns believed to be auspicious. These sky lanterns carry messages of hopes and wishes of scores of travellers and it was indeed a memorable moment to watch the lanterns bearing our wishes floating high up in the sky. The tradition of releasing sky lanterns into the sky dates back to 19^th century in Pingxi resting on the banks of Keelung river in the mountain valley.

 

Our Taiwan sojourn ended with the exploration of exciting night life in Taipei and we were off to Spark 101 in the down town area of the city. 

Taiwanese Odyssey-II

Taiwanese Odyssey -II

 

Touristy attractions of Kaohsiung

 

The second largest city in Taiwan on the banks of river Love that overlooks Taiwan Straits is Kaohsiung. A one-and-a-half hour journey by High Speed Railway from Taipei brought us to Zuoying Station from where we took the bus to the port city of Kaohsiung. We halted at the luxurious Sky Tower Hotel, the 85-storied, five-tar haunt being the largest in the city. 

 

MRT Formosa Boulevard Station, Kaohsiung

 

At Kaohsiung, we visited the wonderful MRT Formosa Boulevard Station that figures as the second most beautiful Mass Rapid Transit across the globe and represents the heart of the city. It lives up to the reputation of being the largest round-shaped station in the world. 

 

It is a visual wonder comprising three-level underground station with an island platform and the “Dome of Light” in the upper part of the station displays the largest glass work in the world. It is exquisitely done up with 4,500 glass panels.

 

Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard

 

Designed by an Italian artist, the Dome of Light is renowned for its biggest public art installation across the globe. 

 

Another Mass Rapid Transit of the port city that is worth a visit is the Central Park Station. It was a sense of pride to visit some of the global wonders in Taiwan.

Adventurous E-DA World

 

The Outlet Mall at E-DA World, Kaohsuing

 

 

A quick lunch at Starbucks Café and we headed to E-DA World – a city in itself and is replete with a theme park, Royal Hotel, Skylark Hotel and the high-end Outlet Mall providing luxury shopping experience. 

Taiwan Straits from Kaohsuing

E-DA World is around 16 minutes drive from HSR Zuoying Station. The theme park has a monorail and is the largest indoor park in Taiwan. We came across huge statues of Greek warriors but the USP of the theme park is “Fly over Taiwan” adventure show. 

 

Sky Tower Hotel, Kaohsuing

 

Replete with four-dimensional effects, the ride was a flying simulator that provided a lifetime experience for us. We had a bird’s eye view into the heartland of Taiwan with rugged landscapes and exciting nightlife and it was spine-thrilling for us.

Ten Drum Ciatou Creative Park

 

The next day it was time for us to have hand-on experience in Taiwanese art and culture. We wended our way from Kaohsiung to Ten Drum Ciatou Creative Park in Tainan district, a mere 20-minute drive. Widely known as the first drum-themed global art village in Asia, Ten Drum has been set up at the historic Rende Sugar Refinery and has an invigorating, eco-friendly ambience where one can experience live drum shows, take a look at the Taiwan drum instruments, sip a cup of coffee or have a delectable, exotic Taiwanese lunch.

Taiwanese drums at Ten Drum Ciatou Creative Park

 

For us, a visit to Ten Drum Ciatou Creative Park was amazing since we got to learn the art of playing drums. Ten Drum was born way back in 2000 at a site that once housed a sugar refinery and was gutted by fire. The beams of the roof were made of Taiwan cypress and the ruined site and the scorched cypress have been revived by natural weathering.

 

Ten Drum Ciatou Creative Park

 

We had a glimpse of the collapsed walls, burnt cypress and a number of indigenous plants that have been preserved by Ten Drum Creative Group. We had a chance to watch a live percussion performance at the state-of-the-art auditorium that shows off a blend of traditional and contemporary beats. It was a high-voltage performance complete with stunning light effects and water showers. We took a stroll around the creative park that has old warehouses and railway tracks belonging to 20^th century.

Taiwanese Odyssey-I

Taste of Taiwan travel

 

My Taiwanese odyssey began once I reached at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei by a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong sometime on March 1, this year. It was the lure of 2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival that made me jet off to Taipei. Recalling from a collage of memories of Taiwan that flash my mind every now and then, we were all gripped by cold, gusty wind once we came out of the Taoyuan International Airport. 
 

The first day was far from being smooth-sailing for me and owing to lack of warm clothing; I couldn’t wrap myself against the inclement weather conditions that dipped at 9º C. We were at the plush Howard Plaza Hotel in Taipei and having said this, things soon began to look up once I purchased my pullover from the Ximending area of Taipei.

Da Dao Cheng Wharf

 

A view of DaDao Cheng Wharf

 

The historic city of Taipei nestling on the banks of rivers Keelung and Danshui has unlimited options for tourists. The next day, our exploration of Taipei began with the tour of Da Dao Cheng Wharf on the banks of river Danshui. Once upon a time, Da Dao Cheng was a tea reprocessing centre and a business hub during Japanese colonization of Taiwan dating back from 1898 to 1945. 
 

The world-famous Formosa tea that was represented as Oolong tea was reprocessed at Da Dao Cheng. It was at Da Dao Cheng that the economy of Taipei prospered and it emerged as the significant port of North Taiwan.

DiHua Street

A Chinese mansion with bull-eye at DiHua Street

 

A tour of Da Dao Cheng begins with DiHua Street, the oldest area in Taipei that was earlier well-known as Zhong Street. The once-rich culture and trade centre flourished at DiHua Street owing to its proximity to Da Dao Cheng Wharf. Walking down the DiHua Street, one comes across a plethora of heritage mansions that show off Taiwanese architecture and were built during the Japanese reign. Most of the old-styled mansions are richly embellished on the outer walls. There are baroque-style buildings and Chinese mansions with bull-eye window. The lavish mansions depict that Taipei was under the reign of Qing dynasty, Japanese invasion and the Republic of China. 
 

Our tour winded up with a visit to Xia-Hai City God Temple and the Yun-Lo Fabric market on DiHua Street.

Xia-Hi City God Temple

 

Xia-Hai City God Temple at DiHua Street, Taipei

 

It is a dream-come-true for travellers to visit the most renowned temple in Taipei located on DiHua Street - the Xia-Hai City God Temple where devotees pour in to pray for good luck, peace and prosperity. Chinese history flows on that Xia-Hai was once the deity of the residents of Fujian Province.

 

Fortune shoes at Xia-Hai City God Temple

 

It was in 1821 that the gilded image of the deity was transported by the residents of Fujian across the Taiwan Straits who initially settled down at Monga and then at Da Dao Cheng. Built in 1859, the Xia-Hai City God Temple is devoted to the love-making God and devotees pray to the matchmaker, one of the most famed deities for marriage in Taiwan.

 

The Matchmaker in the temple

 

The 43 cm tall matchmaker flaunts a long, white beard with a smiling face. He has a marriage appointment book on his left hand and a walking stick on his other hand. Built on Feng Shui norms, the temple is small but a unique one in the form of a hen’s cave.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

 

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

 

Sprawling over 250,000 sq. metres area, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is regarded as the national monument of Taiwan that forms the perfect address for history buffs. Located on Zongshan Road, Chiang Kai- shek is a huge, impressive monument with its roof built on the lines of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing topping a pyramidal body. 

 

The statue of Chiang Kai-shek

 

Change of guards in the Memorial Hall

 

The memorial hall has the National Theatre exhibiting classical Chinese art and the National Concert Hall on each side that form the seat of domestic and global art performances.

 

We were lucky enough to watch the change of guards that takes place every one hour between 10 am to 5 pm. 
 

Chiang Kai-shek is credited to have established the blue print of Taiwan’s political system and lived for 89 years. The renowned Chinese military and political leader was born in 1887 and was the former President of Republic of China from 1928 to 1975. He was the successor of Sun Yat Sen and entered Taiwan from Hong Kong to Shanghai via Keelung and died in 1975. 

 

The Limousine used by the former President of ROC

 

At the memorial hall, we also glanced at the seven-seated Limousine that was used by the leader. We came across the Exhibition Hall that has the snippets of Chiang Kai-shek visiting India on February 18, 1942. The Exhibition Hall has illustrations of the great statesman with Dr Sun-Yat Sen, Ronald Reagan and Mahatma Gandhi.

The Exhibition Hall

Taipei 101 Mall and Observation Deck

 

Taipei 101 Mall and observation deck

 

It is the second largest building in the world on Xinyi Road in the downtown area of Taipei dominating the city skyline.