Glimpse of Gujrat Part : 1 Bhuj and Bhujodi/गुजरात दर्शन :१भुज और भुजौड़ी

Prag-Mahal

I have wanderlust and I have a strong desire to go to different states of my country India to soak on the beauty, experience the diversified culture and enjoy the local cuisine. Studying in different places due to transferable job of my father kindled the keen desire to explore my country. I used to tag along with my husband whenever it was possible to visit different places in India, where he used to go on official duty. But the serious touring started once children and left they nest and husband retired.

We have travelled to Tamil Nadu, Kerela, Port Blair, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. Kumaon being my birth place I am in total love with, and have been to many parts of Kumaon. This blog series is devoted to the picture presentation of the places we visited in Gujrat in February 2015.

We wanted to be in more picturesque places and with the rustic beauty of nature rather than places which offered concrete jungle of big cities. After much deliberation it was decided that we should visit Bhuj, Rann of Kutch, Dwarka and Somnath (places of natural beauty, historical and cultural importance and of course last two being Hindu holy places, Dwarka is one of the Chardhaam).

Kutch is the place which has seen the devastating earth quake in the year 2000. The remnant of city stand with the city rebuilt after the earth quake. If Swami Narayan temple exhibits the splendor and peaceful aura the nearby Sheesh Mahal, dilapidated remnants of Chateri, Prag Mahal and the museum gives the insight to the rich culture and the grit of the people of this place to rise from ashes.

After disembarking from train we took an autorikshaw, they are best mode of trasport to go in and around the city, when it is not too hot outside. Less expensive and least problem of parking. Do not allow yourself to be fleeced by taxi drivers at railway station. We had good luck to get Imran Bismil (+919175756627), an autorikshaw driver, whom we hired for the whole day to atke us around Bhuj. Great person, honest to the core and very careful driver who would go an extra mile for a good customer. 

We started our visit from Prag Mahal which has a very old history . It has a distinct touch of Gothic and Italian architect. It is a 19^th century marvel built by the ruler of that time. Part of it got destroyed due to earthquake and is in the process of restoration. The by lanes are not so welcome due to congestion and not so clean appearance, but once you reach the palace the neatness, quietness and serenity astounds you. Well maintained, spotlessly clean this historical place offers the insight to the life of the king and his kingdom. Apart from the Gothic architect and Italian interior decoration, the display here makes us understand the rampant sport killing, which was the major entertainment of the kings of those days. The guide also told us about the bravery of the king who killed the lions single handedly. This palace also has a huge display of paintings which depicts the culture of that era in Bhuj.

If you are sports to climbing 60-70 steps, then the top of the tower provides majestic view of the Bhuj city and the river flowing by.

From Prag Mahal we went to the Swami Narayan Temple, which is a place to sit and admire the place, it's the architect, beauty, silence and calm surroundings. It is amazing that despite large number of visitors and faithful visiting this place daily the staff their manages to maintain pin drop silence and spotlessly clean sanctum sanctorum as well as gardens and surrounding area. Tranquility is synonymous to this place.

After praying and going around the temple our next stop was Chattari, 1km. away from Bhuj. This is a cenotaph complex built of red stones in 1770 AD. Devastation stuck this place like others in 2001 earth quake. The polygonal balconies have a strikingly beautiful, intricate carving. Much has been turned to ruins but yet it is a great place to visit. I wish ASI had put boards with information and some guards for the protection of this historical monument, which was the resting place of kings and queens. Chattari means umbrella in Gujarati. These were built to give shade to the remains of the departed kings and queens. Our guide told us that these also used to be the place of glorification of Sati in those days. It did get pretty hot and dry due to the blazing sun, but then we were prepared with shades and water so went through every nook and corner trying to grasp the history of this place. We were amazed to see that even though the massive earth quake destroyed 90% of this great historical monument, the place of worship, the statues of deities, were intact without even a scratch. It was an amazing experiencing going through such a marvel. Villagers nearby are pilfering the red stone and using them for construction, boys and girls are scribbling their name and love messages, ASI seems to be either unaware or oblivious to all these horrendous activities. Authorities should raise huge walls around the monument, start taking entry fee and employ people like it is done in Prag Mahal if this monument is to be preserved for posterity.

The huge pond which stores water for the whole Bhuj was relatively dry this time and the visit to pond and Aina mahal was postponed for the next time in Bhuj. We were tired and hungry. Museum was at the top of itinerary so we went to Bhuj Museum after having some cool coconut water.

I may sound repetitive but then I found it amazing that despite such a rush of visitors, school children coming in hundreds on school trip, the staff did not seems hassled and was polite and very accommodative. Answering to the queries, welcoming with a warm smile and asking about our experience of visit with polite "come and visit again".

The museum has artifacts in ground and first flour. No lift. It is an old building which miraculously survived the earth quake. The quake disemboweled the artifacts from their places, which have been restored to their rightful place. The statues depicting the life of villagers from different background and profession are so realistic that at first glance I took them to be living human; reality dawned upon me when I saw that it was a glass chamber not a space divided by glass. On inquiring I was told that an artisan from Ahmedabad (I forgot the name) was commissioned by Then Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has made these literally living statues. First flour has stones having ancient civilisation incriptions, volcanic stones, rocks with old inscriptions, coins of different era. The first floor is mostly devoted to the art and craft of whole Bhuj. I could have spent the whole day but had to leave as the time of closing was announced. Great place and superbly maintained

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I must mention here that lunch in Gujrat is a gala fare. Eat the local fare and you will never regret. After hearty lunch we and our cabbie rested for an hour so that we can start afresh for out tour to Bhujodi village.

Bhujodi is approximately 9 km. from Bhuj. It is the textile center of Kutch.  Each village surrounding this area has a unique art and craft form. Warli painting, delicate embroidery, hand and block prints, weaving, unique fibers of silk and cotton and their hand woven cloth, wood craft, stone artifacts etc. What impressed me most was that to facilitate the business of the locals, an art and craft village has been developed by Asha Purna group on the land given by Gujrat Govt. The big hall with food and stay for two people is given to the local people free of cost, so that they can exhibit and sell there articles without worrying about the cost they would have incurred outside this place.

These weavers have their color making experts from village who make color from natural pigments. We had an oppurtunity to see the weaver weaving a sari with finest cotton fiber. At the first sight it seemed that the green and blue woven cloth is stole, but when the artisan said it is 6 meter sari which can pass through a ring, and demonstrated it by passing it through his ring (of ring finger) we stood still and silent due to amazement and respect for the amazing weavers of Bhujodi.

One should go well prepared for shopping to Bhujodi as it offers many exclusive things.

Construction of a huge museum was almost 90% done under the guidance of the Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. This museum is dedicated to the freedom fighters of India. We were told that this museum will have a huge hall with audio-visual setup, to depict the freedom strugle of Indian from British rule. Outside the museum stand a huge bust of Father of Nation Gandhi Ji. This is what I say is greatness of Mr. Narendra Modi who respects people across the party line and gives due recognition and the rightful place to our great leaders.

When and where we meet somebody, with whom we have had no contact for long, is surprising and unpredictable. My student whom I taught in 12^th standard and had no contact then onwards, as everybody moves on with their busy life shouted loudly mam and caught my waist from behind.  It was a reunion of a wonderful kind with my dear student Surabhi Kale; she had become an architect and is with the team of architect of this museum. It was a double dose of pleasure for me as Seeing your students rise to such heights gives real thrill and I got to see the inside of yet to be completed museum. It is going to be a colossal, one of its own kind of museum in India. Mr. Modi has a great vision.

On the way back we went to a drive to the surrounding of the city. Saw the fortification wall made during king time with forts and temples in between. We named it Wall of India, like Great Wall of China :) :). No it is not as long but gives a good fortification to the city and army has taken over it as it provided bird’s eye view of the whole Bhuj.

Tired but happy, satisfied and some appetite for the historical monuments quenched we headed back to our hotel to freshen up before heading for another round of Gujrati Thali.

After a nice evening with Surabhi and remembering the old time in IAT over dinner, we packed our bags for next 3 days trip to Rann of Kutch.

http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/10/glimpse-of-gujarat-part-2-nirona-and.html

http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/12/glimpse-of-gujarat-part-3-mandvi.html

http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/12/glimpse-of-gujarat-part4-dwarka-and.html

An Evening At Yolo Gastro Bar

What does one look for while searching for a place to have a relaxed enjoyable evening?  Loud thumbing music hitting your eardrums and over the top decoration where one feels like being in a local arts gallery are a big deterrents for me. Overcrowded place with no space to oneself, forcibly listening to the conversation of others due to extreme proximity of the tables put me off to the extent that I make a quick exit from the place. Well for me apart from soothing nice ambience, enough space to relax and good food are some of the criteria to sit and enjoy my evening.

Few months back in Pimple Saudagar it was difficult to find a place of my choice and liking. It was a casual survey of 9^th floor of Spot 18 I saw Yolo Gastro bar and 18 Degrees. Both are great place to enjoy food. But a relaxed evening with a soothing music by DJ and great cocktail / chilled beer Yolo Gastro bar was my choice. When I want to go with my little one then 18 Degrees is my choice.

Well since I am writing about my experience at Yolo Gastro bar so I will leave 18 Degrees for now. Getting out of lift and seeing not so large gallery space may make you think twice, but make no mistake, the owners have not cramped up inner space for the want of increasing the seats for patrons. Once I was inside the Yolo Gastro Bar I told myself “well I should give it a try once”.

Yolo has a brightly lit well maintained bar in the main dining space and a separate smoking area, which again gives enough room to patrons without forcing them to inhale what is not of their choiceJ.

The bright smile form the welcoming desk, manager, waiters, table boys and the chef makes you feel welcome and comfortable.

We were assured that they serve enough for a person in one helping and boy! Do they? Yes. Their cocktails and mocktails are well thought of and the bar person does justice to what they serve. We ordered few chilled beer and Nachos to start with. The nachos were freshly prepared and the dips were great. They had that authentic Mexican taste and flavor.

Since my husband is a vegetarian thus we ordered only vegetarian food. But judging by what and how much we got in one serve was enough for us to decide that I leave non-veg fair for the day we come with my daughter and son-in-law.

Chilled beer and crisp nachos, great outside view, soft mixed music by DJ and ever so helping staff made our evening pleasant. French fries were regular in taste but again the serving was realy large.

This multi-cuisine restaurant offers more than the regular matar-paneer and butter-chicken. How can such a lovely evening end without dessert. We were suggested baked Gulab-Jamun and a fruity dessert (specialty of this place), well we do have a sweet tooth and astronomical appetite for desserts, thus ordered bothJ. Did we regret? NO not at all.

The tall glass of fruity, creamy, colorful dessert full of crunchy nuts and a base of ice-cream was treat to eyes and taste-buds both, baked Gulab-jamun were great. I did have a suggestion for the chef about dessert, but was hesitant to tell. But when we thanked the manager and staff for their great service and food they were prompt to ask for suggestion and the chef was more than eager to listen to us. 

Thus I suggested that adding nuts after roasting will give great flavor to the crunchy nuts and also add some praline layer in between. Hope they incorporate these suggestions.

I strongly suggest to those who want to enjoy god food, music, drink and nice view , to visit Yolo Gastro bar at least once. You all will love it and will want to come here again and again.

Now I need not to travel 15-20 km to enjoy the evening and turn up tired because of travelling in crowded Pune roads.

I could not click pictures as I was not carrying camera or mobile, thus for pictures of the place you can go to JD.

Have a nice enjoyable evening.

Glimpse Of Ethiopia Part: 7 Debrezyiet The Town Of Lakes

Bishoftu Lake

Debrezyiet town is a separate wodera of Ethiopia. It is in Oromia Region and is 47.9 km. southeast of Addis Ababa the capital of Ethiopia. Its original name till 1953 has been restored in late nineties and is now officially known by its Oromo name “Bishoftu”.  Bishoftu is a town in volcanic zone, is situated in the southern rift valley and is bestowed with beautiful crater lakes. These lakes provide sanctuary to plethora of birds and animal species. Before I proceed with the picture tour of the lakes I would like to introduce my readers to the town of Bishoftu/Debrezyiet.

Debrezyiet is a small town having few good Hotels and restaurants. It has lots of beer bars and the omnipresent coffee shops to small coffee kiosks. The market is small and caters for daily needs, though it lacks of entertainment centers for foreigners. Hope in few years good eating joints and some malls come up so that people do not have to go to Addis to see an English movie, a simple entertainment for me.

Transport within Bishoftu is quite ok and inexpensive. Good auto-rickshaws (they call it bajaji) can be hired for reasonable rates and they are trustworthy. We used to hire them for going to Babogaya Lake and Hotel Pyramid. Even the old fashioned Tonga are operational and are fun as a ride.

I liked hotel Pyramid most because of the open space it has and the classic Pizza, variety of beers, Apple pie they served and most polite staff. One finds it hard for non-beef eaters and vegetarians to get an excellent place to spend a lazy evening. Hotel Pyramid was my cozy place. Michael was the man who knew what we wanted and where we loved to sit. We were looked after by him always.

Hotel Tommy is another place I loved to spend my Christmas Eve as children and ladies dressed vibrantly, danced to music and the whole atmosphere was lively. My friends tell me Fish Goulash is best in Tommy. The Beauty salon in Tommy is spick and span, hygienically maintained and they know perfectly how to treat the customer. I used to visit the place once a month and made good friends there. God bless them.

The only thing which I were asked to desist from doing is going to small by-lanes with expensive cameras. Dangerous! Was one word which explained it all. As we were staying in D.E.C campus and hyenas would make frequent appearance after dark so going out in night was also not safe, well we did not pay a heed as we required going out at least once a week for dinner.

Something I found overwhelming is the push Govt. is giving to education. Every evening I would see sea of children of varied ages, boys and girls going home after school. They ranged from 5-20 yrs. No hesitation or awkwardness in studying in the same class be it 10yrs or 20 yrs. old, they were happy to go to school. Night school for working people are also run free of cost, the whole scheme is sponsored by UN.

Blessed with plenty of water, nice climate and profusion of greenery coupled with the taboo for killing birds (except chicken) this is the town inhabited by not only lovey Ethiopians but also varied species of birds. Ethiopia has approximate 964 species of birds. I have 1/10 on them in my camera. Bishoftu, Ambo and Nile region are place of delight for ornithologists.

With this brief of Bishoftu I would first introduce you to the Hora lake.  Almost 8 km from the bus stand; one can approach it by mini bus or hire an auto-rickshaw. Myriads of birds can be spotted and if one is an avid walker then one side of the lake can be covered by foot.  After paying entry fee to the restaurant one can go right up to the end of the lake. The other side is accessible from the Air Force base. 

Nice clean step platforms to sit amongst the serenity of nature, sipping soft drink/beer/coffee one can relax in peace and watch the birds as well as fishermen fishing undisturbed by each other’s presence. A full round of lake takes about 40 minutes and the amount they charge depends mostly on what the boatman wants, no price control in Bishoftu at least. It is like “My shop, my thing my price. Take take, No take no take”. Believe me they speak this if you protest. The amount and the money spent are worth it.

Hora lake is the budget avenue to hole marriage functions and other parties.

Travelling some 6-7 km. from Hora lake one comes across Kuriftu lake and its resort. Since it is open to public on certain days else passes are to be collected from Addis we had to give it a miss and proceed to Babogaya Lake.

Babogaya lakes water and the sky above were literally competing with each other for the blue hue and the clarity. Blue sky dotted with white cloud and blue clear water reflecting the image of hillocks and sky was an absolute spell bounding view. 

The water is so pure and clear that fishes could be seen swimming under the water. For water sports entusiats  boating, watersports facilities are also provided here by the lake authorities.

The banks of this lake are dotted with numerous resorts. . 

I fell in love with Babogaya resort. It has huge open space, clean and great sitting arrangements, lovey rooms, suites for stay and good food (though very expensive). A perfect gateway to relaxation from cluttered and busy life, people of different countries as well as locals can be seen enjoying their vacations here.

As an avid wild life and bird lover I kept on looking for the opportune moment and place to capture them in my camera. There is a church by the lake side and it is least noisy thus perfect place to see birds.

Chikalaka lake is huge but seasonal lake which remains less filled with water during summers but post rainy season it is full of water and provides water to farms around it. Dutch, Chinese, Americans, have developed vegetable, poultry and dairy farms around this lake. These farms provide all exotic and local vegetables, fruits, milk, and poultry at affordable price to the local market.

Bishoftu Lake is the lake after which the town gets its name. It is bowl shaped lake, situated near the market area called The Circle. When I visited Bishoftu lake that area was under development. One of the most beautiful lake that I have seen, it is natures marvel. 

The hillocks make a deep bowl in almost circular shape and water is filled in that bowl. One could not approach the lake side as it was completely un-accessible. We sat in a hotel and had a splendid view of this marvelous lake. Our Ethiopian friend enjoyed the treat of beer and beef. We being a vegetarian sipped the chilled and took picture of the lake. Folk lore and stories of incidents of suicide deaths and the dead body thrown in the lake after massacring the locals by the Derg regime are abound. I am at the loss of words and hope the pictures posted will do the justice to this lake.

After this series of Glimpse of Ethiopia I intend to write Birds of Ethiopia. Though there are approximately 964 species and I could capture only about 90 during my short stay, yet it will give a peak to these beautiful creatures of nature existing in Ethiopia.

Apart from the places I have mentioned in my 7 episodes series of Glimpse of Ethiopia 

http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/05/a-glimpse-of-ethiopia-lalibella-city-of.html http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/05/glimpse-of-ethiopia-part-2-axum-aksum.html http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/06/glimpse-of-ethiopia-part-3-mekhele.html http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/06/glimpse-of-ethiopia-part-4-bahir-dar.html http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/06/glimpse-of-ethiopia-part5-gondar-city.html http://mylifesandstories.blogspot.in/2015/07/glimpse-of-ethiopia-part-6-blue-nile.html

there are many other places like Nazareth, salt beds of Danakil Dessert, Salt mines, Ambo and Hot water spring of Sodre and Lake Shalla are some of the other places to be visited in Ethiopia.

For true cultural and cuisine experience visit the Ethnic night clubs in Addis. Worth it.