Yoga has made its way into the mainstream western marketplace. From elongated cotton bags of hindu gods, black stretchy pants and metal water bottles the business that is yoga is everywhere. While the rise, and subsequent collapse of other western fitness fads like palates, tai-bo and even the hula-hoop may befall this ancient art in our society, Yoga will steadfast in its Himalayan home.
Etched in the mountains of Himichal Pradesh, and perched above the mythical river ganges the serene Rishikesh is by most accounts the epicenter of the Yoga universe. Even the physical city from afar feels as if it is postured in an eternal meditative position within its surroundings.
While most of us known Rishikesh as the Beatles holiday home in India, it would be a underestimation of this magical city. The peacefulness, serenity and daily devotion to Ganga Ma(Mother Ganges) by the inhabitants is one of the most unique displays anywhere. The ashrams make havens within this tranquil environment to practice and learn meditation, philosophy, and physical oneness. Free from alcohol and 100% vegetarian the entire city helps the individual achieve a sense of inner balance. This is where nature, society and religion live in harmony, free from the distractions of everyday life.
The city draws you in with it's friendly people, happy animals and mouthwatering cuisine. The countless retreats and course keep you here. And the fresh crisp mountain make you want to return.
Echoes of an ancient past resound through these majestic caves. Sculptures dating back to the first century BC are not only breath-taking but also awe inspiring. To think about how much time and effort it took people 1-2000 years ago to build temples, monasteries and sculptures from pure rock is totally mind-blowing!
Within this video you'll be able to witness the caves and see some of the incredible paintings painted with plants on top of rock. To think that everyone praises the Renasiance painters of Europe, but rarely do we hear about the incredible talent of hundreds of nameless and ancient artists in India. We hope to awaken in you the same awe and respect which visiting Ajanta and Ellora left us with.
World history has been defined by the rise and fall of
empires. Their quest for space, religion and autonomy has produced epic stories
that remain buried beneath our feet, waiting to be unearthed. The fascinating
rediscovery and reconstruction of these lost worlds is vital part of our universal
heritage, and one of the most compelling reasons for traveling.
India has seen it’s fair share of empires, however the story
of Vijaynagar is as peculiar as it’s landscape. The abandon empire strew across
the bewitching boulders of present day Hampi is even yet to be fully unearthed,
after some thirty plus years of archeological efforts. It took the combined
strength of four Sultans to overthrow this once mighty empire in the late 15th
century. Vijaynagar was completely looted and burned for 6 months, after which
the Sultans return to their respective domains abandoning the city.
All that remains now are the unearthed stone cut palaces,
baths, and royal courts which withstood the Sultan onslaught. The ruins slipped
from memory and time for some 400 years only to be rediscovered in the 18th
century by British hunting parties. By then structures had become so overgrown,
and inhabited by jungle animals that the discovery party had seek the safety of
temples overnight. The written accounts of 15th century European
travelers to the size, affluence and power of this once mighty empire provide a
tantalizing glimpse into a world forgotten.
Each discovery ushers in a myriad of new questions. While
answers will continue to be unearthed for years to come the compelling unknown
is what makes Hampi so fascinating. Here people live everyday lives with
several homes set within the ruins. Today era’s removed from it’s romantic
past, it stands as a symbolic message of the many layers which make traveling
in India so engaging. In Hampi ancient architecture and cell phones are tossed
with mythical stories and tourist on scooters. Peculiar and fascinating it is a
world of its own.
They have dubbed Kerala 'God's own Country'. This bold and lofty claim on the surface seems a touch overzealous, but spend a bit of time sinking your feet into it's sandy shores and coasting through the breezy mountains and you just might start understand the ambitious claim.
Unlike any other part of India, Keralans seam to be an anomaly within this vast country. Enjoying 100% literacy rate, clean(er) streets and a political backbone entrenched in Marxist philosophy (having the first democratically elected communist government... sans coercion!) you begin to feel like Alice and Kerala the rabbit hole.
NOTE: Monty will finish this post when sangeeta gives him some time... my gramur is not best... forgiviness pleaus :)
Below are just some of the highlight of our visit...
Entering into Munnar was like walking onto the set of a beautiful fairytale...but the wonderful thing was that it was real! Everywhere we went we were awestruck with a sense of wonder and gratitude that we were able to visit such a place.
We hope you'll join us and experience what we witnessed in this truly mystical place.
Travel memories. These usually fall into fondest, scariest
and strangest. The truly exceptional stories fall into all three. Presented for
your approval, The Chinnar Chase we hope makes the mark, but we’ll let you be
the judge.
It was Christmas eve, and the morning fog had just lifted,
drawing the curtains back on the lush rolling tea plantations that seamed to
engulf your entire body and mind. The brisk misty mountain air came as a
welcome change from the 30 degree heat of the coast. On this, our second day in
the disenchanting town of Munnar, we were ready to experience the beauty of the
surrounding hills the only way to fully take them in… on two wheels.
The mountain’s siren song was too strong for us to pay head
to the broken speedometer, fuel gauge or rearview mirror. In hindsight a little
due diligence would have gone a long way… but then again I wouldn’t be writing
this, nor would you be reading it had we heeded the warnings. Our hearts were set on the winding green
paths en route to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The final goal… spotting wild
animals.
The ride toured through winding tea plantations clinging to
the mountains, interrupted by the occasional rocky outcrop, and glistening
waterfalls. Stopping occasionally to marvel at the seas of green kissing the
clouds whose fall from heaven must have been a short one.
Now road destinations are an odd thing in India. No one can
exactly tell you where to go or how far it will actually be. Asking for
directions typically yields bewildered stares. Traveler’s note: The common ‘5
mins ahead’ or ‘just there’ should always be received with extreme caution and
healthy skepticism. Nevertheless, we managed to evade all pitfalls except for
one.Silently plotting our downfall
the nemesis of two wheelers world over…. sand.
Our tires lost grip and our wheels pulled out from under us.
Luckily our speed was in check and we escaped with a couple minor bruises and
cuts (mostly on me). We dusted ourselves off and thanking our ‘always wear a
helmet’ mantra, we humbly and cautiously made our way to the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is home to some amazing animals, both big and
small. Set amongst misty mountains and butterfly valleys, one can hope to spot
barking dear, giant squirrels, bison and if your lucky elephants. With our tribal
guide we were treated to both magnificent vistas and demanding cardio. Reaching
a valley near the end of trek, our guide turned very silent, slowed his steps
and seamed to listen with a concentration we had not yet seen. He was tracking
some creature. The giveaway was the soccer sized dung balls, that we had
entered elephant territory. Sure enough after some scouting, our guide pulled
us into a clearing where we could clearly see the mother elephant shifting in
the brush. She was downhill from us perhaps 30-40 meter away, but elephant can
hear and smell from up to 2kms away. She knew we were there. Making low
guttural noises almost like deep barking, she alerted her family that danger
was close then put her attention on us. Making loud squawks, flapping her ears
violently and taking a few quick paced steps towards us was all the warning our
guide needed. In a bat of an eyelid he was gone, and we went chasing after him
with the sound of loud footsteps behind us.
In the end we were out of breath, exhilarated and amazed by
the sight of a wild elephant!
We limped out of the park with huge smiles on our face
despite our bruises and wounds.Little did we know that our adventure was not over so soon! As we made
our way back to Munnar, climbing the steep mountain our two wheeler started to
chug up the mountain until it sputtered to a stop. We had run out of gas and
quickly losing light. We worried how we’d find a gas station in the middle of paradise
on such a desolate road. To our good fortune a good samaritan sensed we needed
help and 30 minutes later we were gassed up and on our way.
With daylight lost, a 40 minute ride remained until we were
back into Munnar. Added to this was the challenge of driving through the once
heavenly mists that now cut visibility down to a couple meters, navigating bumpy
Indian roads, weaving around cliffhanging hairpins, swerving around speeding
buses with blinding headlights and a cold rain.
A very slow cautious ride back was spurred on with thoughts
of our favorite dinner joint- Saravana Bhavana. Arriving safely we clasped our
hands around our hot tea cups and knew we had lived the day to it’s fullest.
