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Lesser-known Facts about the Heritage city Aurangabad
Known:
The heritage city
Aurangabad (Maharashtra) is best known for the Ajanta and Ellora
caves. The city serves as a base destination for reaching the
historical sites mentioned above and attracts tourists from all
across the globe. This city was a Mughal Territory in the reign of
Aurangazeb and is named after the emperor. The city houses the
mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s wife which is known as the Taj of Deccan.
Aurangabad’s
proximity to Ellora, Ajanta, Daulatabad and Shirdi has earned the
city a prominent place in the tourism industry of India. The city has
geared up to cater both national and international tourists by
providing good accommodation and transportation facilities. The city
is served by a well connected airport and a railway station. MTDC
(Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) provides special
tourist packages for seeing Ajanta and Ellora Caves. You can also ask
for private transport services or hire a car to reach here.
Lesser-known:
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
The city is, so far,
known by its historical significance and industrial growth. But, not
many know about the internal cultural activities that go unnoticed by
the visitors. The city keeps hosting classical music and dance
concerts frequently for the connoisseurs. Up until recently, there
used to be Ellora Festival every year by inviting international level
singers and dancers. The Ellora festival has been temporarily halted.
However, another
cultural event hosted by MAHAGAMI (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Sangeet
Academy) is making news. It is called the Sharangadev Samaroh. This
unique music and dance festival has been initiated by the director of
MAHAGAMI, Parwati Datta. Parwati Datta, being a versatile Kathak and
Odissi dancer, has been motivating the art lovers of Aurangabad since
the establishment of the institution and is coordinating noted
artists of the nation to enlighten the younger generation on the path
of Indian music and dance heritage.
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Sharangdev Samaroh is one such step taken by MAHAGAMI. This cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of classical music and dance that exists in various forms all across India. This event is especially dedicated to the 13th century musicologist Sharangadev, who is said to have lived in the court of Devagiri Yadava rulers. Devagiri is the present day Daulatabad which is at about 17 km from the city.
Sangeeta Ratnakara,
the book written by Sharangadev is an important text for the seekers
of both Hindustani and Carnatic music tradition. This 13th
century text documents almost all the prevalent dance and music
traditions of that time and gives descriptions about technical
details of dance movements, music, and rhythm. So, to commemorate the
contribution made by the author, the Sharangadev Samaroh will be held
in the land where the author created such a treatise.
The cultural event
comprises of a three day workshop followed by evening concerts.
Eminent artists belonging to various music and dance traditions such
as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniattam
and Manipuri will present their pieces. Noted artists like Birju
Maharaj, Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr.
Padma Subrahmanyam, Padma Bhushan Swapna Sundari, Sadanam
Balakrishnan and many other scholars have graced the event so far.
Dear
tourist…
If you are planning to
visit Aurangabad, please make a note of this event. Normally, the
event will be held in January or February for three days and nights.
Visitors can make use of this opportunity if they are in the city
during that time. Try something different when you are in Aurangabad
next time. Experience the lesser- known treasures of Aurangabad.
Tag :
Best of India,
On the unruffled shore of Ganapatipule …
Life in a city sucks
sometimes. It appears as though we are struck inside a fixed frame,
lost in the mundane activities, and feel like coming out of the
congestion. Congestion created by work related stress, family
oriented pressures….After all we are poor human beings who need a
break to re-charge our energy. We need a peaceful place that keeps
you away from all worries, makes you forget the world and helps you
to rejuvenate yourself. If you are in need of such a retreat, then,
you must visit Ganaptipule.
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| Image credit:Prajna LS |
Ganapatipule
is a small village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India.
The region of Ratnagiri lies in the Konkan Maharashtra along the
western coastline. Ganapatipule provides a serene sea shore of a
recreational kind. The village is also known for an ancient Ganapati
Temple that lies near the seashore. It is located at 30 km away from
Ratnagiri city.
It
was in the last summer that we had planned for a weekend trip to
Ganapatipule. We had planned to reach the place via Kolhapur.
Kolhapur (140 km) is the nearest transport hub to reach Ratnagiri and
Ganapatipule. Ratnagiri is connected by Konkan rail to Mumbai. We had
hired a taxi from Kolhapur to Ganapatipule.
You
can’t call Ganapatipule a town. Due to increased number tourists
this remote Konkan village is expanding. Most interesting part of the
village is the MTDC beach resort facing the calm and quiet sea shore.
It is a huge campus comprising rooms and cottages facing the shore.
Book the room in advance during peak seasons. You may get private
hotels also, but, MTDC rooms provide direct sea view.
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| Image Credit:Prajna LS |
We had booked a sea view cottage. Our aim was to spend leisurely hours on the sea shore just like that idly. We had gone there to drench ourselves in the lap of nature. The beach was less crowded and it is one of the most untouched beaches of Maharashtra, one can say. We were blessed to have refreshing morning and evening walks on the shore. In fact, we were left to have our own time in the sea. I should say, I am enamoured by the profound serenity of the place, would love to go there again.
The
MTDC resort has a restaurant that provides good meals. There are
restaurants outside the MTDC compound if you want to try out.
Remember to taste the ‘Sol-khadi’ a local drink. It tastes like
flavoured buttermilk that is made up of Kokam fruits.
What
to do:
The
place is less modernised and it is solely for leisure trips. The
beach is the main attraction, but it is not a commercialised beach.
We enjoyed drenching ourselves in the unruffled seas reflecting the
clear blue sky in the noon. We just sat there for hours together
watching the playful waves. We gazed at the vast sea that turned
crimson as the sun made his way for another evening. It was heavenly
sight!
After
the sunset, we visited the Ganapati temple which was situated on the
other end of the same seashore. During high tide, the sea waves touch
the entrance of the temple it seems. It’s a beautiful temple in a
beautiful location providing a pious ambience to the place.
If
you have time, you can take a round of nearby locations. There is an
open air museum in Ganapatipule displaying the local Konkani
lifestyle. There is a small shop inside the museum if you want to buy
local products like Kokum, honey, pickles and snacks.
We
visited Malgund, the hometown of Keshavsut - the much revered poet
of Maharashtra. Malgund is just 10 minutes journey from Ganapatipule.
Poet Keshavsut’s residence has been converted into a memorial now.
In
brief:
Ganapatipule
provides best recreation for those who love tranquillity. MTDC is the
best available resort there. Autos are available for sightseeing.
Main attraction is the beach. Best for a weekend getaway from Mumbai,
Pune and Aurangabad. Good for all seasons except Monsoon. December is
the peak season, so book rooms three months before if you are
planning for December. Kolhapur is the nearest transportation hub.
Ratnagiri is the nearest railhead.
Mumbai-
326 km, Pune-308 km , Kolhapur -140 km, Ratnagiri -30 km
Tag :
Best of India,
Tripura: Land of Oranges
It was a
princely state in the colonial times. The state at present, is just
gearing up for the contemporary trends in tourism. Tripura, best
known for rich natural landscape, is quiet region compared to its
sister states in the North Eastern India.
Agartala,
the capital city of Tripura is the most visited city. Accommodation
with wide range of hotels and resorts and connectivity make Agartala
a possible tourist junction in Tripura.
People of
Tripura feel proud if you mention the name of Indian legendary music
composer late S.D. Burman. S.D. Burman, possessing a royal
inheritance in Tripura, was born and brought up in present day
Bangladesh. But, he is considered an icon of Tripura till today.
Another legendary personality, the poet Rabindranath Tagore also is
respected highly in this state. He seems to have great affinity with
the Manikya rulers of Tripura. So, you would win the hearts of
Tripura people by mentioning these two famous personalities!
Total 19
tribes live in the state. The Kokborok speaking community is the main
dominant tribe among all. At present the state houses mixed culture.
Influence of Bengali culture on food and festivities is apparently
visible.
Agriculture
is the main activity here. Tripura borders Myanmar in the east and
Bangladesh in the west.
How to
reach: Agartala is well connected by road,
rail and airways. Flights are available from Agartala to Delhi,
Kolkata, Imphal, Silichar and Guwahati. You would get connecting
flights to other cities. Agartala is connected to Assam, Dhaka and
Comilla by train. The state is connected by only one National Highway
and that is not in good condition.
What
to buy: Buy Bamboo and Cane products and
Tripuri traditional dress. Tripuri traditional dress consists of
three parts out of which only two parts are worn nowadays. The
pattern will be somewhat like wrap around and a top, but it is known
as Rignai (wrap around) and Risa (top).
What
to see: Most visited city in Trpura is
Agartala. Other parts of the state could be reached by buses and taxis. Interiors of the state can offer government guest houses and
low budget hotels.
Agartala:
The city boasts of having a rich historical connection with the Manikya rulers. The city was the capital of the Princely State that ruled over the region. Ujjayanta Palace, Museum, Sukanta Academy, and Purbasa Emporium are the main attractions in the city.
Unakoti,
It is at about 178 km from Agartala, is a place of attraction from archeological point of view. This place is known for stone carvings on a hill belonging to 7th/8th centuries. These rock carvings of Shiva and other gods are situated randomly on a hill. Imagine a hill comprising carvings on its huge rocks everywhere! Also visit Debtamura and Pilak sites.Tripura Sundari Temple:
it is considered one of the Shakti Peethas in India. The place is located about 55 km from Agartala.Gomuti Bird sanctuary:
This is located at about 40 km from Agartala and is a good place for bird lovers.Jampui Hill:
This is at about 250 km from the capital. This is a beautiful hill station comprising orange gardens. Visit during winter months to see orange trees bearing orange fruits.
Jampui Hill
(image credit:
Tag :
Best of India,