5 must visit places in India

 India is beautiful and huge with unlimited travel options. Whenever I have to plan my holidays, I literally get confuse. It is always a difficult decision and creates a fight between me and my husband. We both love to travel, I wish if we could leave our jobs and can have sponsored trips ;-) but actually we have to earn these excursions.  I would like to share my five most favorite palaces in India which you should visit. Although, it is difficult to choose five but I am just trying to suggest.

1.Taj Mahal,UP: Taj  Mahal definitely leads the trail. Taj Mahal means ‘crown of palaces’ .This white building became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is finest example of Mughal Architecture. Passages of Quran are used as decorative elements. The construction was begun in 1963 after the death of Mumtaz Mahal, a Persian princess and the third wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. It took 12 years to complete the main Tomb and additional 10 years for completing other parts of the compound. People from all over the world come to India to visit Taj Mahal. Nearest International Airport will be Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India (222 km from Agra) and Agra Airport will be the nearest domestic airport.

Places to visit near Agra:

Fatehpur Sikri

·         Agra Fort

·         Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb

·         Fatehpur Sikri

·         Akbar's Tomb

·         Jama Masjid

·         Radha Soami Samadh

Don’t forget to buy a miniature of Taj Mahal as a souvenir.

2. Gulmurg, Kashmir : Is duniya mein agar jannat hai, to bas yahi hai... yahi hai... yahi hai…..( if there is heaven on earth, then it is here…. it is here…. it is here….) once said by Babur (the first Mughal emperor) for Kashmir and I have no doubt about it. Whether you visit in summers or in winters, it has its own shades to show you. Gulmurg means ‘Meadow of Flowers’. It is a beautiful town, located 52 km from Srinagar. It has the world’s highest golf course and in winter it turns in to winter sports paradise. Many Bollywood movies have shot here like  Bobby, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Highway, Silsila, Rockstar etc. Gulmarg does not have any permanent residents. All living in Gulmarg is hotel employees and guests. Nearest Airport is Srinagar Airport (37 km from Gulmurg). Nearest International Airport will be Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi,India (912.8km form Gulmurg).

Places to visit in Gulmurg:

·         Apharwat Peak

·         Gondola

·         Alpine

·         Golf Course-in summers

·         Skiing-in winters.

·         Ningle Nallah

Don’t forget to keep your camera ready to capture breathtaking scenic beauty.

 3.  Rishikesh, Uttrakhand: This is the most refreshing place near Delhi for adventure lovers. I have been there twice and I enjoyed every single minute of my trip. Rishikesh is 232.5km from Delhi, so you can plan your weekend outing. Jolly Grant Airport is nearest domestic airport (23 kms) and Nearest International Airport will be Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi,India (234km from Rishikesh).

Things to do in Rishikesh:

Water Rafting

·         Water Rafting

·         Bungee jumping at jumpin heights

·         Beatles ashram

·         Swarg Ashram

·         Patna Waterfall

Selfie pic

         
      Don’t forget to take your floaters sandals.

4. Munnar & Alleppey (Backwaters), Kerala: Kerala is a beautiful state situated at the south west corner of India. Each and every place is a paradise here but personally I liked Munnar and Alleppey the most. It was and will be very special for me as I went on honeymoon there. Munnar is a hill station covered with the carpet of tea plantation whereas Alleppey is inlaid with channels that support its thriving backwater tourism. Nearest airport to both is Cochin International airport. 107.5 km from Munnar and 83.7 km from Alleppey.

Places to visit in Alleppey:

Munnar, Kerala

       ·         Backwaters tour

       ·         Boat house

       ·         Secret beach

       ·         Alappuzha Beach-Sunset

Selfie in tea plantation

Places to visit in Munnar:
            ·         Tea Gardens

·         Lakkam Waterfalls

·         Lock Heart Gap

·         Kannan Devan Tea Museum

Kathakaril

Don’t forget to attend Kathakali , a musical dance drama.

5.North Goa, Goa:  Youthful, Energetic, Free, Lively, Fun are the synonyms of Goa. It is my most recent trip and seriously No place can beat Goa. We stayed in Aguada Anchorage villa, near Candolim beach. You know when i was watching Jai Ho (Starring Salman Khan), i noticed the same villa in the movie.   First and foremost you should hire a Scooty and then explore very street of Goa. You will experience colorful houses, cafe and live music.You can buy the most reasonable liquor in India. You can try Port Wine and Bebinca. Goa International Airport is the nearest airport.

Villas in Aguvada Anchorage villa         

Places to do in North Goa:                                 ·         Party all night at Curlies Shack , Anjuna Beach 

 ·         Thalassa, Anjuna

Selfie in Thalassa, Anjuna 

·         Special ladies party on every Thursday            at SinQ Beach Club, Candolim
·         Shopping at flea market
·         Spend one relaxed night on beach
·         Water sports at Candolim Beach

 
Don’t forget to buy roasted cashew nuts (Kaju).

Selfie in Aguvada Anchorage,Villa

                                                                             
 Enjoy Travelling!! 

Vector Paintings..

 Painting on Flash

These days i am exploring Flash(CS3) and i found coloring very easy on Flash and i really enjoying doing it. If you like to work on vector design do try Flash.   Enjoy!!!

MCLEODGANG

Since a long time, we have been planning for a holiday. We were looking for a place which is near to Delhi or which takes less time to commute , as we had only 2 days and limited budgets. After discussing many options, one of our friend suggested  for Mcleod Ganj. which is not very near but the plan was for 2 days. We booked our tickets from  www.redbus.in . Although, it was (semi sleeper) Volvo, but i was little reluctant of travelling by bus but with friends i got agreed. We started from Delhi at 6.30 in the evening and had our dinner at 10.30 on our way. I slept well in the bus though it was not that much comfortable. I woke up with the sunlight coming from the windows. The valley was filled with lush deodar trees and the sun was peeking through trees. We reached there at 7 in the morning. Then i realized, this is the best way to commute as whole night you sleep and you can save you next day. 

This place is really economical, you can easily find a good room as per your pocket.We took Misty Woods hotel, as per our budget. We all were exited,so we just got fresh and left hotel. We had break fast at Punjabi Rasoi. It is actually fun having typical punjabi aloo paratha with curd in any hill station. 



We started exploring local area . Life was very slow, calm and peaceful here.  In the main market, we saw a Buddhist temple with prayer wheels.We started with that temple. It was a small beautiful temple in the middle of the market with prayer wheels all around the temple.  

I heard a lot about 'TsuglagkhangTemple' before going there. So, we decide to visit that first. On our way to the 'TsuglagkhangTemple' we saw poster for saving Tibet. I was shocked to see how miserable life Tibetans are living.                

We walked through the market and reached  'Tsuglagkhang Temple' . In the premises of the temple, we saw Tibetan National Martyrs Memorial and the poster of those people who sacrificed their life for Tibet. I don't know why,  but i was feeling really bad about it. 'TsuglagkhangTemple' is popular destination for those who believe in Buddhism. The ambiance in the temple is warm and collegial. This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. It has huge Sakyamuni Buddha Statue.  and it also has a large meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas (Thangka is a Nepalese art form exported to Tibet), as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It is the monastery of the Dalai Lama, and is located just in front of his residence. 

Mcleodganj is often called the little Lhasa, at 1770m is the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government in exile has been head quartered here for over three decades. It is like home to many Tibetans who started their life here again. Near the temple, i met a very old lady carrying hand knitted bands, she came to me and smiled. i couldn't resist myself and i took one. She hugged me and tide that band herself on my wrist. I noticed traditional architectural designs from Tibet and a large number of Monks. 

  





 From there we took a cab and went to see BHAGSU NAG TEMPLE and BHAGSU WATERFALL.. Bhagsu Nag temple was a small beautiful Lord Shiva temple and waterfall was majorly dry due to snow.We came back to Mcloedganj market and had momos at the road side with tea. First time ever in my life, i had potato momos .

After that, we went to Dal Lake,which was 2 km far from Mcleodganj. It was not as big as we have in Kashmir  but it was small beautiful lake surrounded by Deodar forest. Taking a holy dip in this lake is considered to remove all miseries. although i didn't take a dip as it was very cold. Before going, i was wondering why do we call it McleodGanj, Actually, It was named after Sir Donald Friell Mcleod (a lieutenant Governor of Punjab) and Ganj means in Hindi is Neighbour.  We came back to McleodGanj market and had our dinner at Curryleaves Restaurant  we had our traditional north Indian food. 

At night, our hotel arranged a bonfire. We enjoyed playing cards and tea till late night.Night Morning, we all woke up late. and left hotel at 11 in the morning. We had amazing breakfast at Moon Peak Restaurant   and i tried lemon ginger tea .That day we all decide to relax and to explore local market. 

First, we went to St.John Church. St. John in the Wilderness is an Anglican church dedicated to John the Baptist built in 1852.We came back to McleodGanj market . In the market, I found a huge range of woolen hand knitted gloves and caps. McleodGanj has a very big market for antiques  I bought lot of things from there.

As we had  to leave same day, we sat in the cafe  and spent our whole afternoon at the cafe.At 6 in the evening, we had to catch our bus so rushed back to our hotel and picked our luggage. I saw one of the most beautiful sunset from the bus stand.  I really like to suggest people to visit Mcleodaganj and explore natural beauty. It can be a good option for trekking lovers. Best place to relax... Enjoy!!!!!         

                                    

    

Call me or Come back

why my sun doesn't shine....why my world has stopped...

why i can't feel your warmth...why i am so cold...

why i can't walk....why i am so weak...

why i can't bury your memories....,, why i am so numb....

why i can't fight back....why i am so vulnerable....

why did you leave....why i am so alone....

why i can't breath.....why i am so dead.....

I am waiting ... I m requesting......

I can't get through my life without you...

  ....please....Call me or come back......  

 

Diwali...

On the auspicious festival of lights.....

I Pray.......

Every success comes to you.....Every happiness moves to you....

Problems should not touch you..... Troubles should not hamper you...

Sweetness will fill in your smile.... Brightness will light up your life...

You will be blessed with Wealth and Health.......... 

 

I wish  everyone a very...... 

HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS DIWALI

 

Smita Patil

An extraordinary...ordinary looking dusky beauty..

Smita Patil

Smita Patil was born in 1955, her politician father  Shivajirao Patil and social worker mother Vidyatai Patil from Sirpur town,Maharashtra  and she did her basic schooling from Renuka Swaroop Memoial high school in Pune.

She was graduated from The Film and Television Institute of  India,Pune. She made her debut with Mere Saath Chal in 1974. Shyam Benegal discovered her when she used to work as a newsreader  for Doordarshan and was a accomplished photographer.  

She was the finest actress of her times and she used to prove that with her every performance. I saw her in Mirch Masala for the first time and i was amazed with her acting skills and i was compelled to watch all her movies. 

In 1975, Smita worked in Shyam Benegal's movie Charandas Chor , it was a children's film. 
Smita gave two of her best performance in the year 1976 - Manthan and Bhumika. Both were the best piece of art. Manthan, White Revolution of India(Operation Flood) was written by Dr.Verghese Kurien and Directed by Shyam Benegal. In Bhumika, she played the role of a  well known Marathi Stage and screen actress of 1940's Hansa Wadkar, who lived an unusual life in the search of love and identity.  Smita portrayed both the roles amazingly. She was looking very attractive in her  simple cotton saris in Bhumika  . She won her first National Film Award (Best Actress) for the Movie. 


In 1980, Govind Nihalani, Aakrosh released , Aakrosh won the National Film Award for best Feature Film and also got Golden  Peacock for the Best Film at the International Film Festival of India. Smita worked in  Govind Nihalani' Tamas and Ardh Satya also . She won her second National Film Award in 1982 ( Best Actress) for Chakra.

Smita was as a feminist and a member of the Women's Centre in Mumbai. She did almost all women oriented movies which showed different aspects of Indian women in Indian Society. As her looks and appearance was simple and natural so it was very easy to relate with.  She was the only actress who can do justice to both commercial and parallel cinema....

 In 1982 , She gave two commercial hits - Namak Halal and Shakti. She was paired against Amitabh Bachhan in both the movies . She was praised for her glamarous look in Paag Ghoongroo bandh  mera nachi thi song.......Aaj rapat Jaye to hame na uthayo from movie Namak Halal...is still one of the most romantic rain song....









In the same year, she did Sagar  Sarhadi's Bazaar also. This film shows the tragedy of young girls being sold by needy parents to rich Indians in Gulf. Songs like Phir chiddi raat baat phoolonki , karo ge yaad to har baat, dekhlo aaj hamko jee bhar ke.....and Dikhayee Diye Yun are still very famous.....


Smita and Shaban Azmi had passed out from the same college and did same kind of movies. They were professional reveal but used to share a good family rapport. They did some movies together like- Arth, Nishant and Mandi. In Mahesh Bhatt's Arth(1982), Smita showed excellent acting as a schizophrenic patient. Mandi was released in 1983, where she played a role of prostitute. In 1985, she got  Padma Shri Award .





She worked with superstar of that time Rajesh Khanna in four movies-Angaaray, Akhir Kyun, Amrit and Awam. Dushman na kare dost ne wo kaam kiya hai.... was a hit song of that time. 



She worked in more than 75 Hindi and regional films in the career of 11 years. 

Some of his hit regional films: Jait Re Jait (Marathi),Saal Solvan Chadya (Punjabi) Anugraham (Telugu),Sarvasakshi (Marathi), Bhavani Bhavai (Gujrati), Anveshane (Kannada), Debshishu(Bengali), Umbartha(Marathi) Chidambaram(Malayalam). 

In 1987, Ketan Mehta's Mirch Masala released, which  was unfortunately smita's last movie.Her performance was outstanding as a spice factory worker. 

She took an unconventional decisions of getting married to already married Raj Babbar.
Raj Babbar left his wife Nadira Babbar for Smita. Smita faced lots of criticism from the Feminist organisation for whom she worked hard....  Smita and Raj Babbar did lot of movies together like-Bheegi Palkein , Angaaarey(1986), Jawaab,Tajurba(1981),Awam.

Smita was only 31  when she died on 13 December 1986, because of childbirth complications just after two weeks of giving birth to Prateik Babbar. Prateik resembles his mother a lot. He was brought up by Smita's mother Vidyatai Patil.  Prateik did his debut with Abbas Tyrewala's Jane tu Jane ya Jane na....and getting lot of appreciation.

Smita had most expressive eyes and photogenic face. She played different roles in her 11 years career and she did justice to her every role. I wish, i could see her more movies.......... Smita Patil  will live forever in the  heart of her admirer .... Rest In Peace.....