5 Places to visit in Chennai

The lively metropolis of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, is home to a thriving arts community. These are the top five tourist attractions in Chennai:

Marina Beach: Marina Beach, one of the world's longest urban beaches, is a well-liked destination in Chennai. Long walks, sunset views, and other beachfront activities are all popular on the beach, which spans for many kilometers along the Bay of Bengal.

Lord Shiva is the subject of the historic Hindu temple Kapaleeshwarar, which is a magnificent display of Dravidian design. The temple is a revered religious and cultural site in Chennai because of its artistically carved gopurams (towering entrances) and because it organizes numerous festivities all year long.

The British East India Company constructed Fort St. George, the first British fortification in India, in 1644. It now serves as the location of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly as well as a number of historical sites and museums, such as the Fort Museum, which displays objects from the colonial era.

The Santhome Basilica is a Roman Catholic church that was constructed on the grave of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is thought to have given sermons in the area. The church is a location of both spiritual significance and architectural beauty because to its neo-Gothic design and calm atmosphere.

One of the first museums in India is the Government Museum, also referred to as the Madras Museum. The museum is home to a sizable collection of natural history, numismatics, art, and archaeology. Visitors can examine displays on conventional South Indian culture.

Madhya Pradesh

 Madhya Pradesh (/ˌmɑːdjə prəˈdɛʃ/,^[9] Hindi: [ˈməd̪ʱjə pɾəˈdeːʃ] (listen); meaning 'central province') is a state in central India. Its capital is Bhopal, and the largest city is Indore, with Jabalpur, Ujjain, Gwalior, Dewas, Sagar, Satna, and Rewa being the other major cities. Madhya Pradesh is the second largest Indian state by area and the fifth largest state by population with over 72 million residents. It borders the states of Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Chhattisgarh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west, and Rajasthan to the northwest.^[10]

The area covered by the present-day Madhya Pradesh includes the area of the ancient Avanti Mahajanapada, whose capital Ujjain (also known as Avantika) arose as a major city during the second wave of Indian urbanisation in the sixth century BCE. Subsequently, the region was ruled by the major dynasties of India. The Maratha Empire dominated the majority of the 18th century. After the Anglo-Maratha Wars in the 19th century, the region was divided into several princely states under the British and incorporated into Central Provinces and Berar and the Central India Agency. Some years after India's independence, the Central Provinces and Berar was renamed as Madhya Pradesh with Nagpur as its capital: this state included the southern parts of the present-day Madhya Pradesh and northeastern portion of today's Maharashtra. In 1956, this state was reorganised and its parts were combined with the states of Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh and Bhopal to form the new Madhya Pradesh state, the Marathi-speaking Vidarbha region was removed and merged with the Bombay State. This state was the largest in India by area until 2000, when its southeastern Chhattisgarh region was designated a separate state.

The economy of Madhya Pradesh is the 10th-largest in India, with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of ₹9.17 trillion (US$110 billion) and has the country's 26th highest per-capita income of ₹ 109372.^[6] Madhya Pradesh ranks 23rd among Indian states in human development index.^[11] Rich in mineral resources, Madhya Pradesh has the largest reserves of diamond and copper in India. 25.14% of its area is under forest cover.^[12] Its tourism industry has seen considerable growth, with the state topping the National Tourism Awards in 2010–11.^[13] In recent years, the state's GDP growth has been above the national average.^[14] In 2019–20, state's GSDP was recorded at 9.07.^[15]

History[edit]

Main article: History of Madhya Pradesh

Isolated remains of Homo erectus found in Hathnora in the Narmada Valley indicates that Madhya Pradesh might have been inhabited in the Middle Pleistocene era.^[16] Painted pottery dated to the later mesolithic period has been found in the Bhimbetka rock shelters.^[17] Chalcolithic sites belonging to Kayatha culture (2100–1800 BCE) and Malwa culture (1700–1500 BCE) have been discovered in the western part of the state.^[18] Madhya Pradesh is also the world's ninth-most populous subnational entity.

The city of Ujjain arose as a major centre in the region, during the second wave of Indian urbanisation in the sixth century BCE. It has served as the capital of the Avanti kingdom. Other kingdoms mentioned in ancient epics – Malava, Karusha, Dasarna and Nishada – have also been identified with parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Chandragupta Maurya conquered northern India around 320 BCE, establishing the Mauryan Empire, which included all of modern-day Madhya Pradesh. Ashoka the greatest of Mauryan rulers, conquered it, bringing the region under firmer control. After the decline of the Maurya empire, the region was contested among the Sakas, the Kushanas, the Satavahanas, and several local dynasties during the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. Heliodorus, the Greek Ambassador to the court of the Shunga King Bhagabhadra erected the Heliodorus pillar near Vidisha.

Ujjain emerged as the predominant commercial centre of western India from the first century CE, located on the trade routes between the Ganges plain and India's Arabian Sea ports. The Satavahana dynasty of the northern Deccan and the Saka dynasty of the Western Satraps fought for the control of Madhya Pradesh during the 1st to 3rd centuries CE.

The Satavahana King Gautamiputra Satakarni inflicted a crushing defeat upon the Saka rulers and conquered parts of Malwa and Gujarat in the 2nd century CE.^[19]

Subsequently, the region was conquered by the Gupta empire in the 4th and 5th centuries, and their southern neighbours, the Vakataka's. The rock-cut temples at Bagh Caves in the Kukshi tehsil of the Dhar District show the presence of the Gupta dynasty in the region, supported by the testimony of a Badwani inscription dated to the year of 487 CE.^[20] The attacks of the Hephthalites or White Huns brought about the collapse of the Gupta empire, which broke up into smaller states. The King Yasodharman of Malwa defeated the Huns in 528, ending their expansion. Later, Harsha (c. 590–647) ruled the northern parts of the state. Malwa was ruled by the south Indian Rashtrakuta Dynasty from the late 8th century to the 10th century.^[21] When the south Indian Emperor Govinda III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty annexed Malwa, he set up the family of one of his subordinates there, who took the name of Paramara.^[22]

The Medieval period saw the rise of the Rajput clans, including the Paramaras of Malwa and the Chandelas of Bundelkhand. The Chandellas built the majestic Hindu-Jain temples at Khajuraho, which represent the culmination of Hindu temple architecture in Central India. The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty also held sway in northern and western Madhya Pradesh at this time. It also left some monuments of architectural value in Gwalior. Southern parts of Madhya Pradesh like Malwa were several times invaded by the south Indian Western Chalukya Empire which imposed its rule on the Paramara kingdom of Malwa.^[23] The Paramara King Bhoja (c. 1010–1060) was claimed to be a renowned polymath. The small Gond kingdoms emerged in the Gondwana and Mahakoshal regions of the state. Northern Madhya Pradesh was conquered by the Turkic Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century. After the collapse of the Delhi Sultanate at the end of the 14th century, independent regional kingdoms re-emerged, including the Tomara kingdom of Gwalior and the Muslim Sultanate of Malwa, with its capital at Mandu.

The Malwa Sultanate was conquered by the Sultanate of Gujarat in 1531. In the 1540s, most parts of the state fell to Sher Shah Suri, and subsequently to the Hindu King Hemu. Hemu, who had earlier served as the General of the Islamic Suri dynasty, operated from the Gwalior Fort during 1553–56 and became the ruler of Delhi as a Vikramaditya king winning 22 battles continuously from Bengal to Gujrat and defeating Akbar's forces in the Battle of Delhi on 7 October 1556. However, he chose Delhi as his capital after his formal Coronation and left Gwalior. After Hemu's defeat by Akbar at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556, most of Madhya Pradesh came under the Mughal rule. Gondwana and Mahakoshal remained under the control of Gond kings, who acknowledged Mughal suzerainty but enjoyed virtual autonomy.

5-DAY TRIP ITINERARY FOR MEGHALAYA

If there is one destination that embodies the spirit of Christmas in India with fervour, it is Meghalaya. With a church at every bend and the composition of people dominated by the Christian community, it is no wonder that Christmas is one of the most prominent festivals of the state. Thousands of people travel to the state to be part of the celebrations. On our trip, we did end up navigating through kilometres of traffic jams but nature trumped the show. The crisp clear mountain air, verdant countryside, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear emerald rivers and dramatic cliffs compensated the fatigue of traffic on this five-day trip to the state. Even a week seemed to fall short to cover all the highlights of the state, so we concentrated on some of the most prominent ones like the Nohkalikai Falls, living root bridges, Umngot River, Mawlynnong and of course, Shillong.

Delhi based music band, The Cosmic Truth and I explored the lesser-feted state, on a journey with Maruti Suzuki Alto and Outlook Traveller on the Wheels of Wander journey. Here’s our itinerary that you can grab and go.

Day 1: Guwahati – Shillong – Cherrapunji

Our initial plan was to start at 7:30 am from Guwahati to avoid the holiday rush but when you are traveling with a group it’s hard to stay punctual. An hour’s early morning lazing around costed us 3 hours in the traffic jam at Shillong. The soothing Umiam Lake (Bada Pani) came to the rescue. Standing at the edge of the road overlooking the sprawling lake helped set the tone for the days to follow. A quintessential Maggi and chai break always helps ease the pressure.

Hitting the plains from Shillong to Guwahati and crossing fields and small hamlets

Around 2 pm, we reached Mawkdok Dympep Valley, a well-know spot for zip lining. At a dizzying height of 1200 feet, this is one of the highest zip lining venues in India. The line stretches from one edge of the mountain to another escarpment on the other side. With treetops under your feet, knees shaking, we took to the ropes and swooshed down the valley, emerging more confident on the other side. It was fascinating to see the fiery sun plummet behind stacks of mountains while we wrapped up the zip lining experience.

We wheeled into Cherrapunji late for hill-station standards and were warmly welcomed in our homestay.

Zipling at the dizzying height of 1200 feet of the Mawkdok Dympep Valley - one of the highest in India

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Day 2: Cherrapunji - Nohkalikai Waterfall - Arwah-Lumshynna caves - Shnongpdeng

On the day, the Nohkalikai Waterfall was first on the list of sights to see. This is the highest plunge waterfall in India at 1115 feet. It tumbles down a large bed of rocks, frothing and leaping furiously down to a pool, leaving a haze of mist. This is likely to be the centre point of your travel to Cherrapunji, but there is more to explore, so remember to tear yourself in time. We spent over an hour at the edge, jaws dropped to the floor till someone reminded us that there was more to cover on this day.

Nohkalikai Waterfall in Cherrapunjee – the highest plunge waterfall in India at 1115 feet.

Next, we wended down to the Arwah-Lumshynna caves in Cherrapunji. The scenic walk from the parking to the Arwah-Lumshynna cave system, with a view of plunging valley on the right, was a staggering sight to behold. Inside the caves, the stalagmites and stalactites drooped from the roof of the caves. The guide mentioned that we were in the presence of fossils that had survived for thirty million years. Watches egging us to hurry up, we were back in the car and off to Shnongpdeng addressed at the edge of Umngot River. We wended our way along the Bangladesh border and flopped on the soft sand with the sound of the river as a constant backdrop.

It was Christmas Eve a campfire celebration was on the cards. An evening of music and barbecue under a sky full of billion stars was the perfect way to celebrate.

Nothing like ending a day by the bonfire, with a song

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Day 3: Kayaking at Umngot River - Bangladesh Border – Mawlynnong - Shillong

As the sun came up, we could finally ascertain the fame of the crystal clear Umngot River. The river is so clean that one can see the riverbed with naked eyes and it seems that the slim local boats are floating mid-air on the surface – a photograph that has repeatedly cemented the destination’s allure on the Internet in the last few years.

Bright red kayaks bobbed in the water in front of our camp, so there was only one thing to do – jump in it and paddle along the river. Chin to the neck, peeping over the edge of the kayak, I could see the base of the river clearly. With the light refracting perfectly, it looked as if the watery stretch was bright turquoise. Furious camera shutters were capturing the scene. Understandably, it was impossible for anyone to resist taking photographs of this unique river.

Kayaking in the crystal clear waters of the Umngot River

Riverside fun over, we headed to the famous Living Roots Bridge of Meghalaya en-route Bangladesh border at Dawki. Almost two hours of driving and a few hundred steps down, the living root bridge of Rwai emerged. This intricate network of roots is built over decades by the village elders and is said to have a life span of over 500 years. After marvelling the genius work of the locals, we started walking towards the Maw Ryngkew Sharatia or the ‘balancing rock’ located just before Mawlynnong village. It embodies a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder precariously balancing on another rock.

Browns to aqua blue – the visual delight of seeing the starkly different colours of Umngot River

It was a short drive to Mawlynnong from here. The village’s reputation precedes it. After all, it is Asia’s cleanest village. It was a treat to walk into the trash-less and well-manicured streets of this tiny village that is now world famous for cleanliness. It truly is God’s Own Garden.

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Day 4: Celebrating Christmas in the music capital of India - Shillong

Braving the crowds, we inched towards Police Bazaar in the centre of Shillong. As expected, the city looked like a bride on Christmas Day. Bright lights hung from every window and wall, and decked up trees stood at short intervals, under the weight of decorations. The local people had taken to the streets for food, music and the lit up buildings. Impromptu Christmas carols were being sung and there was an air of celebration around. We settled into a brightly lit café to end the long day. It was a memorable Christmas spent mostly on wheels and the evening in the company of music and a typical Shillong vibe.

The Cosmic Truth, on Christmas, in the music capital of India

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Day 5: Soaking in the countryside of Meghalaya

We decided to take things little slow on the last day of our trip. With no concrete agenda, we drove along the lush countryside from Shillong. The eventual stop was Guwahati, but we veered off the highway into unassuming villages

Mawkdok Dympep Valley; home to zip-ling action in Meghalaya

Tea and pineapple plantations covered entire hillsides, playing host to a number of birds. We took a short impromptu break to enjoy the fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables being sold in a roadside market. Ample for the eyes and the soul, we ended the trip in Guwahati in the evening.

The sprawling Umiam Lake (Bada Paani), 15 km before entering Shillong from Guwahati

 

What not to do in Bangalore!

Photo by bady qb / Unsplash
Bangalore is generally regarded as a place that most visitors like to chill out in. Not to say that it has nothing for the people interested in history. Along with the modern day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants of the older Bangalore. From a long walk in Cubbon Park to hundreds of cafes, from trails of trees everywhere to the amazing weather, you can’t help falling in love with the city.Thanks to its altitude, Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year. Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden City' of India. All in all, a lovely city to visit. But there’s a lot that you need to be careful about while visiting.

Here are a few things you need to avoid:

1. Do not trust your taxi drivers or tourist guides too much. Always maintain a safe personal distance from them.

2. Do not venture alone at secluded places during nighttime. In case you are going out at night, always roam around in a group.

3. Do not carry too much cash with you. Keep the excess cash as well as other valuable items in your room and lock them up properly.

4. Do not keep your wallet in the back pocket. It is better to keep it in the side pocket of the trousers or the jacket.

5. Always maintain decency and decorum while visiting religious places.

6. Do not wear revealing clothes while at a temple or a gurdwara.

7. Always keep a photocopy of all the important documents, like passport, ID, etc, with you.

8. Always gather some information about the places you are going to visit beforehand. It will prevent you from being misguided by others.

9. Do not eat anything from the roadside vends that abound in the city. In case you taking any food item from there, ensure that it has been properly cooked.

10. Drink only bottled mineral water. Before buying the bottle, ensure that the seal of the bottle is in place and not tampered with.

11. Do not eat cut fruits or vegetables available at the roadside vends.

12. In order to avoid malaria, dengue, etc, it is better to wear nightclothes that cover your body properly.

13.Make sure to carry a first aid kit with you always. It should have all the essential medicines like those for cough, cold, fever, diarrhea, etc, along with some antiseptic creams.

14.Avoid drinking water or eating salads at small restaurants.

15.If you are planning to visit Bangalore in winter, please carry woolen clothing with you.

16.If your visit is planned in summer, carry sunscreen lotions and sunglasses with you.

17.Please drink lots of water to avoid dehydration in the summer months.

OLD is GOLD East Edition

 

10 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In East India

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India’s Eastern Zone is rich in cultural heritage. Beaches, temples, monasteries, and a Buddhist circuit with a rural flavour are all available. Calcutta, India’s former capital, Puri & Bhubaneshwar, Buddhist Circuit in Bihar, Monasteries in Sikkim, and the Kanchenjunga Range of Mountains in Darjeeling are among the most popular tourist destinations in this region. Let us take a look at the list of 10 places to visit in East India in major detail.

# Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill station places to visit in East India, with jaw-dropping scenery, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the locals. Darjeeling, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations on a steep mountain ridge, stands at a height of 2,050 metres above sea level, boasting cool climes all year. This picturesque hill station, located about 700 kilometres from Kolkata, is ideal for a romantic honeymoon.

# Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata, India’s second-largest city, is a never-ending celebration of human existence, simultaneously luxurious and squalid, refined and frantic, pointedly futuristic while beautifully decaying. The capital of West Bengal, a vibrant 350-year-old metropolis on India’s Eastern Coast, thrives on contradictions and imposing spectacles; nothing is ordinary in this city. Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, is the country’s artistic, cultural, and intellectual capital in every sense.

Kolkata’s streets are vibrant, busy, and chaotic, but they are also alive with life and creativity. The city has created a beautiful juxtaposition of old colonial-era charm with the nascent upcoming hipster culture that thrives among the city’s millennial residents, driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class.

# Dooars, West Bengal

Dooars is a local name for the floodplains of North-East India around Bhutan, which stretch from the Teesta in the east to the Sankoshi in the west. Because the Dooars are the gateway to Bhutan, the name ‘Dooars’ was derived from the word ‘door.’ Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Siliguri, and other towns and districts in this region make up the Dooars. Imagine the mighty range of Eastern Himalayan mountains in the background, a band of thick forests, rich in species of Flora and Fauna, continued with tea gardens and cut here and there by water bodies. Dooars is smack dab in the middle of it all. This is the gate you don’t want to rush through.

# Gopalpur, Odisha

The quaint, tiny town of Gopalpur is located on the southern coast of Odisha, just 15 kilometres from the city of Behrampur. It was a seaport bustling with trade and commerce during the Colonial Era. Because of its remoteness, peace, and offbeat crowd, Gopalpur-on-Sea is considered one of India’s most beautiful beaches. The beaches are gleaming gold, and the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal provide the ideal setting for relaxation and immersion in nature. With more people becoming aware of its beauty, Gopalpur is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after beaches in the country.

# Konark, Odisha

Konark, in the Indian state of Orissa, is famous for the Sun Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the annual dance festival and its beautiful sandy beaches. The Annual Dance Festival is a five-day cultural extravaganza that brings together exceptional dance talent from across the country. The celebrations take place against the backdrop of the Sun Temple, which adds to the overall grandeur and magnificence of the event. Aside from that, Konark hosts the Sun Festival, during which devotees bathe in the sea to offer prayers to the Sun God. The Dance Festival also features a Handicrafts Mela, where visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind and exquisitely handcrafted items that beautifully reflect Oriya art.