Statue Circle, Jaipur

Jaipur city or the Pink City as it is called is home to quite a few tourist spots, Forts, Palaces and festivals. Oh and not to forget the amazing array of food and colours that hit you around every corner.   During my 2nd visit to Jaipur, we stayed at a hotel near the Statue Circle.. Now when we landed there, we did not know how popular this circle was. But soon, within a day we came to know of the popularity of this landmark monument. 

This Statue Circle is situated in the centre of the city and it has quite a bit of history tucked within it.  Right in the centre of this space is a white marble statue of Sawai Jai Singh facing the City. Apparently, the statue depicts the Kings love for astrology with different astrological symbols carved on it.  The Statue Circle got its name from the majestic statue of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II that it holds...There are quite a few hotels, eat outs and official buildings in this part of the city. Our hotel was 5mins from here and along the way we spotted quite a few Government buildings as well. 

What was also lovely was that our hotel room opened to the deer park right next door and we also got to see quite a few peacocks along the road, at any point of time!

Thursday Challenge.... Royal...

"SEAT (2 week theme)" (Chair, Sofa, Bench, Stool, Bed, Anywhere/Anyway one can sit,...)

This image was shot at the Krishnapuram Palace  in Kayamkulam... The palace is today a museum of sorts showcasing the various art, furniture, culture based items used back in the days!!

And this is a shot taken at Neemrana Bungalow on the beach in Tranquebar, a beautiful property where all the rooms open out to the ocean... 

Wordless Wednesday 1- Buddha lined up at Wat Pho

Thursday Challenge.... Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

"PLACE; 2 week theme" (House, Cabin, Apartment, Tent, Workshop, Office,...)

We were finally done with our trip and all set to fly back home. but the Suvarnabhumi Airport had me speechless. It was large, like freaking huge... I am sure it is among the largest airports in the world.  I know there is another airport called Don Mueang Airport, but did not visit that. 

This airport is like a mini city on its own. After we were done with our checking in, security clearance we walked towards our gate. Along the way I spotted a row of high end stores, and there were two of each-one on the left side and other on the right side. Bang on in the middle was the entire Samudram Kadaiyara story... 

The work of art depicts one of the famous scenes from Puranas (Hindu literature) - Samudra manthan [ churning of the ocean of milk]. It contains the story where demons and gods cooperated to churn the sea for thousands of years in order to extract the elixir of immortality, coveted by both groups. .. The Devas (demigods) are engaged in a tug of war with the Asuras (demons). Each side holds one end of Vasuki (he king of serpents). The centre of the serpent is coiled around Mt. Mandara and at the base of this pivot would be Vishnu, incarnated as a huge turtle.As the ocean is churned, a poison emerges which Lord Shiva drinks. His wife stops it at his neck which is why his neck is blue in colour.  

It all comes to an end with Vishnu taking the form of Mohini [a beautiful and enchanting woman who distracts the Asuras while distributing the nectar to the Devas. (yes, there was cheating back in the days as well). And thus, the Devas banished the Asuras into the underworld away from heaven... 

This entire tale unfolds in this beautiful structure that stands majestic in the airport. It is quite a sight to behold - Colourful, grand and mesmerising... 

Apart from this, the airport has a range of restaurants and duty free shops, all of which are found on either side of the departure lounge...