Skywatch Friday...French War memorial, Pondicherry

It would be an understatement if I said this year was off to a not so great start. It has been an amazing one so far. And the 1st trip was to a town I quite love, Pondicherry. Saturday night a friend messaged asking for info on Pondicherry- things to see, where to stay etc and thus formed a plan in my head. I quickly messaged another friend who has been wanting to visit Pondicherry before she moved out of Chennai and asked if she was upto it. She replied "yes, lets go, ask others too". I asked few others but none could come since it was a weekday trip and they all had commitments. So, Sunday evening I booked us tickets on the bus and rooms in a hotel in Pondicherry. 

Monday morning both of us were on the bus on our way to Pondicherry... Yayy!!  We reached around 9.30, checked in, grabbed a bite to eat at La Cafe on the beach and wandered up and down while waiting for our other friends to arrive. 

And that is where I clicked a shot of the French War Memorial. It is located on Goubert Avenue [beach road] and  is a monument erected in memory of all the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Every year on 14th july an annual commemoration is celebrated  when the monument is lit up.  

We spent a few minutes there and moved down the road where I pointed out the Joan of Arc and other monuments along the road. 

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday...Few steps below-- Agrasen ki Baoli or Ugrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi

I had been fascinated by the Step wells since I laid eyes on the very 1st one, in Karnata- Hulikere. Since then, I have been reading about these wells, the architecture and trying to visit one in the destination I hit. I spotted one in Hampi- the Pushkarni, inside the Royal Enclosures. And then, last December when i was in Delhi, I managed to convince mom and uncle to come with me as i went searching for the Agarsen or Ugrasen Ki Baoli near Connaught Place, a short walk from Jantar Mantar.   

We drove around a bit, and finally located Hailey Road where the Baoli was situated. Parked the car few streets away and began walking down. I was excited, mom was just tagging along and uncle was curious to see what this hidden treasure in his city was. On our left, the wall had a huge vibrant Ganesha mural, that led to a demon face, an angel or devil and a cross on rosary beads.... fascinating!! 

A few steps up and we spotted the traditional ASI board that said  Agrasen ki Baoli  or Ugrasen ki Baoli  is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well.   Even though there are no records of who actually built this well, legend has it that it was King Agrasen who must have built this well during the Mahabharatha epic era. It was repaied and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agarwal community which once again traces its origin to Maharaja Agrasen.

The first thing I noticed was a dilapidated tomb of sorts on the right side, there were a bunch of chairs piled up and a dog sleeping. And then as I turned left, I was left speechless.. 

It is one among the many in Delhi. During rainy season or the monsoons, nearly all the 103 steps are submerged in water. Since it was winter, we were able to see far below. There are three levels, and each level is lined with arched niches on both the sides.  The stone walls of the well are stark yet beautiful, forming a 60 x 15 meter rectangle structures.. The bricks are all in good shape, just that the place is now inhabited by pigeons. Situated in the midst of towering concrete structures, it sure was a visual treat. I dreamt of how the place must be filled with water and how the Kings & Queens used it back in the days. Hoping to visit the others during my subsequent trips to Delhi. 

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday-- Fire in the sky

There I was, sitting in my favorite seat, eyes shining bright and glued to the window.. When we were checking in, my friend wanted an aisle seat, preferably in the 1st few rows, but I wanted a window seat which was available only beyond the 30th row. He gave me a look that said "really?" but I persisted and we finally got our seats done, 34th row. I got my window and he got his aisle..hehe... It was going to be a nice long 2hour 45min flight from Chennai to Delhi. And then we had about half hour in the flight before we resumed our next leg of the journey to Punjab, the land of the Golden temple... 

And the reason I wanted a window seat was just so I could stare out the window at the changing colours of the sky. I have shared few pictures before, but I know I shall never run out of them.. :)

Here are the various hues and the drama that the skies put on for us during our flight... 

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Sun Surf Sand Spa and more in Seminyak Bali

One of the countries i have always been fascinated by is Bali. There are so many friends who have been here and keep talking about how beautiful the place is. Apart from all the lovely sights to see, and activities, this one couple who went there for their Honeymoon mentioned this place called Seminyak which is apparently the shopping hub and spa capital of Bali. You can get here from Kuta or Legion, both of which are a short drive away. 

It is famous for the high end places, restaurants and shopping arenas.It is also home to some of the finest restaurants and bars. There is a certain sense of eliteness and sophistication here. Not to forget the amazing beach which is fairly quiet and serene.  It is one of the few places that has gone through a transformation that is so visible and so impressive. 

The must see places in Seminyak according to my friends are the Seminyak Beach and Petitenget Beach. Endless stretches of beautiful beach going as far as the eye can see. Oh let us not forget the accomodation options in Seminyak. There are a few quaint comfortable Seminyak Bali villas that you should stay at when visiting this part of the world. make sure to plan your day out such that you can catch the sunrise or sunset from the beaches. Ideal for nature and photography enthusiasts, the place also offers quitee a few other sight seeing venues and adventure activities.   

Remember I mentioned Spa, so this friend of mine went on and on about the two spas she visited. One was the Jari Menari spa and other is Glo. Offering a wide range of services, these spas she says relaxes the body mind and soul, ideal options to unwind when on a holiday. She also managed to do bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Bungy. the best in the world, run by the famous New Zealand based AJ Hackett group. Oh how can I not mention some of the goodies they brought back for me from Bali.. :-)) 

Well, now that I know where to stay and what to do, am quite eager to plan a visit..