Largest earthen dam in the world

The Hirakud Dam built on the Mahanadi River in Orissa is the world’s largest earthen dam and the longest dam in India . It was built in 1956 and its total length is 25.8km. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in Asia, with a shoreline of over 639 km.

Hirakud-Dam

The dam is 15 kilometers from Sambalpur and was the first large scale, multipurpose river valley project in India after 1947. It was built to control the problem of flooding in Orissa and over 22,000 families were displaced during its making.

The dam provides an ideal home for rare species of flora and fauna. Its reservoir receives up to 25 species of migratory birds during winter. The Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is located here.

The Living Root Bridges of Cherrapunjee, India

The lower reaches of the southern slopes of Khasi and Jaintia hills, in Northeastern India, are humid, warm and streaked by many swift flowing rivers and mountain streams. On the slopes of this hill, among the dense undergrowth, a species of Indian Rubber tree – (Ficus Elastica) -  thrives and flourishes. These trees shoot out many secondary roots from their trunks. The trees, supported by these secondary roots, can comfortably perch itself on huge boulders along side the riverbanks or in the middle of rivers and send its roots down to the riverbed.

Root Bridges

The ancient War-Khasi people, a tribe in Meghalaya, had noticed these qualities of this tree and had adapted it to serve their need for building bridges across rivers and streams. In order to direct the roots in the desired direction, the Khasis sliced betel nut tree trunks half in the middle for their entire length, hollowed them out and passed the thin and long tender roots through them. The roots start growing towards other end of the stream and when they are reached they are allowed to take root in the soil. Given enough time, a sturdy, living bridge is produced.

Root-bridges in day

Some of these root bridges can carry fifty or more people at a time and can be over 100 feet long. These bridges take 10 to 15 years to become fully functional, and they keep growing in strength by the day. Some of these bridges are well over 500 years old.

Woman washing cloth under root bridge

These bridges are unique to Meghalaya only and are being used daily even today by people living in many villages around Cherrapunjee. One special bridge has two bridges stacked one over the other. The villagers of Nongriat where this bridge is located at the bottom of the valley call it 'Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge’.

Side look root bridge

Chand Baori Stepwell in India

Chand Baori in Abhaneri village near Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan,, India, is one of the most overlooked landmarks in the country. It is one of the oldest stepwell in Rajasthan, and is considered to be among the biggest in the world. Chand Baori looks like anything but a well. This incredible square structure is 13 stories deep, and lined along the walls on three sides are double flight of steps. 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry descends to the bottom of the well 20 meters deep to a murky green puddle of water. Built during the 8th and 9th century by King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty, provided the surrounding areas with a dependable water source for centuries before modern water delivery systems were introduced. As the green water at the base attests, the well is no longer in use, but it makes for an interesting stop-over to an architecturally impressive structure that is over 1000 years old. There’s also a temple adjoining the well for visitors to explore.

Chand-Baori-Stepwell-Rajasthan

Stepwells, also called bawdi or baori, are unique to India. These wells have steps built into the sides that can be descended to reach the water at the bottom. Stepwells are generally larger than common wells and are often of architectural significance, just like Chand Baori.

Stepwell

The well’s sheer endlessly appearing geometric complexity made of stairs and steps ensured that Rajput people had access to water at any time of the year, and from all sides. The reasons behind building such an elaborate step well is not fully clear. Some believe it was used as a water harvesting site. Rajasthan is a dry place, and hence, every ounce of water is precious. The large mouth of the well functioned as a rain catching funnel that contributed to the water seeping in from the porous rock at the bottom. In addition to conserving water, Chand baori also became a community gathering place for the Abhaneri locals. The townsfolk used to sit around the step well and cool off during the summer days. At the bottom the well the air is always about 5-6 degrees cooler than at the top.

Close-Chand-Baori

The steps surround the well on three sides while the fourth side has a set of pavilions built one atop another. The side that has the pavilions have niches with beautiful sculptures including religious carvings. There is even a royal residence with rooms for the King and the Queen and a stage for the performing arts.

Steps of Chand Baori

Chand Baori was featured in the movie The Fall and also made a small appearance in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.

Water inside well

The well is now a treasure managed by the Archeological Survey of India.

chand-baori-wall-figures

chand-baori-cleaners

chand-baori-stepwell

Vivid-colors-of-Chand-Baori

Most bizarre encounters with wildlife in India

And you thought that the only place where you could see a tusker or have a tête-à-tête with a cobra would be in the wild? Hold your breath, as the wildlife in India is not confined to the jungles. It is not surprising to see an elephant ambling between traffic or a decorated camel strolling in the streets. Strip your senses of any order and be prepared for the most bizarre encounters with wildlife in India. Here are some of the places where you might meet your jungle friends.

Mysore Dusherra 

The festival of Dusherra is celebrated amongst fervid excitement in the southern city of Mysore. One of the fascinating parts of this festival is a parade of richly decorated elephants that takes place in the city over two days. Amongst such a grand show, it’s not hard to miss the King who takes the royal ride atop the main elephant.

Wild Elephant in Mysore Dusherra

Camel Fair in Pushkar

One would think of the camel as an elusive creature making painstaking journeys in the arid deserts of Rajasthan. If you want a more intimate meeting, head straight to the Pushkar Fair where camels are traded amidst a hullabaloo of dealers from all over the state.

Resting Camel in Camel Fair in Pushkar

Spot a Tiger 

The very lucky can see the famous Indian tiger is in the wild. Ranthambore in Rajasthan, Corbett in Uttarakhand and all the national parks in the Deccan state of Madhya Pradesh are known for tiger sightings.

Royal Bangal Tiger casual walk

Kambala Buffalo Race 

Though the buffalo is largely a domestic animal in India, a fascinating festival in south India sees them in cut throat competition of races in the beginning of the year. These buffalo races are over 1000 years old and very traditional to these regions.

Wild Buffalo in Kambala Buffalo Race

One-horned Rhinoceros 

Some special species like the one horned rhinoceros can only be found in the north east national park, Kaziranga, where the population of these is over 1500 with a strict conservation programme. Its examples like these that put faith in India’s conservation systems for the dwindling population of various animals.

One Horned Rhino in North east national park, Kaziranga

Snake Charmers of India

Less common than they used to be, you may still encounter the snake charmers with their baskets and assortment of snakes. Many of them often carry cobras which are made to dance to the tune of an instrument and used to collect money. If not on the streets, you can find them near temples.

King Cobra in Rajasthan

Kokkare Belur 

A fascinating village off Bangalore hosts hundreds of pelicans, which have made this village their permanent home. With no trace of a water body close by for fish or any other reason why they should adopt this village, these pelicans are permanent residents here.

Resting Pelican in Kokkare Belur

The best way to see wildlife in India is in the widespread national parks of the country. Names like Gir, Ranthambore, Corbett, Pench and Bandhavgarh are just a few where conservation work is in full swing but the rest of India is also dotted with many of them.

The zoos of India are ideal for entertaining children and you are guaranteed to at least see some of India’s rarer wildlife that is hard to see in the wild. Ask locally about the reputation of the zoo and choose responsibly which you visit.

Temple where Enfield Bullet is God

India is of course the land of uncountable mysteries and legends… but among all, this one is quite intriguing – it is about a peculiar deity that cannot be found anywhere in the world!

Hindu mythology, the belief India’s dominant religion, stated about 33 million gods (though it can be termed that all of them are different manifestations of one supreme deity). These 33 million takes vastly different forms and appearances of which the popular ones are the God with Elephant head, Lord Ganesha and the Monkey God, Lord Hanuman. But this above mentioned ‘God’ doesn’t belong to this 33 million — because it is a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet!

Enfield Bullet - Power Motorbike from India

This may seem unbelievable. But the temple really exists. The place is a small village, Chottila’, located on the National Highway between Jodhpur and Pali, in the state of Rajasthan, Northwest India. Here the deity is the Enfield Bullet. The birth of this temple owes a very exciting legend.

Legend of Bullet Temple:

Not so long ago, in 1991 to be precise, there lived a young man named Om Singh Rathore popularly known as Om Banna. He was the son of Jog Singh, head of Chottila village. Om Singh alias Om Banna was passionate about Enfield Bullet as well as local alcoholic beverage. One fateful night, a drunken Om Singh was returning to Chottila in his new bullet, when he met with a terrible accident. His speedy vehicle struck a roadside tree and he was thrown into a nearby pit, of some 20 feet deep, where he died. Next day his body was recovered by the Police who took the bullet to the police station as a part of routine investigation formalities. That was the beginning of a series of nerve testers which rattled the entire village.

At the police station, the bullet disappeared on the very night. Next day it was found at the accident spot. Thinking as a silly act of mischief, the police bought back the bullet to the station. But again the bullet disappeared in the night; only to be found right back at the fateful spot. The angered police men once again took the bullet back to station, emptied its fuel tank and kept the vehicle tightly bound with iron chains. But the ‘jinx’ continued in the night… the bullet was back in its favorite spot like an iron nail to a magnet. The bewildered police handed the bullet back to Om Singh’s relatives. But the ‘troubles’ didn’t end. The same routine continued with villagers often hearing the roaring sound of the bullet in the night time. Om Singh’s relatives sold the bullet to a person in the far away Gujarat state. But still, the bullet mysteriously came back at its favorite accident spot, covering a distance of hundreds of kilometers! The new owner subsequently abandoned the bullet.

Another legend states… in that eventful night after the accident occurred, some kilometers away Om Singh (his spirit) asked for a lift to a truck driver. Who without knowing all these took him along. On reaching the accident spot Om Singh asked driver to blow the horn to fulfill any purpose and to make the journey an accident-free one, and subsequently vanished! All these events made the Chottila villagers to consecrate a temple dedicated to the Bullet at the eventful spot.

Bullet-temple

One more testimony is, a truck met with an accident at this spot and the driver, though injured, survived. He said the spirit of Om Singh appeared and lifted him out of the badly damaged vehicle; otherwise he couldn’t have been survived.

Afterwards the highway drivers took this legend seriously and all made a point to blow horn, as an offering to the bullet deity, when they pass through this spot. Then the journey will be free from mishaps!

In due course of time and fame of bullet deity (Bullet Baba) spread and, not only Chottila village folk but also many from neighboring villages and even faraway places come to offer prayers at this unique temple. This shrine continues to be a very simple one, without any architectural splendor. Here the ‘hero’ bullet stands decorated with garlands. Nearby is a platform (‘peeth’) on which Om Singh’s richly garlanded photo is placed, with a sacred fireplace (‘homa-kund’) in front. The legendary tree, the accident-cause, is also near majestically decorated with garlands, ornaments and colored ashes.

Bullet Baba

Devotees mainly come here for granting of wishes and also making the life’s onward journey problem free. An interesting thing is the increasing numbers of newlyweds and parents with new born babies. The main offering here is also one-of-a-kind… the locally brewed alcoholic beverage – beer (that was supposed to be the late Om Baba’s favorite). The beer bears the typical trademark ‘bullet’.

Bullet drink

Here people usually offer worship by prostrating, circumferencing the bullet, garlanding Om Singh’s portrait and bullet, lighting ‘ararbattis’ (incense sticks), and pouring beer to the sacred fire place.

Bullet devotee

There are many who are ready to swear by the wish granting miracles of the ‘Bullet deity’. At night the villages hear (if not always but still!) the roaring sound of the Bullet which now stands with rusted fuel tank!

Holy-bullet-at-the-temple

Well… be those legends are true or false, the Bullet Temple’s fame continues to spread far and wide and devotes are increasing in numbers. Practically no driver dares to cross this spot without slowing down the vehicle and blow horn as offering to the Bullet Baba! Among the uncountable legends and myths in this fascinating country, the Bullet Baba’s legacy also lives on and on.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Hidden in secret

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the most celebrated and legendary Temple in Kerala’s state capital is Thiruvananthapuram nowadays  constantly hitting the headlines of national & international newspapers & media alike on account of the vast treasures discovered in its secret chambers. As countless debates continue about the treasure values (estimated to be in many billion-dollars) and the temple being the richest in not only India but all over the world, an insight into this sacred shrine’s flashback unearths the time-tested unshaken bond between a bygone royal dynasty and their state shrine.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Enterance to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Looking Back

Regarded as one among the holiest 108 Vaishnava Thirupa (sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu) in India, the exact age of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is still debated. This temple is mentioned in several ancient Hindu ‘puranas’ (epics) though officially recorded facts dated back to 7th / 8th centuries. Legends states, Anantha Padmanabha – the deity of this Temple – was originally at the Anantha Padmanabha Lake Temple in Kasargod  district, North Kerala. A tryst with an ardent devotee, Sage Vilwamangalam, saw the Lord shifting his base to the Southern zone.

Road to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The present Temple was built in the forested land Ananthan-kadu. In due course of time the city was known by the Temple’s name – ‘Thiru Anantha Puram’ meaning the ‘Land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy’. It was the chief shrine of then-dynasty Aayi Kings, predecessors of Venad Kings. Before the Venad rulers gained foothold the Temple was under ‘Ettera-yogam’ – Association of Ettu Veettil Pillamaar, a powerful group of 8 feudal lords that held sway over Venad in 15th – 16th centuries. With the local feudal lords at one end and emerging European trading powers at the other, the domestic situation was in turmoil and it was left over to Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma the then- crown-prince to bring the situation under Kerala control. His accession to the throne was an eventful chapter in History which saw the annihilation of feudal powers and checking of colonial traders’ advances in the South.

Anantha Padmanabha Lake Temple

Widely considered as the valiant & powerful King of his generation, Marthanda Varma had high regards for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. During his reign (1729-58) he conquered neighboring provinces and turned the tiny Venad into a powerful Kingdom of Travancore. After firmly establishing his Kingdom, Marthanda Varma reconstructed & enlarged Padmanabhaswamy Temple and, performed the exemplary act of ‘Thrippadi danam’ – dedicating his Kingdom & wealth to the Lord and rule on behalf of the Lord’s will – to Sree Padmanabha in 1750 AD. Thereafter, Travancore Kingdom was regarded as the sole property of Lord Padmanabhaswamy and the King became Padmanabha-dasa alias ‘In service of Lord Sree Padmanabha’.

Anizham Thirunal Marthanda

Marthanda Varma and his succeeding Travancore Kings considered their assets as offerings to Lord Padmanabha. Even the small kingdoms under Travancore considered the Lord as their master and offered their valuables to the Temple as tokens of devotion & regards. Apart from the Travancore Kings, who wholeheartedly bestowed so many priceless assets (gold, silver, diamonds …) to their State Temple, several Royals from different parts of India and foreign rulers too, donated countless invaluable souvenirs to Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The reigning King(s) safely guarded the Temple’s treasures and ruled without eyeing their dizzy value, as they considered it as God’s own property for which it’s their duty to protect. In fact, as they treated themselves as the servants of the Lord, Travancore Kings never wore a Crown (except for a brief time during their swearing-in ceremony). Such was the Travancore Royal clan’s bonding with Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Even old testimonies state, the Kings served their people without making use of any Temple’s treasures and even without imposing unnecessary taxes  – a sharp contrast to the present governing system of Kerala where the word ‘corruption’ is more like a brand name!

Lake behind Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The rituals and customs introduced by King Marthanda Varma were voluntarily followed by all the successors to the throne of Travancore… until the Kings lost their authority with the formation of Independent India in 1947. However the last reigning King of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma continued his duties & services to the Temple, strictly in accordance with earlier customs, till his death and now the Temple administration is handled by the present head of the royal clan, Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

Festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Temple Specialties

The royal legacy of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple cannot be complete without mentioning its unique features. The Temple architecture itself is one-of-a-kind. Distinctly different from traditional Kerala architectural style, Padmanabhaswamy Temple showcases a nice blend of Dravidian-Kerala structural combination, which can be found nowhere else in the state.

Unique features of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Temple complex is flanked by ‘Padma Theertham’ (means, Lotus Pond), a sacred pond which is considered as old as the Temple itself. On the north-east side of the pond, lies a cave inside which a small Lord Shiva Temple is located. The most interesting feature of this pond is a raised stone at its center, which is believed to bear the footmarks of Lord Vishnu (Sree Padmanabhaswamy). Devotees cleanse themselves in Padma Theertham before proceeding for Temple worship. Also they feed the fishes in this pond as a mark of devotion.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple with pond

Inside the Temple complex, what stand amongst the numerous sculptural beauties are the ‘the Bali Peeda Mandapam’ and ‘Mukha Mandapam’, two artistically sculptured halls dating back to the era of King Marthanda Varma. Another notable feature here is the ‘Navagraha Mandapa’, where the ceiling displays the Navagrahas (Nine Planets, which according to Hindu philosophy signifies different stages in human life) – something rarely seen typical Kerala Temples.

Padma Theertham aka Lotus Pond

The chief deity, Lord Anatha Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu in a reclining position on the Serpant Anantha), is consecrated in a unique way. The 18 feet long idol is built with 10,008 precious saligram stones, and can be viewed through three doors – Lord’s head and his right hand, hanging over the Shivalingam, thro’ first door, the middle portion with Lord Brahma seated on a lotus (which comes from the navel of Lord Vishnu) thro’ the second door and, Lord’s feet thro’ the third door.

Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam

As with the ancient legendary Temples around the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple too has got its own share of distinct murals and wood-works. For the people who throng to the Temple at all times, it’s a feast for eyes as well as mind.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple in night

With the recent discovery of Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s immense treasure trove led to a new twist over the Temple affairs. The legal battles for Temple management go on and people continue to ponder over the fate of the treasure… Whatever be the outcome; staunch devotees are certain that Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy continues to grace his subjects and Thriuvananthapuram (and Kerala) will remain ‘God’s Own Country’ forever as the ‘Land of Sree Padmanabhaswamy’, to be precise the.

Idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy

The largest mosque in India - Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid in New Delhi is the largest mosque in India. It was built in 1656 by Shah Jahan who is best known as the builder of the Taj Mahal. Much like the emperor’s other creations, the Jama Masjid too was a massive undertaking. 15,000 artisans worked on it and took fifteen years to complete it.

Jama Masjid - Delhi - India

The mosque’s made up of red sandstone and white marble and overlooks Chandni Chowk and the Red Fort. It can accommodate up to 25,000 people at a time. The mosque’s architecture is influenced by Hinduism and Jainism. This is evident in the 260 pillars in the western chamber. The mosque contains the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed Shah.

The world’s highest cricket ground

The world’s highest cricket ground is in Cheil, Himachal Pradesh.

Built in Cheil, towards the end of the 19th Century, by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, is the world’s highest cricket ground. The pitch is 2444 meters above sea level and served as a playground for many famous teams including the MCC. The Maharajah had an eccentric sense of humour and often organized matches with strange and unusual themes.

Bhupinder Singh Patiala -Cheil, Himachal Pradesh

For instance, once he organised a game where all the players were required to come dressed as women. The Maharaja, himself, took to the pitch in a nun’s habit.

Cheil and the famous cricket pitch are about 45 kilometres from Simla