Khusro Bagh, Allahabad (Prayagraj)

Tomb of the heir to the Mughal throne and other royals

Akbar, the greatest of the great Mughals, was never pleased with his eldest son Salim (later Jahningir). Akbar never liked the carefree lifestyle and rebellious attitude of Salim and never wanted him as his successor.

Panoramic view of Khusro Bagh Complex, Allahabad (Prayagraj)

In fact, Akbar wanted Khusrau Mirza, the eldest son of Salim to succeed him, but it was not to be. Salim had his own plans and after Akbar’s death in 1605 Salim ascended the throne and came to be known as Jahangir.

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Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Five monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

55 km south of Chennai (Madras) lies the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) known for its gigantic rock-cut caves, massive monolithic structures, intricate bass relief panels and structural temples, including the famous Shore Temple.

Panoramic view of the Pancha Ratha Complex, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

The Pancha Rathas also known as Pandava Rathas are a group of five monolithic temples named after the five Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi (Nakula and Sahadeva share a single temple). Although the temples are named after Pandavas but they are not dedicated to them, so it is widely believed that the names probably emerged at a later date.

Memorial of the Siamese Expeditionary Force in World War I, Bangkok

World War I Memorial, Bangkok

A Spanish Flu Connect

Also see: FAM Trip of Thailand 2022

I always have a passion for World War I (WWI) Memorials. Starting from my own city Kolkata to other Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai or Pune I have visited and documented several WWI memorials (Also see: World War I (WWI) Memorials)

Memorial of the Siamese Expeditionary Force in World War I, Bangkok

Thailand, then Siam, is the most likely place for a WWI Memorial as Thailand was never been colonized and it has remained neutral for the majority of contemporary international events.

Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp, Topslip, Annamalai Tiger Reserve

Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp

Topslip, Annamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu 2022

News of wild elephants going on rampage in agricultural fields and attacking humans are quiet common in different parts of India.

Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp, Topslip, Annamalai Tiger Reserve

No wonder with the increasing human population the wild elephants are losing their ground. They often make inroads into human settlements resulting into man-animal conflict.

Holiday Inn Express, Bangkok, Siam

An amazing gateway to explore Bangkok

Also see: FAM Trip of Thailand 2022

Bangkok is a big city with chaotic traffic and it has a challenge for tourists who wants to see most og Bangkok in limited time. So a hotel with a good location and access to mass public transport is an absolute must. Holiday Inn Express, Bangkok, Siam definitely satisfies the requirement.

Holiday Inn Express, Bangkok, Siam
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Run by the Inter-continental Hotel Group (IHG) a well-known hospitality brand providing everyday essential travel to luxury escapes and budget-wise staycations in over 6,000+ destinations worldwide.

Tuticorin Macaroon, an Indian twist to a European Confectionary

Tuticorin Macaroon

An Indian twist to a European Confectionary

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

A macaroon is a small cake or biscuit-like confectionary item made with egg white, sugar and ground almond. It has an Italian and French origin and over the years it has made its way to different parts of the world.

Tuticorin Macaroon

Each country and region that has adopted the macaroon has modified it by using easily available local raw materials. The ground almond has often been replaced with ground cashew nuts or even coconut powder. Some have also added a dash of honey to provide an extra dose of sweetness.

Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park, IllamBazar, near Bolpur (Shantiniketan)

Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park

IllamBazar, near Bolpur (Shantiniketan)

The villagers of Amkhoi village, near Bolpur, while digging a pond in 2006 stumbled upon giant bone-like structures. Unable to figure out what they were, they informed the local administration.

Entrance of Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park, Illambazar

These lead to a scientific investigation revealing what look like giant bones were actually fossilized wood. Scientific digging continued at the pond site extracting more such fossilized wood specimen, which was estimated to be 15 to 20 million years old.

World War Memorials and Cemeteries, Pune

World War Memorials and Cemeteries of Pune

A compilation of World War Memorials and Cemeteries in Pune

Also see: World War I (WWI) Posts

Over a million Indian soldiers served the British Army during the First World War (WWI), which was initially known as the Great War of 1914 – 18. Over 70,000 died fighting in different war theatres spread across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

World War Memorials and Cemeteries of Pune
Left: Pune World War I Memorial, Top right: Maratha War Memorial and Bottom right: Kirkee War Cemetery

Cossimbazar, colonial mansions, cemeteries and church

Cossimbazar

Colonial mansions, cemeteries, churches and more

Also see: Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2022

The non-descript settlement of Cossimbazar is sandwiched between Murshidabad and Berhampore. Once a busy river port and a flourishing trading center it presently lives in the shadows of its more famous historic counterpart Murshidabad. Only a handful of tourist who visits Murshidabad makes it to Cossimbazar, which have all elements of an independent tourist destination.

Cossimbazar
Top row left to right: Palace of Roys, Nandi Family Mansion and Old English Cemetery
Bottom row left to right: Dutch Cemetery, Dos Shiva Temple and Armenian Church

The emergence of Cossimbazar as a river port happened in the early part of the 17th century long before the emergence of Murshidabad. By the mid of 17th century the Dutch, French and British have already established their trading post (known as factories) in Cossimbazar. Known for its exotic silk Cossimbazr soon started attracting traders from far and wide turning the small settlement into an international trading hub.

Bhot Bagan, Howarah Buddhist Monastery with a tumultuous history

Bhot Bagan

The Howarah Buddhist Monastery with a tumultuous history

Visitors in the Himalayas are all familiar with monasteries. They generally consist of Buddhist shrines of Tibetan origin surrounded by fluttering prayer flags with green hills or snow peaks in the backdrop. But can you imagine such a monastery in the plains of Bengal!! That too right next to the Hooghly River and bang opposite the city of Kolkata.

Bhot Bagan Monastery, Ghusuri, Howrah

Bhot Bagan, literally meaning the Tibetan Garden, is presently located in the winding lanes of Ghusuri in Howrah. It dates back to 1780 and happens to be the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery outside the Himalayas.