Centenary of the end of World War I, Remembrance Day, Kolkata

Centenary of the end of World War I

Remembrance Day, Kolkata

I’m privileged to be here in Kolkata and had the opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in war. We recognise India’s remarkable contribution to the war efforts….

Bruce Bucknell. British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata

100th Remembrance Sunday at Kolkata. L: Bhowanipore Cemetery, C: Glorious Dead Cenotaph, Maidan and R: St. John’s Church

It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 2018 the buglers sounded the Last Post followed by a two minutes silence, which was broken by the sounding of The Rouse.

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Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, Thonburi, Bangkok

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn

Thonburi, Bangkok

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or simply Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most prominent landmark. It is located in the Thonburi region of Bangkok, which lies on the west bank of Chao Pharya River.

Approaching Wat Arun across the Chao Pharya River, Thonburi, Bangkok

Today the Buddhist Temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Aruna, with its distinctive prang (spire), dominates the Bangkok sky line. The temple dates back to the Ayuthaya Kingdom (1351 to 1767) but the prang (spire) was added during the reign of Rama II (reign 1809 – 24).

Deulghata, Crumbling Temples of a village in Purulia

Deulghata

Crumbling Temples of a village in Purulia

See also: Wiki Explores Purulia

Early morning of 30 September 2002 the villagers of Deulghata, in Purulia District, were woken up by a thundering sound. They came out of their houses to found that the largest of the three towering brick temples of their village have collapsed.

First Brick Temple of Deulghata, Purulia District

But this was not the first time that a temple in Purulia have crumbled to dust. Historical records suggest that during the 10th – 13th century a flourishing Jain settlement flourished in the western part of West Bengal covering the present districts of Purulia, Bankura and the state of Jhargram. During this period they have built numerous brick and stone temples, following the Oriya Duel style architecture.

Monks of Amphawa Canal, Alms collection on boat

Monks of Amphawa Canal

Alms collection on boat

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

No visit to Thailand is complete without a visit to the floating markets. Thailand is literally dotted with floating markets. Bangkok alone host at least 5 floating markets in its vicinity and definitely Damnoen Saduak heads the list.

The Buddhist Monk arrives at the Kanokart Resort, Amphawa Canal, Thailand

Sadly many of the floating markets around Bangkok have been commercialized badly. They have  become too touristic and have lost most of their local flavour. For those wanting a real deal and experience lesser touristic places Amphawa Floating Market is the great option.

Satapada, Dolphins and Chilika Sea Mouth

Exploring India’s largest Coastal Lagoon

See also: Sterling Resort Puri FAM

Geographers define a “lagoon” as a special type of lake separated from the sea by a narrow natural embankment with small openings connecting it with the sea. On the other hand biologists claim that these small openings allow salt and sweet water to intermingle and thereby form a unique, but fragile, ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.

The Satapada Jetty, Chilika Lake, Odisha

For a layman like myself, it is a place where one can cruise through the endless expanse of blue water, laced with green hills in the company of egrets, herons, flamingoes, kingfisher, kites and the last but not least the elusive jumping dolphins – it’s paradise!

Wat Saket and the Golden Mount, Rattanakosin, Bangkok

Wat Saket and the Golden Mount

Rattanakosin, Bangkok

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

The glittering golden chedi (stupa) of the Golden Mount towers above the sky scrapper infested skyline of Bangkok a sight never to be missed for tourist visiting the Thailand capital.

Golden Chedi (Stupa) of Golden Mound, Wat Saket, Bangkok

The temple of Wat Saket is located on a 80 meter high artificial mound and is crowned with 5.8 meter tall golden chedi. The temple dates back to the period of Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351 – 1767) Wat Sakae.

Sterling Resort Puri, Holiday Differently in Bengali’s Favourite Tourist Spot

Sterling Resort Puri

Holiday Differently in Bengali’s Favourite Tourist Spot

See also: Sterling Resort Puri FAM

A morning stroll on the beach followed by a visit to the Jaganath Temple. Then a dip in the sea followed by a spontaneous lunch of mach bhat (fish and rice). An afternoon nap followed by a visit to the local market for bargaining and shopping. The finally the day ends with another meal of fish and rice.

Sterling Resort Puri

This is a typical day for a Bengali tourist in Puri. But Puri has something much more to offer than temple and beaches. Sterling Resort Puri offers an different experience of the age old pilgrimage.