Giant Swing, Rattanakosin, Bangkok

Giant Swing

Rattanakosin, Bangkok

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

The bright red towering swing stands at a busy intersection in Rattanakosin area in the heart of Bangkok. Know as Giant Swing (or Sao Chingcha in Thai) it is a Hindu religious structure associated with the festival of Triyampawai.

Giant Swing, Bangkok

The Giant Swing dates back to the time of the formation of the Chakri dynasty, which still rules Thailand. The huge teak wood structure was commissioned by the founder of Chakri dynasty Rama I (reign 1782 – 1809) in 1784.

Rasbari Garden House of Belur, Revisited

Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Rasbari Garden House, Belur

Also see: First visit of Rasbari Garden House, Belur

My first visit to Rasbari was almost a year back and things have changed a lot. The clock tower have been renovated and the clock has started ticking.

The lit up Rasbari Garden House Complex, Belur, Howrah

The number of two beaded rooms have increased from two to four. The old white pavilion shaped building remains the same with the two for bed rooms and the big drawing room.

Chhath Puja, Azimganj from Bari Kothi

Chhath Puja, Azimganj

Exploration from Bari Kothi

Also see: FAM Tour of Bari Kothi, Azimganj

The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya and his sister Shashti Devi mother of Kartikeya (Chhathi Maiya) in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. It is the only Vedic Festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God.

Chhath devotes wait for the sun to rise, Bhagirathi River, Azimganj

The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.

Ban Bang Phalp, Community Tourism, Samut Songkhram

Ban Bang Phalp, Community Tourism

Samut Songkhram

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

Thailand is not just about beautiful beaches, exotic sea food and exciting night life but the country has something more to offer.

Bicycling tour of Ban Bang Phalp, Samut Songkharm (Photo courtesy: Aso Lori)

Taking in the rural landscape on a bicycle, walking through coconut groves and watching local people go about their business is one of the best ways of experiencing rural Thailand.

Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok

Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Rattanakosin, Bangkok

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

Wat Pho (also spelled Wat Po) is a large temple complex in Rattanakosin Island (Also see: Heritage walk of Rattanakosin Island) of Bangkok. It is located just south of the Grand Palace.

Reclining Buddha, Wat Pao, Ratanakosin Island, Bangkok

Wat Pho is popular, or rather wrongly, known as the Temple of Reclining Buddha. Apart from the shrine of Reclining Buddah the complex houses several other shrines including prayers hall, giant chedis (stupas) and galleries housing 1000+ Buddha statues, more than any other temple in Thailand.

Chao Phraya Express Boat

A river boat service in Bangkok, Thailand

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

My Heritage Walk of Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok started with a ride in the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat and ended with a ride in the Chao Phraya Express Boat.

Boats in Chao Phraya River, with Wat Arun in the background, Bangkok

No trip in Bangkok is complete with a boat ride in the Chao Phraya River. There are plenty of options starting from luxurious sun set cruise, which comes with a gala dinner to tourist boats with English speaking guides.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok, the Royal Residence of the King of Thailand

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Royal Residence of the King of Thailand

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

The Grand Palace (Phra Boromma Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of palaces, temples, pavilions and stupas in the heart of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand . It is located on the banks of Chao Phraya River and is on the Ratanakosin Island. (Also see: Heritage Walk of Rattanakosin Island)

The Grand Palace, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, Thailand

The construction of The Grand Palace began in 1782 under Rama I, the founder of Chakri Dynasty. After overthrowing King Taksin, who ruled from Thonburi, on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, Rama I dug canals (Also see: Fortification of Bangkok) to set up the artificial island of Rattanakosin, his new capital.

Benjarong Porcelain Crockery, first hand experience of porcelain painting

Benjarong Porcelain Crockery

First hand experience of porcelain painting

Also see: FAM tour of Thailand

Benjarong literally means five colours (Benja = five, rong = colour) and is a form of traditional Tahi ceramic painting. The five primary colours consists of black, green, yellow, red and white which are mixed in different proportions to produce shades of other different secondary colours.

The creation and the creator. Benjarong Porcelain Crockery, Bangchang Village, Samut Songkhram, Thailand

Although a traditional Thai art the origin of Benjarong dates back to China. According to historical records it probably originated during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) in China.

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!