ASIA TRAVELING
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The Archeological Site of Pandua
Pandua is a historic city located in Western-Bengal in India. Today home to only around 25 000 people, it used to be the capital of a small Hindu kingdom. It is fantastic to visit, and the only black point would be the bad quality of the hotels closed by. In the 13th century Shah Shahid Safiuddin killed there a cow for a banquet. This provoked anger in the local Hindu king, named Pandu. He killed the baby of Shah Shahid and offered him in sacrifice to the goddess Kali. Shah Shahid complained to the Sultan Firoz Shah, who sent there an army. One reason why Bandua is not so visited is the bad state of infrastructure. Sadly, the roads of West Bengal need urgent improvements. Do not forget to take off your shoes when you go inside the mosque. Unlike in other countries, it is generally ok to keep your socks in India. Be aware that there is very few documentations onsite. If you are very interested by archeology and want to identify everything, it might be best to do your research before. This is not the Taj Mahal, and no army of tourist guides will come to offer their service to you. Most of the other visitors I saw were locals. Not a single non-Indian in sight. Both Hindu and Muslim heritage survived. Some traces of the royal palace of Pandu are visible. There is a minaret from the 13th century, whose entry door seems to have partly been built with stones from a Hindu temple. One can also notice the imposant ruins of a mosque from the 14th century, whose columns may be of Hindu style. The gardens are certainly much better maintained than the roads…
Ngapali, the Best Beach of Myanmar
Ngapali is the most famous beach destination in Myanmar. When arriving there, I quickly understood the reason. The landscaping is well-preserved: most hotels were not built right on the beach. It is just the good weather: comfortable enough to swim warm, but not stuffing. Most of the areas along the beach are empty. One can observes fishermen working in the traditional way. Their boats are fixed to the beach with rustic anchors. Hotels offer a good value for your money. However, you should not go there if you want animated evenings. Everything is quiet after 6 pm. If your idea of beach holiday is to party late, going in Thailand might be a better idea. Ngapali is perfect for those looking for calm and relaxation. If after a few days you want to try something different than the beach, taking a boat excursion on the Thandwe river might be a good idea. You can stop at many villages who are not easily accessible by cars. The town of Thandwe has a few interesting sight, including the market located in an ancient prison. Quite an interesting building rehabilitation!
Your Time in Chennai
Capital of Tamil-Nadu, Chennai is one of India’s largest cities. It is the ideal place to discover the unique Tamil culture. Begin you visit by Marina Beach, one of India’s largest of its kind. I found it quite well-cleaned when I visited. You can find many vendors selling all types of things, like cane juice. I saw an improvised toy gun stand handled by an entrepreneurial lady. As there is almost no shadow, it might be a better idea to visit in the morning or at the end of the afternoon. Many historic buildings are located in front of the Marina. Who would not wish to leave on a train journey from a grand old fashioned Railway Station? Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station was built in 1873. The architecture is in a Gothic Revival style, with a central clock tower, mostly in red. There are plenty of places to eat cheap food inside. Even if you are not taking a train (though I really advise you to go around India with the Railway’s sleeper-class instead of an uncomfortable bus or expensive flight), it is really worth it to go inside to look at the mass of travelers and activities going on. The Egmore Museum or Government Museum is dedicated to history and human history. I enjoyed looking at the selection of Roman antiques, not the first thing you expect on a trip in India. You also have more local exhibitions, like deities statues from the Chola dynasty. It might be a good idea to keep this inside visit for the extremely hot afternoon. The Madras high-court was built in 1862. It is a good symbol of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style mixing Mughal elements with a gothic inspiration. Walking around Madras university was an interesting experience, the university where I studied
About Asia
Asia is the largest of the world’s continents, covering approximately 30 percent of the Earth’s land area. It is also the world’s most populous continent, with roughly 60 percent of the total population.
Asia makes up the eastern portion of the Eurasian supercontinent; Europe occupies the western portion. The border between the two continents is debated. However, most geographers define Asia’s western border as an indirect line that follows the Ural Mountains, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Caspian and Black seas. Asia is bordered by the Arctic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.
Today, Asia is home to the citizens of Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Asia’s vast area allows for varied and extreme climates. It has some of the coldest, hottest, wettest, and driest places on Earth.
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Your Time in Bangalore
The Silicon Valley of India has plenty of fun stuff to do. The Iskcon Temple, of the Hare Krishna Movement, is an enormous temple in a mix of modern and traditional elements. You can go there as a normal visitor or buy a VIP ticket to skip the queue and including a personalized prayer. In the same style is the Shiv Mandir, where you ask yourself constantly if you are visiting a temple or an attraction park. Depending of your ticket, some “activities” like prayers and ceremonies will be included. Any time one is done, the Brahman will tick your
Your Guide to Kolkata
Kolkata receives much less foreign tourists than Mumbai or Delhi. But it is the greatest place in India to understand colonization and post-independence. 1) College Street Book Market Some estimates say it is the biggest book market in the world. Spend time wandering around. Once you bought your books, go begin to read them at the historic Indian Coffee House. Despite the bustling of the place, they always succeed to bring your order in a short amount of time. It will be a more exotic experience than Starbucks (Kolkata has a few of the green shops). 2) Victoria Memorial One
Langkawi- A Perfect Island Escape
Langkawi islands are located on the west coast of Malaysia. It is an archipelago comprises of 99 different islands. The main Langkawi island which is a popular tourist destination is home to wildlife, hills, waterfalls, turquoise warm sea, and a bustling night life. Moreover, this island is a diver’s paradise with stunning sandy beaches and picturesque landscapes. Langkawi is not only a sea escape, but it is a full package, from white sandy seashores to green mountains, from waterfalls to the nightlife, from diving into the sea to the beautiful villages makes it a perfect place to visit. Below are
Best of Kuala Lumper
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and is home to approximately 1.8 million people. The city is famous for its skyscrapers, malls, outstanding infrastructure and countless of natural attractions. It is also the financial hub of the Malaysia and most visited city of this country. Kuala Lumpur is also famous for its shopping outlets which offers wide variety of shopping centers, bazaars, and markets, it is a shopper’s paradise. According to Euromonitor International, Kuala Lumpur is in the list of top 10 city destinations. Below are the few recommendations to make your trip memorable. Petronas Twin Towers Petronas
Srinagar, the Venice of the East
One thing that travelers in India notice is the enormous number of different cultures existing in this nation. Moving from one state to another can make you feel like you just arrived in a totally different country. This was my impression the day when I took a flight from Delhi to Srinagar. From the window I enjoyed the view of the Himalayas as we approached Srinagar Airport. As soon as I waited for my driver at the exit, I noticed the way people dressed was totally different than in Delhi. Kashmiris wear ferans, great to protect from the harsh winter.
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around China
The Secrets of Shanghai
The Bund, the skyscrapers of Pudong, the French Concession: Shanghai’s famous landmarks are well-known and documented. But are you looking for something else to do? Read our article. 1) Starbucks Reserve Roastery This is not your average Starbucks. This is a Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a concept available only in a handful of cities like Tokyo, Chicago… and Shanghai. At its opening it was the biggest Starbucks in the world. Positioned next to a Tesla Store, it is the kind of place that attracts the richest Chinese people. To give you an idea, there are literally hundreds of different coffee drinks you can order. You can try coffee infused beer. The tea menu is too long to be read entirely. The pastry and bakery counter is giant and of extremely high quality, as are the sandwiches. After all, Starbucks called a Milanese company to take care of the food. This is one of those restaurants that constitute a tourist attraction by itself. 2) Jinshan Fishing Village This is located inside Shanghai but far from the downtown: you can go there with a high-speed train. There are plenty of traditional Chinese houses on water canals like you would see in Suzhou. More importantly, at the entrance, there is a big picturesque fishing market, a different world from the fancy shopping-malls of downtown. A museum shows to you the life of a traditional Chinese fisherman. As Shanghai became bigger, all of the fishing villages inside were destroyed except this one. You will probably not find any foreigners there. 3) Songjiang Mosque From the outside, you may think it looks more like a Chinese temple than a mosque. Inside, only a few elements, like the green carpet, remind you this place is dedicated to Islam. You will have opportunity in your travels in China
Visit Nanjing
Often overlooked by visitors, the “Capital of the South” offers some of the most impressive fortification sites in the world. The City Wall is the longest circle-wall ever built. Take the metro, go down at Jimingsi Station on the exit number 4 and you will see the wall from there. After buying a ticket, you will be able to go on top and walk for some distance. You will have a panoramic view of the city, in which you will see the usual contrasts: traditional districts in a bad conditions, fancy skyscrapers, ugly concrete towers, construction sites… Head to the Jiming Temple, on a hill. After visiting the multiple rooms, you can walk from there on an other portion of the city wall, which will offer you the perfect view of the Xuanwu Lake. There is a vegetarian restaurant in the temple, but if you are visiting in winter the dining-room may be a little bit too cold for your standards. Continue the journey by taking a taxi to Nanjing Fuzimiao, a confucius temple surrounded by pedestrian streets with traditional Chinese buildings. Despite being very touristic and even having a Starbuck’s, it is still a nice walk. You can play the perfect tourist and pay a small fee for which you will be borrowed overly-kitch Chinese costumes that will make all the locals around laugh of you, and be taken on a tour in a bike trailer. Mausoleums constitute an important part of Chinese traditions. The Sun Yat Sen is on top of a “mountain” that you will reach after climbing a huge amount of stairs. This seems to be the most popular attraction of the city for Chinese tourists, as I found it much more crowded than the previously listed sights.
To Do in Kunming
Capital of Yunnan, Kunming is the perfect gateway to the region’s famous touristic sites. But the city itself has enough interests to justify a few days of visit. Compared to the Yu Garden in Shanghai, Guandu Old Town feels rather authentic and not just like a Chinese-style Disneyland. You will notice a mix of different influences, with some of the buildings evocating Tibetan architecture. As usual in this type of place, there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants with traditional food. Be sure to see the Tuzhu Temple and the Miaozhan Temple. Nanping Pedestrian Street is Kunming’s own equivalent to Nanjing Road in Shanghai. It is the place in the city where people go shopping, You have a few Western chains like Starbucks, but most of the stores are local brands. You may find great price opportunities depending of the country you are from (if you live in Western Europe or America it might be a good value to buy clothes and other stuffs). Very close to Nanping Road, there is an other old town, put “Silver Chest Kunming Hotel” on Google Maps, it will lead you to it. Over there you have a lot of teahouses and traditional Chinese backstreets and courtyards, some well-renovated and some in a slightly decayed state. Yunnan Ethnic Village is a large complex just outside of the city center. This region of China adjacent to Vietnam and Myanmar has an impressive number of different ethnics. Each part is dedicated to one minority, with replicas of their housing, people dressed in traditional clothes and some animations if you are at the right time. Unless you are visiting during China’s national holidays, it should not be too crowded. You can go to the Western mountains, 12 kilometers outside of the city, by an aerial tramway crossing the
around India
Your Guide to Kolkata
Kolkata receives much less foreign tourists than Mumbai or Delhi. But it is the greatest place in India to understand colonization and post-independence. 1) College Street Book Market Some estimates say it is the biggest book market in the world. Spend time wandering around. Once you bought your books, go begin to read them at the historic Indian Coffee House. Despite the bustling of the place, they always succeed to bring your order in a short amount of time. It will be a more exotic experience than Starbucks (Kolkata has a few of the green shops). 2) Victoria Memorial One of the most impressive monuments left from the colonization, with its giant dome. If you are a non-Indian national the entry ticket is a little bit pricey, but this is the most iconic sight of the city. The interior almost looks like a cathedral. 3) Chinatown As I had visited so many Chinatowns in the world on different continents, I was first hesitant to visit it. I am extremely happy to have been there. This is unlike the Chinatowns of New-York, Paris or Kuala-Lumpur. I had lunch first in a Chinese restaurant with an impressive liquor menu. Speaking Mandarin myself, I was hoping to be able to practice but the owner only spoke the Hokkien dialect. Most of the Chinese immigrants came from Fujian province, like in the United-States. The Chinese Kali Temple is a mix of Hinduism incorporated with some Chinese traditions. All around you can see many warehouses. Most of the Chinese were working as shoemakers and prospered because manipulating leather is a taboo for a large part of the Indian population. 4) Park Street Unlike other cities in India like Bangalore, Kolkata feels very walkable and adapted for pedestrians. Park Street has many historic buildings, the South Park
Head to Darjeeling
You have a few options to go to Darjeeling. Assuming you land in Bagdogra Airport, you could go by car straight to Darjeeling (around 2 or 3 hours). Or you could head to the Railway Station and take a train (at least 6 hours). This train is an impressive experience: the rails are very inclined and it is going up the mountain by doing Z shapes. The slow speed lets you enjoy the view of the valleys. There are a few steam trains but unless you are extremely lucky they will not be used on this itinerary, you will have to take them from Darjeeling itself for a sightseeing round trip. It crosses a few towns directly in their main street, not unlike the famous railway in Hanoi. Please be aware that unlike almost every Indian trains, there is generally no food or drink sellers coming inside. There are a few stops which are long enough for you to get off and grab some lemon tea (more popular in this region than the usual spiced milk tea). Darjeeling historic center is mostly reserved for pedestrians, a rarity in India. Glenary’s is a pastry/coffee shop who is almost synonymous to the city. Buy a coffee and a slice of pie to enjoy on the terrace with magnificent views. Walk around, have a look at the St Andrew Church and the Mahakal Temple. In the afternoon time, take the aerial tramway to observe the tea plantations. Most of the population here is Nepalese, so many of the restaurants serve Nepalese food. Enjoy to eat some vegetables or meat momo: filling and not expensive. Most of the foreign visitors I saw in Darjeeling were old and probably retired. It is easy to see why: the city is quiet and relaxed. Do not except
Your Time in Bangalore
The Silicon Valley of India has plenty of fun stuff to do. The Iskcon Temple, of the Hare Krishna Movement, is an enormous temple in a mix of modern and traditional elements. You can go there as a normal visitor or buy a VIP ticket to skip the queue and including a personalized prayer. In the same style is the Shiv Mandir, where you ask yourself constantly if you are visiting a temple or an attraction park. Depending of your ticket, some “activities” like prayers and ceremonies will be included. Any time one is done, the Brahman will tick your ticket so that you do not try to do two times the same activity without paying extra. The High Court of Karnataka is nice to see from the outside, sadly tourists are not allowed inside. You can have a nice walk on Cubbon Park around, also look at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, an other impressive government building. Still in the area, the Government Museum is worth a visit more for the historic interior than for the exposition itself. UB City mall is perhaps the most extragent in India. The selection of luxury shops include a Luis Vuitton. There is a huge choice of restaurants, both Indian and foreign. After weeks of strolling through traditional Indians market, it was a discoverytoee where the richest of the country do their shopping. There are renaissance style paintings, ornamented walls, arcades and columns in a neo-classical style. The Bangalore Palace is an interesting architectural mix of a British castle with Indian elements.
Srinagar, the Venice of the East
One thing that travelers in India notice is the enormous number of different cultures existing in this nation. Moving from one state to another can make you feel like you just arrived in a totally different country. This was my impression the day when I took a flight from Delhi to Srinagar. From the window I enjoyed the view of the Himalayas as we approached Srinagar Airport. As soon as I waited for my driver at the exit, I noticed the way people dressed was totally different than in Delhi. Kashmiris wear ferans, great to protect from the harsh winter. When choosing your accommodation, be mindful that long power shortages are almost a daily occurrence at least in winter. Good hotels would have generators so that you can heat yourself at all times, but it may not be the case for cheap guesthouses or Airbnb. Srinagar is called “The Venice of the East” because of the multitude of canals all around the city. This serves as an essential communication channel for locals to transport goods. Begin your visit by the Hari Parbat, a fort built by Hakbar on top of a hill overlooking the city. Depending on the situation, it may not be possible to go inside, but this is worth the visit even just from outside. In the old town of Srinagar, admire the Khanqah e Mula, a mosque built mostly in wood, in a very different style than the ones you find all over India. Luckily, many historic wooden houses were preserved and the whole area kept its unique atmosphere. The Jamma Masjid has a definitive central Asian style, it would not look out of place in Western China or in Mongolia. The Dal Lake is the place from where many pictures of Srinagar are taken. Ask to
around South Korea
Turin, The evil city
A city of two thousand years linked to energies beyond our understanding. Divided between good and evil, sunrise and sunset have become key points in the spiritual understanding of this city. Come and follow the cycle of the sun in the city of the devil, ask forgiveness in the church of Satan and go through the door placed by the devil himself. Turin, History and Occultism Turin was founded by the Celtics more than two thousand years ago. It wasconquered by Romans and renamed as Augusta Taurinorum . Today, the city is a part of northern Italy, is the capital of Piedmont and is the fourth largest city in the countryThis great metropolis of 2.2 million inhabitants hides many secrets in its streets and beautiful squares, which are available for the most attentive eyes. In 1861, Turin was the first Italian capital, residence of the royal family and among its main treasures is the Holy Shroud, a valuable relic for Catholics. Even in the times of the Roman Empire, the city was divided in two, the east part where the sun rose and was known as the good part of the city and the west part, where the sun was hidden between the mountains and where the place of the dead and the crucified.Over the centuries, this tradition has been added to countless others and the European imagery has been built that Turin is a mystical city linked to esotericism and black magic. Some sights of the city help in this mystical panorama. Looking for the Devil One of the most famous buildings linked to esotericism is Piazza Statuto , which is decorated with a large conical monument topped by a black angel. This monument is the Traforo del Frejus, which dates from 1879.The black angel has a five-pointed star
Toledo-Travel to the Middle Age
Toledo is a Spanish city that breathes the Middle Ages. With a multicultural heritage, it is a rich and charming city that calls its visitors for a journey through time. On a trip to Spain you have to walk through its alleys and contemplate the famous medieval weapons sold there. Arriving in Toledo To go to Toledo, coming from Madrid you have two good options, the first by bus which is cheaper and a little longer, about 50 minutes. The second is by train, which takes 30 minutes and is a little more expensive. The best tip is: go by bus, the path is very beautiful and buses leave from Plaza Elíptica. When you enter the city walls, you dive into a time travel, going back to the Middle Ages and its narrow and lively roads. But do not think that you arrived in a dirty or uncomfortable city, Toledo offers all the comfort and practicality of a 21st century city. The First Capital Toledo was Spain’s first capital. In addition to being the setting for a classic in Spanish history, “El Cid”, the city is full of wonderful corners and breathtaking views that can only be discovered by those who walk its streets and breathe its culture. The best way to visit Toledo is with the tourist bracelet, which costs just 10 euros and gives you the right to go to the main attractions of the city, such as the old synagogue, the Monastery San Juan de Los Reyes, the Mosque Cristo de la Luz , the churches of Santo Tomé and the church of the Jesuits Bests views of the city In the background the Church of San Ildefonso (Church of the Jesuits) and its blue vault. Being through the narrow streets of Toledo is a
Martigny, two thousand years in the Alps
Martigny is a hidden city in the interior of Switzerland where you can walk through two thousand years of history in a few hours. The capacity of this city to mix the ancient, the medieval and the contemporary in such a small space is incredible. A unique and unforgettable experience. From Rome with love Martigny was founded by Celts, but became important after it was conquered by Julius Caesar in 57 BC and became the main city in the Alps region, known as Octodurus. From this point, the city has developed and even today we can see what remains of the glorious times. Upon arriving in Martigny, you can find the Roman amphitheater which is in excellent condition and still hosts events. With just a 10-minute walk, you can see the ruins of the Roman forum, a complex of old buildings that included two thousand-year-old heated chambers that are now integrated into the city’s sports gym. But one point that cannot be overlooked is the Roman bath. The excavation of the ruins is very well preserved and you can see in detail the chambers used for the city’s public baths, in addition to being able to read Julius Caesar’s letter talking about the conquest of the region, it is a magnificent journey through time. From Roman times we can still see the temple of Mithra and a “villa” of some noble, so we can also see the difference between the buildings of the poor and the rich of the same time. A thousand years later, the medieval ages. The first sight of Martigny when arriving is of the great tower of the castle that is on top of a hill. In addition to being beautiful and imposing, the tower is an important point for the city itself, as
Antwerp, the belgian diamond
The city of Antwerp is the second largest in Belgium. Known as the diamond capital and for having one of the largest ports in Europe, it is a lively and rich city, not only for its stones but also for its diversity of attractions and hidden beauty. Diamonds, chocolates and beers, what more do you need to want to pay a visit? The Rail Station Arriving in the city is already enchanting, because the main train station is a work of art. Known for being one of the most beautiful in Europe and, perhaps in the world, the station was rebuilt after the Second World War, because the original was heavily bombed during the conflict. When you get there you have to eat a delicious Belgian waffle, you’ll find it upstairs near the stairs. With your waffle in hand, walk outside and enjoy the little square next to it and the beautiful facade of this magnificent building. Shiny Diamonds everywhere The city is full of diamond shops that shine in many shop windows. That is why that the city is known as a world capital of diamonds. Luxury and wealth mix very well with the simplicity of the way of life of its inhabitants, its countless bars and wonderful restaurants. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city also makes reference to the diamonds that are exported there, is the Port House, built between 2009-2015 by the architect Zaha Hadid. This building mixes the classic and the new and is worth the visit for those who like to take photos, but is a little far from the center and there are no other attractions. The Market Place, Brabos and the Castle. Grote Markt is the most important square in the city and also the most beautiful. There is
around Japan
16 century’s wooden Castle in Western Japan
Introduction 16 century’s wooden Castle in Western Japan If you ever dreamt of a 16-17 century wooden Castle, now here you are! Book a flight to West Japan, feet on the Land of ‘Far East Island’. You never heard of ‘Matsue city’ where located in Shimane province (state), half an hour flight from Osaka (Kansai) airport, they are the most unknown and least populated state in Japan out of other 47 states including Capital Tokyo in modern Japan. However in the ancient Neolithic, arguably it started an influential civilization then later treated as a special region capital by the Court of ‘Yamato Great Nation’. Moreover during the 15th and 16th century, it had a Silver mine port, traded silver and iron ore towards Spanish and Portuguese in their war weapons needs, so the ships sailed back in forth because of the world biggest Silver production in ‘Ohmori Silver Mine’ UNESCO heritage, just 1.5 hours drive away from Matsue. Pristine ‘Zen’ view Adachi Museum of Art, so called Adachi Garden Museum Touch down either at Yonago Airport or Yonago Rail Station (JR), then grab a taxi to the Museum of Art, Adachi, previously won the award of ‘The Most Beautiful Garden’ nominated by the US prominent garden magazines’ editors. After strolling the paths in physically feeling the leaves and Bonsai trees, just settle down in a museum café then order a ‘Matcha’ (celebratory green tea) with sweets, for sure you’ll be completely content. 📷 Credit: Shimi Micäela Now, let’s move on to Matsue city by the local train, to get to the station, take a Museum coach or taxi. There are a bunch of Japanese style Inns called ‘Ryokan’ in the city. You can also choose budget hotels but why not stay in Ryokan with hot-spring ‘Onsen’ by Lake Shinji?! My
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Thai Street Food: A Budget-Friendly Gastronomic Adventure
Thai street food offers delicious and budget-friendly adventures for locals and tourists alike. Whether in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, you’ll find streets packed with vendors hawking tasty dishes. If you’re looking for a quick bite, you can grab spring rolls or pork skewers to nibble on while continuing your walk. Or, you could sit by a plastic table in front of a stall and have a more filling yet quick meal. From grilled seafood and spicy noodles to hearty soups and sweet desserts, there’s no shortage of awesome street food in Thailand. Check out some of the delicious fare you’ll find from street stalls and eateries in the Land of Smiles. Pad Thai Also called phad thai, this stir-fried dish of rice noodles is a staple in Thailand’s food scene. It’s widely available both on the streets and in restaurants. Pad Thai includes a protein source such as shrimp, chicken, beef, or pork—or tofu for vegetarians. Onions or shallots, bean sprouts, Thai basil, and other light vegetables go into the dish too. Crushed peanuts are also typically included. Pad Thai sauce, made from tamarind paste, sugar, and fish sauce, completes the dish. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and umami. Tom Yum Another Thai street food favorite, tom yum (or tom yam) explodes with flavor. There are several varieties of this delicious Thai soup, but the main basic ingredient is usually pork or shrimp. Tom yum goong, or freshwater shrimp, enjoys renown as a popular tom yum base. The base also includes nam prik pao, a paste made from garlic, shallots, and roasted chilis. Other ingredients found in tom yum are herbs and vegetables like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, and onions. Sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce impart even more flavor to the soup. Poo Pad Pong
Your Perfect Day in Yangon
Yangon is a city of crumbling colonial buildings and golden pagodas. Here is the perfect plan to spend your day. Wake up early to be able to walk while it is not too hot. If your hotel’s breakfast sounds mediocre, go to Burma Bistro to enjoy a traditional Burmese meal in a renovated historic building. You are right in the downtown, the historic part of the city. Begin by going to the Sule Pagoda, built 2500 years ago. Head south on Sule Road until the river and turn on your left side. Some of the colonial buildings you see are abandoned, which you can guess by the vegetation growing on them. The one today home to the ultra-luxury Rosewood hotel was the home of the Burmese Socialist Party in the 60s. Lost yourself in the many tiny streets around and then head to Pansodan Road to admire the building today home to the Myanmar Port Authority built in 1926. If you feel like taking a break, the Victorian-style Strand Hotel opened in 1901 is next door. Your coffee there will be served with a macaron. Ask to a hotel employee to show you the antique shops located inside. By this time you may be hungry for lunch. In the closed by Indian quarter and Chinatown you can find many restaurants serving food from these two countries. For Burmese food, head to the Karaweik Palace five minutes away by taxi, as much for the deco as for the food. Spend the hottest times of the day at the Bogyoke Market, an other building from the British time, where you will enjoy some shadows. Many shops selling gems are managed by Myanmar-Chinese, hence why their name is written in ideograms and not in Burmese script. You also have an interesting choice of
Your Guide to Kolkata
Kolkata receives much less foreign tourists than Mumbai or Delhi. But it is the greatest place in India to understand colonization and post-independence. 1) College Street Book Market Some estimates say it is the biggest book market in the world. Spend time wandering around. Once you bought your books, go begin to read them at the historic Indian Coffee House. Despite the bustling of the place, they always succeed to bring your order in a short amount of time. It will be a more exotic experience than Starbucks (Kolkata has a few of the green shops). 2) Victoria Memorial One of the most impressive monuments left from the colonization, with its giant dome. If you are a non-Indian national the entry ticket is a little bit pricey, but this is the most iconic sight of the city. The interior almost looks like a cathedral. 3) Chinatown As I had visited so many Chinatowns in the world on different continents, I was first hesitant to visit it. I am extremely happy to have been there. This is unlike the Chinatowns of New-York, Paris or Kuala-Lumpur. I had lunch first in a Chinese restaurant with an impressive liquor menu. Speaking Mandarin myself, I was hoping to be able to practice but the owner only spoke the Hokkien dialect. Most of the Chinese immigrants came from Fujian province, like in the United-States. The Chinese Kali Temple is a mix of Hinduism incorporated with some Chinese traditions. All around you can see many warehouses. Most of the Chinese were working as shoemakers and prospered because manipulating leather is a taboo for a large part of the Indian population. 4) Park Street Unlike other cities in India like Bangalore, Kolkata feels very walkable and adapted for pedestrians. Park Street has many historic buildings, the South Park
The Secrets of Shanghai
The Bund, the skyscrapers of Pudong, the French Concession: Shanghai’s famous landmarks are well-known and documented. But are you looking for something else to do? Read our article. 1) Starbucks Reserve Roastery This is not your average Starbucks. This is a Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a concept available only in a handful of cities like Tokyo, Chicago… and Shanghai. At its opening it was the biggest Starbucks in the world. Positioned next to a Tesla Store, it is the kind of place that attracts the richest Chinese people. To give you an idea, there are literally hundreds of different coffee drinks you can order. You can try coffee infused beer. The tea menu is too long to be read entirely. The pastry and bakery counter is giant and of extremely high quality, as are the sandwiches. After all, Starbucks called a Milanese company to take care of the food. This is one of those restaurants that constitute a tourist attraction by itself. 2) Jinshan Fishing Village This is located inside Shanghai but far from the downtown: you can go there with a high-speed train. There are plenty of traditional Chinese houses on water canals like you would see in Suzhou. More importantly, at the entrance, there is a big picturesque fishing market, a different world from the fancy shopping-malls of downtown. A museum shows to you the life of a traditional Chinese fisherman. As Shanghai became bigger, all of the fishing villages inside were destroyed except this one. You will probably not find any foreigners there. 3) Songjiang Mosque From the outside, you may think it looks more like a Chinese temple than a mosque. Inside, only a few elements, like the green carpet, remind you this place is dedicated to Islam. You will have opportunity in your travels in China
Head to Darjeeling
You have a few options to go to Darjeeling. Assuming you land in Bagdogra Airport, you could go by car straight to Darjeeling (around 2 or 3 hours). Or you could head to the Railway Station and take a train (at least 6 hours). This train is an impressive experience: the rails are very inclined and it is going up the mountain by doing Z shapes. The slow speed lets you enjoy the view of the valleys. There are a few steam trains but unless you are extremely lucky they will not be used on this itinerary, you will have to take them from Darjeeling itself for a sightseeing round trip. It crosses a few towns directly in their main street, not unlike the famous railway in Hanoi. Please be aware that unlike almost every Indian trains, there is generally no food or drink sellers coming inside. There are a few stops which are long enough for you to get off and grab some lemon tea (more popular in this region than the usual spiced milk tea). Darjeeling historic center is mostly reserved for pedestrians, a rarity in India. Glenary’s is a pastry/coffee shop who is almost synonymous to the city. Buy a coffee and a slice of pie to enjoy on the terrace with magnificent views. Walk around, have a look at the St Andrew Church and the Mahakal Temple. In the afternoon time, take the aerial tramway to observe the tea plantations. Most of the population here is Nepalese, so many of the restaurants serve Nepalese food. Enjoy to eat some vegetables or meat momo: filling and not expensive. Most of the foreign visitors I saw in Darjeeling were old and probably retired. It is easy to see why: the city is quiet and relaxed. Do not except
Visit Nanjing
Often overlooked by visitors, the “Capital of the South” offers some of the most impressive fortification sites in the world. The City Wall is the longest circle-wall ever built. Take the metro, go down at Jimingsi Station on the exit number 4 and you will see the wall from there. After buying a ticket, you will be able to go on top and walk for some distance. You will have a panoramic view of the city, in which you will see the usual contrasts: traditional districts in a bad conditions, fancy skyscrapers, ugly concrete towers, construction sites… Head to the Jiming Temple, on a hill. After visiting the multiple rooms, you can walk from there on an other portion of the city wall, which will offer you the perfect view of the Xuanwu Lake. There is a vegetarian restaurant in the temple, but if you are visiting in winter the dining-room may be a little bit too cold for your standards. Continue the journey by taking a taxi to Nanjing Fuzimiao, a confucius temple surrounded by pedestrian streets with traditional Chinese buildings. Despite being very touristic and even having a Starbuck’s, it is still a nice walk. You can play the perfect tourist and pay a small fee for which you will be borrowed overly-kitch Chinese costumes that will make all the locals around laugh of you, and be taken on a tour in a bike trailer. Mausoleums constitute an important part of Chinese traditions. The Sun Yat Sen is on top of a “mountain” that you will reach after climbing a huge amount of stairs. This seems to be the most popular attraction of the city for Chinese tourists, as I found it much more crowded than the previously listed sights.
Your Time in Bangalore
The Silicon Valley of India has plenty of fun stuff to do. The Iskcon Temple, of the Hare Krishna Movement, is an enormous temple in a mix of modern and traditional elements. You can go there as a normal visitor or buy a VIP ticket to skip the queue and including a personalized prayer. In the same style is the Shiv Mandir, where you ask yourself constantly if you are visiting a temple or an attraction park. Depending of your ticket, some “activities” like prayers and ceremonies will be included. Any time one is done, the Brahman will tick your ticket so that you do not try to do two times the same activity without paying extra. The High Court of Karnataka is nice to see from the outside, sadly tourists are not allowed inside. You can have a nice walk on Cubbon Park around, also look at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, an other impressive government building. Still in the area, the Government Museum is worth a visit more for the historic interior than for the exposition itself. UB City mall is perhaps the most extragent in India. The selection of luxury shops include a Luis Vuitton. There is a huge choice of restaurants, both Indian and foreign. After weeks of strolling through traditional Indians market, it was a discoverytoee where the richest of the country do their shopping. There are renaissance style paintings, ornamented walls, arcades and columns in a neo-classical style. The Bangalore Palace is an interesting architectural mix of a British castle with Indian elements.
Srinagar, the Venice of the East
One thing that travelers in India notice is the enormous number of different cultures existing in this nation. Moving from one state to another can make you feel like you just arrived in a totally different country. This was my impression the day when I took a flight from Delhi to Srinagar. From the window I enjoyed the view of the Himalayas as we approached Srinagar Airport. As soon as I waited for my driver at the exit, I noticed the way people dressed was totally different than in Delhi. Kashmiris wear ferans, great to protect from the harsh winter. When choosing your accommodation, be mindful that long power shortages are almost a daily occurrence at least in winter. Good hotels would have generators so that you can heat yourself at all times, but it may not be the case for cheap guesthouses or Airbnb. Srinagar is called “The Venice of the East” because of the multitude of canals all around the city. This serves as an essential communication channel for locals to transport goods. Begin your visit by the Hari Parbat, a fort built by Hakbar on top of a hill overlooking the city. Depending on the situation, it may not be possible to go inside, but this is worth the visit even just from outside. In the old town of Srinagar, admire the Khanqah e Mula, a mosque built mostly in wood, in a very different style than the ones you find all over India. Luckily, many historic wooden houses were preserved and the whole area kept its unique atmosphere. The Jamma Masjid has a definitive central Asian style, it would not look out of place in Western China or in Mongolia. The Dal Lake is the place from where many pictures of Srinagar are taken. Ask to
To Do in Kunming
Capital of Yunnan, Kunming is the perfect gateway to the region’s famous touristic sites. But the city itself has enough interests to justify a few days of visit. Compared to the Yu Garden in Shanghai, Guandu Old Town feels rather authentic and not just like a Chinese-style Disneyland. You will notice a mix of different influences, with some of the buildings evocating Tibetan architecture. As usual in this type of place, there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants with traditional food. Be sure to see the Tuzhu Temple and the Miaozhan Temple. Nanping Pedestrian Street is Kunming’s own equivalent to Nanjing Road in Shanghai. It is the place in the city where people go shopping, You have a few Western chains like Starbucks, but most of the stores are local brands. You may find great price opportunities depending of the country you are from (if you live in Western Europe or America it might be a good value to buy clothes and other stuffs). Very close to Nanping Road, there is an other old town, put “Silver Chest Kunming Hotel” on Google Maps, it will lead you to it. Over there you have a lot of teahouses and traditional Chinese backstreets and courtyards, some well-renovated and some in a slightly decayed state. Yunnan Ethnic Village is a large complex just outside of the city center. This region of China adjacent to Vietnam and Myanmar has an impressive number of different ethnics. Each part is dedicated to one minority, with replicas of their housing, people dressed in traditional clothes and some animations if you are at the right time. Unless you are visiting during China’s national holidays, it should not be too crowded. You can go to the Western mountains, 12 kilometers outside of the city, by an aerial tramway crossing the
Temples in Bangkok: 7 You Should Visit
The temples in Bangkok number in the hundreds, and when you’re on vacation in the city, visiting at least a few of them is a must. These temples, or wats, are part and parcel of Bangkok’s identity, and offer insights into the capital’s history and culture. And with everything from golden Buddha statues to colorful ceramics, they’re quite photogenic too! If you’d like to avoid hordes of tourists, it’s best to visit the temples first thing in the morning. Instead of crowds, the only other people you’re likely to see are monks in saffron robes going about their business. Before you go, keep in mind that these spaces are sacred, so wear something appropriate. Save the shorts and sleeveless or revealing tops for another time and place. Otherwise, you may be denied entry. Wat Arun: One Of The Most Famous Temples in Bangkok If there’s such a thing as superstar temples in Bangkok, then Wat Arun is without a doubt one of them. Perched on the Chao Phraya River’s west bank, its colorful towers (“phra prang”) form part of the city’s skyline. Examine these towers up close and you’ll see that they’re covered in little pieces of Chinese ceramics. Known locally as Wat Chaeng, this most iconic of Bangkok temples traces its roots to the 17th century. Construction began during the reign of King Rama II and finished by King Rama III. The temple sits in a large complex along with ponds, shrines, and other buildings. And though it’s called the Temple of Dawn, it’s also quite stunning at sunset. A Reclining Buddha in a Bangkok Temple: Wat Pho Wat Pho, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, ranks among the top places to visit in Bangkok, Thailand. Its main attraction is a reclining, gold leaf-covered Buddha. Stretching 46 meters (151
Things To Do In Bali — Top Activities And Attractions
Out of the more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Bali ranks among the most famous. Situated east of Java, the island has a storied past, having been occupied by the Dutch for over a century. Today, it’s among the top tourist destinations in Asia. If you’re wondering what to do on your tropical island getaway, don’t worry. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Bali. Read on for some great ideas about how you can spend your days and nights on this amazing island. Relax At The Beach In Bali Bali is home to dozens of beaches, though the best ones tend to be those around the Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran, Kuta, and other areas in the south. Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian beaches are quite popular with tourists, so you can expect these places to be busy. That said, they’re ideal if you’re looking to make new friends and party at night. But if you’re after a beach that isn’t overrun with other people, you’ll find plenty to choose from too. One example is Nyang Nyang beach. Near Uluwatu Temple, its seclusion owes to a tall cliff overlooking the beach’s white sand. For something a bit different, you might want to check out Soka Beach. Located in the west, it’s a dramatic sight with its black sand. Making it even more picturesque are the Gunung Agung volcano on one side and lovely hills on the other. The beach’s coral rock formations add to its beauty. Have Fun In The Water Swimming and snorkeling are two awesome water activities in Bali. But if you’d like to get your adrenaline pumping, there are more vigorous watersports for you too. At famous Kuta Beach, for instance, you can join other surfers on fantastic waves. Wakeboarding and kitesurfing are likewise popular ways to have
Yenangyaung, in the Heart of Myanmar
Yenangyaung is a small town (around 50 000 people) in Magway Region, in the center of Myanmar. It is totally off the touristic map: even before covid-19, only a few visitors came per day (the number would probably be closer to zero if it was not for the Lei Thar Gone Guest House, a nice place to spend the night). All the “downtown” is concentrated on one main street full of colonial buildings, most of them still used by the population. There are few cars, and the escalator in the central market building looks slightly out of place. Around 30 minutes by car from Yenangyaung is Salay village (not to be mixed with Salay town, also not far away). The road to go there is not paved. Salay village has many Bagan style pagodas. Unlike Bagan, however, there are no group of tourists, no hotels, no restaurants, I could not even find a shop to buy a bottle of water. While you are there, head to Pakange village 20 minutes further. To see a different side of Myanmar, far from group tours and traffic jams, head to Yenangyaung. This country has so much more to offer than just Bagan, Inle Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Visit Taungdwingyi
Getting up of my bed at 5 am, the road was empty when we left Nay Pyi Taw to Taungdwingyi. The few vehicles I saw were mostly trucks and motorbikes, almost no cars. Not a lot of options to eat breakfast, I had an instant coffee in a bamboo shack on the side of the road. 2 hours later we were arrived. Located in Magway region, Taungdwingyi does not receive many visitors. Due to the mediocre quality of the few local hotels, I advise to visit the town as a break on the way to Bagan or Yenangyaung. Wooden cards carried by horses are still used in the main streets of Taungdwingyi. These are not intended for tourists: the local habitants use them for their own needs. However, if you ask, you can negotiate a one hour tour against a small fee. It is amusing to cross a road intersection in a horse card with cars and motorbikes driving around. The city center is quite laid back. You find everywhere shops selling phone call cards, as is common in developing countries. I found a nice bar to spend the evening. This one is on the main street, close to the mosque. Nobody really know addresses in a town like this, if you want to go there just show these pictures and ask around. The town has an elegant Sikh temple in beige color, with many columns. Sadly I could not see the mosque closely as the whole complex was closed due to Coronavirus restrictions.
Mawlamyine, a Window of the Past
I arrived in Mawlamyine by a night train from Yangon. As no beds are available on this line, I was in the upper-class, with large comfortable seats (the deco is quite old-fashioned). Price changes from time to time but you can expect to pay around 5 dollars for the trip. You can buy tickets for the same day directly at Yangon Railway Station, or from 3 days in advance at the Myanmar Railways Reservation Office (a small building close to the Sakura Tower). It takes around 8 hours. Before arriving you pass a large bridge on the Salween river and have a spectacular view of the pagodas. Alternatively, Myanmar National Airline sometimes operates a weekly flight from Yangon to Mawlamyine’s small airport. Much faster, but be prepared to spend a lot more: around a 100 USD for one way. Buses are an option, but be aware that most of them are leaving not from downtown Yangon but from a far-away suburb even further than the Airport. Finding a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi at Mawlamyine Railway Station is quite easy, if you prefer a car to pick-you up better to arrange a driver before with your hotel. Despite looking laid back, Mawlamyine is quite a large city, organized between a hill with plenty of pagodas and the Salween river. On the hill you should not miss the Kyeikh Tha Lan Pagoda, the U Zina Pagoda and the Mahar Myat Muni. In the city center a lot of colonial buildings can be found, on the Strand Road and in the adjacent streets. On the other side from the river is the Bilu island. You can take a boat to go there, and enjoy the rural landscape. The world’s largest reclining Buddha is in the town of Mudon, only 30 minutes by drive
Head to Bago
I arrived in Bago around 3 am, in a night train with a two beds cabin that I had luckily for myself. If you are going there from Yangon, it is only about one hour and a half drive. Bago is the fourth largest city in Myanmar (after Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw). It used to be the capital of Myanmar (this country changed of capital many times). There is a huge list of sightseeing to do. The Kanbawzathadi Palace, destroyed many centuries ago, was re-built in 1990. Some original wooden pillars that were found on the site are exposed inside. The Snake Pagoda has an impressive big snake. These animals occupe an important place in Myanmar’s traditions and rituals. The Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda is even higher than the Shwedagon in Yangon. The Kyaik Tun Pagoda consists of four Buddha statues facing opposite directions. Try to see the Shwe Gulay Monastery around 10 am when the monks are going to eat. The Naungdawgyi Myathalyaung is a reclining Buddha of impressive dimension. But do not rush too much. Enjoy to walk in the streets and discover the local life. The Leikpaya Reservoir is pleasant to go around.
Visit Mandalay
Second biggest city of Myanmar after Yangon, Mandalay is at the crossroad of India and China for centuries. Filled with history, it was the seat of the last dynasty of Myanmar and of its last King, Thibaw, who was exiled by the British to India. For the record, the last Mughul Emperor of India was exiled by the British in Myanmar, his tomb can be visited in Yangon. The Mandalay Palace, destroyed during the Second World War, was rebuilt in the 1990s. Though not all the materials are of the best quality, this reconstruction brought back a important symbol of the country. Do not forget to take your passport with you to visit it (it is required, not sure if they would really turn you down if you do not have it). The Mandalay Hill, on the northern side of the city, has an impressive pagoda offering you a large panorama on the city. But personally, the one I preferred is the Kuthodaw Pagoda. It has the biggest book in the world, consisting of a multitude of stones with inscriptions. The Shwenandaw is a monastery in teak woods, elegantly crafted. The details in the finishing are impressive, you can guess the time and skills needed for such result at the time. Mandalay Downtown, at the south of the previously listed attractions, is not overly beautiful unlike its counterpart in Yangon. However, the city has the biggest Jade Market in the world. From a long time jade is exported from Myanmar to China. When I was living in Shanghai I visited the Jade Buddha Temple whose statue was transported from Myanmar by boat at the end of the 19th century. You can go from Yangon to Mandalay either with: a private car, only cheaper than a flight if you are in
Amritsar, Center of Sikhism
Amritsar is famous all over the world for being the center of Sikh religion. The most known monument is of course the Golden Temple. In addition of having the only full-vegetarian McDonald’s in the world, it is one of the most spiritual place of the country. The Golden Temple had a tormented history. The Prime Minister Indira Ghandi sent the army to remove sikh militants from the temple on 1st June 1984. Two of her Sikh bodyguards would kill her for revenge only five months later. The golden color of the complex is even more impressive at night, when it reflects itself against the lake against the dark night. There is no entrance fee to come-in: all the system is based on voluntary donations. But Amritsar has plenty of other sights. Punjab was one of the epicenter of the conflicts following the separation of India and Pakistan. The Partition Museum aims to keep memory and information about these horrific events, so that the next generation remembers it. It is located in a landmarked red building filled with many Greek columns. The Gobindgarh Fort is in a remarkable state of preservation, only open to visitors since 2017 as it was used as a military base before. A few canons and drums are still there. In the nighttime some light shows occasionally take place. You should of course do an excursion to the Wagah border for the daily closing ceremony (spectators are present on both Indian and Pakistani sides). It takes place at 5:15 pm in summer and 4:15 pm in winter for around 45 minutes. No fees, but some seats are reserved for non-Indian nationals. When both sides diffuse their national anthem the sound you hear gets a bit mixed up.
Best of Kuala Lumper
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and is home to approximately 1.8 million people. The city is famous for its skyscrapers, malls, outstanding infrastructure and countless of natural attractions. It is also the financial hub of the Malaysia and most visited city of this country. Kuala Lumpur is also famous for its shopping outlets which offers wide variety of shopping centers, bazaars, and markets, it is a shopper’s paradise. According to Euromonitor International, Kuala Lumpur is in the list of top 10 city destinations. Below are the few recommendations to make your trip memorable. Petronas Twin Towers Petronas Twin Towers were inaugurated in August 1999 and until 2004 they were known as the world’s tallest building. These gleaming towers have the height of 451.9 meters along with 88 floors. Petronas Towers are purely magical, even if you visit in day or night or in afternoons, the charm of this place will not let you stay away from it. There is a huge shopping mall beneath the towers, it is a spacious mall with food court and lot of international brands. there are TGV cinemas too on 3rd level if you want to watch movies. Everything in this mall feel so perfect, clean, and well arranged. The second-best thing about this place is the ‘sky deck’ which offers 360o outstanding panoramic view of the whole city. If you want to visit the Skydeck, you must book in well advance from their online website or from the office inside the building. While booking, make sure to choose the appropriate time by keeping in mind the weather, it is recommended to visit sky deck just before sunset so you can enjoy the day and night view both. When you will visit the sky deck, you will also get the opportunity to
Langkawi- A Perfect Island Escape
Langkawi islands are located on the west coast of Malaysia. It is an archipelago comprises of 99 different islands. The main Langkawi island which is a popular tourist destination is home to wildlife, hills, waterfalls, turquoise warm sea, and a bustling night life. Moreover, this island is a diver’s paradise with stunning sandy beaches and picturesque landscapes. Langkawi is not only a sea escape, but it is a full package, from white sandy seashores to green mountains, from waterfalls to the nightlife, from diving into the sea to the beautiful villages makes it a perfect place to visit. Below are the highlights of Langkawi island. Cenang Beach Pantai Cenang is one of the most visited and popular beach town in Langkawi. It offers white sandy beaches, excellent environment for water sports along with plenty of affordable resorts right on the beach strip. Cenang beach also has a vibrant night life, with number of bars, pubs, cafes, beachfront bar, and lounges offer variety of services such as live music and beach parties are quite common. The cenang beach strip is just 10 minutes’ drive away from the Langkawi airport and can be easily accessible by a cab. The beaches on Pantai Cenang are simply amazing and picturesque, it is a delight to watch sunsets and sunrises here. If you want to enjoy in the less crowded area, then try to book your stay at the end of the road. Highlights: Beautiful beach, night life 2.Panorama Langkawi sky cab The sky cab of langkawi is one of the different experiences, its built on Machincang mountain. The sky cab has total three stations, base, middle and top station. From the base station to middle station, ride is quite steep and thrilling up to the height of 1700 meters. Upon reaching the base station,
Your Time in Patiala
I arrived in Patiala from Amritsar, taking two different trains, which was slower than a bus but much more comfortable. In the southeast of Punjab, Patiala is a medium sized city of around 700 000 people. The most famous attraction is by far the Qula Mubarak, a Sikh fortress built in 1763. It literally dominates the city center by its imposing size and height. I saw no other foreigners visiting when I was there (this was much before Coronavirus). Maybe this is the reason why at that time (2019), it was clearly lacking maintenance and renovations. The Phul cinema has kept his historic art-deco architecture, quite interesting in a world where most old cinemas have disappeared. The Sheesh Mahal, not to be confused with the one in Lahore, is surnamed “The Palace of Mirrors”. It was built in a mix of European and Moghul architecture. A suspension bridge was built identical to the Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh. The lake is entirely artificial. Inside is a museum specialized on Tibetan art, where you can also find Kashmiri and Burmese items. The amount of mirrors, miniatures and medals is impressive. The Moti Bagh Palace, literally “Pearls Garden”, was built in 1847 and is one of the largest residential complexes in Asia. The Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib Patiala is a Sikh temple built on lands donated by villagers. Admire the white and grey marble inside. The Bahadurgarh Fort, built in 1658 by Saif Khan, occupies 21 square kilometers. Today, the condition of the place is not extremely good, and the walls are slowly losing their colors. On the plus side, with very few visitors, it is a great occasion to enjoy an out of the beaten path attraction, and to realize Indian heritage is more than the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.
Your Time in Jammu
I arrived in Jammu after an exhausting ride in a shared taxi from Srinagar. My energy quickly came back and I explored the city during two full days. After hearing in Srinagar that Jammu was a dull city, I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive sights I found. Unlike Srinagar where I had been freezing during ten days, the climate was enjoyable in Jammu that January 2019. The Ragunath Temple is located right in the heart of the city. The soldier guarding the place asked me to let my bag in a locker, this policy is implemented to everybody for safety reasons. Completed in the first half of the 19th century, it is dedicated to Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. To have more knowledge on the subject, I advice you to read the Ramayana. I took a auto-taxi to the Amar Mahal Palace, whose entrance fee is much higher for foreigners than it is for Indian nationals. It has been reconverted in a historic museum whose exhibition includes a golden throne of 120 kg, Pahari and Kangra miniatures and thousands of antique books. I paid a bit extra to enter a room with some Chinese objects and calligraphies. The Mubarak Mandi is a large complex lacking money for renovations. Residence of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir during the Dogra dynasty until 1925, it is now used for government offices and for the Dogra Museum. But some parts are completely abandoned, damaged by an earthquake in 1980. The Ranbireshwar Temple is the largest dedicated to Shiva, a deity more popular in the South, in Northern India. The main interest is the presence of 12 lingams carved in crystal on the central sanctum.
Your Time in Chennai
Capital of Tamil-Nadu, Chennai is one of India’s largest cities. It is the ideal place to discover the unique Tamil culture. Begin you visit by Marina Beach, one of India’s largest of its kind. I found it quite well-cleaned when I visited. You can find many vendors selling all types of things, like cane juice. I saw an improvised toy gun stand handled by an entrepreneurial lady. As there is almost no shadow, it might be a better idea to visit in the morning or at the end of the afternoon. Many historic buildings are located in front of the Marina. Who would not wish to leave on a train journey from a grand old fashioned Railway Station? Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station was built in 1873. The architecture is in a Gothic Revival style, with a central clock tower, mostly in red. There are plenty of places to eat cheap food inside. Even if you are not taking a train (though I really advise you to go around India with the Railway’s sleeper-class instead of an uncomfortable bus or expensive flight), it is really worth it to go inside to look at the mass of travelers and activities going on. The Egmore Museum or Government Museum is dedicated to history and human history. I enjoyed looking at the selection of Roman antiques, not the first thing you expect on a trip in India. You also have more local exhibitions, like deities statues from the Chola dynasty. It might be a good idea to keep this inside visit for the extremely hot afternoon. The Madras high-court was built in 1862. It is a good symbol of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style mixing Mughal elements with a gothic inspiration. Walking around Madras university was an interesting experience, the university where I studied
Ngapali, the Best Beach of Myanmar
Ngapali is the most famous beach destination in Myanmar. When arriving there, I quickly understood the reason. The landscaping is well-preserved: most hotels were not built right on the beach. It is just the good weather: comfortable enough to swim warm, but not stuffing. Most of the areas along the beach are empty. One can observes fishermen working in the traditional way. Their boats are fixed to the beach with rustic anchors. Hotels offer a good value for your money. However, you should not go there if you want animated evenings. Everything is quiet after 6 pm. If your idea of beach holiday is to party late, going in Thailand might be a better idea. Ngapali is perfect for those looking for calm and relaxation. If after a few days you want to try something different than the beach, taking a boat excursion on the Thandwe river might be a good idea. You can stop at many villages who are not easily accessible by cars. The town of Thandwe has a few interesting sight, including the market located in an ancient prison. Quite an interesting building rehabilitation!
The Archeological Site of Pandua
Pandua is a historic city located in Western-Bengal in India. Today home to only around 25 000 people, it used to be the capital of a small Hindu kingdom. It is fantastic to visit, and the only black point would be the bad quality of the hotels closed by. In the 13th century Shah Shahid Safiuddin killed there a cow for a banquet. This provoked anger in the local Hindu king, named Pandu. He killed the baby of Shah Shahid and offered him in sacrifice to the goddess Kali. Shah Shahid complained to the Sultan Firoz Shah, who sent there an army. One reason why Bandua is not so visited is the bad state of infrastructure. Sadly, the roads of West Bengal need urgent improvements. Do not forget to take off your shoes when you go inside the mosque. Unlike in other countries, it is generally ok to keep your socks in India. Be aware that there is very few documentations onsite. If you are very interested by archeology and want to identify everything, it might be best to do your research before. This is not the Taj Mahal, and no army of tourist guides will come to offer their service to you. Most of the other visitors I saw were locals. Not a single non-Indian in sight. Both Hindu and Muslim heritage survived. Some traces of the royal palace of Pandu are visible. There is a minaret from the 13th century, whose entry door seems to have partly been built with stones from a Hindu temple. One can also notice the imposant ruins of a mosque from the 14th century, whose columns may be of Hindu style. The gardens are certainly much better maintained than the roads…