Dandi : National Salt Satyagraha Memorial

    The Indian Freedom Struggle has been a part of the school's History Syllabus, than being a hot-topic of discussion! An important part of this freedom struggle was the Salt Satyagraha or Salt March.

        In Dandi, where the Satyagraha was carried out, there is  a beautiful memorial built by the Government of Gujarat, which really makes you Time Travel and revisit those events.

So, today we're are exploring the same! Let's go. 

 

Saifee Villa

Once  you enter the memorial, to your right, stands the magnificent Saifee Villa, which was built by Syedna Tahir Saifuddin. It's the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed over night, for the next morning would dawn with the Rays of Revolution.

      

Opposite to the villa, moving forward to the right side, stands the statue capturing the iconic moment of extracting salt. There are many such miniatures, and statues in the memorial, which are symbolic and make us realise the significance of that event.
   After taking a few steps ahead, in the front, stands your route of visit, in a circular manner. To your left, stands a wall, bearing the handwriting of the Father of The Nation.

As you walk in the memorial premises, various miniatures warmly welcome you. They depict the journey of the Salt March, from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi and the numerous events which took place then.

Circular view of the memorial 

While you're almost halfway through the memorial, a 130 feet tall, A-shaped structure, with a blue cube at its peak hovers above you. It's the Salt Tower. The cube is defined as a salt crystal, to supplement the significance of the memorial.

Salt Tower

Another eye-catchy structure in the memorial are the Solar Trees. Solar panels are arranged in such a way as if they're branches of trees. This is an excellent example of infrastructure, which promotes renewable energy and enhances the beauty of the memorial.

To intensify this impact further, the memorial has a museum too! It comprises of amazing things done by the civilians as a memoir of the Salt March. 

So, this was our wonderful journey through the memorial. There are many such unknown events you may discover, numerous things you'll revisit and at the end, arrive at the conclusion how rich our history is. This was an all-together marvelous idea of setting up a memorial to promote the event and tourism. 

From my side, this should be on your bucket list while travelling to Gujarat.

Hope you had an amazing time!

And until next time,

Think, Tap, Travel!

- Arya Joshi

Picture courtesy (for some photos) : Google Images 

Amazing Amritsar

वाहे गुरु जी का खालसा,

वाहे गुरु जी की फतेह|

      Amritsar. The Holy city in terms of Religion. A Souvenir of Sacrifice, India possesses. And of course, a place to give a royal treatment to your taste buds!

      It's one of the prime cities in Punjab, magnetically reaching out to tourists and travellers from India and across the globe. The authenticity of the Punjabi culture is nurtured and sustained here really well. What's more? Let's explore.

         The most prominent monument  in Amritsar is the The Golden Temple or The Harmandir Sahib. It's an epitome of devotion, passion and love. The architecture, history, in short, every element in this vicinity has it's own story to narrate. A special feature here is the Langar. Many volunteers collaborate and collectively prepare food for the devotees, with utmost love and care. You can volunteer too! This initiative really implements the proverb, " Service to Humanity is Service to God"

      The Golden Teumple (Harmandir Sahib)

                  Punjabi Food,today,is a part and parcel of nearly every Indian's daily palate. But, Amritsar is the apt city to discover the authentic Punjabi cuisine, from Kulchas to Kheema Parathas, Lassi, Chole - Bhature, Rajma- Chaval and so on! Numerous dhabhas located in and at the outskirts of the city urge you to absorb every flavour of Punjabi food. During my visit to Amritsar, One "butterly polished" Paneer Paratha with curd and pickle, alongside one huge glass of Lassi, was one of the most comfort breakfast meal, I have had so far! Give it a "bite" soon!

            Patialas, Salwar Suits, Phulkari Dress Materials and Woollen Garments are the traditional fashion trends in Amritsar and Punjab, you ought to look out for! While going through these markets, just one glance here and there, and numerous garments captured my eye. Every lady who would stroll through the market, would definitely have more and more things to shop!

        Amritsar is the ideal gateway to the nation's North- Western Border, The Atari Border. It's simply at a distance of 32 kilometres from the city. Daily thousands of tourists and civilians pay a visit here, to witness the collective lowering of the Flags by the "Neighbours". ( India and Pakistan)

I could really sense what true patriotism is, as my eyes just saw patriots singing laurels of their motherland. The BSF ( Border Security Force) displayed a wonderful parade, symbolising their strength and pride. It's one of the events, which you ought witness atleast once in life. 

Atari Border.

                           So, here's all about my exilarating journey to Amritsar and the Atari  Border. Oh, well! Before you book your tickets, make sure you have this in your luggage!

1) Golden Temple

2) Jallianwala Bagh

3) Food

i) Parathe ( of all sorts)
ii) Chhole- Bhature
iii) Rajma-Chawal
iv) Amritsari Kulcha
v) Lassi
vi) Makke di Roti, Sarsoon ka Sag
vii) Dal Makhani
viii) All dishes made of Paneer
ix) Kesar Phirni
x) Punjabi Kulfi
xi) Non-veg items
 ( You can explore more! I'm sure after "mentally eating" the list, your mouth's literally "streaming" water!)
Happy reading and discovering!
Stay tuned!
Until our next experience,
Think. Tap. Travel

- Arya Joshi

Agra's Aura

                                                           Agra Fort

The city adorned with Mughal culture.
The location of one of the Seven Wonders of the World
And
An important city of North India.

     Agra is a city, who has witnessed numerous significant events of the Mughal and Post- Mughal era. I can see a fusion of Mughal as well as Indian culture in this city. It's a wonder in itself.

.                                                              Taj Mahal

          First and foremost, the historical monuments of Agra are the major tourist attraction. The Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and The Taj Mahal are prominent among them. They display beautiful intricate carvings on Marble and Sandstone. These monument are an epitome of Mughal architecture infused with different global cultures. 

       Marble work and artefacts can be defined as the trademark of Agra's Markets. The Sadar Bazaar and Kinaari Bazaar are literally the storehouses of these masterpieces. Give it a visit soon! 

     

The visit to Agra, and this blog too won't be complete if I don't mention about the Agra Petha ( Agra Taj Petha). It possesses the 'sweetness' of Agra which will surely melt your heart. Please do come and have a bite! I'm sure this savoury sweet is bound to be a part of your celebrations always!

      While planning to travel to Agra, if you are going via Delhi, I suggest you should travel by train. Gatimaan Express, according to me, is the fastest one among these stations. The 'Service and Speed' of this train both are great! And it runs daily!

So, what are you pondering over?

Get going now!

Well wait! Before you depart, just check if you have my list! 

1) Taj Mahal

2) Agra Fort

3) Fatehpur Sikri

4) Agra Petha

5) Parathas of all sorts ( Foodies Special)

Happy Discovering!

- Arya Joshi

     
     

Master Mumbai

ए दिल है मुश्किल जीना यहाँ,

जरा हटके, जरा बचके ये है मुंबई मेरी जान.

The Prime City of Maharashtra. The Financial Capital and one of the most significant "Gateways" to international world. Mumbai is the city, adorning itself with "comfort crowds" in many a nook and corner. Right from Churchgate to Chembur, Vasai to Virar, Wadala to Worli or Bandra to Borivali, every route and suburb in this city has it's own aura. An urban location neighbouring the Arabian Sea, forms an important port for transportation. Let's discover many treasures that Mumbai possesses.

    Bombay ( that's today's Mumbai) is a major witness to many historical events, ranging from the ancient to the modern era. Portuguese and Indo-Gothic style forts, historic temples, Monuments from pre-British period is Mumbai's  pride, which it proudly possess. Being a travel treasurer myself, I recall discovering the city newly, every time, I paid a visit. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, The Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbadevi Temple and many more are the monuments, establishing a firm place in my heart.

             Experiments with incorporating the global culture with Indian, according to me, started with with Mumbai. Fusion of the Indian and Western Culture, Glamour of Fashion Shows, and the one stop shop for shopping all of the Indian fashion trends, the Maharashtrian Capital is your destination. Colaba Causeway is a particular destination, I love to go shopping. It's definitely a destination to enhance your fashion and shopping skills!

Colaba Causeway

    Food -cravers, ready to polish off the palate? Mumbai calling...... Tech- savvy Mumbaieites put on their thinking caps to fill their plates. Vadapav, Bhel, Panipuri are some of the items, most enjoyed at locations like Girgoan Chowpati in Mumbai. The sunset, calm sea, chilly breezes and a Vadapav in your hand. What else can we ask for? It's an example of an ideal evening, I would spend.

Lip-smacking Vadapav

Girgaon Chowpatti

Now, attention please! Mumbai is eagerly waiting to warmly welcome travelling enthusiasts to explore the city. Here are some key locations from my Travel Tot, you ought to check out!
1) The Gateway of India
2) The Taj Hotel

3) Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali
4) Essel World ( For Adventure rides)
5) Butterfly Garden, Thane
6) Colaba Causeway
7) Forts between Bandra and Churchgate
     Railway Stations
8) Shivaji Park
9) Elephanta Caves, Gharapuri Island

10) Bandra - Worli Sea Link

Mumbai now eagerly awaits for your arrival!

Discover the pleasures in your own way.

Till then,

Happy Exploring!

- Arya Joshi

Pictures courtesy : Google Images

Unfolding the Tale of Travels

 Hey readers! Travelling. What does this word refer to you? A journey? A trip? Or something beyond? For me, travelling is the chain of  leisure moments I live in my life. Unfolding different places, socialising with people, their culture, the food, and a lot lot more... And I wish to share my experiences with you, which I think may open up some different locations for you to add in your bucket list. Also, some specific things I liked about a particular city, special attractions, which you shouldn't miss!

So, are you ready? Then, pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts.....

And here we goo!

See you soon, with my first travel blog!

Till then just "Think.Tap.Travel"

Stay tuned!

- Arya Joshi

The Pune Punch

Oxford of the east,

Shopping markets at their best.

The traffic won't let you rest.

Every street 'driving' it's own zest.

  In the core of Sahyadri Mountains, lies the City of Pune. It's my hometown, my pride, my heart and my soul. I feel, the city has developed, grown and improved with my accelerating age. And here's how I provide you with my perspective, with regards to my homecity.

 Right from Kothrud to Kondhwa, Kharadi to Khadki, every direction, every road of this city has it's own identity, own history, which it proudly portrays. The historical monuments I saw, ranging from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Lal Mahal till Lokmanya Tilak's Kesari Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Sinhgad, Pataleshwar Caves, Shrimant Dagaduseth Halvai Ganpati and many more in the list define some part of the richness, the Indian History possesses.

Aga Khan Palace

                                                     Lal Mahal (Red Palace)

And...... Pune can also be called as the "Foodies' Fair". May it be Cold Coffee at Durga, Bun Maska at Good Luck Cafe, A Mysore Masala Dosa at Vaishali, A Thali at Shreyas, Khatri Bandhu's Ice-cream, Sujata Mastani and last but not the least Chitale Bandhu!! describes the love for food every Puneite has. Including me! I enjoy having multiple cuisines in the same city, with an authentic taste! What else does any foodie ask for?

Bun Maska at Good Luck Cafe

  Thousands of aspirants throng Pune for fulfilling their Educational Goals... The Maharashtra Education Society's Colleges, the Deccan Education Society's Colleges, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ferguson College and more in the list are premier institutes of imparting knowledge. How I wish to be the student of all of them!

Savitribai Phule Pune Universiy (SPPU)

 Sport passionates, awaiting to foster your game? My homecity will definitely take you, in its caring fold. Every nook and corner I see, a sport complex there has to be! Pune always 'plays' with me in 'sporty' ways, with numerous sport arenas scattered across the city.

              

    Another feature in the list is the Public Transport System in Pune. Though, it's an fledgling initiative, it's bound to have a great future. May it be the BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), the PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited) or the "to-be" introduced Metro Trains are set to transform Punekars' lives to ease and comfort. I'm simply excited to have a ride in the Metro. Are you?

   Summing up, I cordially invite to you to visit the city and discover a different urban locality altogether. Open up your vision for the same it. Lastly, don't miss out on the following activities, a little list from my treasure!

1) FC Road ( For Shopping and Food)

2) Pavillion Mall, Phoenix Market City, Amanora Town Centre (Shopping and Movies)

3) Tulsibagh ( Shopping)

4) Deccan Gymkhana ( Shopping, Movies, Food)

5) Empress Garden ( Nature Lovers Paradise)

6) Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden 

    ( Nature Lovers Paradise)

7) Historical Monuments

   i) Kesari Wada

  ii) Aga Khan Palace

  iii) Lal Mahal

  iv) Zero Stone

   v) Sinhgad Fort 

Sinhgad Fort

 vi) Tikona Fort

  vii) Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

viii) Pataleshwar Caves

   ix) Parvati

    x) Shaniwar Wada

Wanting me to unleash all the Pune Punches now itself?

Discover them your way, as Pune awaits for your arrival day!

Happy Exploring!

-Arya Joshi

Pictures courtesy : Google Images