ITALY:- Art Cities

Previously published at MoneyLife

Italy: Art Cities
October 08, 2011 10:27 AM | 
Jaideep Mukerji with Veeresh Malik

Located in southern Europe and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is a country full of rich history and culture that amazes the world

If there is one country that combines the best of history, culture and landscapes together with superlative cuisine and shopping, it is Italy. I have visited Italy several times and the country never ceases to amaze me with its profusion of historic sites reflecting the grand architectural legacy of the Greco-Roman Empires. Italy has 47 World Heritage Sites—the highest in any country in the world—and Italian museums contain some of mankind’s best examples of art and sculpture. In this (and subsequent) article, I will take you on a brief journey through the better-known and some lesser-known Italian cities.



Venice: Described as one of Europe’s most romantic cities, Venice was historically the capital of the independent Venetian Republic and has been known as the ‘City of Masks’ and the ‘City of Canals’. Venice has been one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations since the 18th century. It is also one of Europe’s most beautiful cities of art. Since the 1980s, medieval traditions, like the Carnival of Venice, have been revived and the city has become a major centre of international conferences and film festivals, such as the prestigious Venice Film Festival which attract visitors from all over the world.

Venice is best explored by foot or by vaporetto—the public water bus system that operates along the Grand Canal. Start your tour by walking along the maze of canals, sidewalks and bridges that are unique to Venice, until you arrive in St Mark’s Square (the Piazza San Marco), surrounded by elegant, historic buildings. Napoleon called Piazza San Marco, ‘the drawing room of Europe’. The Square is dominated by St Mark’s Basilica, a Byzantine masterpiece on one side. The construction of this cathedral began in 830AD to house the tomb of St Mark whose relics were smuggled from Alexandria (Egypt) and brought here. The inside walls are encrusted with precious art, rare marbles and magnificent mosaics. Behind the altar is the famous gold altarpiece, ‘Palla d’Oro’ which is one of the finest examples of craftsmanship in gold.



Next to St Mark’s is the Doge’s Palace. This former seat of Venetian power, the Palace has the second largest wooden room in Europe. As you walk through the council rooms, of interest is Tintoretto’s Paradise over the Grand Council Chamber—reportedly the largest oil painting in the world. The Palace is connected to the old prison by the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. The name, given by Lord Byron in the 19th century, comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.

The banks of Venice’s Grand Canal are lined with more than 170 buildings, most of which date back to the 13th to 18th century and demonstrate the art created by the nobles of the Republic of Venice. Venetian families spared no expense to show off their wealth by building their palazzos along the Grand Canal. The churches along the Canal include the basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Centuries-old traditional festivities, such as the Regatta of the gondola boats, are held every year along the Canal. The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to local conditions which, for centuries, was the chief means of transportation. Now, these iconic boats are used by tourists and Venetians as a convenient taxi-service.

While on your walking tour, cross the famous Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal and spend time in the market that is busy with locals buying fruit and vegetables brought in from the mainland and fresh fish caught in the Adriatic. The present stone bridge with rows of shops on either side was completed in 1591 and is one of the architectural icons of Venice. Venice’s historic Jewish Quarter in Dorsoduro is well worth a visit as well. Take the vaporetto, to the island of Murano located about 1.5km north of Venice, famous for its glassmaking. In 1291, the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano due to the risk of causing fires in the city while blowing molten glass. In the following century, the island became famous for glass beads and mirrors and, for a while, Murano was the main glass producer in Europe. Later, the island came to be known for chandeliers (in the 18th century); glassmaking still remains the island’s main industry.

Milan: Staying in northern Italy, take the Eurocity train to Milan, recognised as the world’s fashion and design capital. The city has an ancient cultural heritage and legacy, vibrant nightlife and is particularly famous for its musical and operatic traditions (it is the birthplace of several composers, such as Giuseppe Verdi) and theatres (such as the Teatro alla Scala). Milan is also well known for several important museums, universities, palaces, churches and two renowned football teams, namely, AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano.

Like most Italian cities, the main sites of interest are within walking distance from Milan’s central plaza, the Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the grand cathedral (the Duomo), the fourth largest cathedral in the world and, by far, the largest in Italy. Construction of the Gothic design cathedral began in 1386 and the last details of the cathedral were finished only in January 1965. This date is considered to be the end of a process which took six centuries, although, even now, some un-carved blocks remain to be completed as statues.
Immediately beside the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the Piazza del Duomo is reputed to be the world’s first shopping mall. The Galleria connects two of Milan’s most famous landmarks: the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala, but the Galleria is a landmark on its own right. Now, more than 130 years since its inauguration, the four-story arcade includes elegant shops selling most things from haute couture and jewellery to books and paintings. The Galleria is famous as being home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan, such as the historic Biffi Caffé founded in 1867, the first Milanese café to install electric lighting (in 1882), and the famous Bernasconi silverware store. Today, the Galleria is the site for many luxury brands including Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

A short walk away is the Piazza della Scala, the pedestrian central square of Milan with Leonardo Da Vinci’s statue at its centre. Named after the renowned Teatro alla Scala opera house, one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world, it includes both the opera house and the La Scala Museum, dedicated to the history of La Scala and opera, in general. Over the past 200 years, most of the world’s greatest operatic artistes and singers have appeared at the La Scala.

Another walk takes you to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, yet another in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Church contains the famous mural of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci which is in the refectory of the convent. During World War-II, the night of 15 August 1943, bombs dropped by British and American planes hit the Church and the convent. Much of the refectory was destroyed, but some walls survived, including the one that holds the Last Supper which had been sand-bagged for protection.

Why Go There: Italy is a country that combines the best of history, culture and landscapes along with superlative cuisine and shopping. It has historic sites reflecting the grand architectural legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires and 47 World Heritage Sites, the highest in any country in the world.

Getting There: Almost all European airlines offer flights to Venice using their hubs of London, Paris or Frankfurt. China Airlines has direct flights from Delhi to Rome. Train tickets for travel within Italy can be bought online at http://www.trenitalia.com/.

Visas: Tourist (Schengen) visas are available from the Italian Embassy in New Delhi and Italian Consulates elsewhere. Full details available at http://www.vfs-italy.co.in/ or by telephoning the Italy Visa Call Centre (at 120-6641090).

Where To Stay: Hotels in Italy can easily be booked through one of the hotel-booking portals like bedsonline.com, hotelbeds.com or travelocity.com. To plan your vacation, visit www.italia.it for a wealth of information; for maps and brochures email the Italian Tourist Office in Mumbai at mumbai@enit.it

LAS VEGAS and GRAND CANYONs:- Mankind and Nature's Greatest Creations

Previously published at MoneyLife

Mankind and nature’s grand creations
August 11, 2011 09:46 PM |
Jaideep Mukerji with Veeresh Malik

Visited by millions of people every year, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon represent the grandest of spectacles that mankind and nature can provide

Over the past many months, I have shared with you a number of travel destinations that may be thought of as being away from mainstream tourist trails. Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon are anything but that; both are visited by millions of people every year and each represents the grandest of spectacles that mankind and nature can provide. Experiencing the glitter of Las Vegas’ famous ‘Strip’ allows one to appreciate the solitude of a remote mountain valley from a completely different perspective.



In 1829, a trading caravan of 60 men led by a Mexican merchant Antonio Armijo was charged with establishing a trade route from what was then Mexican territory to Los Angeles. By following a route through a tributary of the Colorado River, the caravan came upon a green valley amidst the arid desert. The travellers named the area ‘Las Vegas’ which was Spanish for ‘The Meadows’.

Las Vegas has seen unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert just over 100 years ago. In the early 20th century, water from natural wells was piped into the town, providing a reliable source of fresh water as well as the means for additional growth. The increased availability of water in the area allowed Las Vegas to become a water stop, first for horse-drawn wagon trains and, later, for trains, on the trail between Los Angeles in California and regions to the east.



In 1931, work started on building the well-known Hoover Dam on the Colorado River; the Las Vegas population increased from around 5,000 to 25,000, with most of the newcomers looking for a job on the dam building site. However, the workforce consisted entirely of males from across America and this created a market for large-scale entertainment. A combination of local Las Vegas business owners, Mormon financiers and Mafia crime-lords helped develop the casinos and showgirl theatres to entertain the largely male dam construction workers.

Now, the sights and sounds of Las Vegas are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. They stay in some of the most glamorous, unique, themed hotels in the world. They eat at five-star restaurants and expensive buffets. They play at casinos, pools, health spas and golf courses. The state is also relatively liberal in handing out marriage permits—Vegas is a major marriage destination. The Las Vegas Strip is where every visitor wants to go. The Strip is a nickname for the road named Las Vegas Boulevard and is ground zero for the shows, nightlife, luxurious hotels, exciting casinos and all the best things to do in Vegas that make the Strip famous the world over. Study a Las Vegas Strip map before your visit and familiarise yourself with the highlights to be found. The Stratosphere is an observation tower at the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard and has great views of the Las Vegas Strip hotels when they light up at night.

It is easy to be dazzled by Vegas; the sheer number of things to see and do seems overwhelming at first. With the large number of celebrities who come to Vegas frequently, people-watching can be the main entertainment. And there are no better ‘spot people’ than the Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel, a French bistro right on the Strip, directly across the street from the famous Bellagio fountains or the Bar & Grill at Planet Hollywood, from where you can scan CityCenter, the Bellagio and the Strip all at once.

Walking the Strip is a must for any first-timer and, as you cruise, check out the signs for the famous Cirque du Soleil shows. Besides being home to the top hotels, casinos and resorts, the Las Vegas Strip is a hub for other attractions like the Showcase Mall, Thomas & Mack, Sands Expo and the Fashion Show Mall that draw visitors to their world-class shops and designer boutiques.

Thirty mega hotels and resorts, with a variety of themes, pride themselves on being strategically situated near the Las Vegas Strip. Billions of dollars have been invested in the creation of this hotel wonderland; each of the major Las Vegas hotels tries to outdo the other in style and magnificence. From the pirate-themed Treasure Island, the Mirage Hotel with its artificial erupting volcanoes, to the elegance of the Venetian, a walk down the Strip wows the visitor.

The Bellagio, Venetian, Caesars Palace and the Luxor are representative of the luxury that you will find along the Las Vegas Strip. The names alone tell you what to expect; names like New York, Luxor, Paris, Orleans, Monte Carlo and Circus Circus make it clear what you can find. Other hotels have replicas of famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the ancient temples of Egypt, the canals of Venice or the New York skyline including a mock Empire State Building. All Las Vegas hotels feature shows with international music stars, the best of Broadway musicals and the world’s best magicians.

While in Las Vegas, you almost have to gamble a little; many hotels offer free lessons for the beginner. Until recently, Las Vegas used to be famous for buffets; now, it’s more about celebrity chefs. Still, the buffet at the Bellagio with its international selections, the Cravings Buffet at the Mirage Hotel with 11 live cooking stations or the Rio Hotel’s Carnival World Buffet are experiences in their own right. Caesars Entertainment offers a 24-hour buffet pass valid at seven different hotel buffets while MGM Mirage has an all-day pass valid at other hotels, all priced between $35-$45.

If you are seeking adventure, then SkyJump at the Stratosphere which, at 108 stories, is the longest controlled freefall of its kind, the Fremont Street Flightlinez where you get hooked to a harness and zip right over the crowds on Fremont Street or swimming with the sharks at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, are all possibilities.

Once you have had enough of the manmade attractions in Las Vegas, take the daily sightseeing coach for the five-hour long drive to the powerful and inspiring landscape of the southern rim of the Grand Canyon in the neighbouring US state of Arizona. The drive across the flat and mostly arid landscape of Arizona is dull and an opportunity to unwind from the intense experiences of Las Vegas.

The Grand Canyon is considered one of the Wonders of the World, largely because of its natural features. The exposed geologic rock strata—from the bottom-most 1.8 billion years old layer called Vishnu schist—to the topmost called the Kaibab limestone, represents one of the most complete records of geological history that can be seen anywhere in the world.

The Grand Canyon overwhelms your senses with its immense size—446-km long river, up to 29km wide, and 1.6km deep, layer upon layer of rock seems to rise over a mile above the Colorado River.

Given US government protection (in 1893) as a Forest Reserve, the Grand Canyon became a full-fledged National Park in 1919 and, today, receives close to five million visitors each year, a far cry from the 44,173 people that the Park received in 1919.

Given the considerable distance from Las Vegas, a day trip allows you only a few hours at the Canyon itself split between the spectacular viewpoints at Mathers and Yavapai Points and some time at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center with its interpretive displays and exhibits. If you visit during the winter months, as I did, a passing squall can result in a dusting of snow highlighting the rock layers while shafts of sunlight breaking through the storm clouds dramatically illuminate the rock spires and canyons.

If you wish to spend more time at this dramatic landscape or walk down to the Canyon floor along one of the many trails, you will have to spend a night at one of the hotels in the area. Some are located outside the National Park gates while others, operated by local indigenous people, are located within the Park boundary.

Allow yourself at least three days to experience the entertainment capital of the world and see one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Why Go There: Las Vegas is unique—there is no city in the world that can offer a grand mix of larger-than-life experiences. Round-the-clock entertainment, the world’s best shows and hotels like you have never seen or stayed in before, Vegas has it all. The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s must-see natural wonders.

Getting There: There are direct flights to Las Vegas from several European cities with convenient connections from most major metro cities in India. There are flights to Las Vegas from most major American cities.

Visas: Indian nationals require US visas.

Where To Stay: It is easy to book Las Vegas hotels online. The official Vegas tourism website has a wealth of information and includes a hotel booking facility: www.vegas.com. Also, check out www.visitlasvegas.com.

GARHWAL: Land of the Ganges

Previously published at MoneyLife.

Garhwal: Land of the Ganges
September 08, 2011 09:00 PM | 
Jaideep Mukerji with Veeresh Malik

Spend a fortnight enjoying some grand mountain scenery along the curves of a river that defines India. You’ll capture the very soul of our country,

The Garhwal region of the north Indian state of Uttarakhand has mythological and spiritual connections with Indian civilisation dating back to ancient times. Home to Nanda Devi, the highest mountain peak at 25,643ft entirely within India (Kanchenjunga is on the border of India and Nepal) and the birthplace of the River Ganges, Garhwal hosts the four temples of the ‘Char Dham’ at Gangotri, Jamnotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The rugged and spectacularly beautiful countryside consists almost entirely of rocky mountain ranges running in all directions separated by narrow valleys which, in some cases, become deep gorges and ravines. Tiny villages and terraced fields dot the lower- and mid-altitude hillsides while snow-capped peaks and glaciers crown the high summits.

On a journey through this land, perhaps it is best to let the photographs speak. This is a land that you can best experience over a two-week journey, ideally taken during spring, when throngs of pilgrims are yet to arrive, or in autumn, when the crowds have left and the hills have returned to their quiet, peaceful beauty. Driving up from the temple towns of Hardwar and Rishikesh, the road follows the graceful curves of the Ganges as it snakes its way through the lower Himalayas before emerging with a flourish onto the vast north Indian plains at Rishikesh. This part of the river is known for its white water rafting and seasonal rafting camps; groups of rafters are easily seen out on the river. Even if you have not made previous arrangements, stop at one of these camps, listen to the safety briefing, don your lifejackets and experience the Ganges first-hand; you will not regret the experience.

A short drive further brings you to Devprayag, one of the five sacred river confluences in Garhwal and an important place of pilgrimage for devout Hindus. Devprayag is the place where two heavenly rivers, the Alaknanda (coming from the mountains in the Nanda Devi area) and the Bhagirathi (coming from the Gangotri region) join to form the Ganges. On a terrace in the upper part of Devprayag is the temple of Raghunath built of huge stones, pyramidal in form and capped by a white cupola.

On this journey, take the left fork in the road and follow the Bhagirathi to its source. Driving past the towns of Tehri and Uttarakhand, you arrive in scenic Harsil—a tiny Himalayan village with a colourful history. Situated at a height of 7,860ft (2,620m) above sea level, Harsil is located 73km from Uttarkashi and is popular for the legend of ‘Pahari’ Wilson or Raja Wilson. Frederick Wilson, an adventurer, deserted the British Army just after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. He escaped to Garhwal and met the raja of Tehri-Garhwal, seeking refuge. But, being faithful to the British, the raja of Tehri-Garhwal refused safe passage to Wilson who slipped away deeper into the mountains to escape detection. Fate landed him in Harsil, a beautiful village on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, with dense deodar-forested slopes on either side. Wilson married a beautiful hill girl called Gulabi. Soon after, he entered into a contract with a London-based company and built a fortune with the export of skins, fur and musk. This was the time the British were building the railways in India and there was huge demand for quality wooden sleepers. Wilson cashed in on this opportunity and sent huge deodar logs floating down the river to the plains, making a fortune for himself.



Since Wilson had not taken permission from the raja of Tehri-Garhwal, his logging business soon ran into trouble until he made peace with the raja by offering him a share of the profits. It is said that the revenue of the raja went up tenfold over a short span of time. Little wonder that Wilson soon became a welcome guest and, in course of time, came to be called Raja Wilson—who minted his own currency. As late as the 1930s, these coins were found with the local people. According to some historians, the timber trade made Wilson so wealthy and powerful that the local raja of Tehri-Garhwal was unable to protect the village timber workers whom Wilson often exploited.

Raja Wilson built, what is known today as the Wilson’s Cottage, a huge wooden mansion now in disrepair. He also built the Charleville Hotel in Mussoorie which now houses the government of India training institute for the Indian Administrative Service recruits (called the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration). According to the locals, on moonlit nights, one can still see the ghost of Raja Wilson galloping down the hills to a long-vanished wooden bridge.



The next stop on our journey is the temple town of Gangotri at a height of about 10,200ft. The temple of the goddess Ganga, built by a Nepalese General, Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century, is the axis of this small town. The temple is closed for winter on Diwali day every year; it reopens in May. During this time, the idol of the goddess is kept at Mukhba village near Harsil. The aarti ceremony at the Gangotri is especially impressive, as is the temple, a stately building that sits on the banks of the rushing Bhagirathi whose spray forms wonderful rainbows. To experience the birthplace of the Ganges, follow the well-trodden trail deeper into the mountains on the 18-km trek to Gaumukh where you will see the river emerging from the terminal snout of the Gangotri glacier.

The Gangotri glacier, the source of the Ganges, is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometres. The glacier is about 30km long and 2km-4km wide. Around the glacier are the peaks of the Gangotri group; several of them, such as Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru and the Bhagirathi, are notable for their extremely challenging climbing routes. At 21,467ft, Shivling was called ‘Matterhorn Peak’ by early European visitors because it is similar in appearance to that Alpine peak. While it is not very high by Himalayan standards, it is a dramatic rock-peak and the most visually striking one seen from Gaumukh. Because of the beauty and the difficulty of the climb, it has become a prized challenge for mountaineers.

Walk back to the Gangotri village and drive back to Devprayag for the next part of the journey following the other branch of the Ganges, the Alaknanda, to its scenic home. Driving past the towns of Srinagar, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag, one finally arrives in Joshimath, the base for trips to the famed Valley of Flowers and to the temple town of Badrinath. Take one of the highest cable cars in the world up to the ski resort of Auli that has ski slopes comparable with the best in the world. Outside of the January-March ski season, Auli provides a breathtaking 180-degree view of Himalayan peaks which include Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.

Walk along the gentle trails that start from Auli and meander through the high alpine meadows (bugyals) and through forests of Himalayan silver oak and you will witness perhaps some of the grandest mountain scenery found anywhere in the world. The majestic beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas can be seen in the snow-capped peaks in every direction, the deep river gorges spanned by scenic suspension bridges and terraced hillsides. Give Garhwal a fortnight of your time and discover a part of India that not only has the highest mountain peaks in the country but also gives rise to the river that defines India’s culture and identity.

Why Go There: Garhwal, the birthplace of the Ganges River, has something to offer throughout the year. From summer hiking in the Valley of Flowers to winter skiing on the Auli slopes, from springtime drives through scenic freshly planted terraced hillsides to autumn visits to the temple towns of Gangotri and Badrinath, Garhwal is a land for all seasons. Whatever the season, magnificent scenery will greet you at every turn.

Getting There: There are several trains to Hardwar, from where you can arrange to hire a car with a driver. The alternative is to drive from Delhi along the busy, and yet to be improved, main road to Hardwar; the drive can take almost six hours. Maps are available at Uttarakhand government tourist offices in Rishikesh or from the official website: http://www.gmvnl.com/.

Where To Stay: Hotel accommodation and local travel arrangements are best arranged through the Uttarakhand government’s official tourist website (cited above) that allows booking of the government-run tourist lodges.

BANGKOK: beyond the bright lights

Previously published at MoneyLife

Bangkok: Beyond the bright lights
June 16, 2011 09:02 PM | 
Jaideep Mukerji with Veeresh Malik

Jaideep Mukerji stays clear of the well-trodden tourist paths of Thailand’s bustling capital and takes a leisurely river cruise—for a completely refreshing, different and adventurous look at one of Asia’s largest cities

A city that is visited by thousands upon thousands of travellers from India holds out a lot to discover and experience, in addition to the basic city-sightseeing offered by the package tour companies. Travel to Bangkok during the Songkran festival, usually in mid-April, and then spend time exploring the lesser-known parts of the city by canal boat and one will have a completely different and refreshing look at one of South East Asia’s largest cities.

 One of the high spots of the Thai calendar is the annual New Year or Songkran celebration, a national holiday that lasts for three days and falls on or around 13th April when the sun moves into Aries. The word Songkran originates from Sanskrit and means ‘beginning of the solar year’. The holiday-loving Thais, therefore, get to celebrate New Year three times each year—the Western New Year on 1st January, the Chinese New Year in February and the Thai New Year in April. Before Thailand adopted the Roman calendar in 1940, Songkran was calculated on the basis of solar calendar which varied from one year to the next. Now, the Songkran days in Bangkok are fixed and are from 13th to 15th April of every year.

 Having fun is a big part of Thai culture, and having fun amidst the scorching heat of April is no exception. The hottest month of the year sees the entire country go crazy in friendly water-fights and street parties that last nearly a week. During the Songkran festival, most office buildings, banks as well as family-run shops and restaurants shut down completely, although shopping malls usually remain open. Thai street food, always delicious, becomes an even more attractive option during this time since most restaurants are closed.

Songkran is also Thailand’s major festival for family reunions, temple visits and annual house-cleaning. Many Thais utilise the holidays for spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the ‘Rod Nam Dum Hua’ ritual on the first day of Songkran which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, younger people pour scented water into the hands of their parents and elders as a mark of respect and receive the blessings of the older folk.
 The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day. Thais get up early and give alms to Buddhist monks and then, ideally, spend the rest of the day with the family. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’ during which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues, both at the temple and at home.


Traditionally, Thais would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and neighbours to symbolically wash off all misfortunes in the past year and to welcome the New Year. Now, as Songkran has taken a more raucous and modern note, the bowl of water has gradually become a bucket or a garden hose or even, water-guns, while the holiday spirit is now shared amongst local residents and tourists alike. The festival, somewhat like India’s Holi, has turned into a water-throwing funfest in which anyone and everyone is liable to get a thorough drenching from young people waiting in ambush at street corners—a blessed relief during the hottest month of the year.

Traditionally, during the festival period, Thais visit temples to offer food to the monks and to participate in bathing ceremonies for Buddha images. Another custom is the releasing of small fish into rivers and canals. This merit-making act is thought to come from the old practice of collecting small fish from dried-out pools, to keep and later release back into the wild.

 Traffic in Bangkok, usually a nightmare, is at its quietest during Songkran, as many of the city’s inhabitants usually return to their upcountry homes for the long holidays and the roads are remarkably traffic-free. Travelling to Bangkok during this fun-filled festival period, I spent a couple of days exploring Bangkok’s early history, when life in the capital still revolved around the Chao Phraya River and its offshoot khlongs (canals). While modernisation has changed the Chao Phraya riverscape, adding gleaming high rises and imposing concrete structures to the picture, the khlongs retain much of their charming character.



A leisurely river cruise through Bangkok’s equivalent of the back alleys allows you to view the city’s traditional neighbourhoods with children bathing, elderly people in balconies watching life go by and couples sitting on steps dipping their feet in the cool waters of the canal. The Chao Phraya River provides a great way to get around, since many of the major tourist sites are easily accessible from the River. In Bangkok, the River is a major transportation artery for a network of river buses, cross-river ferries and water taxis, also known as ‘long-tails’. More than a dozen boat lines operate regular commuter services on the rivers and canals of the city. The Chao Phraya River Express operates a regular boat service up and down the river. Like a public bus on the water, the fares are extremely cheap and you can get just about anywhere for 11 baht to 25 baht (about 16 to 37 in Indian rupees) depending on the distance. There are piers next to many of the riverside hotels. The new service, specifically for tourists, is the ‘Chao Phraya Tourist Boat’ which uses newer and more comfortable boats serving just those piers of interest to tourists. The price structure is different and you must purchase a one-day river pass for 150 baht (about $5) which entitles you to an unlimited number of trips on the same day.

The Grand Palace situated on the main Chao Phraya River is an obvious starting point for a river-based sightseeing tour of Bangkok’s highlights. Started in 1782, the complex is a collection of buildings that span over 1.5 sq km; within the grounds is the Wat Phra Kaeo, known for the famous statue of the Emerald Buddha. Sitting on a golden altar, it is carved from green jade and is only about 30 inches high. Do not miss the fearsome looking yakshas that guard the entrance to important parts of the palace and golden statues of the kinnara, a celestial musician, half-human and half-bird, adopted from Buddhist and Hindu mythology. Although Thailand’s King Bhumibol does not reside here any longer, the Palace is still very much in use as many royal rituals are performed here by the King every year. Other royal ceremonies celebrated here are coronations, royal funerals, marriages and state banquets. The Palace grounds also contain the offices and buildings of the Bureau of The Royal Household, the Office of the Private Secretary to the King and Royal Institute of Thailand.

 The Wat Arun or the Temple of the Dawn is another major temple easily accessible from the water route. Wat Arun was built in the early 19th century and its tower is the highest in Thailand—measuring 265 ft. The tower, or prang, is covered with pieces of Chinese porcelain and its beauty is best appreciated from the river at a distance. The temple gets its name from the Indian god of dawn, Aruna. Amongst the superb statues of the Buddha inside are some that record the most important stages of his life, at birth (north), in meditation (east), preaching his first sermon (south) and entering Nirvana (west).

 Another temple that I found impressive, although completely away from the regular tourist trail, was the Wat Suthat, a royal temple classified as a first grade temple, one of only six such temples in Thailand. Started by King Rama I in 1807, the temple was not completed until the reign of King Rama III in 1847. The main temple of Wat Suthat contains the Sakyamuni Buddha’s image and the surrounding galleries are lined with golden Buddhas.

 Give a go-by to the well-trodden tourist trails, buy yourself a one-day Tourist Boat river pass and explore the cultural treasures located along the canals and waterways of Bangkok. Discover a city that has so much to offer, particularly if you travel during the Songkran festival.

When To Go:
Although a popular tourist destination, most visitors skim Bangkok’s cultural surface and limit themselves to what the mass tour operators sell them. There is a wealth of cultural sites and treasures to explore in this city using cheap and convenient public transport.

Getting There:
There are direct flights to Bangkok from each of India’s metro cities. There are convenient connections from most other cities in India.

Visas:
Indian nationals are given a visa on arrival at the airport, provided their stay is for 15 days or less and they have confirmed prepaid hotel reservations and a return air ticket. There is a visa fee payable.

Where To Stay:
It is easy to book Bangkok hotels online. (The official Thai Tourism website has a wealth of information and includes a hotel-booking facility: http://www.tourismthailand.org/). Language is not a problem, as English is commonly spoken.

Bhutan - ancient kingdom, youngest king . . .

Previously published at http://www.moneylife.in/ . . .

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Bhutan: Ancient kingdom, youngest king
June 02, 2011 09:25 PM | 
Jaideep Mukerji with Veeresh Malik

Jaideep Mukerji steps back in time as he travels through South Asia’s tiny kingdom, untouched by the ravages of civilisation

Bhutan–India’s neighbouring country, is the only country in the world where there are no traffic lights, few traffic crossings and where police boxes are decorated with dragons. It is also the least urbanised country in South Asia with only a few motor vehicles, no high-rise buildings and no symbols of Western modernity. When you travel to Bhutan, you certainly get the feeling that you have stepped back in time. An air of mysticism surrounds Bhutan’s attractions, from centuries-old dzongs (fortresses) unique to the area, to medieval monasteries. Bhutan is a landlocked country approximately 300km long and only 150km wide, situated along the southern slopes of the Himalayan range. The country remains cautious in its contact with the outside world and the flow of tourists into the country is tightly regulated while the government makes great efforts to preserve and strengthen the country’s religious and cultural traditions.



Although archaeological exploration has been limited, evidence of civilization in the region dates back to at least 2000 BC. The original Bhutanese, known as the Monpa, are believed to have migrated from Tibet. The traditional name of the country since the 17th century has been ‘Druk Yul’, Land of the Drukpa or the Dragon People, which is officially portrayed on the country’s flag.

For centuries, Bhutan was made up of feuding tribal regions until it was unified under King Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907. The British exerted some control over Bhutan until India’s independence. Up to the 1960s, Bhutan chose to remain largely isolated from the rest of the world. Its people carried on with a traditional way of life, farming and trading, preserving a culture which had remained intact for centuries. After China invaded Tibet in 1958, Bhutan strengthened its ties with India in an effort to avoid Tibet’s fate. New roads and other connections to India were built and, in the 1960s, Bhutan undertook social modernisation, abolishing the caste system, emancipating women and enacting land reforms.



In 2005, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, Bhutan’s fourth hereditary ruler, outlined plans for the country to shift to a two-party democracy. In December 2006, he abdicated in favour of his son, the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk who became the fifth Druk Gyalpo (monarch) of Bhutan and head of the Wangchuck dynasty. Jigme Khesar Wangchuck was crowned king in November 2008 and at the age of 30, he is the world’s youngest monarch.
I took the Bhutanese airlines, Druk Air, Airbus 319 flight from Delhi via Kathmandu to Paro in western Bhutan, set in what is considered the most beautiful of the country’s main valleys at an elevation of about 7,500ft. The dominant feature of Paro is undoubtedly the Paro Dzong (fortress/monastery) set high above the Paro Chu River with spectacular views up and down the Paro Valley. Paro Dzong is a typical dzong, and its form is copied by other buildings across Bhutan. It was originally built in 1646, but has been destroyed a number of times, sometimes by fire, other times by earthquakes. Today, it houses the National Museum of Bhutan which displays intricately painted thangkas (hand-painted wall hangings), traditional costumes, stamps (even talking stamps) and objects from archaeological excavations.



Located further up the valley is the well-known Takstang or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ monastery which was completely destroyed by fire in 1998 and has, since, been rebuilt. On the cloudy afternoon of my visit,

I chose not to go for the two-hour hike to the monastery itself but, instead, drove to a viewing point in the valley from where one can see Takstang in the distance through the mist high up on the cliff opposite.

The following morning, I headed east along a scenic mountain road to Thimphu, the country’s tiny capital located at 7,600ft in a broad green valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. The town of about 40,000 people built along traditional lines is the administrative centre of Bhutan since the 1950s. The main street of Thimphu, Norzim Lam, is lined with shops of all descriptions, mainly stocking goods imported from India and China.

The main places of interest in Thimphu can easily be seen in a couple of days starting with a visit to the ‘viewpoint’ (if it’s clear), followed by the zoo, the Memorial Chorten, the National Institute for Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Institute of Traditional Medicine, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Post Office (Bhutanese stamps are famous), and the National Library which houses the world’s largest book.



The impressive Tashicho Dzong located beside the river in Thimphu is the seat of the Bhutanese government. The present modern building is a rebuilt version of a dzong that was here since 1641 and it retains many of the features of the original dzong. It now houses all the government ministries, the throne room of the King, the National Assembly chambers as well as the nation’s largest monastery with over 2,000 monks in residence. The Bhutanese are passionate about chilli, almost every village roof is a deep red colour—covered by a layer of chillies laid out to dry. The national dish, ‘ema datshi’ is vegetarian, made from yak cheese and chilli. No trip to the Dragon Kingdom is complete without sampling this tasty, but hot, offering.

Departing from Thimphu, I drove through forests of pine and cedar to the 10,300ft high Dochu La pass with panoramic views north to the snow-covered peaks of the high Himalayas. A long descent finally brought us to Punakha located at a relatively low altitude of 4,265ft in a dry valley. Punakha produces most of the oranges and fruits grown commercially in Bhutan and, despite the warmer climate and the possibility of growing an endless variety of produce, the population of the valley remains remarkably low.

Until recently, Punakha was the winter capital of Bhutan and it is still the winter headquarters of the National Monk of Bhutan (Je Khempo) and his followers who move here every winter. The Punakha Dzong was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu (the Sun and Moon) Rivers in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative centre of this region. The dzong was damaged by four major fires and an earthquake—though fully restored, it remains frequently closed for visitors. I had timed my Bhutan visit to coincide with one of the ‘tsechus’ or monastery festivals where masked dances depicting the events from the life of Padmasambhava, the eighth century Buddhist teacher, are staged. The tsechu provides the local people with an occasion to gather, dress up, and enjoy in a festive atmosphere. Family members travel great distances from villages by foot over passes and along mountain trails to be reunited. It is also an occasion for people to receive blessings from a lama or Buddhist monk and watch sacred dances performed by trained monks wearing ornate costumes and impressive masks.

Every year, tsechu dates are chosen by the National Monk Body of Bhutan based on the lunar calendar and Buddhist astrological charts. Paro has one of the grandest tsechus in Bhutan during April; colourful ones are also held in Thimphu, Trongsa and Jakar. Driving over a series of passes over the Black Mountains,

I reached the small town of Trongsa and then drove further east to the Bumthang Valley deep in the heart of Bhutan. The journey to this less-visited part of Bhutan gives one an insight into a medieval way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Development has brought education, healthcare and electricity, but the local small farm-based economy, that has kept the locals self-sufficient over centuries, remains largely unchanged.

Reaching Jakar town, I spent two days soaking in the sights, sounds and colours of one of the largest tsechus held in Bhutan. With blowing of horns and beating of drums, monks wearing black hats entered the courtyard followed by a dazzling display of swirling brocade dresses, masks and colourful banners. During intervals, clowns (atsaras) added some lightness to the serious religious atmosphere with their crazy antics. Getting to the end of my stay, I travelled by road through the southern Himalayas, descending gradually to the border town of Phuntsholing busy with equal numbers of Bhutanese and Indians. From Phuntsholing, a five-hour drive takes you to the Indian airport of Bagdogra with flight connections to all parts of India.

When To Go:
Although the country is quite small, Bhutanese weather varies from location to location depending upon the elevation. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Bhutan. Punakha is an exception as it is in a lower valley and is pleasant even during winter. In winter, you can enjoy better views of snow-capped mountains and clear blue skies.

Where To Stay:
Travel arrangements within Bhutan have to be made through a Bhutanese tour operator who arranges accommodation, transport, guides and complete travel support. A list of operators, travel itineraries and information is available on www.abto.org.bt and also on www.tourism.gov.bt

Visas:
Indian nationals travelling from India to Bhutan do not need a Bhutan visa. A current Indian passport or an election ID card is required at immigration to obtain an entry-permit. You need to take with you two passport-size photographs.

Getting There:
By air with Druk Air from Delhi and Kolkata to Paro in western Bhutan. By road from Bagdogra airport to Phuntsholing (5-6 hours) and then onwards to Paro or Thimphu.

Currency:
The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum (Nu) and is equal to the Indian rupee. Credit cards (American Express and Visa) are accepted by only a few establishments. The Indian rupee is accepted all over Bhutan.

Nature at its best - Vancouver BC

Western Canada- Nature at its Best

Guess which North American city is nearest to the large Asian metropolises of Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul or Hong Kong; no, it isn’t Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle. It is Vancouver, Canada’s gateway to the world’s fastest growing region- the Asia Pacific, the economic powerhouse that will increasingly drive the global economy of the future. In terms of flying time, it is faster to travel to Vancouver than anywhere else in North America. Having heard much lately about the city that hosted the recent 2010 Winter Olympic Games I decided to come explore the scenic beauty of the province of British Columbia that proudly calls itself ‘Spectacular by Nature’ and to visit some of the highlights of multicultural Vancouver. And, having come this far, it makes good sense to travel to the Rockies and see some of the world’s most awesome mountain landscapes. Each year over a million people also pass through Vancouver on their cruise ship vacations bound for Alaska.

Vancouver International Airport is located about 15kms to the south of Vancouver in the suburb of Richmond and, as the aircraft descends, you can see the city bordered by the waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west and by snow covered mountains to the north. It is this unique scenic location that gives Vancouver both its sandy beaches and its ski hills, both within a few minutes drive of the city centre; also, this helps give the city the distinction of being the world’s most liveable city in 2010 according to The Economist magazine.

After Toronto and Montreal, Vancouver and the surrounding suburbs is the third largest city in Canada with a population of just over 2 million people. Although archaeological records show native people lived in the area for over 8000 years, the traditional cultures typically built homes and structures using wood so there are no grand monuments of stone that one can see. European settlement of the area began in the 1850’s and the city was Vancouver was officially formed as a municipality as late as 1886. Although people of English, Scottish, and Irish origins were historically the largest ethnic groups in the city followed by Germans, it is the Chinese who form the largest ethnic group in the city today. Other significant Asian ethnic groups in Vancouver are Indian, mostly from Punjab (commonly referred to as Indo-Canadian), Vietnamese, Filipino, Indonesian, Korean, Cambodians and Japanese.

Vancouver has neighbourhoods with distinct ethnic touches to them including historic Chinatown close to the downtown core, a Punjabi Market, Little Italy, Greek town, and even a Japan town.

Taxis, shuttle buses and a newly completed elevated metro rail system called the ‘Skytrain’ are easily available at the airport for the 20 minutes ride to the city’s downtown area. I had booked my accommodation through one of the large hotel booking websites and the Empire Landmark Hotel at about $100 per night seemed reasonable. It turned out to be located right in the heart of city’s downtown with excellent views, friendly service and within walking distance from several local attractions. A phone call to the hotel concierge next morning set me up for a full day Vancouver sightseeing conducted tour which is perhaps the best way to get a quick overview of the city’s top highlights. Most visitors to the city see Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, VanDusen Gardens, Capilano Suspension Bridge and the mountains, sea beaches, forest trails and parklands that surround the city.

On my tour we had a minibus load of travellers from places as far apart as Chile, South Africa, Sweden and Thailand and a friendly driver-guide who gave us excellent background information as we visited Canada Place, Robson Street, the Vancouver Public Library built somewhat like the Colosseum in Rome, Chinatown and historic Gastown with its steam run clock. We stopped in Prospect Point in Stanley Park for photographs and then continued onwards to Cleveland Dam and the Capilano Bridge in the North Vancouver rainforest where I crossed the 450-ft-long suspension bridge over a spectacular gorge. Later, we drove to Granville Island with its public market, shops, restaurants and galleries along the False Creek sea front. Denman Street, a few minutes walk away from my hotel, had a great variety of restaurants ranging from African, Greek, Italian, Indian, Mongolian, Afghan, Thai, Vietnamese and Iranian to choose from so whether you wish to try out some top quality international cuisine or grab a slice of pizza, it is all easily available here.

The city of Vancouver is a very convenient base for making day trips to the ski and mountain resort of Whistler and to Victoria, capital of the province of British Columbia. Whistler is a ski and mountain resort 120 kms and two hours drive north of Vancouver along the very scenic ‘Sea to Sky’ highway. Most events of the 2010 Winter Olympics were held in Whistler and the drive (or a fully catered rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train) to Whistler on the road that hugs both the coast and the mountains certainly was a highlight of the trip; it is simply spectacular with views of the snow covered Tantalus mountain range, the extinct Garibaldi volcano, the ocean dotted with islands, steep forest covered mountain slopes, fast flowing rivers and the impressive Shannon Waterfalls.

A guided sightseeing day trip to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, located on nearby Vancouver Island, is also easily arranged with any of the regular tour companies. More than the sights of Victoria itself, I found the 90 minutes ferry cruise from the mainland to Vancouver Island through beautiful Active Pass past several of the Gulf Islands to be very enjoyable. Our guide told us that it is quite common for families of Orcas or killer whales to be seen feeding in the sea here. If you are keen on seeing these ocean mammals, whale watching tours depart daily from the Inner Harbour of Victoria near the Parliament Building. Victoria is known for its wildlife viewing, especially in the waters that surround the city. The nearby islands host large numbers of elephant seals, sea lions, harbour seals and seabirds which are easily seen from the beaches of the city and while we did not see any whales, I saw several harbour seals and sea lions in Vancouver and Victoria.

Having had a glimpse at the more populated and better known part of Western Canada, it was time to head inland to the Rocky Mountains. While it is easy to rent a car complete with GPS device for easy route finding and do the tour privately, there are a few coach tour companies that operate three and four day fully guided tours. A more luxurious option is to take the two days trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train.

Heading east from Vancouver on the Trans Canada Highway connecting Canada’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts, we were on the world's longest national highway with a length of 7,821 km. We drove past the tulip, corn and berry fields of the fertile Fraser Valley before starting our climb to the Coquihalla Pass and then to the interior city of Kamloops. Visiting Wells Gray Park and Helmcken waterfalls on the way, we stopped at Mount Robson, the highest peak of the Rockies before arriving in Jasper the following day.

Some of the best-known mountain scenery on earth is concentrated in a set of seven parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The most scenic sections of the Canadian Rockies are protected by number of national parks. Indeed, in much of the world, mention of Canada means images of snow-capped peaks and green wilderness. More than nine million people annually visit the many nature parks located along the Alberta-British Columbia province border. Amongst these, four national parks— Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay are all World Heritage Sites though world famous Banff and Jasper National Parks are the best known. Jasper National Park is the largest and most northerly Canadian rocky mountain national parks, while to the south, Banff National Park is one of the world's most visited natural attractions.

Connecting the two parks is the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain highways. Driving on this scenic highway, our coach made a stop at the Athabasca Glacier which is close enough for you to be able to walk on with ease. With photo stops to view the Columbia Icefields, the Bow and Crowfoot Glaciers and Peyto Lake we finally arrived at the shores of Lake Louise.

Nothing quite prepares you for the jaw dropping beauty of Lake Louise, nearby Moraine Lake and the town of Banff. On a clear day, the deep blue sky, the jagged snow covered peaks, the turquoise waters of the glacial lakes and the forest covered mountain slopes together make up a picture postcard scene. Although, our tour company allowed us a complete day to enjoy these magnificent surroundings, it would be very easy to spend several days in the towns of Banff and Canmore visiting the many natural wonders and viewpoints.

All too soon, my tour was at an end and I was headed back to Vancouver for the long journey home.

QUICK FACTS:

WHY GO THERE: With its multi-ethnic society, Vancouver is a city with its sights set to the Asia Pacific region. Apart from being an incredibly beautiful cosmopolitan city with a range of attractions, it is also a North American city where one would want to set up business and commercial ties for future growth.

GETTING THERE: Major Asian airlines offer flights to Vancouver via the Far East. European airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM offer daily flights through Europe. Air India and Jet Airways offer flights to Vancouver via Toronto or London.

VISAS: Visa applications are received by VFS at any of the ten application centres across India. www.vfs-canada.co.in/ . All applications are finally assessed at The Canadian High Commission in Delhi or the Consulate General in Chandigarh. Information necessary to apply for a temporary resident (tourist) visa for Canada is available on the website.

WHERE TO STAY: It is easy to book hotels and domestic air travel within Canada online. The Canadian Tourism website www.canada.travel has a wealth of information and facts. I made my travel arrangements directly with www.brewster.ca. and booked hotels online on travelocity.

Previously published at MONEYLIFE in January 2011 . . .


http://www.moneylife.in/article/nature-at-its-best/13523.html

The monasteries of Ladakh

The Monasteries of Ladakh

In the very far north of the country and only an hours flight from Delhi is located the remote and culturally distinct region of India with breathtaking ancient towns, monasteries and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world.

Ladakh, often thought of as a smaller version of Tibet, is a

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beautiful desert region high in the western Himalayan plateau. Culturally and geographically very close to Tibet, the Ladakhi kings had for centuries been subservient to the more powerful Tibetan rulers to the east. Though it is place of few resources and an extreme climate, the Buddhist Ladakhis, with their traditions of frugality and their intimate knowledge of the local environment, not only survived but actually prospered in this land.

The Ladakhi people have endured centuries of invasions from the Mongols of central Asia, the Baltis from Baltistan that lies to the west, the Dogras from the south and occasionally, even the Tibetans from the east. Today, their mixed ethnic origins are reflected in their faces and in their resilience as they confront rapid modernity that threatens to overwhelm their ancient culture.

A visit to some of Ladakh’s principal monasteries, particularly during the time they hold their colourful festivals is something that I had wanted to do for long. With anticipation, I took the remarkable flight that takes you from Delhi to the almost surreal landscape of Ladakh in an hour. This surely is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the top of the Greater Himalaya and a spectacular landscape of glaciers, snow covered peaks and fertile valleys before descending to land at the airport at Leh. Due to the effects of high altitude, it is a good idea to spend the first day or two at leisure with some easy walks to the local bazaar. The old part of Leh is a maze of narrow streets, temples and bazaars and is a great place to explore.

Leh was the ancient capital of Ladakh and its kings once commanded a huge territory stretching from Baltistan in the west to almost as far as Lhasa in Tibet to the east. Leh, was for centuries at the centre of the trade in fine pashmina wool, once worth its weight in gold. Heavily laden yak and pony caravans brought in pashmina from Tibet, turquoise, coral and silver from Yarkand and Kashgar in central Asia, spices and fabrics from India and silk from Kashmir. The Yarkandi and Kashmiri merchants of Leh were renowned for their immense wealth. William Moorcroft and John Trebeck, two English explorers visiting Leh in 1836, were stunned to see a town of such wealth located in the midst of what was obviously arid desert land.

The Royal Palace which dominates the town is reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa and the Tibetan Buddhist style monasteries, large white painted stupas (chortens), prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs are a dramatic change in style from other Indian cities.

Given the large number of Indian and overseas tourists that visit Leh during the summer months, there are a wide range of hotels to choose from. One of the oldest and best known is the Lharimo Hotel, run by the Kalon family. After a comfortable nights rest, I started my monastery exploration the following morning with a visit to the Sankar Gompa (monastery). This gompa belongs to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat order of Tibetan Buddhism and houses a beautiful impression of the Buddhist deity, Avolokiteshwara Padmahari with a thousand arms and heads. The hill on which the nearby Shanti (Peace) stupa is located offers excellent views of Leh town, parts of the Indus River Valley and the imposing 6100m (20,100 ft) high peak of Stok Kangri that dominates Leh.

Standing behind Leh town and the bazaar like a sentinel is the Leh Palace. This imposing building rises from the edge of a hill overlooking the town. Built in the 17th century, Leh Palace was occupied by the Ladakhi royal family until the 1830's. Today the palace is deserted and is being restored section by section by UNESCO.

Leh is located besides the Indus river that enters India from Chinese Tibet and then flows through Ladakh before crossing over into Pakistan controlled areas. Both up and downstream of Leh are located a string of important Ladakhi monasteries. A short walk up the road from the Lharimo Hotel is Leh’s central taxi stand from where I hired a Tata Sumo vehicle for the drive to Shey, further east along the Indus valley. Shey, the old 'summer palace' of the kings of Ladakh, was built about 550 years ago by the first king of Ladakh. From Shey Palace you can see over the fertile Indus plain northeast to Thikse Gompa and over the Indus valley to the Zanskar mountain range to the south.

From Shey I continued eastwards to Thikse Gompa. This 500-year-old monastery, perched on a hill high above the Indus and has the largest number of monks in Ladakh. On the right of the entrance to the main courtyard is a chapel with an enormous 15 mtrs (50 foot) high-seated Buddha figure. About 100 yellow-hat monks belong to Thikse.

The next day, a drive west on the arid and high plateau following the Indus river downstream brought me to Alchi, one of the largest ancient monastic complexes and important Buddhist centre in all of Ladakh. Founded in the 11th century by Rinchen Zhangpo, one of the early Tibetan preachers who brought Tibetan Buddhism to this part of the world, Alchi has recently undergone major restoration work under UN sponsorship. The 1000-year old paintings inside the main temple are some of the oldest of their kind and quite distinct from the murals present in the later built gompas.

On my return towards Leh, the guide made sure that we stopped to see the location where the grey waters of the Indus river meet the blue waters of the Zanskar River flowing from the remote Zanskar region of the Greater Himalaya. A detour from the main road brought us to Likir Monastery (gompa) set on an isolated ridge. This magnificent gompa, overlooking the village of Likir, was founded in the 14th century and the head lama here is the younger brother of the Dalai Lama.

Hemis is perhaps the most important of the monasteries of the Indus valley and was founded about 350 years ago by Stagtshang Rinchen, who was invited to Ladakh by the ruler King Singe Namgyal. Hemis gompa is dramatically hidden in a cleft the mountains and while driving to Hemis, you actually do not see the monastery until you are almost directly in front of it. Hemis also has a gigantic thangka or painted scroll, one of the largest in the world and the most important in Ladakh.

The 10th day (Tsechu) of the Tibetan lunar month is celebrated here as the birthday of Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), considered to be the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The Hemis gompa celebrates the event in the form of a two day festival during which the resident Lamas (monks) perform sacred masked dances. The festival in Hemis showcases the best of cultural heritage of the region. Splendid masked dances are performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. A colourful fair, displaying beautiful handicrafts, is also one of the highlights of the Hemis festival.

Taking a day off from visiting monasteries, I took a half-day jeep tour up the hairpins of the Ladakh Range that stands behind Leh driving along the road to the Nubra Valley to visit the Khardung La Pass located at a height of 5470mtrs (18,400 ft). Khardung La is the highest vehicle accessible pass in the world. The views of the Zanskar Range and the Indus Valley on the way up are amazing as are occasional sightings of yaks on the high pastures below the pass itself. For most visitors, this is perhaps the highest point that they will have travelled to in their lifetime. My week long journey to ‘Little Tibet’ ended the following day and I flew south with a promise to return.

QUICK FACTS:

WHY GO THERE: One of the most culturally disctinct parts of northern India, a trip to Ladakh and the Indus valley will give you an insight into the peace loving Tibetan Buddhist traditions that flourishes in Leh and the villages of this high altitude arid landscape of high snow peaks and brown earth. Festival dates are available on: http://www.reachladakh.com/festival_dates.htm

GETTING THERE: The easiest route is to fly to Leh airport from Delhi or else take the adventurous overland two to three days road trip along the famous Manali-Leh ‘highway’ from Manali in Himachal Pradesh.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel accommodation and local travel arrangements are best arranged online with Ladakhi tour operators. A list of hotels is available at the official Ladakh Tourism website- http://leh.nic.in/Tourism.htm. Local transport can easily be booked either through your hotel or the local central taxi stand.

Published earlier by MONEYLIFE, the full article can be found here:-


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