Indians Travel Visa Free

Some nations like Sri Lanka and Thailand are now allowing visa-free travel for Indians.

Earlier some nations did not allow Indians and had restrictions- "Dogs and Indians not allowed."

Now, Indians are being accorded so much respect and being invited.

Tourism plans are being shaped around Indians.

A lot of excitement and happiness can be seen in the social media posts of many Indian travel lovers.

Sri Lanka has approved Visa-Free entry for Indians pic.twitter.com/W2nOBBxvZf

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) October 24, 2023

Look at the number of likes this post has earned!

Waterfall Looks Like A Woman

Our world never fails to amaze! 

Always ready to explore whenever I see an amazing place! 

Can you see the image of a woman wearing a white dress? 

She looks like a bride👰, doesn’t she? 

Waterfall Looks Like A Woman

Had you ever seen this natural wonder before? 

No, this is not in Odisha, India! 

Took a screenshot of this image after finding it in a video received via WhatsApp.  

Searched about “waterfall that looks like a woman”.

Got to learn the following: 

World Travel In Low Budget

How often have you looked for a practical guide to plan international trips in low cost?

The explorer in us yearns to travel, especially during this pandemic when we are under lockdown. While we wait for Covid19 to go, the waiting seems productive when we plan for the golden trip days ahead.

To make such experience even more worthwhile, it makes sense to consult an expert who will guide us and smoothen the process. If you have often wondered “How to plan international trips on our own in low cost” and other aspects of planning travel-trips, do read the book- “World Travel in low budget” written by by a travel lover who has visited 40 countries so far.

World Travel In Low Budget by Shrinidhi Hande is a practical travel guide book. 

This book is suitable for all readers around the world.

Things Are Going South

Three friends were discussing their next vacation in a conference-call.

One of the friends said:

"Like the birds, I am planning to go South!"

"Where?"

"Antarctica"

"Of all places? Why?"

"Not a single COVID-19 case there!"

The second friend said: 

"I will keep going North and meet you at Antarctica!"

"How will that be possible?"

"If I keep going North, I will eventually go South!"

Source

The Monument

"Here lies Ijmar The Great", the elderly guide addressed the travel group on their fam-trip.

They were keenly staring at the centuries-old monument of a King. 

Writer Ramji was intently reading the barely legible inscription. 

"Do you know what is written?" their guide asked Ramji.

Durga Puja Festival In Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare in Odisha, India.
Lakhs of people visit the pandals. The light decoration is to be seen to be believed.
Grandeur and opulence is unmistakable and each year the celebration seems to be bigger and better. Puja committees compete to install the finest decoration and innovative themes.

Bomikhal Pandal 2018, Bhubaneswar

People wear new clothes and throng with their families to visit the beautiful pandals.
Traditional foods of Odisha are prepared and served to the devotees as prasad/bhog.

Bomikhal Pandal 2018, Bhubaneswar

There are traffic crawls near the famous pandals especially in the evenings when the pandal-hoppers love to move around. They enjoy the light decoration.

Rasulgarh Pandal 2018, Bhubaneswar

Rasulgarh Pandal 2018, Bhubaneswar

When it is time to bid adieu to the Goddess, it is like a carnival on the streets.
Some idols are immersed in the river, while others are put in special temporary ponds created for immersion purpose.

This year in 2018, the total number of pandals in the capital city Bhubaneswar was 174.
Twin city Cuttack boasts of exquisite idols adorned with silver and gold filigree work.
More than 400 pujas are conducted in both the cities.

Sahid Nagar Pandal 2018, Bhubaneswar

The staggering number of pujas makes me think what if we could restrict the number of Puja Pandals for each city to say 4-5? If not 4-5, at least one-tenth of the number now?
Will the city lose out the celebration if we have 10-20 Puja Pandals?

The three pandal pics shared here belong to the pandals that are in a radius of just one kilometre. One can cover these by walking.

Sahid Nagar Pandal 2018, Bhubaneswar

The Puja budget of the committees is in lakhs and some in crores of Indian Rupees.
No doubt, Durga Puja is much-loved and all the idols and pandals bestow a feeling of great pride and achievement.
While the pandal construction and other activities involved with the Durga Puja makes employment and business sense, there are other administrative and environmental factors and issues that need to be kept in mind.

The amount of pollution is immense. The area near the pandals, the roads etc are littered by the reveling crowds, some with a devil-may-care attitude. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) employees have to work extra.
Temporary ponds have been successful to save the rivers to some extent. But, what about the greater damage? The ponds are filled, but the waste must be cleared from the dump and has to be dumped somewhere, right?

How about spending the lakhs and crores of rupees on things more concrete?

I often think what if Goddess Durga Herself gave this message to the organizers of Her puja?
Will they listen to Her?

‘This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.’

Also linking with- ABC Wednesday- P for Puja, Pandals, Pomp

Chosen as a WOW post here

Bird Watcher's Paradise In Odisha #TheBlindList #SayYesToTheWorld

Chilika Lake in Odisha, India, is a bird watcher's paradise.
Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest in the world.
Spread over 1100 square kilometres, this lagoon is the largest migratory bird congregation site.

Every year, thousands of of migratory birds flock to Chilika Lake.

Sunrise On The Chilika Lake

I love sunrise for the new hope, energy and freshness it ushers.
Recently, I had the great opportunity to watch the sunrise at Asia's largest lagoon and the second largest lagoon in the world, Chilika Lake.
This eco-paradise, located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, attracts lakhs of migratory birds.

Watching the sunrise at a tourist place is an incentive to say bye to sleep & the facilities of a comfortable room!
Do you like sacrificing sleep to greet the morning rays of the sun?

When I woke up in the morning and looked out, I could see the lights from the Kalijai Island nearby.
I hurried to the banks of the Chilika ready to greet the sun!

Ratha Jatra 2018 : Effect On My Senses

Ratha Jatra i.e. Rath Yatra, is a centuries-old festival of Odisha that is celebrated all across the world. One of the four holiest places of India (Dhaam) is Puri in Odisha where the Shree Jagannath Temple is located.

In Odia language, 'Ratha' means Chariot (Car) and 'Jatra' means Festival. 

Thus, 'Ratha Jatra' means 'Chariot Festival' or 'Car Festival'.

In Odisha, every locality has its own Ratha Jatra(s).

The capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is also called the 'Temple City' because of its hundreds of temples.

I participated in the Ratha Jatra at the Sri Sri Baba Akhandalamani Temple in Sahid Nagar at Bhubaneswar yesterday. 

Swosti Chilika Resort Odisha

We were excited to visit the Swosti Chilika Resort located near Asia's largest lagoon and the second largest lagoon in the world, Chilika Lake.

It was an exhilarating experience to step into the impressive eco-resort and experience the unmistakable aura of the resort spread across nine acres on the banks of the Chilika Lake.

After a traditional warm welcome complete with 'Mangal Tika' and welcome-drinks, we made ourselves comfortable on the battery-operated vehicle and set out for our room. The aesthetically-designed resort in the resplendent verdant locale made its presence felt.
   
Eco-Resort, Chilika Lake View, And Greenery
As we journeyed on our eco-vehicle, we soaked in all the sights, sounds, and smells that seemed to greet and transport us to another world... Birds were singing even in the afternoon! 

The gentle breeze and the lush greenery welcomed us as we crossed elegant cottages and presidential suites to reach our well-furnished 'Lake View' room in the 'Wind Chimes'.

The view from the common balcony leading to the room was great.

Boat Ride On The Chilika Lake

I went for a boat ride on the Chilika Lake from Swosti Chilika Resort in Ganjam district, Odisha.

Because of its rich biodiversity, Chilika Lake was designated as the first Indian "Ramsar site" i.e. a wetland of international importance.

I loved to visit Kalijai Goddess, Temple, Kalijai Island and some other islands of the Chilika Lake.

Bateswar Temple And Sea Beach, Odisha

Sri Bateswar Mahaprabhu Temple is an 8th-century temple near the Rushikulya rookery (of Olive Ridley turtles) and Humma village in the Ganjam district of Odisha. 

There is a sea beach near the temple.

Situated about 8 kilometres from the NH16, this temple is of archaeological importance. Devanagari and Kutila scripts are in the inscriptions at the site. However, they cannot be read due to the poor clarity of these inscriptions dating to the 10th Century.

How To Reach Swosti Chilika Resort From Bhubaneswar

The pristine surroundings of the Chilika Lake make visitors feel at one with nature. Small wonder, Chilika Lake attracts many guests from all over the world- not just humans, avian species too! We have visited the Chilika Lake many times.

Last year, we were very excited to learn about the inauguration of the newest resort in Odisha - the Swosti Chilika Resort in Ganjam district of Odisha. The best thing is that this luxury resort has come up near the Chilika Lake! It is said that only three things should be considered while booking/choosing a property/place-
1. Location,
2. Location,
&
3. Location!
We love the super location choice by the Swosti group of hotels.

The location beckoned! Swosti Chilika Resort's warm invitation promised us a memorable journey and stay.

One fine morning two months ago, a comfortable vehicle from Swosti Travels picked us from our home in Bhubaneswar.
We travelled 112 kilometres on NH16, from Bhubaneswar to Chilika. The scenic drive took us about 2 hours by car. There are many places of interest on the scenic route from Bhubaneswar to Chilika. I will be sharing about those in another post.

The Swosti Chilika Resort is located at Odia Alapur, Pathara via Gorapali in Ganjam district of Odisha. As we were travelling by road from Bhubaneswar to Chilika, after crossing Narayani Temple gate, we took the left turn at Vejiput village (before the Gorapali toll-gate). We waited for a train to pass at the Kalijai station level-crossing. Then, after a short journey, we reached!
Take a look at this video to see snapshots of our journey to reach the Swosti Chilika Resort:

Nandankanan Zoological Park #AToZChallenge

Nandankanan is a beautiful Zoological Park that was established on 29 December, 1960, in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
The name 'Nandankanan' literally means the 'Garden of Heaven'.
Nandankanan is a combination of Zoo, Sanctuary and Botanical Garden.

Source: Nandankanan Website

Nandankanan is located amidst the lush green Chandaka Forest along the banks of the Kanjia Lake. The beautiful natural settings and the flora and fauna make Nandankanan one of the best parks and sanctuaries of India. The Park covers an area of about 362.1 hectares and the Sanctuary covers 437 hectares.

Bali Yatra And Boita Bandana #AToZChallenge

Odisha celebrates many festivals and several 'Yatra'.
In ancient times, enterprising sons of Odisha, traders referred to as Sadhaba & Sadhaba-pua used to sail from Odisha's ports in huge boats to foreign lands like Bali, Java, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Borneo etc.

At Bali Jatra venue, Cuttack

Boats are present in the handicrafts, handlooms and art of Odisha like in the framed Pattachitra (painting) below.

Pattachitra Art depicting the welcome for the Sadhaba-pua

The expeditions usually commenced on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in November. Women prayed for their safe travel. When the Sadhaba-pua returned safely from their trip, they were received with much fanfare and celebration.
Bali Jatra and Boita Bandana reflect and commemorate the rich maritime trade and history of Odisha.

Tampara Lake Odisha #AToZChallenge

Odisha has many lakes. Tampara Lake is one of them.
Humuri Tampara Lake is situated in Ganjam district.
It is located just 0.5 kms from a point at NH16. We had crossed the sign-board scores of times, but had never travelled that distance of  0.5 kms...

Humuri Tampara Lake is located about 15 kms from Gopalpur-on-Sea beach. After a quick trip to Swosti Resort, Gopalpur, we were thrilled to see the sign-boards on our way back.

The approach to Tampara Lake is a narrow road with hedges on the side. And then we reached!

Sahi Jatra - Street Procession #AToZChallenge

The holy town of Puri in Odisha, where the Shree Jagannath Temple is located, is one of India's four holy pilgrimage-places (Char Dhaam) of the Hindus.

Sahi Jatra, also called Sahi Jata, is one of the oldest festivals that is believed to have started in 1230 AD in Puri. 

In Odia, ‘Sahi’ means a locality/street/particular area.

'Jatra' means procession/movement/journey.

Sahi Jatra is a colourful processional theatre. Sahi Jatra is a kind of folk drama or play. 

The grand procession is attractive.  

Heritage Walk on World Heritage Day at Bhubaneswar

Qila - Forts Of Odisha #AToZChallenge

Odisha has some impressive forts with great historical significance that reflect glory and architectural grandeur. In Odia language, the word 'Gada' means 'Fort'.

Barabati Fort

Barabati Fort is located in Cuttack on the banks of the Mahanadi River. In the past, Cuttack was the capital of Odisha. Built by the Ganga dynasty in the 14th Century, Barabati Fort is the most famous fort of Odisha.  King Narnupa Kesri built a stone-like structure around the river to save it from the flood. King Anangbhima Dev III developed the Barabati fort. Many rulers rebuilt the fort.

Visitors can see the ruins of the fort. War marks are visible on its walls. The fort provides a great view of Cuttack city.
Barabati Cricket Stadium is near the fort. Also, the temple dedicated to Goddess Cuttack Chandi is close by.

Silver City Cuttack's Railway Station is designed like the Barabati Fort.

Nirmala Jhara, Odisha #AToZChallenge

Nirmal Jhar or Nirmaljhar or Nirmala Jhara is a scenic spot with a perennial spring and a temple-complex near Khallikote in Ganjam district of Odisha, India.

Mukteswar Temple, Bhubaneswar #AToZChallenge

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is called the 'Temple City' as it has many temples.

Mukteswar Temple is called the 'gem' of Odishan architecture. 

Located in the 'Old Town' area of Bhubaneswar, Mukteswar temple was built in 950 AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of  'Mukteswar' that means- 'the Lord who gives freedom'.

The sculptures of ascetics are depicted in various meditation positions. 

Panchatantra tales are beautifully depicted on the walls. This photograph below shows the story of the monkey and the crocodile.