Around the World

It is difficult to describe in words the moment the Golden Temple comes into your view for the very first time. It is simply breath-taking, stunningly beautiful, more so with the reflections that are mirrored in the large tank (named Amrit Sarovar) which surrounds it.  While it is generally known as the Golden Temple due to the gold-gilded dome, the name of this holy complex is Harmandir Sahib.  Within the Golden Temple, there are various exits leading to other areas like the Akal Takht. Make enquiries beforehand as, once inside, it is such a vast complex that you may get a little confused.

At the outset, there are two important points to note about Fortune Park Hotel, Ahmedabad. Firstly, this hotel was earlier Park Plaza Ahmedabad and not everyone is aware that it is now under the new name of Fortune Park and is an ITC Group hotel.  Secondly, this hotel is entirely different from Fortune Landmark Hotel which is at Ashram Road , Ahmedabad.  So when you are hiring transport from the airport or boarding the Airport Shuttle bus or taking an auto to and fro to tourist spots around the city, make sure you state that it is the hotel opposite Gujarat Law College. That way, you will not end up at the wrong hotel!

As was mentioned in another post, there is an interesting history behind  Umaid Bhavan Palace , also known as the Chittar Hill Palace. Once you have gaped at the wonderful architectural aspects of its exterior, step into the museum section. Many visitors have griped at the fact that there is "nothing to see really". Well, ignore them! Yes, there are plenty of posters and photos of the royal family, but, why not?! After all this entire complex has come up because of their ancestors and the current generation stays in a private block in the same premises, ensuring, too, that maintenance is done so that we visitors can take a peek into a past glorious era. 

Umaid Bhavan Palace is located on Chittar Hill in the south-east part of the city of Jodhpur and its highest point. Hence the original name of the Palace was Chittar Palace.  The beautifully designed palace has an interesting history of how it came to be set up, details of which have been put within that section of the palace premises which is open to the general public. This section is the museum section of the palace , while the other two sections are closed to the public, one section being part of a hotel and another the residential quarters where the current generation of the royal family stay.  Let's take a peek into the history of the Palace first...

Planning a trip to Jodhpur, Rajasthan and looking for comfortable, inexpensive accommodation?  Check out this detailed review of  Chandra Imperial Hotel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.  We stayed in this hotel in September last year and had a very satisfying experience. The room tariff is reasonable for the air-conditioned spacious room and the in-house restaurant serves good food.

I travelled miles, for many a year  I spent a lot in lands afar I’ve gone to see the mountains, The oceans, I’ve been to view But I haven’t seen with these eyes Just two steps from my home lies  On a sheaf of paddy grain A glistening drop of dew

Ahmedabad was a key city which was involved in Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent protests for independence against British rule. It was here that Gandhiji set up his first ashram in 1915 after returning from South Africa. It was named Kochrab Ashram. Two years later the ashram was shifted to what is now known as Old Vadaj.