FunderfulWorld

<p class="wp-caption-text"> En route to Saputara, Gujarat. </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> View from the ropeway. Saputara, Gujarat, India. </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> Blue. Saputara Lake, Gujarat, India </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> Green (and some blue!) At the Lake Garden. Saputara, Gujarat, India. </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> Red and White in Warli Art. Saputara, Gujarat, India. </p> </div> <p class="wp-caption-text"> Colors on the horizon. Saputara, Gujarat, India. </p>

<p class="wp-caption-text"> Tales of the Victorious and the Vanquished. Panhala Fort, Maharashtra. </p>   <p class="wp-caption-text"> Fortifications. Panhala, Maharashtra. </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> Strength. Panhala Fort, Maharashtra. </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> Shiva Kashid Memorial. Panhala, Maharashtra. </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> The valiant Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Panhala, Maharashtra. </p>  <p class="wp-caption-text"> Who goes there? Teen Darwaza, Panhala, Maharashtra. </p> <p class="wp-caption-text"> Motifs. Teen Darwaza, Panhala, Maharashtra.

Tucked neatly between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Silvassa is the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The small town, formerly ruled by the Portuguese, is now an active industrial hub. This information was part of what I already knew about Silvassa. But there is much more to the area than just industries. Here’s what we discovered on a trip to Silvassa in December:

A Much-awaited Trip The UNESCO world heritage site of Ellora is a weekend escape or long-weekend getaway from Pune. The splendid rock-cut caves had been on our wish list for quite some time. Along came the opportunity to pay a visit to this famous location. Of the 34 rock-cut caves at Ellora, 17 are Hindu caves (cave numbers 13 to 29), 12 are Buddhist caves (cave numbers 1-12), and 5 are Jain caves (cave numbers 30-34).

A Dream For several years, B and I have talked about a visit to the Ajanta and Ellora caves someday. After our move to Pune, these architectural wonders were much closer to home. It didn’t take us long to plan a trip to the Ellora caves. Ellora caves, also known as Verul Leni, is a marvellous complex of rock-cut temples and monasteries. This UNESCO world heritage site is located approximately 30 kilometers from Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

Of Cars: At home, our conversations often revolve around cars. If we are not talking about a new model (Zica), we are wondering about older ones (Premier Padmini). Some days, we are discussing the history of Tata Motors and wondering why it used to be called TELCO. On other days, we debate incessantly over compact versus mid-size cars. Yesterday, I learned that a grey Eeco and a black Octavia are usually parked near the grocery store in our neighborhood.

In 2015, we embarked on our first trip to the geographical heart of India, Madhya Pradesh (MP). Our itinerary featured three destinations in the Malwa region of MP: Mandu (Mandav), Indore, and Maheshwar.   During our brief stay at Indore, we took the foodie route and stopped by some of the city’s popular eating joints. If you ask our taste buds, it was completely worth the time! We also escaped to a couple of green hideouts, away from the bustle of the large city.

In 2015, we embarked on our first trip to the geographical heart of India, Madhya Pradesh (MP). Our itinerary featured three destinations in the Malwa region of MP: Mandu (Mandav), Indore, and Maheshwar. Picturesque river views, beautiful temples, a majestic fort, a serene boat ride, and a long meditative stroll along the riverside ghats. Maheshwar was the perfect place to end our vacation. Home to the famous Maheshwari handloom saris and capital of the brave queen, Ahilyabai Holkar, this small town on the banks of the river Narmada left an indelible impression on my heart.

This year, we embarked on our first trip to the geographical heart of India, Madhya Pradesh (MP). Our itinerary featured three destinations in the Malwa region of MP: Mandu (Mandav), Indore, and Maheshwar. Our visit to the charming town of Mandu took us back in time… through centuries of rule by various dynasties. As power changed hands several times (from the Parmars to the Khiljis), each dynasty left behind an imprint: of monuments and stories.

This year, we embarked on our first trip to the geographical heart of India, Madhya Pradesh (MP). Our itinerary featured three destinations in the Malwa region of MP: Mandu (Mandav), Indore, and Maheshwar.  Mandu (also known as Mandav or Mandavgad) is strategically located at a height of about 2000 feet in the Vindhya ranges. This formerly fortified town with its beautiful monuments transported us back in time. History comes alive at Mandu.