FunderfulWorld

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.

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi transforms the city of Pune, giving it a big makeover. The numerous Ganesh mandals vie with each other for better stages, innovative ideas, and spectacular effects. And while some residents love the fervor and look forward to visiting the various mandals during the festivities, others are wary of the noise issues and the large crowds during the ten-day celebration. In 2012, we had planned a trip to Pune to witness this festival in all its glory.

It was time for a change of scenery. And so, we packed our bags and headed to the beach! For Junior, B, and me, a beach vacation is a default choice (when we don’t want to think too much!). Just like masala dosa is the fallback option when I am too weary to exercise my mind at the restaurant. This time, we chose to head to Diveagar, a small town along the Arabian Sea.

The Sahakar Nagar area in Pune is home to a string of hills. And these hills trace a path that eventually leads to the Parvati hill temple complex. The Taljai and Waghjai hills, known by the names of the deities that reside on their respective summits, have undergone a striking “urban” transformation over the years. On one hand, the approach routes have been modernized with tar and even cement, thus making them easily accessible (and hence, attracting large crowds!

I took a break from my weekend planning routine, and handed over the baton to B this time. Before I could blink, he proposed a visit to Katraj Zoo. Although I was initially reluctant to head there on a Sunday afternoon (conjuring up images of a crowded space), I decided to “let go” of my worries. Whew! That’s a toughie for me! Junior had already visited the reptiles section of the zoo during a school field trip, and was excited at the prospect of seeing the slithering creatures a second time.

Hidden from view, off the busy Jangli Maharaj Road in Pune, lies an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva – the Pataleshwar (Lord of the Netherworld) temple. If you miss the entrance (highly likely!), proceed through the well-marked entrance of the Jangli Maharaj temple. Visit this shrine dedicated to the saint Jangli Maharaj, and then, follow the signboard to the adjacent cave temple of Pataleshwar. A large Nandi mandapa with many pillars stands in the courtyard.

Lyon has numerous parks and open spaces where you can enjoy the outdoors. Besides our walks through various neighborhoods for “mural-spotting”and the visits to the Parc de la Tête d’Or and the riverside promenade, we strolled through other smaller parks and visited the lovely Roman Theater in the city. If you enjoy the outdoors, here are some places that you could add to your itinerary in Lyon, formerly known as Lugdunum, an important Roman city in Gaul.

Our itinerary in Lyon included a great deal of time outdoors and we made the most of the splendid weather and bright sunshine. The sprawling Parc de la Tête d’Or and the pretty riverside promenade were some of our favorite outdoor spaces in Lyon.  Riverside Promenade, Lyon: The rivers Rhône and Saône wind their way through the gastronomic capital of France. Along the eastern bank of the Rhône, a long promenade offers visitors and locals a great place to enjoy the outdoors.