Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Angkor Wat, Architecture, Asia, Bayon, Buddhism, Cambodia, Culture, Hinduism, History, Photography, Siem Reap, Ta Prohm, Travel on November 15, 2013| 2 Comments »
Cambodian tourism got a major push after Tomb Raider movie was shot at Ta Prohm. I’m sure many of you will be familiar with these pictures.
Apart from Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon are the most visited temples in Siem Reap. I was very impressed with Ta Prohm, the sight is really unique.
Click here for more pics of Ta Prohm and other magnificent temples of Cambodia.
Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Angkor Wat, Architecture, Asia, Buddhism, Cambodia, Culture, Hinduism, History, Photography, Travel on November 15, 2013| Leave a Comment »
I don’t think B&W pics require any explanation but I was able to capture some of the most desired shots/moments in B&W.
Here is the reminiscence of my most favorites that require few words:
Though I took quite a while taking few shots but the expression remained same
There were few musicians playing but this gentleman was totally immersed in the joy of Music
Favorite pic of mine
Love the Expression of Amazement that lasted less than a second
A young father with his little one in mid day heat
After a while, the little one convinces his father to carry him on his back
Click here for more B&W pics of Angkor Wat.
Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Angkor Wat, Architecture, Asia, Buddhism, Cambodia, Culture, Hinduism, History, Travel on November 15, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Ever since I saw the first pic of Angkor Wat, I imagined visiting this Wonder of the world some day. A westerner might feel like Indiana Jones here but being from India where you have such wonders at every corner, I was disappointed as far as the temples of Cambodia are concerned.
It is a lost civilization, the country has thousands of other temples that are neglected. Only Angkor Wat and few others drew world’s attention in recent times.
Though Cambodia is a Buddhist country, Angkor Wat and other temples originally are of Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva that were built during Vedic period. These temples are just ruins now, no elaborate worship or meditations are going on in the premises. You just notice a deity or two of Lord Buddha, mostly for tourists to offer prayers and to facilitate an experience of a different culture/religion.
I still love Cambodia, the fact that majority of the country is still raw. I love its people and the beautiful countryside.
Click here for more pics/virtual tour of Angkor Wat.
Posted in Absolute Truth, Motivational and Inspirational, Spirituality, Travel and Experiences, tagged Adventure, Angkor Wat temples, Asia, Business, Cambodia, Experience, Giving, God, History, Life, Malaysia Travel, Money, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Spirituality on October 18, 2013| Leave a Comment »
I wanted to experience Cambodian countryside so I decided to take a bus from Phnom Penh to Siam Reap (Home of Angkor Wat temples). The city outskirts are still raw and basic with continuously changing landscape, not much affected by urbanization. The journey proved to be a refreshing experience for the soul!!
I met Mr Tan, a businessman from Malaysia whose seat was next to mine. He was also visiting Cambodia for the first time to do some sightseeing but mainly to explore new business opportunities. He was a Chinese Buddhist and must be in his 50s.
I was doing Japa meditation since it was an early morning bus. Some time later I opened Bhagavad Gita and immersed into it as the feeling of gratitude overtook me. What have I done to deserve this? To be fortunate enough to be in a strange, new land surrounded by people from different countries, all on their own journeys but still sharing a common bond!!
Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Architecture, Asia, Cambodia, Culture, History, Phnom Penh, Travel on October 17, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Angkor Wat is what really attracts people to Cambodia. But I highly recommend spending few days in the capital city: Phnom Penh before heading to Angkor Wat.
Phnom Penh is a lovely city to stroll around. It has more of a small town feeling and gives a perfect opportunity for getting accustomed to the laid back lifestyle of Cambodia and its people.
Posted in Living in India, Travel and Experiences, tagged Eco Tourism, Family Fun, Green, India, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Nature, Simple Living on July 10, 2013| 2 Comments »
We visited Govardhan Eco Village last Diwali, it is just 1-2 hours drive from Mumbai. What a respite it was from the hustle and bustle of traffic choked Mumbai!!
Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Asia, Australia, Down Under, Travel on April 23, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Yes, it has been a long time since I have written on this blog.
For the last few months, I have been busy planning of a two months long trip to Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia. Many different places to stay, eat and of course different activities.
I think this is the longest travel for me so far. It requires much more planning than a usual family trip. I don’t remember when I traveled solo last time. 🙂 This is the experience I have been really waiting for.
Traveling alone might not be for everyone. But I love the freedom, adventure and the excitement that comes with it. Especially, when you’re visiting new countries, meeting different people.
I have tons of ideas and stuff in my head that I want to write about but this trip is a priority now, so please bear with me.
Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Architecture, Culture, Europe, History, Italy, Rome, Travel on February 1, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Apart from the topmost things to do, I’m always looking for hidden gems (off the tourist map) when we visit a new country. I’m glad we found Villa d’Este in Italy, which is about an hour drive from Rome.
It is an Italian Villa nestled in the countryside with sweeping views of Rome. There are many gardens, hundreds of fountains, cascades and the grottoes.
Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Architecture, Culture, Europe, History, Italy, Rome, Travel on January 29, 2013| 1 Comment »
France and Italy are the two countries in Europe that I had always wanted to visit. Since we checked off France in 2011, Italy was next on the list. Rome, Florence and Venice were the cities on our itinerary. But due to sudden hospitalization of my father, we visited only Rome. I guess that gives another reason to visit Italy again. 🙂
Rome took me by surprise; I expected it to have usual big city issues like traffic, smoke, crowds etc. But surprisingly it is a very clean city with elegance, so much of history and diverse architecture.
Posted in Travel and Experiences, tagged Asia, Bangkok, Buddhism, Culture, Heritage, Hinduism, History, Nature, Photography, Temples, Thailand, Vedic Culture on July 3, 2012| 10 Comments »
I did lot of research before deciding on this landmark. I had a good feeling about it and I wanted to experience it alone. There are some things in life that are best when experienced alone.
Why?
We run into limitations when out with the family but going solo allows us to be adventurous and be in meditative and reflective mood. Plus, architecture and history is not something that a two year old would appreciate.
Thanks to Brinda, I got the permission to venture out alone. 🙂
The place is about 1-2 hours from Bangkok and is not on tourist map. It is best to get there early in the morning so that you have the whole day to yourself.
My Pursuit of Perfection 