When an official meeting turned towards JAL MAHOTSAV!

It is highly unlikely that an official meeting would turn the tide towards Jal Mahotsav in Madhya Pradesh, but it happened just yesterday. My guests told me that they handle the account of M.P. Tourism and mentioned that I should visit Jal Mahotsav currently on…my curiosity as a travel blogger grew and I wanted to know more about this water carnival of Madhya Pradesh. The State is very close to my heart as it is India’s heartland and the land of my childhood too.  The water carnival, which is currently on, will last until January 2, 2018.

So for the uninitiated, including me, Jal Mahotsav is set up in the lap of Hanuwantiya Island besides the pristine waters of Indira Sagar Dam on Narmada river, where the picturesque escapade compliments the joy that lies in the spirit of adventure. The water festival has now made the culturally rich Madhya Pradesh is known for its adventure tourism too. It gives one more reason to the people to tour to Madhya Pradesh. Along with celebrating the spirit of adventure, the festival also celebrates the spirit of MP. The absolute brilliance of the local artisans and craftspeople, melodious folk music and performances and lip-smacking cuisine – all these precisely describes and defines what “The Heart Of India” truly stands for.

Once an unexplored place, now a destination where India’s largest water carnival is held. Close to Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh, lies an island in the backwaters of Indira Sagar Dam on River Narmada. Hanuwantiya Island, has now turned into an adventure hub with the support of MP Tourism. Derived from local village name with the same name, MP Tourism found Hanuwantiya suitable for water tourism activity. This is the story behind the makeover of Hanuwantiya from an untouched island to an adventure addition in Madhya Pradesh tourism packages.

Flying above the sparkling waters or speeding through it, India’s one of its kind water festival is full of land, water and air adventure activities all set on one canvas called Jal Mahotsav. The festival also represents the culture of Madhya Pradesh – a culture that stands for the rich skill set of its artisans, rich heritage and not to miss out, sumptuous cuisine! MP Tourism Jal Mahotsav is truly a dream for every adventure lover and a desire of every individual who seeks a holistic rejuvenation.

Here’s how the grand festival – MP Tourism Jal Mahotsav became possible. In its efforts to make Madhya Pradesh known for its adventure tourism too, MP Tourism revamped the unexplored and untouched Hanuwantiya Island and turned it into a small city in itself. A tent city where people can rejoice and relax while at the same time be adventurous! In a small span of its inception, Jal Mahotsav has now become a very important part of Madhya Pradesh Tour packages with more and more people coming over to Madhya Pradesh to discover a completely new face of the state.
Here you can lose your heart and soul to the beauty of state where “The Heart of India” lies!!

Once an unexplored place, now a destination where India’s largest water carnival is held. Close to Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh, lies an island in the backwaters of Indira Sagar Dam on River Narmada. Hanuwantiya Island, once an unexplored and unknown place, has now turned into an adventure hub with the support of MP Tourism. Derived from local village name with the same name, MP Tourism found Hanuwantiya suitable for water tourism activity. This is the story behind the makeover of Hanuwantiya from an untouched island to an adventure addition in Madhya Pradesh tourism packages.

Nestled in this Hanuwantiya Island is Jal Mahotsav – a striking contrast of adventure with serenity, of excitement with relaxation. An extravaganza to rekindle the spirit of adventure within oneself, India’s one of its kind water festival is all set to rule the hearts of all the adventure lovers once again! Well, if you aren’t an adventure buff, you shouldn’t be disappointed since the place unwinds surprises for everyone. Those in search of relaxation and a break from routine life can treat themselves to the comfort of a luxury tent, sit back and feel the cool breeze relaxing every nerve of your mind and body.

 With the vision of Honourable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to make “the heart of India” known for its adventure tourism, a dream called Jal Mahotsav was born.

I am GOING, ARE YOU?

Explore the Unexplored part of MP Tourism

 

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India, Home to BIG CATS

Come 2018, & I will head to Kanha National Park for a DATE with ROYAL BENGAL TIGERS!!

Kanha National Park, located approx. 165 km from Jabalpur and 254 km from Nagpur, also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, is a vast expanse of grassland and forest in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Tigers, jackals and wild pigs can be spotted in Kanha Meadows. The elevated plateau of Bamhni Dadar is home to birds of prey. Animals often gather at the watering holes of Sondar Tank and Babathenga Tank. The park’s flora and fauna are documented in the park’s Kanha Museum. Spread across 940 sq.km, Kanha National Park is one of the largest parks in Madhya Pradesh where the majestic royal Bengal tigers are found in good numbers.

The Park is respected globally for saving the Barasingha from near extinction. No doubt, it is one of the best-managed parks in Asia and a part of Project Tiger. National Geographic’s award-winning ‘Land of the Tigers’ was shot here, but the park is home to leopards, wild dogs and Barasingha as well. A safari in Kanha will surely get me thrilled, the way I was on a trip night Safari in Singapore, truly memorable.

The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous novel “Jungle Book”. The Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh came into being in 1955 and forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The Park’s landmark achievement is the preservation of the rare hard ground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), saving it from near extinction. Stringent conservation programs for the overall protection of the Park’s fauna and flora makes Kanha one of the most well maintained National Parks in Asia.

A heightened attraction within the Park is Bamni Dadar,  popularly known as Sunset Point that offers the most awe-inspiring backdrop of the sunset against grazing Sambhars and Gaurs, magnifying the natural splendour of the area. Aside from its diverse wildlife and bird population, the frequent sightings of Tigers roaming in the wild at Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary remain the most popular draw.

Be there, for your first outing in 2018!!

Why I am going there? Later on that!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turtle Sanctuary in Allabahad

The holy city of Triveni Sangam ( The confluence of holy rivers – Ganaga, Jamuna & mystical Saraswati) and of Maha Kumbh,  Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, India will have a new reason to visit – The Turtle Sanctuary at Triveni Sangam Ghat.

The Centre has approved the setting up of a turtle sanctuary in Allahabad and a river biodiversity park at Triveni Sangam (confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati), according to an official statement. The project, sanctioned by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), would also include a Turtle Rearing Centre — permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp and makeshift annual hatcheries.

It will provide a much-needed platform for visitors to learn about their place in the ecosystem, roles and responsibilities. The central government initiative, estimated to cost Rs 1.34 crore, will also improve people’s understanding of the complexity of co-existence with the environment and help generate awareness for reducing the impact of human activities on critical natural resources.

The Project:

• The project will include Turtle Rearing Centre – a permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp
• It will also provide make-shift annual hatcheries for turtles
• The initiative is estimated to cost Rs. 1.34 crore also aims to generate awareness

The sustenance of more than 2000 aquatic species in the Ganga exemplifies the rich biodiversity of the river, a lifeline to over 40 percent of the country’s population, the statement added. Ganga and Yamuna in Allahabad are home to some of the most-endangered turtle species, Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and attracts numerous migratory and resident birds.

Let off your Bhadaas at Bhadaas Café in Indore, MP

भड़ास में अपनी भड़ास निकालिये!

Indore brings back beautiful memories of childhood when we were staying in Bhopal ( MP’s Capital) and my father use to visit Indore ( MP’s financial capital) for some official trips, I always wanted to visit the place with him…which never happened though!

After many years, I watched Chef Gurpal Singh (Show: Khaata Rahe Mera Dil) visiting Indore and taking us through Sarafa Bazar which looked to me like “Foodies Street” where you can have a great time with a humongous variety of street food, which is delicious to the core. You are tempted to taste as much as your taste buds permit. Not only this, City of Indore has many themed restaurants which are visited by food connoisseurs visiting Indore, no wonder Indore earned the title of “Foodies Paradise”. Owing to the various flavours offered by Indore in its Chaats and street foods, make all Indories proud.

Whatever is the purpose of your visit, official or personal, you cannot miss visiting and tasting the street food particularly Poha and Jalebi. Not only this Indore is a paradise for mid-night snackers with its assortment of cuisines at Sarafa Ratri Bazaar. As the time changed, so did the look and feel of Indore with many modern and theme-based restaurants eating joints springing up all over.

In today’s fast-paced and stressful life, eating out has become a norm as it gives you a new high always. Here you gulp in your stress and frustrations along with your food. Conventionally, Indians associate eating out with celebrations when the mood is joyous, but have you ever thought of eating out to vent out your anger and frustration?

Indore has the answer for this too! Now you can take out your Bhadaas in an inimitable Café which offers you host of opportunities to take out your Bhadaas. I particularly got interested in this concept as I am also a victim of these modern day gifts and look for opportunities to let out my frustration. Believe me, Bhadaas as a Café, is a really novel concept which ensures not only good physical health but also your mental health.

No wonder Bhadaas café is gaining popularity quite fast not only with Indories but also with tourists and it is India’s only café where you can get rid of your anger in your own way which causes depression, jealousy, frustration etc.  That too amidst full security and confidentially, so that it doesn’t harm your personal and professional life.

Bhadaas café has become the identity of modern Indore. It is India’s only café where various options are available to express your anger. Here you can break things, shout to get rid of your anger, besides, it’s the only café in the world where you can modulate your anger into positive direction peacefully.

You can break anything in Bhadaas with security and get rid of your anger which is whether on office, family, friend, or any close one. Here you can cry shout, abuse, and no one will hear it, and eventually, you will get free from your anger. Psychologists believe that anger is the most negative emotion which saps the highest energy, if we channelize it in a different direction then it becomes positive. In Bhadaas you can play music, paint or play any childhood game to do so. It is our belief that bhadaas has become the identity of modern Indore by these qualities. As we can’t expect Indore without Rajwada, same in future we would not expect Indore without Bhadaas café. You deserve to see the new identity of Indore and show it others who are not from Indore.

You can be a guest in Bhadaas for the whole day for holding some business meetings or creative discussions for a price, which is very reasonable while taking out your Bhadaas, you can enjoy some sumptuous cuisine too!

Bhadaas I am coming to Indore to take out my Bhadaas!

P.S.: Fast Food / Snacks, Tea & Coffee, Air-Conditioned, Timing 11:30 AM To 11:30 PM,

Address: Bhadaas Café, 2nd floor, 27-A, Chandra Nagar, opposite the garden, MR-9, Main Road, Indore, India – 452009

Board ‘Costa Cruise’ from Mumbai, & explore Incredible India!

The message given by Costa Cruise & Bombay Port Trust in the press – conference held in Hotel Trident, amidst the presence of who’s who of the tourism & cruise industry…

…A gracious host, Mrs. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations (Representative of Costa Cruises in India) welcomed and updated present dignitaries & media on Cruise Scenario in India and plans of Costa Cruise going forward!

Mr. Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust said, “The timing is right for cruise liners to come to India as the Government is taking proactive steps for utilizing our vast coastline. I would like to thank the cruise companies that have taken the initiative to start sailings from Mumbai and have shown their confidence in the Indian Government and India market. We are looking forward to many more ships coming to India and Mumbai port, going forward. They can count on Mumbai Port’s efficient managerial, organizational and planning support and assistance at all times. Our objective is to exceed the expectations of the cruise liners and the cruisers, both domestic and International. Come, cruise from Mumbai and feel India!”

Ms. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations (Representative of Costa Cruises in India) said, “Costa Cruises expanding its sailing offerings to include shorter sailings of 3 & 4 nights from Mumbai and Cochin specifically for the Indian market confirms its strong interest in India. The cruising market in India has come a long way from only a select group cruising in far-away locations to today a much wider audience holidaying on ships cruising directly from India. I sincerely thank Mr. Gadkari & Mr. Bhatia for all their efforts in making this happen.”

Last year, Costa Cruises was the first ever cruise liner to offer cruises directly from Mumbai to Maldives. This year, Costa Cruises is introducing shorter 3 & 4 nights sailing options specifically for the Indian market. Indians can now choose to cruise on a 4 nights itinerary from Mumbai to Cochin (via Mangalore) or 3 nights itinerary from Cochin to Maldives. This is in addition to the 7 nights Mumbai to Maldives & 7 nights Maldives to Mumbai options available.

The Italian cruise liner will be homeporting in Mumbai a month earlier than last year and will perform a series of weekly sailings from November 2017 to March 2018.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Buhdy Bok, President of Carnival Asia said, “We are delighted to increase our capacity in this region, by offering 3 & 4 nights short cruises dedicated to the Indian market. Guests based in India can now embark or disembark right at their door-step for short cruises, giving our guests a rich and immersive experience in Italian culture – from hospitality to cuisine, and art, a distinct experience for a new way of travel.”

Since Costa announced the launch of cruising from Mumbai last year, they have seen interest and bookings from a wide variety of travel groups, which includes families, senior citizens, honeymooners and experiential holiday agencies. There has also been a lot of interest from corporates, who are looking set to book the first few sailings out of Mumbai. The built-in infrastructure on the ship makes it particularly easy for corporates to hold large events in one location. Theme-based bookings seem to be a trend, with groups who are keen to experience a special kind of holiday. For example, there is a cycle-themed sailing that is currently being promoted on this route.

Costa Cruises has deployed its ship, Costa neoClassica that is part of the neo collection on the India itinerary. This classic cruise ship has a total of 654 cabins, including sea view cabins and suites with private balconies. Fully-equipped with a Casino, Theatre, Disco, Ballroom, Grand Bar, it aims to provide plenty in entertainment. The wellness centre is spread across 1,300 sq. m with a gym, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. It also has an outdoor jogging track, 4 Jacuzzis and 2 swimming pools. For those who would like to go shopping, the cruise ship has a huge duty free shopping centre and also offers a wide selection of books in the library for those who love to unwind with a book.

Enhancing the cruising experience further is the gastronomy: the food & wine on offer is based on Italian regional menus with a choice of dishes representing different regions of Italy and proudly reflecting the country’s rich and unrivalled culinary heritage. In addition to this vast range, guests can also take advantage of tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes.

On board Costa neoClassica, guests will also have the chance to taste the real original Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria “Pummid’oro”: thanks to an agreement with the Università delle Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo, Costa Cruises offers pizza prepared using only sourdough and selected ingredients such as San Marzano DOP tomato. In addition, cruisers will be able to enjoy a variety of Indian cuisine and the restaurants onboard are fully equipped to cater to special diet requirements of Indian, travellers, which includes Jain food.

Costa Cruises – to begin shorter, 3-4 night sailings in Indian waters

4 nights Mumbai – Kochi to start from November 2017

3 nights Kochi – Maldives to start from November 2017

Costa Cruises is the Italian Cruising Company part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest cruise company in the world.

Sumptuous Gujarati Thali by SURAT’s SAASUMAA!

Trip to SURAT isn’t complete without dining at SAASUMAA

Gujarati Thali, the name evinces great emotion for food lovers all over the world. Why?  Gujaratis are spread all over the world, who are not only famous for their entrepreneurial histrionics but also for their culinary tastes and expertise. No wonder Gujarati food has patrons all over the world. Remeber how Ex-POTUS Bill Clinton savoured Aam Kadhi in Gujarat and he requested the dish while official dinner at Taj.

I also got the opportunity to savour famous Gujarati Thali on a Mega Fam Trip to Surat recently which turned out to be a very enjoyable affair. In the company of fellow bloggers and Triveni Ethnics team – Vitika Mehta, Yashi and Shalini Raj, the gracious hosts , we thoroughly enjoyed the thali comprising of some mouthwatering dishes and sweet delicacies. The daal dhokla in the thali needs special mention which was interspersed with heavy dollops of fruits. When I checked with very friendly manager – why fruit dhokla? To this, he replied so that patrons get complete food with dal, roti and fruits. Gujarati dal was yummy too, though I did not know, which was sweeter, the dal or the rabri.

Selfie time with fellow bloggers

But won’t you like to know where we dined? It was at SASUMAA restaurant which is located on the key location at Ring Road of Surat City, which served us most authentic Gujarati Thali comprising of several Gujarati dishes.

My Gujarati Thali…

SASUMAA Gujarati Thali offers various dishes with low spices in authenticate full Gujarati thali and serve with all the love and affection just like the mother in law. The manager was especially very courteous for us, who explained each and every dish to us and shared that there is a different menu for every meal.

They have been quite successful in their attempt to retain the distinct and authenticate Gujarati flavours. The menu at SASUMAA changes daily and varies seasonally too, so you can have your new favourites on each visit.

Gujarati cuisine refers to the cuisine of Gujarat, India, a state in western India. Despite having an extensive coastline for seafood, it is primarily a vegetarian cuisine due to the influence of Jain vegetarianism and traditional Hinduism. Many a celebrities have dined there and enjoyed the Gujarati Dal, Dal Dhokli, Dhokla, Rabri, Sabziz, Khichri like we did.

Suraj Thapar

Sachin & Anjali Tendulkar

Kulbhushan Kharbanda

Dhanraj Pillai

The typical Gujarati Thali consists of Rotli, Dal or Kadhi, Rice, and Shaak/Sabzi (a dish made up of different combinations of vegetables and spices, which may be spicy or sweet). Gujarati cuisine varies widely in flavour and heat, depending on a given family’s tastes as well as the region of Gujarat they are from. North Gujarat, Kathiawad, Kachchh, and Surti Gujarat are the four major regions of Gujarat that all bring their own style to Gujarati food. Many Gujarati dishes are distinctively sweet, salty, and spicy at the same time.

Selfie showing facade of SAASUMAA with lovely blogger Farhat & Bhagyashree

All of us dined to our heart’s content at SAASUMAA but not without mentioning our own Saasu maas, of course those who had.

After finishing the meals, we headed down for “Banarasi Paan” which refreshed us for the session ahead and also completed our trip to SAASUMAA.

 

 

 

Subrat Saurabh’s “Kuch Woh Pal” : My Review

“कुछ वो पल”

वो हज़ारो में एक है, मेरी मोहब्बत का वो ईनाम है,

वो इम्तिहान है मेरे सब्र, का इसलिए चर्चा सरेआम है।

– सुब्रत सौरभ

 

कुछ समय पहले मुझे अचानक बच्चन जी की ‘मधुशाला’ पढ़ने की तलब हुई… “युट्युब” पर देखने की नहीं…  पर पुस्तक तो मेरे पास थी नहीं  और कोई दे सके, ऐसा कोई आसपास था नहीं… ऐसे में Amazon पर मुझे एक प्रति मिल गई। ‘मधुशाला’ पढ़ने का और पढ़ के सुनाने का अनुभव अविस्मरणीय है।

 

अब जब Blogadda ने “कुछ वो पल” भेजी तो मुझे कुछ नये समय की कविताये पढ़ने की उत्सूकता हुई। हिन्दी कविताओं का संकलन, वो भी युवा कवि सुब्रत सौरभ द्वारा, और क्या कहूँ मै? हिन्दी भाषी और हिन्दी प्रेमी होने की वजह से “कुछ वो पल” मेरे लिए और भी खास है…

 

पुस्तक मिलते ही मैने अपने साथ रख ली, आफिस जाते समय लोकल ट्रेन में पढने के लिए… और पढ़ने में इतना तल्लीन हो गई की पता ही नहीं चला की ट्रेन चर्चगेट स्टेशन कब पहुँच गई। अचानक मुझे लगा की पूरी ट्रेन खाली हो चुकी है और मै आखिरी पन्ने पर हूँ… और क्या कहूँ?

 

“कुछ वो पल” लेखक द्वारा प्रस्तुत बहुत ही संवेदनशील अभिव्यक्ती है, जो आज के समय में मिलना मुश्किल है। 

पहली  ही कविता “क्योंकि आज मेरा शहर छूट रहा था” ने मुझे वो दिन याद दिला दिया जब मेरी बेटी पहली बार हास्टल जा रही थी। मन भावुक हो गया। 

 

अक्सर जो हर गलती मे मुझे औरो से बचाती थी 

और पापा के दफ्तर जाते ही डाँट लगाती थी…

 

लेखक ने अपने जीवन की बारीकियो को बहुत ध्यान से संजोया है और पुस्तक में अभिव्यक्त किया है। बचपन की यादें, युवा अवस्था की कठिनाईंया, बढ़ते उम्र की परेशानियां… सबको खूबसूरती से कविताओं में पिरोया है। 

 

आज की सच्चाई…

 

चाँद को छूने की ख्वाहिश है, पर रात से डर लगता है

घर तो हम अपना भी बना ले, पर हमें किश्तों से डर लगता है।

 

जाने क्यों हम अपना शहर छोड आये है… कविता उन सब लोगों को भावुक बनाने की क्षमता रखती है जो अपना शहर छोड़ के आये है… 

 

मिलता नहीं कोई अपना सा यहाँ… 

यूं शाम में सब साथ होते थे अपने 

अब तो मिलने का बहाना बनाके आये हैं।  

 

हर कविता कोई विशेष मनःस्थिती  उजागर करती है। कवि और लेखक सुब्रत ने संवेदनाओं को अभिव्यक्त करते हुए कविताओं की Rhyming को बरकरार रखा है। हर कविता, कविता है…

 

जितनी खूबसूरती से आगाज हुआ है, उतना ही खूबसूरत अंजाम हुआ है। सुब्रत सौरभ जी सिर्फ टेक्नॉलॉजी  ही नहीं,  मन के, अभिव्यक्तियों के, कविताओं के और भाषा की सुंदरताओं के भी इंजिनियर है।

 

युवा लेखक सुब्रत सौरभ का ये प्रयास अत्यंत सराहनीय है जो देश के युवाओं को हिन्दी कविताओं के प्रति उत्साहित कर सकता है।

कुछ शब्द थोडे़ खटकते हैं जैसे दौड़ जबकि ये शब्द दौर है… तो कौडियों के भाव बिकता है नहीं बिकती है… क्यों कि संदर्भ बोतल है और स्त्रिलिंग है। 

 

जिंदगी का सार आखिरी कविता मे है। जो दर्शाता है कि युवा लेखक कितने अनुभवी है।

 

बात बस इतनी सी हैं करनी जरा गौर है 

जिंदगी से तू चाहता कुछ हैं, और होता कुछ और है…

 

 मुख्य पृष्ठ की पंक्तियाँ ही “कुछ वो पल” को Best – Seller बनाने की क्षमता रखती है।

 

अच्छा किया लेखक ने अपने हौसले को पूर्ण विराम नहीं लगाया।

  “कौन पढ़ता है आजकल हिन्दी मे?” “हिन्दी की कविता कौन पढ़ेगा?”

 प्रश्न पूछनेवालों के लिए, “कुछ वो पल” सटीक उत्तर है। 

 Subrat Saurabh, a young writer, poet and blogger – is popularly known by his pen name “ChickenBiryanii” on Social Media sites. He is proficient in writing witty one-liners, a skill he employs liberally on Twitter or Facebook using his pen name; thereby making his opinion heard on a wide range of issues. Interestingly, writing short stories and Hindi poetry was his hobby since his childhood days which he continues even now and also he is a keen observer of happenings around him and he loves to get poetic with it.

Kuch Woh Pal is a collection of Hindi poems through which the writer takes you on a journey blended with ecstatic and painful experiences of a young boy taking on the struggles of life where he is away from his home for studies, makes new friends, finds love, break-up and finally going through tumult of emotions like anger, depression, apathy, romance, frustration, loneliness, separation etc.

The most notable part of the book is that it has not lost the poetry element, I mean rhyming amidst forceful prose/ expressions…

This review is a part of the biggest http://blog.blogadda.com/2011/05/04/indian-bloggers-book-reviews” Book Review Program http://www.blogadda.com”