The Travel Connection

The population of Indonesian islands is predominantly Muslim (about 90%). The island of Bali is an exception where 83% of its people identify as Hindu As a Hindu, one of the first things i noticed was a small, square containers made from coconut leaves containing colorful flowers,a pinch of rice (or substituted by snacks made of rice), traditional herbs, and small portions of food they have in the house on every street, building, and entrance. Those are offerings are made by Balinese people for the gods as a form of their gratitude. The offering is called canang or canang sari. It is a part of Balinese Hinduism ritual for daily prayers, usually in the early morning or dusk. https://travelblog.astadala.com/the-bali-experience/the-history-of-balinese-offerings-canang-sari/ Balinese house is built within a compound surrounded by walls of whitewashed mud or brick, depending on the wealth of the owner.A Balinese house compound contains multiple pavilions( rooms/spaces),Pavilio

1) Start your day with 10 minutes on tripadvisor 2) Take time and enjoy the start of planning a great trip 3) Remind yourself on the great deals you snapped and have gratitude for the tariffs of stunning beach side resort 4) Arrive to Bali and get picked up by Balira Hotel cab service to crash the night 5) Take Garuda airlines from Denpasar Bali to Lombok 6) Resist the urge to get into practicalities of getting to the resorts and call lombok airport taxi at  +62 81246346226 7) Arrive at The Chandi Boutique Resort and Spa 8) Bliss 9)Bliss 10) Move to Quinci villa 11) Zen 12 ) Zen 13) Return to Bali July 2018 Lombok, Indonesia The Travel Connection:  Zen Tip: There is more to Indonesia than Bali

My third visit to Goa. What can be said??. As this was with family there had to be a visit to a temple and an aquarium and the very touristy river cruise!!  The temple architecture in Goa is very unique. Its a combination of Hindu, Portuguese and Islamic architecture.The dome in place of Shikara immediately catches ones eyes. One of the reasons for this unique style is cause the same artisans were constructing both the temples and churches at the same time.The arched entrances, niches and pilasters that feature in most of temples of this period display a distinct European influence. The deepsthambhas of Mangeshi  with its white washed pillars and baroque decoration show unique synthesis of Hindu and Portuguese styles.The lamp towers were influence of Maratha temple architecture. A very unique style indeed. Well, the aquarium can be best avoided as there is not much to relish in dark musty place. Please run away from the noisy , loud irritating river cruise.The only saving grace

I seem to have an affinity toward temples in Kerala. After guruvayoor, the 8th century padmanabhaswamy temple left an impression on me. Be it the mystery surrounding it  or the wonderful Tamil Nadu/ Kerala architecture, all of it makes you stop and ponder for a minute. But it was the principal deity Vishnu enshrined in the "Anantha Shayana" posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adi Shesha that mesmerized me. The walk across the three doors to see the deity flanked by Kerala mural painting is a push pull experience literally and figuratively. Do note the dress code and strict no electronics including head phones policy ! After the morning visit to temple, it was time to try the highly rated restaurant Villa Maya heritage restaurant. I don't think i have written about any restaurants on this blog. But this had to done. The  18th century dutch manor architecture just blows the mind away , the interior so tastefully done and fcrowned  by an gastronomical e

I start planning for a holiday by looking out for the resorts, reading their reviews and looking for deals. I managed to hit upon a highly rated resort in Poovar kerala but nothing prepared me for the beauty and uniqueness of the resort. Poovar island resort in along the backwaters and is accessible by half ride on boat. So this resort had me at mention of boat ride. Floating cottages catch your eyes on one side and beach on the other as you approach the resort. You step onto a kerala style dock and you have entered heaven. A short walk in amidst of swaying coconut trees , landscaped path way leads you to the reception where a massive urli brings you closer to peace. A welcoming maze takes you to the cottages past the swimming pool. A perfect place to unwind!! The magical ambiance was further highlighted by the gutsy Arabian sea which we could hear from our cottages but not see it. The mystery can be solved by taking a short ride across the backwaters to the beach. This turne