The Travel Connection

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

The Ancient Greeks knew how to choose a site for a temple. At Cape Sounion, 70km south of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon stands on a craggy spur that plunges 65m to the sea. Built in 444 BC – same year as the Parthenon – of marble from nearby Agrilesa, it is a vision of gleaming white columns. Sailors in ancient times knew they were nearly home when they saw the first glimpse of white; views from the temple are equally impressive. It is thought that the temple was built by Iktinos, the architect of the Temple of Hephaistos in Athens' Ancient Agora. Sixteen of the slender Doric columns remain. The site also contains scant remains of a propylaeum, a fortified tower and, on a lower hill to the northeast, a 6th-century temple to Athena. Source: Lonely planet A can't-miss on two counts: Temple of Olympian Zeus , a marvellous temple, once the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the centre of Athens. Of the temple's 104 original Corinthian colum

Why museums??? I am always happier when I spend money on experiences rather than material purchases. Museums provide me a positive personal reinterpretations over time. Museums engage and educate at the same time. And the world's best museums engage you instantaneously. For me the American Natural History Museum was the turning point and that dragged me into the world of museums.This place turned the non believer into a believer me. Museums like Musée d'Orsay, Paris inspired me and made me fall in love with impressionist master pieces. The kid in me came alive at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC. A step back in time was literally possible at a Museum like Museum of Cycladic art, Athens. I love to slow down, decomplicate and enrich myself and for this museums matter.  I am so glad history is alive!!! Sharing 3 things that I loved at each of the 3 Museums I visited in Athens. And i am sure you can guess my favorite one by the end of the blog. Acr