The Travel Connection

Some places need to be experienced rather than be seen through photographs! Rani ki Vav , the mother of step wells in one such place! Breath takingly beautiful and the fact that it was buried under the silt and excavated only in the late 80's adds to its mystery and romance. An UNESCO heritage site has now inspired me to visit all the sites tagged in India Date : August 201 5 Place : Patan , Gujarat Tip:Taxi can be hired from compass tourism First: I nverted temple The Travel Connection: The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step- Lao Tzu

The rich history of India can be discovered across different states of India and Gujarat is no different. I was told that the legacy of Solanki's rule has been left behind in nook and corners of Gujarat. Modhera is one such place and the Surya Mandir  is considered to be one of the most magnificent monuments of the state. The  temple offers a glimpse of the architectural marvel that is 10 years short of 1000 years. As one is transported back in time by the guide, an Architect can only be amazed at the ingenuity of Himatnagar sandstone artistry. A comfortable drive through the rural landscape from Ahmedabad and one is enveloped in the past in an instant. The lush green carpet around the complex welcomes one towards the rectangular Ramakund. Now a storage tank of stagnant rain water was once upon a time a place for ceremonial ablutions . The 108 god and goddesses in their miniature shrines along the Kund showered their blessing to one who cleansed before entering the Sab...

The heart of a city lies in its old quarters. Amdavad is no different except that the old city is defined by what is left of the fort wall and a number of darwazas or gates that lets you into this vibrant chaotic world. A good way to get lost in the history is to take a guided Heritage walk. Ours was led by a local student of IIM who helped us find the city! Though the walk was sprinkled with visit to mosque and tomb of Rani Sipri, Jumma Masjid, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Muni Suvrat Swamy Jain Temple, Bhadra Kali Temple the most fascinating discovery for me was the  existence of pols. The old world version of modern day gated communities except that the  entry into community houses was based on caste, profession , religion or family. The narrow serpentine streets flanked by tall aged buildings charmed me into its past. But why the dense urban space ?  Why the narrow streets? Why the walls within the walled city? Maybe the walk will answer these questions. A typical p...