Thrill is the first emotion that gets reflected from the word “Adventure” and the crave for adrenaline rush makes us undertake these risky activities. For the ones who have once relished the taste of adventure, it is difficult to not crave for it again. My first ever innocent experience with outdoor adventure was a high-altitude trek in the Himalayas at the age of 16 and it left me wanting to come back once again. 13 years later, I returned as an adult for another trek, just to recollect the feelings I had associated with adventure. This time I was capable of absorbing more than just the thrill and I came back with a greed to experience the untouched beauty of nature over and over again! My curiosity and greed for the beauty of our planet kept growing on my mind and I started scuba diving to venture into the oceans as well. I was traveling around the world and Adventure Travel became an integral part of my life leading to the inception of RavenousLegs. Even before I realised, my curiosity and greed had became an addiction, for all the right reasons! The benefits of Adventure Travel are several and I'm glad that it turned out to be my way to a healthy lifestyle and overall wellbeing. |
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Sanchi group of monuments
The heritage site at Sanchi is a cluster of Buddhist monuments which were built after the main Stupa subsequently. Two more stupas containing relics of Buddha’s disciples were added on, one of them is decorated with a Torana. Structures of various Buddhist temples and monasteries also lay in ruins in this complex.
Light and sound show at Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi group of Stupas host a light and sound show in the evenings giving insights into Buddhism, Budhha’s life and Asoka’s propagation of Buddhism. The Great Stupas is impressively personified as the Past Buddha, giving knowledge and wisdom to the smaller stupa personified as present/future Buddha.
Light and sound show timing is 7:30 pm everyday.
The Sanchi Stupa timing is 6:30 am - 6 pm everyday.
Light and sound show timing is 7:30 pm everyday.
The Sanchi Stupa timing is 6:30 am - 6 pm everyday.
Experience Architect Padma Shri K.K. Muhammed
Sanchi Stupa was a part of Cultural and Heritage Trip in Madhya Pradesh curated by Times Passion Trails. Living the stories of our rich past was an experience in itself, and to add on to it, we were hearing the stories of the best preserved monument of India from the renowned archaeologist of India Mr. KK Muhammed. He has been the regional director of ASI (Archaeology Survey of India) and recently honoured with Padma Shri award for his outstanding work. Extremely humble with his personality, he shared his deep knowledge about Indian monuments with us, an absolute prestige for us!
P.S. A visit to Sanchi Stupa was perfect for my dose of positivity and calming vibes on Culture and Heritage trail with Times Passion Trails in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
How to reach Sanchi Stupa
To reach Sanchi Stupa, one needs to take the 10km short road from Vidisha, the nearest town to Sanchi. Or the 45km long road from Bhopal, the nearest city to Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh.
Vidisha and Bhopal are connected by road as well as by rail. For air travel, Bhopal is the most convenient airport.
Vidisha and Bhopal are connected by road as well as by rail. For air travel, Bhopal is the most convenient airport.
Where to stay in Sanchi
Sanchi is a very small town, famous for the Stupas and the museum. It is generally chosen as a daytime stopover while making a road trip from Bhopal and onwards to Udaygiri caves/Chanderi/Orchha.
There aren't many guest houses in Sanchi, however, if you need to take a night halt, MPT Gateway Retreat is the best place to stay in Sanchi.
Contact Details of MPT Gateway Retreat, Sanchi: 1800-233-7777 (toll free)
There aren't many guest houses in Sanchi, however, if you need to take a night halt, MPT Gateway Retreat is the best place to stay in Sanchi.
Contact Details of MPT Gateway Retreat, Sanchi: 1800-233-7777 (toll free)
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Taj-Ul-Masajid in Bhopal, the largest mosque in India, magnificently boasts its status of being the crown of all the mosques. A classic illustration of Mughal architecture, Taj-Ul-Masajid is built with red sandstone, which gives a pink facade to its outer walls. The beauty of the mosque is enhanced by three stark white bulbous domes on its rooftop. Two tall minarets covered with a white dome each guard the mosque on both the sides. A rectangular walled complex with huge open courtyard and water tank envelops the aura of the mosque.
Interesting history behind the completion of Taj-Ul-Masajid:
Apart from its outstanding looks, what makes this mosque special is the unique history behind the construction of the mosque which took more than a century for its completion. The story goes back to Mughal Era (1526-1857), when India was mushrooming with Mughal styled architectural monuments. The Muslim rulers had built a number of mosques and Madarsas to spread Islam and its teachings.
The construction of Taj-Ul-Masajid was started in 1857 by a lady ruler of Bhopal, Shah Jahan Begum, with the intention to serve Islam and spread its teachings. The first site chosen for the construction of the mosque had some remains of a temple, so she chose found another site for Taj-UI-Masajid. The work was taken over by her daughter after her, but due to lack of funds (which were used over a war), the work was suspended and the construction remained incomplete.
The mosque was left in bad shape with damaged roof, pits in the courtyard and incomplete minarets for years, before the guardian of the mosque undertook the reconstruction work in 1971. With the help generous donations from Muslim community in India and abroad, the construction of the mosque was completed in the year 1985, standing tall as one of the largest mosques of Asia.
She dreamt, she initiated, but couldn't see the dream being fulfilled in her lifetime. Destiny had it to be fulfilled by someone else a century later, for the betterment of humanity.
The construction of Taj-Ul-Masajid was started in 1857 by a lady ruler of Bhopal, Shah Jahan Begum, with the intention to serve Islam and spread its teachings. The first site chosen for the construction of the mosque had some remains of a temple, so she chose found another site for Taj-UI-Masajid. The work was taken over by her daughter after her, but due to lack of funds (which were used over a war), the work was suspended and the construction remained incomplete.
The mosque was left in bad shape with damaged roof, pits in the courtyard and incomplete minarets for years, before the guardian of the mosque undertook the reconstruction work in 1971. With the help generous donations from Muslim community in India and abroad, the construction of the mosque was completed in the year 1985, standing tall as one of the largest mosques of Asia.
She dreamt, she initiated, but couldn't see the dream being fulfilled in her lifetime. Destiny had it to be fulfilled by someone else a century later, for the betterment of humanity.
Darul Uloom of Taj-Ul-Masajid:
In the 19th century, when the Muslims lost power, they were challenged to preserve and protect their religion. In an effort to educate the young generation in Islam religion, they started establishing and operating various Madarsas (religious schools) throughout the country. Darul Uloom, which literally means “house of knowledge” in Arabic are religious institutes where Holy Quran is taught. Taj-Ul-Masajid Darul Uloom was established in 1950 to fulfil 3 responsibilities - education, completion of mosque, preaching Islam. Regular classes are conducted in the prayer chamber. Apart from Quran and Arabic, the students are also taught Hindi, English, Mathematics, History and Geography. The degree awarded by this institution is equivalent to B.A. by Aligarh Muslim University.
Main Prayer chamber in Taj-Ul-Masajid:
The main prayer hall of the mosque with red stone structure looks absolutely stunning. The chamber is beautifully designed with petal decorations and ornate pillars with book shelves all along. Scattered book shelves in the chamber keep spreading the message of Islam: God is merciful, all-powerful and unique (there is only one God). Prophet Muhammad is considered to be the messenger of God.
Bathing pond in the courtyard:
The entrance to the courtyard leads to a bathing tank in the centre. In Muslim tradition, it is expected to perform a purification ritual called Wudu, requiring to wash faces, hands, arms and feet before offering prayers.
Hostel in Darul Uloom:
The students have free access to the hostel rooms of Darul Uloom. Apart from the religious studies, the students are also encouraged for games and physical training.
Main entrance to the mosque:
The main entrance to the mosque is the eastern gate which was renovated during the reconstruction phase. The gate was embellished by ancient motifs from circa 1250 Syrian mosques, gifted by the Emir of Kuwait.
Taj-Ul-Masajid overlooking Taj Mahal of Bhopal
One side of the Taj-Ul-Masajid complex opens up to Motia Lake and Taj Mahal Palace of Bhopal. This royal palace was built by Shah Jahan Begum in Indo-Gothic architectural style in 1884. After India's partition in 1947, the palace was given to Sindhi refugees for a stay of 4 years, during which it went through significant damages. Some of the royal families that stayed in the palace thereafter couldn't afford the repairs and they abandoned the palace. The palace was declared as a heritage monument by the state and it is now being renovated to be used as a heritage hotel.
Expert Guide on Times Passion Trails:
I had visited Taj-Ul-Masajid as a part of Culture and Heritage Trail in Madhya Pradesh with Times Passion Trails. We had the privilege of learning the history of Taj Ul Masajid by Jamal Ayub, the editor of Times of India, Bhopal. He shared in-depth information about past, present and future of the entire area around the mosque.
Jehan Numa Retreat in Bhopal:
Times Passion Trails had hosted us at Jehan Numa Retreat in Bhopal, at the edge of a lush green forest of Van Vihar National Park. Experiencing living in this exquisite property felt like being in relationship with nature. The luxurious rooms are designed with earthy elements, opening up to an open-air shower on one side and a sitting area in the garden on the other side. The refillable copper bottles in the room specially won my heart!
Who wouldn't want to spend those extra hours at breakfast and dinners Under the Jamun Tree??!!! Yes, the signature outdoor restaurant of Jehan Numa Retreat is eloquently named "Under the Jamun Tree". And it's not just the ambience that connects you with nature, even the food mimics the freshness of the ingredients from their in-house farm produce. Jehan Numa Retreat made my time spent in Bhopal absolutely worth!
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Madhya Pradesh, the heart of Incredible India, is embellished with culturally rich ancient heritage of India. Indian heritage has time and again proved to be a beautiful means to understand the existence of mankind and evolution of life. Travel has been an addiction for me, only because of the way it has shaped me as a person. I have a strong gratitude for travel as it helps me quench my thirst for learning the natural processes. While those countless moments with nature helped me connect with myself, my eagerness for learning different ways of life kept growing on my mind. I have been overwhelmed by what our country has to offer with its rich heritage and diversity.
I recently embarked on a Culture and Heritage Trail in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of Incredible India with Times Passion Trails. Apart from cherishing the beautiful destinations, this handcrafted trail gave me a chance to immerse myself in the culture of Madhya Pradesh. I took a journey back in time as I lived the stories of human life from the prehistoric Stone Age to the current era of modern history.
I recently embarked on a Culture and Heritage Trail in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of Incredible India with Times Passion Trails. Apart from cherishing the beautiful destinations, this handcrafted trail gave me a chance to immerse myself in the culture of Madhya Pradesh. I took a journey back in time as I lived the stories of human life from the prehistoric Stone Age to the current era of modern history.
Bhimbetka Rocks Shelters (UNESCO World Heritage site):
I walked into the Stone Age around 100,000 years back (8000 BCE) as I entered the Bhimbetka caves which were home to prehistoric man. This was the time when human life had evolved to stand up on hindlegs and use the forelegs as hands to manipulate objects & tools. The ancestors have left behind some traces for us in the form of paintings on the rocks. These paintings depict how the humans had started observing animals, using them for his daily needs and eventually using them for fights against bigger animals.
My thoughts: Survival and self-protection from bigger animals had become the necessity.
My thoughts: Survival and self-protection from bigger animals had become the necessity.
Sanchi Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage site):
I then progressed to 300 BCE, when emperor Asoka was propagating Buddhism by establishing Buddhist monuments across the country, to share the message of overcoming suffering and attaining Nirvana. The Stupa of Sanchi was built to preserve the relics of Lord Buddha which was later destroyed by the successor ruler. The Stupa was rebuilt and decorated with gateways (Toranas) with intricate carvings of buddhist moral tales from Buddha's life called Jatakas.
My thoughts: Man was influenced by power & destruction, hence needed teachings to find inner peace.
My thoughts: Man was influenced by power & destruction, hence needed teachings to find inner peace.
Udayagiri caves:
I walked into the 4th century (400 CE) astronomical centre which once existed in the caves of Udayagiri possibly due to its then location on the tropic of cancer. The sculptures and inscriptions of activities related to Hindu-calendar and sundials give insights to Hindu astronomy. The king later transformed the caves into Hindu temples to restore the concept of Hindu king as a supreme leader and devotee of Lord Vishnu. The caves are oldest surviving Hindu temples with iconography from Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Shaivism. The Varaha avatar of Vishnu rescuing goddess earth from the cosmic sea is the most iconic cave here.
My thoughts: Man had started learning the concept of leadership to protect the people of their kingdom. And, astronomy existed back then too!!!!!
My thoughts: Man had started learning the concept of leadership to protect the people of their kingdom. And, astronomy existed back then too!!!!!
Khajuraho Temples (UNESCO World Heritage site):
I advanced to 10th century (950-1050 CE) as I explored the site of Khajuraho group of temples important to Shiva - one who destroys and recycles life, controlling the cosmic dance of time, evolution and dissolution. The temples are masterpieces of ancient Indian art, richly decorated with carved statues, depicting the goals of life as per Hinduism - dharma (duty), kama (desire), artha (purpose) and moksha (liberation). The temples remained abandoned for centuries under Islamic rule, yet remained protected from being vandalised due to its remoteness. However, the temples were secretly used by yogis on a regular basis and by Hindu pilgrims on occasion of Shivratri.
My thoughts: Selective men had started practising Yoga to advance mentally, physically and spiritually.
My thoughts: Selective men had started practising Yoga to advance mentally, physically and spiritually.
Chanderi:
I stood in 11th century to get a glimpse of Chanderi, a town which tells its stories through ruined temples, underground palaces and captured forts. Chanderi was captured multiple times by different rulers as it fell on important trading route of the ancient time.
My thoughts: Money had made existence in man's life and he started invading other's land for greed.
My thoughts: Money had made existence in man's life and he started invading other's land for greed.
Orchha:
I moved on to 15th century to live a day in the royal kingdom of Bundelkhand. Orchha is a tiny medieval town on the banks of river Betwa, which was a princely state for the Bundela kings. Orchha was gifted to the Bundela king by a Mughal Emperor as a token of their friendship. A day of walk in the town took me to marvellous palaces, forts, temples and cenotaphs displaying Mughal influenced Rajput architecture.
My thoughts: Man had started making friends with invaders, establishing cross-communal relationship.
My thoughts: Man had started making friends with invaders, establishing cross-communal relationship.
Taj Ul Masajid:
I headed to 18th century to find myself in Taj-Ul-Masajid which is claimed to be the crown of all mosques. The mosque was being built by the queen in the 1860s, however, due to lack of funds, it was not completed. In 1950, a religious leader took up the initiative of establishing a madrasa, an Islamic educational & religious institute and in 1971, he took up the work for completion of mosque through the funds he received as donations which stood complete in 1985, after more than a century of its initiation. The madrasa is an operational school till date and the mosque is visited by many pilgrims across the world.
My thoughts: Religion has started dividing man!
My thoughts: Religion has started dividing man!
Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple:
Forwarding to 20th century, I stand in front of an incomplete story of what could have been one of the largest Shiva temple of India which houses 27feet tall Shiva lingam. The construction of temple had started in the 11th century which seems to have stopped abruptly due to unknown reasons. The unfinished statues and carved rocks still lie around the temple in ruins. The weathered temple was taken over by ASI for restoration and was made operational in 2005. In 2020, I stand here with the renowned archeologist of India, KK Muhammed, hearing this story from the man himself who worked on the restoration of this huge temple.
My thoughts: Scope for man to complete the incomplete stories??
My thoughts: Scope for man to complete the incomplete stories??
Here, I stand in the year 2020, grasping all of it and thinking about the warmth and acceptance India has shown since the historic times. The cultural diversity that still exists in Incredible India says this in multiple ways, over and over again.
Just because I never agreed to learn history from school books, I feel blessed to be given one more chance to learn it, practically, at a time when I'm ready to perceive it the most!
P.S. This trip was curated by Times Passion Trails in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
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Author
Namaste! I'm Medhavi Davda.
I travel to Evolve..
In Nature, I confide..
I find my calling in the Himalayas..
In the Oceans, I meditate..
A High-Altitude Trekker & PADI certified SCUBA Diver, I love exploring the heights and depths of the planet with my regular doses of mountains and oceans.
Discovering myself & life through nature, adventures, travels, sports and dance has been an addiction since my existence!
Quite fond of the natural & cultural diversity of India, I've travelled extensively in my own country before exploring international destinations.
I had left my 9+ yrs of career in Software Industry in a quest to make a living out of my passions. I packed my basics in my car (gave away the rest) and lived in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for 16 months. This invaluable time taught me to experience life from a broader perspective.
I'm currently living in Mumbai to work with an Adventure Travel company as a product manager for Scuba Diving. I continue living a minimalistic life.
I travel to Evolve..
In Nature, I confide..
I find my calling in the Himalayas..
In the Oceans, I meditate..
A High-Altitude Trekker & PADI certified SCUBA Diver, I love exploring the heights and depths of the planet with my regular doses of mountains and oceans.
Discovering myself & life through nature, adventures, travels, sports and dance has been an addiction since my existence!
Quite fond of the natural & cultural diversity of India, I've travelled extensively in my own country before exploring international destinations.
I had left my 9+ yrs of career in Software Industry in a quest to make a living out of my passions. I packed my basics in my car (gave away the rest) and lived in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for 16 months. This invaluable time taught me to experience life from a broader perspective.
I'm currently living in Mumbai to work with an Adventure Travel company as a product manager for Scuba Diving. I continue living a minimalistic life.
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Recent Posts
Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Ghandruk Village - the shortest route to ABC Trek
Bandipur - a charming Newari heritage town in Himalayas
Khajuraho Temples: symbolism of sacred union of the divine - feminine energy & masculine consciousness
Walking along the heritage town of Orchha - a hidden gem of Bundelkhand
Sanchi Stupa - the best preserved Buddhist monument of India
Taj-UI-Masajid, Bhopal - the largest mosque in India
Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - my outdoor history classroom
Bandipur - a charming Newari heritage town in Himalayas
Khajuraho Temples: symbolism of sacred union of the divine - feminine energy & masculine consciousness
Walking along the heritage town of Orchha - a hidden gem of Bundelkhand
Sanchi Stupa - the best preserved Buddhist monument of India
Taj-UI-Masajid, Bhopal - the largest mosque in India
Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - my outdoor history classroom