Camels in Desert, Sam

From Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) at a distance of 42 kms is a popular spot in the desert is Sam (State: Rajasthan). People go to this place to watch sunset. (Click on the image for bigger view)

One can reach this place by driving on the road. Other most popular means of transport is camel safari.

Khajuraho Temples

From Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) we moved to our next destination Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) which is at a distance of 180 kms. Here one requires 2 full days to cover the monuments and other places around.

Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree), which can be found in plenty in the area. The World famous temples of Khajuraho were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandel Empire. During those days there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Most of the temples are built of sandstone in varying shades of buff, pink or pale yellow. Erotic scenes represent a relatively small part of the carvings but sensuous eroticism prevails throughout all of the sculptures. The divine sculptures in these temples, are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it.The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions:

• Western Group of Temples
• Eastern Group of Temples
• Southern Group of Temples

We shall attempt to cover these temples in some detail in the subsequent posts.

Murals of Laxminarayan Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Laxminarayan Temple of 1622 is one of the most important tourist attraction of the place. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

The inner portion of the temple in the ceilings are adorned with murals, where the themes are based on Sage Valmiki’s Ramayana, and the poet, Tulsidas’, Ram Charitra Manas. In the painting above among other things one can see Lord Krishna with Radha.

The vivacious colors of the frescoes are still retained. In the painting above there are various animals like men on elephants and horses. There are also peacocks at the corners.

Laxminarayan Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Laxminarayan temple is one of the most important tourist attraction of the place. Though the temple is dedicated the Goddess Laxmi, there is no idol of the Goddess in the temple. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This beautiful temple was built in 1622 by Vir Singh Deo. The condition of the temple soon worsened due to inadequate maintenance. It was reconstructed by Prithvi Singh during 1793. Built using lime mortar and bricks, the architecture of temple exceptional blend of temple and fort architecture. The temple has a rectangular plan with four multi-faced projecting bastions at its four corners. There are mural paintings on the interior walls of the temple.

The carvings on the central dome are exquisite as can be seen in the above image. The pillars on the corners are ornate with carvings. There is a statue of Lord Ganesh on this structure.

Aman Resorts Opens Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

Aman junkies in the know have been waiting for this for years—the opening of the 47-suite Aman Sveti Stefan complex off the coast of Montenegro. It’s the counterpoint to Villa Milocer, located across the bay, which opened in 2009.

Back in the 15th century, this small island on the Adriatic coast went from a powerful fortress to sleepy fishing village. In the 1950s and ’60s, enterprising hospitality types turned the town into a Mecca for the rich and famous. The quaint red-roofed buildings and stone streets were preserved while upgrading hotel interiors to include everything the luxury traveler expects in modern accommodations.

By the seventies, the place was sprawling with celebrities. Princess Margaret vacationed at Sveti Stefan as did Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. But the world changed and when the Yugoslav federation failed in the 1990s, this enchanting enclave went into sleeper mode once again.

It wasn’t until 2007 that Aman Resorts placed a bid with the Montenegro government to redevelop the 40,700-square-foot Saint Stefan’s island. Aman first opened the stone mansion Villa Milocer, overlooking the isle, in 2009 and now, the entire complex is reading to welcome guests.

Visit and explore several fine dining venues, the spa, and three pink sand beaches—Sveti Stefan, Milocer Beach, and Queen’s Beach.

Sveti Stefan is the ideal home base from which to explore the towns of Budva, Cetinje, and Perast as well as Skadar Lake and the Bay of Kotor.

Rates start at $775, including roundtrip transfers from Tivat and Podgorica airports.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Aman Resorts

Bijapur, City of Victory

Bijapur (State: Karnatka) is located at a distance of 530 km northwest of Bangalore. This city was established in the 10th - 11th centuries by the Chalukya Dynasty. It was then referred as Vijayapura (City of victory). (Click on the images for bigger view)

From the 13th century onwards this city was ruled by Mughal, Bahamani rulers. The city landscape is covered with great monuments of historical importance built during the Adil Shahi dynasty. It had a citadel of 6km stretch around the city. Within the citadel are the remains of both Hindu temples and old mosques. Outside the walls are the remains of a vast city, now for the most part in ruins.

The places of interest both old and new here are:

• Gol Gumbaz
• Jumma Masjid
• Ibrahim Roza
• Mehtar Mahal
• Uppali Buruj
• Bara Kaman
• Malik-E-Maidan
• Taj Bawdi
• Sidharameshwar Temple

Flowering Trees - Jacaranda

Bangalore (State: Karnataka) is slowly changing from the Garden City to concrete jungle. However, some of the trees that helped it to earned its name, still adorne the streets of Bangalore. The beauty of these flowering trees is appreciated and cherished. It is pleasure to move on the streets of Bangalore with all the trees around you. (Click on the images for bigger view)

One such tree is beautiful Jacaranda flower tree. Mostly the tree bears flowers when the tree is leafless.

The flowers are purple colored and tubular. These flowers hang from the tree for a long time before falling off.

For more visit ABC Wednesday

Heritage Jain Temples Stamps

Government of India on 14th October 2009 released two stamps on the Jain Heritage Temples - Ranakpur Temple and Dilwara Temples. Each of these stamps are of denomination Rpees 5.

I visited both these temples in December 2004, when I toured the State of Rajasthan.

Ranakpur Temples: Located in Ranakpur (State: Rajasthan) this 15th century temple is famous world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. This temple is wholly constructed in light colored marble covering an total area of 48000 sq feet. There are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Dilwara Temples: Located in Mount Abu (State: Rajasthan) these temples of 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels in marble. The specialty of these temples is externally they look very plane. This temple is on World Heritage Monuments list.

Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the 17th century Dinman Hardaul's Palace is a symbol of the respect and love between brothers. The splendid edifice of Palace represents the rich artistic skills and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the ancient times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

According to a historical legend, Dinman Hardaul's Palace was constructed in honor of the prince Hardaul who sacrificed his life for his elder brother Jhujhar. The elder brother had suspected that his younger brother was romantically involved with his long time companion and friend. Due to this prince Hardaul decided end his life to show his virtuous nature to Jhujhar.

Phool Bagh and Wind Towers, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Phool Bagh is a beautiful garden of the royal rulers of the Bundelkhand dynasty. Surrounded by colorful and attractive flower beds in those days, Phool Bagh was the summer palace of the rulers of Orchha.

The shot below was taken from the Charurbhuj Temple. On the left is Ram Raja Temple and in the extreme right the two towers are Wind Towers. In the center is Phool Bagh Palace. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Next to Phool Bagh palace, are the cooling towers which caught the prevailing wind. The huge towers would capture the hot winds and produce a cooling effect over the entire area.

Snag a Seat on a Private Jet for the Cost of Commercial Business Class

Maybe you've looked into fractional jet ownership before and couldn't quite justify the expense. Now a new company called WannaJet wants a crack at your business. The idea they're floating is this: share a private jet flight for the price of a business class ticket on a commercial flight.

First, decide where you wish to fly within the United States or Europe. Then go to WannaJet's website and either post your travel plans or join an existing group that's going your way on the appropriate date. At least four travelers must request the same route.

Once a full complement of travelers is formed, the itinerary is confirmed and WannaJet contacts its partners that operate private jets and charters one that is appropriate for your travel plans.

The fixed price is provided via the site's online booking engine so you'll know the per seat fee before locking into the itinerary. Figure on an average of $820 per hour in the air. For example, a flight plan that's currently posted on WannaJet's site departs from Westchester County Airport in New York and lands at DeKalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta for $1,719 per person (one way).

Sixty domestic business routes are available and service onboard the jets rivals or exceeds top first-class offerings—professional attendants, multi-course meals, in-flight entertainment—from the commercial airlines.

What happens if the other passengers drop out at the last minute? Will you have to foot the bill for the entire jet? No. As long as four people are confirmed on your flight, you're good to go. If for some reason the passenger count drops below the required four passengers within 72 hours prior to take off, the company will offer to rebook you on a comparable commercial flight for the same price you agreed upon. That gesture doesn't quite hit the mark though if you've had your heart set on a private jet experience.

For more information, visit WannaJet.com.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Dayalbagh Gardens, Agra

Dayalbagh (State: Uttar Pradesh) is at a distance of 15 kms from Agra. Here in 1861, Shiv Dayal Sahib stared a religious movement known as Radhasoami Satsang Movement, that is an amalgamation of a number of other religions. In his memory his disciples constructed the Dayalbagh Gardens. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This is actually not a flower garden, but home for a monument with beautiful carvings.