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Showing posts from July, 2015

Madhya Pradesh Trip-3: Visit to Chitrakoot

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Watch the full video here Overview: I first heard about Chitrakoot while watching the TV series Ramayan in the 1980s. Then later read several books and heard from different people how important Chitrakoot is in Indian history. I reached Chitrakoot from Gwalior at around 4am in the morning, and I had booked the Retiring room at Chitrakoot Railway station for my accomodation. But unfortunately after reaching ChitrakootDham railway station, I found the Retiring room in a shabby conditon and in complete darkness. People were sleeping on the platform and there was nobody to guide me on the retiring room. So finally I decided to move out of the station and look for accomodation. I managed to get a single room just opposite the Railway station for Rs 800. There are several options for stay near the railway station, and since I had my next train past midnight, I preferred some place quite close so that I can just walk to the train station. I got freshened up and at around 7:30am, I ventured ou

George Town, Penang, Malaysia: Exploring one of the oldest towns in Malaysia

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  Overview: After visiting the natural beauties of Penang in Penang Hill, the national Park and the beaches, our next destination was the famous Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple and the historic George Town, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. First we visited the Kek Lok Si temple, which can be reached till the top if we have our own vehicle or commute by a taxi. But if travelling by Rapid Transport buses, one has to get down at the bus stop and climb a series of stairs to reach the temple top. Its Pagoda is a blend of Burmese, Thai and Chinese architecture. At the top there is a huge 100 ft statue of Kuan Yin which is visible from as far as the top of Penang Hill. The Outer part of George Town is more developed with malls, big skyscrapers like the Komtar building and other temples/mosques can be seen. The inner part of the city still retains the old world charm. The chowrasta market is the largest market area of George Town. One attraction in the heart of Georgetown is the use o