IRON GIANTS, KITE BRIDGES, AND ENDLESS THALIS –WONDERS OF GUJARAT !

Our Gujarat adventure officially kicked off when my husband and I flew from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad. Landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport—managed by the Adani Group and ranked India's 7th busiest airport—the arrival lobby absolutely blew us away. It was meticulously designed to showcase Gujarat’s vibrant culture and heritage, instantly immersing us in an authentic regional vibe.

From the airport, we checked into our room, dropped off our luggage, and headed straight to the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, about 200 km away. The monument is closed every Monday for structural checks and deep engineering maintenance.

You can see the statue from far away. Standing at a monumental 597 feet, it is officially the world’s tallest statue—nearly double the height of the Statue of Liberty! It stands right on the Narmada River, facing the colossal Sardar Sarovar Dam. 

The monument is a massive tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s "Iron Man" and its first Deputy Prime Minister, who successfully integrated 562 fragmented princely states into a unified Indian Union after independence.

Honestly, after seeing what it took to build it—24,500 metric tonnes of steel frames and 6,500 bronze panels engineered to survive fierce 180 km/h winds and Seismic Zone IV earthquakes—I thought "Iron Man" was an understatement. Unlike most giant vertical pillars, it features a unique architectural design with a narrow base and an irregular, active walking pose.

Ticket Options at the Statue: SOU Entry Ticket (Rs 150 Adults / Rs 90 Kids): Gives campus access, the base museum, and free internal shuttle buses.

Viewing Gallery Ticket (Rs 380 Adults / Rs 230 Kids): Includes all basic features plus elevator access to the chest-level viewing gallery.

Express VIP Ticket (Rs 1,030 / person): Bypasses all the massive elevator queues. If you are travelling on a weekend or a festival day, we highly recommend buying this to save time and energy.

By the time we finished exploring the state-of-the-art museum detailing India's freedom struggle at the statue's base, our stomachs were growling louder than the speedboats on the Narmada River. 

We popped into a local eatery nearby to try Farsan (the collective Gujarati word for savoury snacks). In Gujarat, snacking isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life.

I am very fond of Dhokla, so we ordered a platter of Khaman Dhokla—fluffy, steamed savory gram flour cakes topped with mustard seeds and green chillies. It looks like a bright yellow kitchen sponge but tastes like juicy, sweet-and-sour heaven.

Alongside it came Khandvi, a literal work of culinary art: tightly rolled, paper-thin layers of gram flour and yogurt that practically melt in your mouth. We topped it off with Patra—taro leaves coated in a spicy, tangy chickpea paste, rolled, steamed, and pan-fried to crispy perfection.

Fully satiated, we headed up to the Viewing Gallery. We zipped up inside the statue in a high-speed glass elevator that took just 30 seconds. The open panoramic deck accommodates up to 200 people, providing gorgeous 360-degree vistas across the Satpura and Vindhya ranges and the dam.

On our way out, we passed the Wall of Unity. This highly symbolic, 50x15-foot rammed earth wall was formulated entirely with soil gathered from 169,078 Indian villages during the project's historic nationwide Loha (iron) collection drive. 

As we walked past, I heard a visitor proudly telling his wife that even their village had taken part in it too. 

While we had to walk a lot, there were plenty of travelators to aid anyone having difficulty. At 7:30 PM, the entire bronze statue turns into a giant projector screen for a 25-minute light and sound show narrating the history of India's unification—an absolute must-watch!

The surrounding area hosts over 30 tourist attractions connected by free, air-conditioned shuttle buses, including

For Nature Lovers: A massive 375-acre Jungle Safari zoo, a cactus garden, and a beautifully manicured 17-kilometer Valley of Flowers.

For Kids: The world's first tech-driven theme park for healthy eating, featuring a miniature electric "Nutri Train" with VR games.

For Adventure Seekers: White-water river rafting at Khalwani Eco-Tourism or a romantic Ekta Cruise boat ride down the river.

The Unity Glow Garden: India's largest organic labyrinth (the Maze Garden) that lights up after dark with thousands of glowing, LED-illuminated animal installations.

Our final stop took us back to the heart of Ahmedabad to the Atal Bridge. Opened in August 2022, this is India's first pedestrian-only steel truss bridge spanning the Sabarmati River. It has already drawn over 77 lakh visitors, and it was easy to see why.

The design was inspired by the traditional kites flown during Gujarat's famous Uttarayan festival. At night, the bridge undergoes a magical transformation with a dynamic LED lighting sequence that makes the whole riverfront sparkle.

The bridge features four expansive, transparent glass floor sections. Looking straight down into the flowing river beneath us was thrilling! 

To prevent heavy congestion, a standard entry ticket of Rs 30 allows for a 30-minute stay, and security enforces a strict limit of 3,000 visitors per hour on the deck. Cricket bats, footballs, skateboards, outside food, and pets are strictly forbidden. Casual smartphone photography is highly encouraged, but professional shoots require a commercial permit.

Right adjacent to the western gate is the Sabarmati Riverfront Flower Park, a 3.85-hectare curated green space showcasing over 72 distinct species of flora. Inside is the Moon Trail Glow Garden, a nighttime exhibition featuring 54 vibrant, illuminated neon sculptures and specialized selfie zones.

Exhausted, heavily photosynthesized from the sun, and with our feet throbbing, we literally hobbled off the bridge and went straight to a traditional Gujarati restaurant. If you think you know Indian food, a Gujarati thali will politely tap you on the shoulder and make you change your mind.

The defining characteristic here is contrast. The food manages to be sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy in one bite—mostly because a bit of jaggery is sneaked into almost everything, including the savoury dishes! My husband spent the first ten minutes trying to figure out why his spicy curry tasted like dessert, and the next twenty minutes demanding a second helping.

We feasted on Sev Tameta Nu Shaak (a spicy, tangy tomato curry topped with crispy, savoury chickpea noodles) paired with warm, buttery, flaky Theplas. 

We also loved the Gujarati Kadhi—a thin, silky, sweet-and-spicy yoghurt soup flavoured with ginger and green chillies that felt like a warm therapeutic hug for our stomachs.

The best part? The waiters didn't believe in waiting until the end of the meal for dessert—sweets were served right on the plate next to the spicy curries! We scooped up dense, saffron-infused Shrikhand with hot, puffy puris, and washed it down with Basundi (rich, thickened condensed milk loaded with pistachios). 

Almost all the restaurants operate on an "all-you-can-eat" model. Servers walk around with copper buckets and do not take "no" for an answer, viewing an empty spot on your plate as a personal insult! Ultimately, we discovered that refreshing buttermilk was our best friend to cool our palates and aid digestion.

What a massive, beautiful, exhausting first day in Gujarat! 

DIVINE VIBES AT SWAYAMBHU ANANTHA PADMANABHA SWAMI TEMPLE AT PENJARLA ,TELANGANA

By happy accident, we discovered a peaceful spiritual getaway near Hyderabad: the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Penjerla. A friend mentioned it once, and we finally decided to visit it on our granddaughter’s birthday. 

Tucked away in Penjerla village (Kothur Mandal), the temple is about 45 km from our residence in Hyderabad—a smooth, roughly one-hour drive on roads that remain good all the way to the site. 

Upon arrival, we found adequate parking, basic restroom facilities, and a wonderfully clean, spacious courtyard surrounded by lush green trees.

The modern temple complex beautifully showcases an "old meets new" charm, letting devotees experience both grand modern architecture and pristine ancient history.

We were greeted by the newly redeveloped main structure, which reopened in February 2025. Its architecture masterfully captures traditional South Indian elements, complete with intricately designed pillars, a towering shikhara (dome), and beautifully carved walls that blend regional heritage with a clean, contemporary layout.

Inside the main sanctum is a true marvel of traditional craftsmanship: an 18-foot reclining Lord Vishnu in the Anantha Sayana (cosmic sleep) posture. This magnificent deity is an Ekashila carving—sculpted entirely from a single, massive stone. It is structurally engineered to create an ingenious floating appearance above the serpent bed of Adishesh.

Directly behind this newly built structure sat the original, ancient Swayambhoo shrine, accessible via a charming arched entrance. Kept perfectly intact to preserve its centuries-old spiritual vibration, this area represents the humble, serene core where the self-manifested deity was worshipped for generations.

According to local folklore, the site’s roots stretch back millennia to the Mahabharata era, when it was used for worship by King Janamejaya (son of King Parikshit and great-grandson of Arjuna). While these mythological roots run deep, local historical consensus estimates the original shrine to be approximately 500 to 800 years old, though no archaeological evidence remains.

Legend has it, that the statue was discovered by a local villager grazing sheep in the forest. A young, hungry boy suddenly appeared, drank some milk offered by the villager, and went to sleep on a rock under a Moduga tree. 

When the villagers returned the next morning to check on the boy left alone in the thick forest, he was gone; in his place lay the sacred statue of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy resting on a seven-headed serpent, accompanied by his consorts, Bhudevi and Sridevi.

The original 800-year-old rock structure is housed inside the smaller, preserved inner sanctum (Garbhagriha). To prevent erosion of the natural stone, the priests strictly avoid rough, abrasive washings.

The entire stone bed and reclining deity are carved to appear as if they float slightly above the ground without a conventional base, resting entirely on the natural rock formation.

Unlike the composite figures found in Kerala made of Katusarkara, this deity is carved entirely from natural, dark Salagrama stone. The Lord rests atop the heavy, neatly layered stone coils of the grand serpent Adishesha, while a seven-hooded canopy rises from the same block to curve gently over His head.

Lord Vishnu lies with facial features reflecting a calm Yoga Nidra (sleep), while figures of Sridevi and Bhudevi are sculpted near his feet.

The temple has gained wide recognition for its spiritual power; it is said that whoever prays and ties a mudupu (a sacred vow) will definitely see their wish fulfilled within 45 days.

Throughout the courtyard—especially around the older rear shrine and under the trees—we saw hundreds of yellow and red turmeric vow cloths tied. This sight added a deeply devotional aesthetic to the serene space.

One can check directly with the local priests upon arrival regarding designated spots if one wishes to tie one.

Just beside the Swayambhu temple, we also came across a peaceful goshala (cow sanctuary), where five cows looked out at us with benign inquisitiveness.

The temple experiences a beautiful transformation during traditional calendar festivals, observing highly energetic and spiritually significant rituals throughout the year.

During Vaikunta Ekadashi, which comes in December/January, devotees gather for early morning pujas and the recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama. Passing through a specially decorated Vaikuntha Dwaram (heavenly gate) is believed to grant salvation.

Annual Brahmotsavam is the temple’s signature celebration, featuring vibrant floral and light decorations, rhythmic musical offerings, elaborate Vedic rituals, and colorful daily processions of the deities through the village paths.

Ananta Padmanabha Vratham is a dedicated day honoring Lord Anantha with community prayers, sacred thread-tying ceremonies, and special vrathams for family prosperity.

During Karthika Deepostavam, the tree-lined stone courtyard is beautifully illuminated with thousands of traditional oil lamps in the evenings, with abhishekam during the day.

Ugadi & Sri Rama Navami are also celebrated with great devotion and local festive fervour.

The temple's standard timings are 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

During morning Suprabhata Seva from 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM, one can witness peaceful morning awakening chants and the initial deeparadhana and worship the deity at the calmest hour before the heat sets in.

The Nijaroopa Darshanam is available immediately after the morning purification abhishekam sevas, typically mid-to-late morning on auspicious days like Saturdays.

Evening Deeparadhana from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM offers a completely different energy; we can catch the final Harati at dusk, very beautiful as the new architecture lights up and a cool breeze flows through the courtyard.

Whether we are seeking spiritual solace, looking to make a sacred vow, or simply wanting a quiet morning away from the city bustle, Penjerla’s Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple offers a refreshing, non-commercialised, and truly divine experience.

 

 

 

 

TOTEM POLES,PARKS AND DUCKS IN VANCOUVER -CANADA JOURNEY

The next morning, we reluctantly left Victoria and cruised the Salish Sea on BC Ferries, which operates one of the largest marine highway networks. Our wonderful tour manager had booked our tickets in advance, which saved me from watching my hubby have a logistical meltdown at the terminal gates.

As the primary passenger and vehicle marine highway operator along coastal British Columbia, BC Ferries manages a massive network where a fleet of 41 vessels serves 47 ports of call across 25 distinct routes. 

The travel route from Victoria to Vancouver is approximately 72 miles, combining a highway drive on both ends with a spectacular 90-minute marine crossing.

As soon as we got on the ferry, my hubby wanted to stretch out on a deck chair and catch a nap, but I dragged him to the outer decks because I absolutely refuse to miss wildlife, LOL! As we squeezed through the Active Pass—a channel so narrow between Galiano and Mayne Islands, I could practically see what the islanders were having for breakfast—nature absolutely showed off. 

We saw bald eagles circling the trees, harbour seals sunbathing on rocks, and a pod of killer whales breaching the surface. My hubby was busy photographing the historic white-and-red Georgina Point Lighthouse, located on the rocky shores of Mayne Island. It marks the eastern entrance of Active Pass and makes for a classic West Coast photo.

The ship glided closely past the pristine, forested coastlines of Salt Spring Island, Pender Island, and Galiano Island, giving us a front-row seat to quiet bays and waterfront cabins. As usual, I was yearning for one until my hubby reminded me that we don’t stay in Canada.

As we pulled into Tsawwassen, we had beautiful views of the Fraser River delta and the massive coastal mountains towering over Metro Vancouver. We arrived, disembarked, and headed into Vancouver.

We were driven straight to Stanley Park, a massive, 1,001-acre urban rainforest that makes New York's Central Park look like a potted plant. 

We alighted from our bus and looked at the Vancouver Sea Wall, the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path, stretching 17.4 miles. It was flat and paved; and had the seaside walkway and the cycling Path.

As we walked along the waterfront path, we passed a striking 9-foot bronze monument depicting a male track star bursting forward as his chest broke the finish-line tape; it is Harry Jerome, created by prominent local sculptor Jack Harman and unveiled in 1988.

Harry Winston Jerome was one of Canada’s most legendary track-and-field athletes. The monument stands on a stone pedestal off the pedestrian walkway, allowing photographers to capture his silhouette sprinting against Vancouver downtown skyline, Coal Harbour, and Canada Place.

Our first stop was the famous First Nations Totem Poles at Brockton Point, British Columbia’s most visited tourist attraction. Carved from western red cedar, these stunning monumental sculptures serve as a powerful introduction to First Nations artistry, storytelling, and regional history. 

A common misconception is that totem poles are religious idols, but they were never worshipped. Instead, the figures carved on the poles represent family crests, clan lineages, and notable clan achievements. 

Specific animals convey unique ancestral meanings: "Eagle" represents the kingdom of the air. "Whale" signifies lordship of the sea. "Wolf" embodies the genius of the land, and "Frog" represents a transitional link between land and sea.

The Vancouver Parks Board began buying and assembling the poles in the 1920s to create a replica First Nations village. Ironically, this tourist attraction was built during the same era that the Canadian government enforced the Potlatch Ban, which outlawed the very ceremonies where totem poles were traditionally raised.

Furthermore, most of the historic poles are not native to the local Vancouver area; they were brought in from northern BC nations.

By the 1980s, natural elements had heavily weathered the original wood. To preserve them, the historic poles were moved to protective museums, like the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. The Park Board then commissioned master carvers to create the exact, vibrant replicas that stand in the park today.

We viewed the striking line-up of poles, alongside newer pieces that explicitly honour the local territory.

Robert Yelton Memorial Pole (2009) is the newest pole and the only one created by a local-area artist. It stands noticeably taller on its own near the entrance, featuring a traditional, less colorful Coast Salish style. It was raised directly in front of the site where Yelton's family lived before being evicted by the city in 1935.

Thunderbird House Post was carved by legendary artist Charlie James in the early 1900s; this massive post shows a mythical Thunderbird with its wings spread wide. 

"People Amongst the People" Gateways (2008) were designed by Coast Salish artist Susan Point; these three striking red cedar portals frame the visitor centre area. 

Next, we headed up to Prospect Point, the highest point in Stanley Park and one of Vancouver's most historic observation points. Situated at the northern tip of the park along the First Narrows of Burrard Inlet, it is known in the local Squamish language as Chay-thoos, meaning "high bank." 

The broad, fully wheelchair-accessible viewing platform offers a premier, 270-degree vantage point for sweeping views of the North Shore Mountains, passing cruise ships, and the Lions Gate Bridge. 

We also spotted the Prospect Point Café & Ice Cream shop, a perfect pit stop to grab a coffee or a sweet treat to enjoy on the patio. The weather was hot, and we hurriedly ate an ice cream as our coach laughingly refused to let any of us enter the bus with an ice cream in hand.

The bridge itself was a majestic, bright-green suspension landmark. Officially named the First Narrows Bridge, it opened in 1938 to connect downtown Vancouver to the North Shore municipalities. 

Its construction was entirely funded by the famous Guinness beer family in the 1930s to open up real estate development. The name "Lions Gate" refers to the Lions, a prominent pair of twin mountain peaks on the North Shore that the bridge directly faces.

Because of its dramatic design, it has starred in several films, serving as the setting for the bridge collapse in Final Destination 5 and appearing in Tron: Legacy and Deadpool 2.

Next on our agenda was Canada Place; we drove to the outdoor "Canadian Trail" promenade along the western side. It offered incredible, unobstructed views of the North Shore Mountains, the busy harbour, and seaplanes taking off.

Canada Place is Vancouver’s most iconic waterfront landmark, instantly recognisable by its massive, white fabric roofs that resemble five glowing sails.

Built originally as the Canada Pavilion for the Expo 86 World's Fair, it has evolved into a bustling multi-use hub in the heart of downtown. It serves as a majestic architectural marvel, the region's main cruise ship terminal, and a premier venue for world-class community.

On the way, we saw the famous collection of giant, grinning bronze figures by English Bay Beach. At first glance, I mistook them for goblins due to their bare chests and dramatically exaggerated facial features; they are actually known as the "Laughing Men" statues. 

14 bronze statues, which are nearly 10 feet tall, each depicting the acclaimed Chinese artist Yue himself in various states of hysterical laughter. They were created for the 2009–2011 Vancouver Biennale.

They became so popular that magnate Chip Wilson and his wife Shannon bought them for $1.5 million and donated them to the city. 

The area was open, and we saw visitors walking through the labyrinth, touching the bronze, and mimicking the playful poses.

Because we had a flight out the next morning, our tour manager booked us at the Accent Inns Vancouver Airport. This place is an absolute gem for anyone tired of stuffy corporate hotels, leaning hard into unpretentious, light-hearted comedy. Parking is completely free, a mythical feature in the Vancouver area.

Their sense of humor shone through witty signs displayed all over the property; the elevator was labelled a "Flight Simulator" due to the nearby airport.

The room pens openly told us, "And always take the pens LOL!" which I promptly did.

The outdoor benches featured reminders that resting with a coffee is way better than exercising. A cleaning sandwich board warned us, "Spring cleaning never killed anyone, but why risk it?"

The absolute highlight is that every guest gets a free signature yellow rubber duck at check-in. 

I was delighted to see a giant Scrabble board with magnetic letters in the lounge.

Canada and the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies left us feeling humbled. We took home beautiful memories of the turquoise glacial waters of lakes like Lake Louise and the ancient rainforests of British Columbia. Canada is a place where nature is not just a backdrop but the main character.

Canada's urban centres beautifully reflect its multicultural heart, highlighting distinct city personalities; we loved Toronto's towering skyline and global food scene, Vancouver's perfect harmony of ocean and mountains, and Victoria's historic beauty and grace. 

Beyond the scenery, the true warmth of Canada lies in its people, whose reputation for genuine kindness, inclusivity, and a relaxed pace of life is felt everywhere. 

Ultimately, a trip through Canada was a reminder of how vast and pristine the world can still be; it left us with a deep desire to return and explore what lies beyond the next horizon.