What is cryptic about the ancient civilization that thrived
and glorified the unique history of India?
A question that was lingering in my mind the day I was
introduced with the prudent lifestyle and extravagant colonies of European
settlers in India history. Although both of them offer a very contradictory
perspective of looking at life, however, they are the flagbearer of the amazing
diversity that played an immense role in making our culture rich and vibrant. I
happened to realize this during my prolific journey to Goa and parts of
Maharashtra.
Chronicled around the beaches and ancient caves of India,
the six nights and seven days tour was handcrafted by India's oldest tour
operator which has earned the reputation of exposing the world to the unique
wildlife and amazing native lives peacefully residing in the core of this
overwhelmingly populous country. My journey kickstarted in one of the Mughal
Empire's capital towns Aurangabad. Fringed with palatial edifices and lush
green surroundings, Aurangabad is a getaway to the mesmerizing world of cave architecture
that has garnered name around the world for harboring the ancient caves of
Ajanta and Ellora caves, believed to be built around 2nd century B.C. The next
day after an overnight stay at the Meadow Resort, I headed towards exploring
these startling caverns that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The vast precinct of Ellora caves was my first stop.
Covering an area of more than two kilometers, the place is a
beautiful amalgamation of Buddhist monasteries, Jain and Hindu Temples. The
intricate carving on rock temples speaks volumes about the laudable history of
ancient India. While Buddhist monasteries illustrate the sermon of Lord Buddha,
the Hindu temples beautifully depict gods and demigods and their various forms.
My personal favorite was the artistic depiction of Goddess Parvati and Lord
Shiva's wonderful dance form. The caves of Jain temples are smaller in as
compared to Hindu and Buddhist Temples, however, this doesn't quash away the
detailed carving gracefully featured in each of these caves. After spending a
significant amount of time exploring the excavation of Ellora caves, I headed
towards Ajanta Caves.
Spread in the form of a horseshoe, Ajanta Caves has a total
of 29 caverns portraying Buddhist tradition in paintings and sculptures. It is
believed that when Buddhist monks couldn't continue their travel due to heavy
rain they took refuge in over here and utilized their time making incredible
masterpieces inside the caves. While traversing through the region I came across
many caves that depict the cycle of reincarnations of Gautam Buddha, pictorial
tales of Jatakamala, and rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities. The day came
to an end with a wonderful insight into the beautiful civilization that graced
India's past. The next day I headed towards Goa, a place that is laced with
silvery beaches and virgin forests of Western Ghats.
I spent one entire day exploring the beautiful old churches
and basilicas built by the Portuguese during their long stay in the region.
While Basilica of Bom Jesus is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for
holding the finest examples of Baroque architecture and beautifully contains
the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, the Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina is
considered to be the largest church in India radiating with the beauty of
Portuguese- Manueline architectural style. While walking down the lanes of
several other famous churches including Chapel of St Catherine, Church of St
Cajetan, Nossa Senhora de Penha de Franca, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate
Conception, I happened to enjoy the wonderful spectacle of Aguada Fort, and
Chapora Fort standing gloriously on Sinquerim Beach and Chapora River. These
forts speak volumes about the great history inherited by this considerable small
yet captivating state of India.
The tour culminated in the tranquil ambiance of Mandrem
beach. Basking in the sun, I was taking delight enjoying the crimson transition
of the sky as the soothing waves of the beach were wetting my legs with its
salty water.
www.asianadventures.in
info@asianadventures.in
Phone : +91 8010850000
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