Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad

Date: 31st Aug 2019

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Food: None.

Photography: Allowed outside.

Other attractions nearby:

This famous Jain temple in Ahmedabad is dedicated to Lord Tirthankar Dharmanath. The temple was planned by the Jain merchant Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh. However he passed away at the age of 49 before the construction begun. However his wife Shethani Harkunwar made sure the temple was constructed as desired by her late husband. Built after two years the temple was named after Hutheesing. The temple was built when the city was affected by famine. The construction helped the artisans earn their bread during that time. The elegant temple was built in white marble and lot of addition was made to the original temple. The latest addition being the 78ft Manasthambha in front of the temple. The front of the two storyed temple is decorated with elaborately carved pillars and arches.The temple also houses deities of other tirthankars in smaller shrines. Photography inside the temple is prohibited.

Few pics from the complex.

One of the beautiful temples in Ahmedabad is a must visit place for the pilgrims and tourist.

Rani Sipri tomb and Mosque, Ahmedabad

Date: 31st Aug 2019

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Food: None.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby:

Rani Sipri's mosque also known as Masjid-e-nagina is a small mosque built by Mahmud begda's hindu wife Sipri in 1514. The Queen after her death was buried here. Though small the intricately carved walls and the window jali work gives the name rightfully the jewel of a mosque. Like many other structures in Ahmadabad this is a fine example of  mixture of Hindu Islamic architecture. The ornamental minarets with fine details in the mosque standout among other parts of the mosque. It was earlier called as Rani Asni's mosque.

Few pictures from the place.

Sarkhej Roza, Ahmedabad

Date: 31st Aug 2019

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Food: None.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby:

Sarkhej Roza is an architectural complex housing a mosque, tombs, large tank and palace. The complex is located around 8 KM from the city. Ahmed shah the founder of the city built the mausoleum and the mosque in honor of a sufi saint Shaikh ahmed khatu ganj baksh. The saint moved to Sarkhej during his later years and live here till his death in 1445. The tank, event place and another mausoleum was later added by the ruler Sultan Mahmad Begada. The mausoleum opposite of that saint contains the tombs of the king, his queen Rajabai and his son Muzaffar II. Like many monuments this complex was a fusion of Islamic and Hindu architecture styles. The Jama Masjid located next to the saints tomb is a big complex with prayer hall. The hall has a loft like structure of the side for royal women to offer prayers. The long corridors connect to the prayer hall and there is balcony overlooking the tank on one side.

The monument is located outside the city and little away from other major attractions. The place is more of a religious place and doesn't attract much visitors. Hire an auto rickshaw from the city to reach the place. There is an auto stand outside and can easily get back to the city.

Few pics from the place.

The lesser known attraction can be visited if one has ample time.

Dada Harir vav, Ahmedabad

Date: 31st Aug 2019

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Food: None.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby:

Dada Harir ki vav is one of the many ancient steps wells built in Gujarat. The stepwell was built around 1500 during the rule of Mahmud Begada. The stepwell and a mosque behind the well was built by Dahi Harir. The well lies at the ground level and has five levels. The walls leading to the bottom has many intricate carvings. Many Sanskrit and Arabic inscriptions can be found on the walls. Like other stepwells this is one of the fine example showcasing the Gujarati designs. The beautifully decorated pillars and the walls shows the amount of attention giving in building the well. The octagonal shaped well had provided the traveler of its time place to rest during their journey and water for the local people around.
The monument is located in old Ahmedabad. Easiest was to reach the place is to hire auto rickshaw. Unfortunately the place doesn't look to attract many visitors. There were hardly any tourist when we visited.

Few pics from the place.

The step wells are very unique and fascinating structures that has to be visited.

Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneshwar

Date: 28th Sep 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: See image below.

Timing:  See image below.

Distance: 1450 Kms one way.

Parking: Available.

Food: Available.

Photography:  Allowed.

Other attractions nearby:

Nandankanan zoo established in 1960 and is home to 166 species of animals. The zoo has the largest collection of white tigers in India. The zoo also has a safari which takes the bus through the park adjacent to the zoo. The animals in the park are kept in wide enclosure. The zoo is big and it requires quiet a bit of walking. We shared battery operated vehicle with another family and went around in it. We were excited to see the board of few animals which we have not seen before but they were all empty and it was disappointing.

Also see: Bannerghatta zoo, Mysore Zoo, Hyderabad Zoo.

Few pics from the zoo.

The zoo can be avoided if one has already visited other zoo. The white tigers could have been an attraction once up on a time but they are found in many other zoo's now.

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Date: 28th Sep 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Non Hindus not allowed.

Distance: 1440 Kms one way.

Parking: Available.

Food: Small snacks available.

Photography:  Not Allowed.

Other attractions nearby: Yameshwara Temple, Bakresvara Temple.

Lingaraj Temple is the oldest, grandest and biggest temple in bhubaneshwar. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Photography is strictly prohibited and the high walls prevent clicking any good pictures of the temple. The temple is located close to bindhu sagar lake in old town. The temple is believed to be built during the rule of Yayati Kesari, Ananta kesari and Lalatendu kesari in 7th century AD. The temple consist of Deul, Jagamohana, nata mandira and bhoga mandira. The later two were added during ganga dynasty rule.
Legend has it that lord shiva said to Parvathi that he prefers ekamra thirtha over benaras. Parvathi visits the place like a cowherd women. She kills two demons who wishes to marry her. Lord shiva created bindhu sagar to quench her thirst and took abode as lingaraj here.

The complex houses 50+ other smaller shrines. The deity is carried to rameshwar temple during the ratha yatra every year.

The linga in the temple is formed naturally called swayambhu linga. Some vaishnavaite features are added to the temple during the ganga dynasty.

The temple is a fine example of kalinga architecture. The majestic temple is a must visit temple in bhubaneshwar. 

Yameshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar

Date: 28th Sep 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  None mentioned. Best bet 9 AM to 5 PM.

Distance: 1440 Kms one way.

Parking: Roadside.

Food: Small snacks available.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby: Lingaraj Temple, Bakresvara Temple.

Yameshwar temple located opposite to Bakreswar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its one of the bigger temples in Bhubaneshwar. The temple consist of a Vimana, Jagamohana and a Mantapa. The temple was built during eastern ganga dynasty in 13th century AD. The temple is built of sandstone and laterite stones.

Some parts of the temple is damaged and restoration work is underway.

The temple is one of the few temples where the pooja is still performed.

Linga containing many lingas around it.

Shivaratri and karthik poornima are some of the festival celebrated in the temple.

Some beautiful carvings on the outer walls of the garbagriha.

Few smaller shrines in the complex.

Not much information is available about the temple. The beautiful temple is one of the places to visit in bhubaneshwar.