I am back to work and trying to quit the habit of writing 2009 as current year instead of 2010. So a new year begins with lots of secret resolutions.
On new years eve i.e. 31st Dec 12:00 PM, I was traveling with my best pals in a train headed towards Parbhani. We began the year by seeking blessings at Gajanan Maharaj temple at Shegaon, enjoying the sights and sounds of "Anandsagar garden-cum-meditation center".
This garden has everything for everybody, in a way. Peaceful areas for meditation, scenic locales with greenery and a lake for lovey-dovey couples, amusement rides for kids and adults alike. So from spirituality to fun, the 1st day of 2010 encompassed it all, only to be spoiled by rubbish food (due to our bad scheduling, which left us limited dinning options).
2nd day began at Ajanta(spelled "ajinthaa" in marathi), we were short on time as our plan was to visit ajanta caves, ellora caves, deogiri (daulatabad fort), biwi-ka-maqbara, gyanenshwar gardens, lonar lake etc.
But since we had only one day, we had to cut it short, so we could only visit Ajanta Caves, Bhadramaruti Temple, Daulatabad (Deogiri fort) and Biwi-Ka-Maqbara.
Short visits (like ours) don't do justice to Ajanta caves and Deogiri fort, you need lot of time to really savor the art and history behind both.
Ajanta Caves are magnificent to some like me, but incomplete or broken etc for many. History fascinates me, interest me and amazes me and I loved them. Not everyone shares my curiosity for interpreting cave paintings so I had to curb my enthusiasm.
Deogiri fort is one of my favourite forts and is a very strong fort, next favourite is Rajgad. Its plan is such that it was almost unconquerable and it was conquered by deceit in the end. Its security plan was like European castles with moat and secret passages.
Biwi-Ka-Maqbara is a poor clone of Taj Mahal, but made with good intentions by a son for his mother.
Bhadramaruti temple was built by Bhadrasen (a king) who was a ardent devotee of Hanuman. It is the only Maruti temple, where the idol of Maruti (Lord Hanuman) is in the sleeping position. There is belief that a visit to this shrine will fulfill the desire of a person.
Since this trip didn't allow us to really explore Aurangabad and its vicinity areas of historic and artistic importance, meant that a second trip needs to be made to fully devour it all.
Our tight schedule meant I could not really enjoy "the food trip", where a food trip, is a trip of enjoying the best of local delicacies. In all, a very good trip, be it in terms of fun, history, travel, chilly winds. But more than that, a very good way to start the new year by visiting places about which we had only read in books, in stead of watching movies or TV.
Yes! I know its late, but anyway..so.. Best wishes to all my dear readers, may you have a new year filled with happiness, fun and adventure!
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