Thailand - the Bachelor's trip

One of my memorable trip as I do cherish some crazy memories and lavish stay in the hotel. Itinerary was well planned in advance by my friend and all the bookings were reserved and that saved some money and costed us under 50k each for a week tour.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Central Mall

We took Thai Airways flight from Bangalore to Bangkok. Arrived at airport. Completed the Immigration procedure as Visa was by arrival process.Took a bus to Pattaya. We checked-in to the hotel "Best Bella, Pattaya",It was an average 3 star hotel with good swimming pool and gym available.Had a day rest in the hotel.
In the late evening, we strolled around the street next to Pattaya beach and did see lot of crazy bars(road-side beach facing,chilled-out bars)and spa's(massage centers) and lot of Indians and Chinese tourists as well.Had a dinner, fried rice in a restaurant(happened to be our regular regime as food wasn't Indian style).

Day 2

Went to the beach by taking sharing shuttle's(Tuk Tuk) and took a dip in the calm water's.They have designated swimming zones where one can splash around to their heart’s content Or could just lounge about on the sand with some chilled passion fruit juice.

Pattaya View Point

Walking Street

Visited Central Festival and Royal Garden Plaza Mall's. Then had a bad experience at Indian restaurant(never visit them, they charge more and pathetic service).Later, had some cool off at Pattaya View point, the best place in the city for a birds eye view of Pattaya Bay. We enjoyed the cool breeze while taking some really nice snaps of the city.

Alcazer show

In the evening, got entertained by Thailand’s famous lady-boys at the Alcazar Cabaret- It was a cultural extravaganza with music, dance and funny impersonations of pop-celebrities for about 70 min show, then lost of our senses partying at the famous Walking street. The entire street is a like one giant nightclub on steroids;). Yes, the madness here is unrivaled in all of Thailand.the road stretching a km long is full of flashy bars, glamorous nightclubs, strip clubs, Muay Thai rings and open-air cafes. Just a walk along this street is itself an stupendous experience.

Day 3

Pattaya Beach

Woke up late as had some drinks in previous night at one of the noisy nightclubs. then visited Underwater World and seen the colors, beauty and variety of marine life,a walk through the over 100 meter long glass tunnel through the aquarium, a chance to get very close to marine animals as sharks, stingrays and many species of colorful tropical fish.
This time we wanted to try various street food, is where the BEST FOOD is. Eating on the streets provides a much better, more authentic idea of what true local Thai cuisine is like.
In evening, had Thai Massage from Top House Spa on 2nd road was amazing! ;). Had some beers later and went early back to the Hotel as we had to pack our bags.

Missed Visiting places: Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Scuba Diving , Pattaya Floating Market, Coral Island.

Day 4

Took a bus to Bangkok. Checked into ibis Bangkok Riverside. I would recommend this Hotel any day.Amazing pool and crowd inside.
Took some rest and swimmed in the pool.Went to a shopping mall near by and bought some t-shirts (really cheap:))

Chao Phraya river

Day 5

After breakfast, took a taxi to Saphan Taksin BTS Station. Hopped into a public ferry with an orange flag from the Central Pier on the Chao Phraya river.The rivers and canals are the heart of Bangkok, and it`s cross-river ferries are still the main transportation for the locals.Jumped off at ferry pier no. 9 Tha Chang and started walking to see some of the most famous temples of Bangkok. Later, visited Wat Arun – Temple Of The Dawn.
Then, visited the famous and vibrant Chinatown that is located on the opposite side of the river from Wat Arun Temple.
Tried some delicious street food at one of the many food stalls. Took a Tuk-Tuk to reach to the Hotel.

Day 6

After all the sightseeing and temples, went to shopping for gifts, souvenirs,& for family. Visited Siam Center, It consists of many shops and has a great food court on the top floor. Later, visited Central World with about 10 min of walking. This is the ultimate Bangkok shopping mall.
Later checked-out from hotel and started to airport by taxi. Had late night flight to Bangalore.

A visit to Kanchipuram - "City of 1000 temples" | "Golden City of Temples"

"City of 1000 temples", "Golden City of Temples". Kanchipuram has many names to its credit and is one of the oldest city in South India. It underwent many name changes, in ancient times it was called Kachi, Kachiampathi and Kanjivaram in different periods. This city of temple is ruled by many dynasty from Pallavas, Cholas, Vijaynagara & Mughals to British. Few temples are incarnated during Pallavas dynasty (3th-9th centuries) period and later  extended or added during Cholas & VIjayanagara Dynasty. The city is revered as one of the seven sacred city in India and is in 2nd place next to Varanasi. The remains of Budhist stupas reminiscence the presence of Buddhism religion at that time. Jainism is also prevalent here. The majority of spoken language here is Tamil and Telugu. You might know the art of Shoulin Temple is preached by an Indian Buddhist Monk, the same monk was hailed from this city only. 

Its 75km from Chennai and is well connected by Buses and Train. Regular buses ply from Chennai as well as local train

How we reached

Koyembedu-local-bus-journey

We took Chennai Express train from Hyderabad to reach Chennai. Stayed at Fab Hotel Priyadarshini, Park Mount Road which is located in the center of city and very near to railway station. Took a bus from Koyembedu Bus stand to reach Kanchipuram around 10AM and reached by noon. 

Since the temples were closed during the noon time, we had visited some famous whole sale Kanchipuram silk shops near the Vishnu temple. My wife finally after seeing all the sarees selected one for mom. Fun fact, these sarees would cost double/triple the price in any big city.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

After shopping, we headed for Vishnu temple which is in the one end of the city, area which is commonly called as Chinna Kanchi (little Kanchi) where most of the Vishnu temples are erected and other side where Shiva temples are is called Shiva Kanchipuram. The very importance of this temple is that it is one of the 108 Divya Desams. There are 108 Vishnu temples which are considered as Divya Desam's, 105 are in India, 1 in Nepal and 2 is not on this earth. 

There are total 18 Divya desams in Kanchi itself and all are very ancient built at the time of 9th-13th century during Pallava Dynasty. There are three Idols incarnated here, Life size idol of Lord Vishnu is in the upper portion of the main temple where ground level is occupied by Lord Narismha and on to the right resides Goddess Tyaar (incarnation of Goddess Laxmi). It is few km far from Kamakshi temple at the end of the city. 

Few architecture like 100 pillar (actual 96) mandapum is built during Vijayanager Dynasty. Each pillar is exquisitely sculpted depicting the pillars in various forms mainly a horse rider with each sculpture differing with other. Now housed as a ticket counter.

There are two lizards at roof of the temple and everyone is allowed to touch them to get relieved of all ailments.

The prasadam are available just opposite to the 100 pillar structure, not free though. 

Kamakshi Amman Temple

The presiding deity of this city is Goddess Kamakshi (Incarnation of Paravathi) & is one of the triad temple of Maa Shakti, the other being Madhurai Meenakshi & Kasi Visalakshi. The temple is situated in the heart of city and is surround by many other ancient temples near by. Its noteworthy that this famous temple is not the original temple of Kamakshi. The acutal one is near to this and is called Adi Peeta Parameswari, though I missed to visit this. Its also noteworthy that the present temple was once a Jain Tara temple until 12th century after which it was gradually converted to Shakti temple. 

The famous Sri Chakara which is installed in this temple is not the actual one installed by Adi Shankaracharya (Great Hindu Saint and disciple of Goddess Shakti) but in the original temple i.e. Adi Peeta Prameswari. There are few inscription which clearly shows that this was once a Jain temple. There isn't any entrance fee and camera can be carried inside the temple but not allowed to take snap of the sanctum. The deity is in sitting posture and can be seen within 7-8 feet distance. Since we went on Sunday so didn't faced any major rush. 

The gopuram of sanctum sanctorum is gold plated. The whole temple is fortified with stone wall. Each side has a gate having a temple like structure built as a gate way (common in almost all South Indian temples).

The pond is on the back side of the temple a common for all temples, not maintained at all and looks like it gets its share of fresh water only through rains.

Saw one old elephant in the entrance gate beautifully marked on his forehead and standing helplessly. I suggest its better to feed fruits etc then to give money, by giving fruits at least you know that you fed.      

Best time to visit: November/December.