Turkish Delight

I traveled in Turkey from 13th June to 20th June 2015.Starting from Antalya, I went to Capadoccia and Istanbul. Traveled on a relatively small budget, but still did all the touristy things like day trips, balloon rides and shopping.

REASON FOR TRAVELING TO TURKEY: The geographical area of Turkey makes it a very interesting country where you could see many diverse sights and varied places in one country. It is surrounded by Mediterranean sea in the south, Aegean sea in the west and Black sea in the north. It is bordered by eight countries and has a large economy and army. The history of Turkey dates long back to 1200 B.C. starting from Byzantine empires followed by ottoman empire who ruled up to 20th century which makes its culture quiet unique and is a mix of ottoman, Greek and western influences. The history of Turkey has a great influence on its heritage.You can see the Byzantine monuments like Aya sofya, the ottoman mosques and palaces in Istanbul, then you have Capadoccia which is famous for its cave houses and early balloon rides over the fairy chimneys. Moving down to the south is Antalya which stretches along the Meditaranean coast line which is the best tourist place unique for its exotic beaches, small holiday resorts and offers a range of other activities. It has a spectacular landscape huge grasslands, snowy peaks and meadows and not to forget the food. The food is fantabulous for the tastebuds which is very spicy and heavy. The most popular ones are kofte,borek, Balik ekmek and Taksim wet burger. It also offers a range of sweets from baklava which is a popular dessert worldwide which is made using seemingly endless layers of filo pastry and chopped nuts, and held together with sticky honey or syrup, these delicacies may not be good for your waistline, but they’re certainly a treat for the senses. Another dessert is kunefe which is served with fresh fruit. The sweets tastes awesome when sipped with freshly brewed Turkish coffee. So that's why turkey.

Antalya

My first stop in Turkey was at Antalya. The turquoise shores of Antalya combined with its tale telling history, myth and legend is the perfect tourist spot for those who wants to get surrounded by sea, sand, sun and more. The sparkling water of Mediterranean sea provides tranquility in abundance. On first day of my visit I spent a leisurely evening with dad by walking on the streets of this majestic city and making my way to one of the pebbled beaches of Antalya. Even after a long journey there was something in the air which got me into spirits and there was an undying calmness all over me. The pebbled beach was one of the most amazing experience I had ever had. There was a small club house over looking the beach overflowing with hundreds of beach chairs to lay back and relax with a melodious music playing in the background by the local bands and a comfy restaurant where one can have scrumptious dinner with their loved ones.

Next day was an early wake up call to one of the most exotic location of Antalya Duden Water Falls. A perfect spot for couples to have there pre wedding shoot and the most beautiful picnic spot for the people to have a leisurely lunch with there family and friends.

After the morning well spent it was time to bid adieu to this exotic place. Next stop was the visit to the Mediterranean coast and city ride to Antalya. I decided to go on a cruise for an hour over the Meditarranean to take back all the wonderful memories home.

 Let me tell you cruising is by far the best thing one can do in Antalya. The deep blue sea, clear blue sky coupled with a gentle breeze blowing on your face, some Turkish music in the backdrop and magnificent view of the city makes the atmosphere more mesmerizing. 

Came along this beautiful red house while making my way along the narrow streets and passages.

Stumbled across a pretty souvenir shop on my way back.

The open to air restaurants makes me realize that Turkey has been influenced by European culture in lot many ways. This French style open restaurants adds a European touch to the country and its culture.

After a day well spent it was time to move on to the next destination Capadoccia.

Cappadocia

I reached Nevsehir also known as Cappadocia, a semi arid region in central Turkey after a one hour flight from Antalya. This place is famous for its cone shaped rock formations, hot air balloon ride and underground cities.

Woke up early in the morning for the hot air balloon wide. It was truly heavenly experience and feels as if you are on top of the world. When I was soaring high up there my state was trance like. It was truly unbelievable to see the view below, lush green meadows, uneven mountains and rock formations caused due to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, small houses with beautiful blue swimming pools, hundreds of balloons soaring parallel to yours and even felt more happier when the balloons displayed message that you deserve the best. I was speechless and euphoric. After an hourly ride up there it was time to celebrate the flying experience with cherry drinks, champagne popping and merry making with the locals.

After an adventurous balloon ride next was the visit to Kaymakli Underground Town.The underground city has seven levels below the ground level and was used as a place for shelter for the locals during the ottoman wars. Its architectural design is truly unique offering all the arrangements for storage,shrine,living quarters, wineries, granaries, ventilation shafts etc. It was one of the bizarre experiences of my life to go under the narrow endless tunnels and sneaking around the place. Kudos to the people who survived in there.

The cone shaped formations behind the back is one of the popular tourist attraction for Nevsehir. This are natural formations caused due to volcanic eruptions in the past. At present there are no active volcanoes in Turkey.

Istanbul

Next was the most awaited destination and my personal favourite Istanbul.  So much I had read and heard about it that I was dying in anticipation to check out all the places. Let me tell you this place is totally not over rated and was worth every penny. If you are interested in history, culture, music and architecture than you have found the right place.

If you want to go clubbing, shopping or spend a leisurely evening at night Taksim square is the place to be. I took a taxi from my hotel to come to Taksim to do some shopping. However I was amazed to find so many night lovers on the street. There were range of shops offering hundreds of sweets, small cafes and restaurants for people to feed their stomach,Illuminating lights,Local bands and musicians playing on the streets, locals doing painting,liquor shops,cosmetic shops and what not. This place never leaves a tourist empty handed.

View of the city of Istanbul over the Marmara river.

Next day morning was the visit to Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia. Famous for its architectural design, history and symbol this place is a must do on your visit to Istanbul. I was bowled over looking at such grand structure from the distance but once I entered this place I was equally speech less to find all the richness this place offers.

 Glorious vew of the mosque at night overlooking the marmara river

Hagia Sophia also known as Aya Sophia was earlier a christian basilica and later on became an imperial mosque. Today it functions as a museum in Istanbul. Famous for its pagan symbol and architectural design this museum has a distinctive place in the heart of Istanbul.

After the visit it was time to go for a Bosphorous cruise over the Marmara river. An hour ride on the cruise over looking the city was truly amazing. One can sit back and relax and have a look at the beautiful houses, historical places along the banks of the river. On our way back we experienced drizzling rains making the atmosphere more magical.

Dolmabahce palace from the Bosphorous.

Beautiful houses over looking the Bosphorous cruise.

The Famous Grand Bazaar. It is one of the most sought after place. This Bazaar reminds me of Palika bazaar of Delhi. It offers a range of products from souvenirs, handbags, accessories, garments to shoes. This place offers everything. One can get everything at fair price depending upon his/her negotiation power.

Next was the visit to Spice Bazaar. Turkey is very famous for its variety of spices and tea. There are also shops offering freshly brewed coffee for the coffee lovers. Apart from spices and tea one can also buy the popular Turkish delicacies and sweets from the spice bazaar.

After shopping like crazy from the spice bazaar it was time to bid adios to Istanbul. As I plopped on the seat of my bus I gazed from the window and started capturing as much as I can of this wonderful city to take back bundle of memories of this heavenly place safe in my heart..:)

A date with nature - Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar are a group of picturesque Islands, big and small, inhabited and uninhabited, a total of 572 islands, islets and rocks lying in the South Eastern Part of the Bay of Bengal.They lie along an arc in long and narrow broken chain, approximately North-South over a distance nearly 800 kms.

After a four and half hour air travel I finally arrived at Port Blair engulfed with lot of enthusiasm, ecstasy and a state of euphoria.After completing the check in formalities at hotel, it was time to go for a city ride.My first stoppage was a visit to anthropological museum which gave a brief insight into the life,culture and food habits of Andamanese tribes namely the ONGE,JARAWAS,SENTINELES AND SHOMPENS.

Next was the visit to Cellular Jail.The most scariest place in the history of the earth and popular by the name of "kala Pani".  Spread as seven spokes of a bicycle wheel, this unique three-storied structure was the first of its kind in India. There were total 663 cells in the jail specially built for solitary confinement of the prisoners. In the center of the seven wings of the Cellular Jail was built the Central tower.Another unique feature of the jail was the total absence of communication between prisoners in the different wings since the front of one row of cells faced the back of the wings in front.

The prisoners of Cellular Jail were required to produce a daily quota of thirty pounds of coconut oil, ten pounds of mustard oil.Targets that were beyond the physical capacity of all. Severe punishments were given to those who failed to meet the quotas. It was quiet heart rending to know about the bleak desolation of cellural life, the barbaric punishments and the attrocities perpetrated on them in the form of curses and abuse.

 

As the evening drew closer it was time to bid goodbye to cellular jail and to pay a visit to carbin beach. An hour ride in a local bus to carbin chowk and one k.m. walk I finally made it to one of the exotic location of Port blair. Surrounded by coconut trees on one side and flooded with evening walkers the exotic beach reminded me of Juhu beach in Mumbai.

After the beautiful city ride, it was time to bid adieu to port blair. Next day was an early wake up call to Ross Island.After an hour ride in Mac cruise from Port blair it was time to set foot upon, one of the heavenly Islands of Andaman.These islands shimmer like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal. The dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere.I had an amazing time exploring the island and the pitch black forest.While trying to get back to the entrance I lost my way and to my surprise I came across a heard of deers.It was an amazing sight to hear there foot thumping the ground and watching them running down the hill.As the magical evening came to and end, with a heavy heart it was time to leave Ross Island to continue my journey to next destination.

Next day was a visit to Havelock Island.This Island is a paragon of beauty and presents a landscape full with scenic and pictursque extravaganza. The beautiful small towns,narrow pavements surrounded with banana trees and coconut trees add more soul to this lovely island.The Radhanagar beach known for its wide coastline, white sand, crystal clear water, beautiful sunset and its cascading effect on water was one of the most exotic location of Havelock island. Till the sun turned crimson orange I enjoyed the last wave on the beach.The location provides awesome food for the sea food lovers. The local shacks were found spilling with lobsters,crabs and local fishes.

After an heavenly evening next day was the time to try something adventurous.After enjoying a 30 min ride in speed boat I reached Elephant beach from Havelock island. The beach provides a lot of sports activities to tourists like snorkeling, sea walk, Jet skiing etc.The green crystal clear water provides beautiful view of the marine life beneath the sea like the corals, colourful fishes, sea cow etc.I had an amazing time doing snorkeling and swimming and taking all the beautiful memories back to Havelock.

After an amazing time at Havelock, next day was an excursion to yet another heavenly place known as Neil island.It took almost 50 min to reach Neil island from Havelock in ocean cruise. Famous for its lush green surroundings, crystal clear green water Neil Island is a perfect romantic destination for newly wed couples. The calm beach provides soothing effect to your senses and leaves a deep impression on your heart. The beach also offers a series of water sports activities from glass boat ride to scuba diving.After an awesome time on the beach I had the privilege of visiting one of the beautiful hotel for lunch.After a scrumptious lunch it was time to bid farewell to this splendid place and return back to Port Blair.