BOOK REVIEW - INCREDIBLE INDIA BUCKET-LIST BY ADITYA SATHE
The vastness and the
beauty of India have been encapsulated in this book titled ‘Incredible India
Bucket-List’ by Aditya Sathe. Written as part of the #BlogchatterA2ZChallenge, the
book portrays the various places within India, ranging across the alphabet, that an avid
traveller could add to his bucket-list once the pandemic is over.
Aditya Sathe seems to have cast his discerning eye over the map of India and
chosen places most likely to satisfy the above-mentioned avid traveller. Places
like Airavatesvara Temple, the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad and Yamunotri abound
with legends that pique the interest. The author has made it a point to also paint
a picture of the history of the places mentioned, be it the Basilica of the
lady of Good Health, also known as ‘the Lourdes of the East’, the Dharur Fort
and the Udaipur City Palace, both of which passed through many hands, or Nandi
hills, the site of Tipu’s fortress.
There are also
examples of colonial history like Fort Kochi and Zuan Sang Memorial Hall, both
of which boast of Indian and Chinese cultural elements – the Chinese fishing
nets in the former and the memorial hall dedicated to Hiuen Sang, one of the
most renowned foreign travellers of all times. The Cellular Jail in Andaman stands
as a remembrance to the incarceration of freedom fighters of the past.
That history and
architectural styles fascinate the author is apparent by his choice of places.
The Hampi ruins, Orchha Fort Complex, the Sun Temple and Konark, Warrangal Fort
and the magnificent remains of Vikramshila University are all noteworthy
specimens of the architecture of their times.
Religious monuments
also find a place on this list. The Kesariya Stupa and the Thiksey Monastery go
back to the time of Buddhism and house stupas, inscriptions and thangkas (religious
fabric paintings). The Palitana Temples are a cluster of Jain temples, believed
to be among the holiest of all. They are an architectural marvel. Bhatinda is
guarded by Qila Mubarak, a strategic and commercial town, with a gurudwara
within connected with three Sikh gurus.
There are some
picturesque spots also mentioned in the above list, like Marina Beach, the
largest sandy expanse, Gir Forest, home to the Asiatic Lion, Loktak Lake, the
Yamunotri, the birthplace of the river Yamuna and Ziro Valley in Arunachal
Pradesh.
Modern history has
not been omitted by the author. Both India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, both of
which are the handiwork of Edward Lutyens, are apt locations for the interested
tourist who wants to take in a slice of Indian history.
The impressive cover design and photos are by Avni Pande and the pictures within are apt and eye-catching. So, if you are looking for a list of places to visit once the pandemic ends, go ahead and read this informative book.
UnsplashLink to Book:
In this lockdown , we all want to take the virtual tour. This book is on my TBR and you have beautifully reviewed it as well.
ReplyDeleteThis book is a wonderful virtual tour of all the places we may want to actually visit, once possible. Thank you, Chinmayee!
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