getaways Archives - Ghoomophiro

Explore the Unexplored Delhi with Team Ghoomophiro

When talking of Delhi’s historical monuments, in the first instance, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Humayun’s tomb, Red fort and Qutab Minar are probably the names that strike every Indian’s mind. Because of their antiquity and marvelous architecture, they have been attracting tourists from all over the world who visit the capital city. Seldom do people realize that there is more to Delhi than this; there are more historical places of the visit than these conventional ones. Unnoticed by the common public yet beautiful and serene, it is apt to call such esoteric monuments- ‘The hidden treasures of Delhi’. Some of them are as follows.

Rajon ki Baoli: A grand stepwell located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Rajon ki Baoli is a perfect escape from the hustle- bustle of the city. Its prettiness and impressive isolation make one feel closer to the era it was built in.

Sabz Burj: Built at the intersection of the Lodi and Mathura roads, near Humayun’s Tomb, the mysterious Sabz Burj is a blue-domed tomb despite its literal meaning, green tower (apparently due to a restoration blunder). The purpose for which it was built is still unknown but an interesting fact is that it was used as a Police Station during the British rule. Entry is prohibited but one can take a proper glance at it from outside the fences circumscribing it.

Arab Sarai: It was built by Humayun’s widow, Haji Begum to accommodate 300 Arab priests whom she brought back from her pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a big rest house. Only its Northern wall is in a decent condition while all the cells are in a dilapidated state now.

Zeenat-ul-Masjid:This mosque is located to the south of the Red fort and was built by Aurangzeb’s daughter, Zeenat ul Nissa. It looks like a miniature form of Jama Masjid. Zeenat-ul-Masjid literally means ‘Ornament of Mosques’ and the monument truly lives up to its name.

Zafar Mahal:This is the last monument built in the Mughal period by Akbar Shah II. Bahadur Shah Zafar II wanted to be buried there but unfortunately died in exile in Rangoon. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has suggested setting up a Mughal Museum in the palace to encourage visitors and remove the current encroachments that have taken place.

Atgah Khan’s Tomb:

Atgah Khan was Akbar’s foster father and was murdered by Akbar’s foster brother, Adham Khan. Located in the heart of Central Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, the tomb is obscured by brick shacks. It is one of the most splendid creations of the Mughal period. One comes across this structure while visiting the Daragh of Hazrat Nizamuddin but unfortunately does not know what it is.

Apart from the six aforementioned historical monuments in Delhi, there are other ones also, plenty in number, which crave attention today. It is upsetting to see the heritage of our rich past being ignored carelessly. Begumpur mosque, Bijai mandal, Dareeba khurd, Qila Rai Pithora, Tomb and Mosque of Isa Khan, Adam khan’s tomb and the list goes on and on…

Forsyth Lodge- Experiential Lodge to get lost in Satpura Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Forsyth Lodge, is a 2 hrs drive from Bhopal airport. It is just 10 min away from Madhai gate of Satpura tiger reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

Accommodation: There are 12 luxury cottages overlooking 44acres of land. Each cottage is well spacious, well maintained with best of fixtures. Rooms are comforting; with few of them have machan terraces. As you enter the room, you are welcomed by a beautiful message that talks about wilderness. Interiors are very artistic and remind you “welcome to jungle”. Their walls are made from packed straw, mud and cow dung (as is the local building style) and painted with wild animals and flowers, giving them a whimsical touch. Cottages have private balconies, wherein you can sip your morning coffee, read your favorite book overlooking the great jungle. Air conditioning, Fan, Mosquito net, Extra beds Terrace Bathrobes, Toiletries , Hairdryer etc are available. The highlight of the cottages are their Eco-friendliness. Every small thing kept there is well thought. Everything here is recycled, even the fixtures in washroom are such that, water can be recycled. Basic amenities like swimming pool, spa is available.

Meals: Meals (included in the room rate) are served in various locations around the lodge. Under trees, by the pool, on sofa’d torchlit terraces or in dining rooms. There are Western and Indian offerings at each meal with detailed menu laid out.
Breakfast was equally delicious and plentiful: fruit and fresh-pressed pomegranate juice, followed by eggs cooked to order, grilled tomato, bacon, mushroom ragout and multigrain toast. Out on an early safari? Then it’s a packed breakfast in the middle of the tiger reserve for you.
Afternoon tea, with its fresh-baked cookies and cakes, is nice, but it’s dinner when Forsyth pulls out all the stops: cocktails and nibbles around a roaring bonfire, followed by dinner under the stars, either on a terrace in the main lodge or out in the bush with oil lamps hung from the trees (the bar was set up on a bullock cart!). You start with a soup and then move on to succulent meat curries and fragrant vegetarian dishes served with Indian bread.
#theForsythExperience – Yes, this is what one would call #theForsythExperience, when you are greeted by wonderful hosts Rishi and his team, who work reluctantly to ensure the best experience for each guest, by their constant efforts. It seems these guys are on a mission to bring you close to wildlife. There are multiple activities, which team involves you in. The itinerary planned is power packed, and the day starts with the wake-up call at 6 AM, to go for a walk inside the Satpura Tiger Reserve. These jungle walks are accompanied by great naturalists David Raju and Surya, who let you discover the vast array of species inside the jungle. The highlight of this walk is spotted dears and breakfast in the midst of the jungle. Other excursions being organized by lodge includes Canoeing, wherein you can watch birds involved in soaking in sunlight, as you paddle the canoe nearest to them and watch the sunrise in beautiful Deneva river. One can also enjoy Jeep safari and enjoy the drive with sloth bears, spotted deer, gaurs, bisons and other wild animals in their natural surroundings. I was lucky to get hold of the mother bear with her two cubs in action. The place is a paradise for the bird watcher. Evenings are made beautiful with bonfires and bullock cart dinner experience, where you can enjoy your dinner under the sky in amazingly romantic ambiance. This dinner is usually followed by star gazing, where you are taken to the stories of greeks and Romans. 2 days are little short to complete the experience as there is a lot more to explore with eminent naturalists. Btw, not to miss is the handsome dog there, who is just adorable. It is indeed a recommended place, if you are looking for a getaway away from the city with limited access to the network, and want to get lost in the wilderness. It is the place, from where you would surely not like to come back. It is indeed bewitching and at times gives you the feeling that whole property belongs to you.

P.S-> During Monsoons, Lodge is closed for renovations.
Thank you Forsyth Lodge for the amazing experience. You can reach out to them at Facebook,Instagram,twitter.