To get to the park before the gates open we leave the lodge when it's still dark and cold. Not to worry, hot water bottles keep us warm for the open Gypsy (Subaru jeep) ride. Today's route takes us up to the 10th century statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the seven-hooded serpent in a classic example of the unique monuments of Bandhavgarh. The stream coming from the feet, called the Charagange, forms a tributary to the Ganges River. Lots of carved out caves used by soldiers in medieval times, then horses, monks and most recently just for us tourists. Unlike Florida caves, you don't just find these, people had to laboriously carve them out of solid lava rock (basalt). Again, no tigers but a beautiful drive.
By the way, our travel companions, Janet and Dan, are terrific. Dan is a retired geophysicist and Janet a retired IT tech from Calgary, Canada. Retired just 2 and 3 years and they know how to travel.
After lunch we delivered the notebooks we bought yesterday to the school master, and then headed for a fair or festival about 30 Km away. More astounding things to add to our roadway photo collection. For instance, how many people can fit into a tuktuk in order to ride to the fair? The answer is in the photo caption of the people unloading… like the circus trick… all smiling and having fun. How many bags of wheat can stack on a truck? OMG.
The fair booths show food and family industry as well as the usual souvenir stuff: metal pail makers, grain grinder makers, silver smith, etc. The family in the booth with the stones included the 6 year old son carving the grain grinder blocks and the 11 year old daughter carving decorations freehand on the stone plaques. Vijay commented that these skills are not taught in school and this 'family business' remnant of the caste system allows many skills and home industries to survive. The caste system is illegal/unconstitutional but still part of the culture.
For dinner tonight we gather outside around several smokey fires for an Indian style bar-b-que. Scrumtious snacks are circulated by staff and we're full before dinner starts. Members of the nearby village presented a traditional dance with drums, glorious costumes and jubilation….smiles, rhythm, and graceful moves. Maybe Michael Jackson stole some of these mores? These dancers are one big village family and the senior (oldest and shortest) man is the father of one of the chefs. The lodge manager made the introductions and encouraged us to get up and join the fun. Of course!
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| Lord Vishnu and Sue |
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| Cave carved out of solid rock |
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| We spotted one spotted deer with a great rack |
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| Delivering the books to the head master |
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| On the way to the fair |
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| 15 people in one little tuktuk |
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| pigment |
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| How much can you put in a truck? Don't let the load distract you from the decorations! Wish you could see the inside, too. |
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| Can you tell Mums is not in the correct costume? Folk Dancin' just like in Waynesville? Very close |
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| The Lodge chef's father is the senior village dancer! |
To get to the park before the gates open we leave the lodge when it's still dark and cold. Not to worry, hot water bottles keep us warm for the open Gypsy (Subaru jeep) ride. Today's route takes us up to the 10th century statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the seven-hooded serpent in a classic example of the unique monuments of Bandhavgarh. The stream coming from the feet, called the Charagange, forms a tributary to the Ganges River. Lots of carved out caves used by soldiers in medieval times, then horses, monks and most recently just for us tourists. Unlike Florida caves, you don't just find these, people had to laboriously carve them out of solid lava rock (basalt). Again, no tigers but a beautiful drive.
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