Thursday 19th September was planned as a major sight seeing day in Bhopal and that is how it turned out. Started with a visit to the Birla Mandir. Amar was in good form Think we are getting used to each other and the routine.

He loves the lunches in the hotel and then gets some money for dinner as I don’t eat dinner and he needs to eat. We find the places to visit through google maps and he is very good at using the sat nav.

When we arrive at our destinations there is usually some discussion about parking the car. Most of the time he comes with me but sometimes opts to stay in the car as was the case with the Birla Mandir which was very close to the Vincent Inn. Sunset on Bhopal Lake

It was an immacutely kept, user friendly temple with three major statues at a nice distance from each other. Photos were not allowed. It was a joy to sit in front of a statute of what looked like Santosh and meditate for a short time.

The Birla Mandir in Bhopal, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and the god Vishnu. Construction of the temple began in the early 20th century and was completed in 2000.

It was built by the Birla family, a prominent industrialist family in India known for their philanthropy and construction of numerous temples across the country. The temple is an example of modern Indian temple architecture and serves as a popular pilgrimage site. Its complex covers a large area and includes several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.

The Birla Mandir functions not only as a place of worship but also as a center for cultural and spiritual activities. The temple’s construction reflects the Birla family’s devotion to Hinduism and their commitment to promoting religious and cultural heritage in India.

It attracts visitors from all over India and internationally, and its history is closely linked to the family’s efforts to promote Hinduism and Indian culturists he architecture of the Birla Mandir is a beautiful blend of traditional Hindu temple design and modern architectural elements. The temple complex is built using white marble, which gives it a pristine and ethereal appearance.

The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Lakshmi and Vishnu and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.It’sspires, or shikharas, are adorned with ornate carvings and sculptures of various Hindu deities, adding to the grandeur of the structure.

The mandir also features a large courtyard with beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a serene and peaceful environment for devotees to meditate and pray. The temple’s architecture reflects the Birla family’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Indian art and architecture.

The intricate carvings, delicate sculptures, and meticulous attention to detail make it a masterpiece of modern temple architecture, attracting visitors and art enthusiasts from around the world. Birla Mandir Bhopal-Temple Yatri Birla Mandir

The archaeological museum and Bahrat  Bavan Arts Centre was closed but the friendly security guard directed us to the zoo: Van Bihar Bhopal. Nearly all the security guards were friendly and helpful and asked where I was from with a welcoming “namaste”. The zoo was really a nature reserve with the animal enclosures along the road running parallel to the river side. We were relieved of our plastic water bottles. It was a pleasant drive. Peace and happiness personified outside Birla temple.

Amar was excited by the tiger and leopard and enjoyed the turtles and snakes. A party of Muslim school children–boys and girls in separate busses–was at the zoo. The children did not show any interest in us and did not ask for money. A welcome experience. Asiatic lion Metal crocodile

Van Vihar National Park and Zoo is one of the most revered National Park and Zoo of Central India and a shining beacon in the field of conservation. It is an amazing world of winged creatures, free ranging ungulates and captive carnivores in the midst of greenery.

The park which is more popularly known as just “Van Vihar” is considered as a “must see “destination for tourists visiting Bhopal. The characteristic combination of rich wetland areas, meadows, pools of water at different places, rugged slopes, mixed bamboo vegetation along with grass covered plateau and areas of mixed plantations support the rich floral and faunal diversity in the area.

This green oasis amidst the city of lakes also plays a very vital role as a carbon sink contributing to environmental health of Bhopal. It is situated right next to the famous Upper Lake of Bhopal also known as the “Bada Talab” which is a Ramsar Site(wetland of international importance)and one of the two lakes of Bhoj Wetland.

Van Vihar National Park & Zoo Sat in the idyllic café and watched the glistening water of the lake. The India tea with milk, warm milk that forms a layer of I don’t know what on the top, was starting to come out of my ears. The same thing happens with the coffee. After an immersion in wild life–no monkeys seen–we made our way to the ropeway which would take us to the Jain temple.

Amar was surprised I was unphased by the ropeway. Indians do them well but on this ropeway the attendants were really not interested in their job and mechanically locked and unlocked the doors of the transport vehicles. At the top of the ropeway we were greeted by a café which, if the signs are to be believed, served Jain food.

This sounded like an even more restrictive diet than the strict Hindu vegetarian diet with no onion and no garlic. A lady eagerly wanted to give me the menu and the displeasure showed on her face when I declined. Up and down steps and through a children’s playground and we were outside the temple which was closed.

A lady with a drum which she did not play stuck out her hand for money. On this trip have parted with very little money to people of that ilk but she got a few rupees. Ropeway to Jain temple

Amar thought it was a nice gesture. He sort of subscribed to the philosophy that one should not give because if they get money the beggars will stay beggars but he still encouraged met give. Manua Bhan Ki Tekri, is a serene Jain temple situated atop a hill, offers breathtaking views of Bhopal, making it a haven of tranquility and spirituality.

The temple complex, with its modern architecture infused with traditional elements, is home to statues of various Jain Tirthankaras, inviting devotees to delve into the depths of Jain philosophy and teachings.

The calm and peaceful surroundings, coupled with the temple’s elevated location, provide a perfect setting for meditation and introspection. The pilgrimage to Manua Bhan Ki Tekri is a journey not just to a physical destination but to inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.10 Famous Temples in Bhopal You Must Visit (tusktravel.com)After the temple visit it was time for lunch in the hotel.

Really wanted to see the memorial to the Union Carbide victims and asked the receptionist at the hotel. She said there was no such memorial. When reading about the tragedy I read that almost every family had been effected and the fallout of the tragedy is still with us even though it happened 40 years ago.

On the night of December 2, 1984, an accident at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, released at least 30 tons of a highly toxic gas called methylisocyanate, as well as a number of other poisonous gases. The pesticide plant was surrounded by shanty towns, leading to more than 600,000 people being exposed to the deadly gas cloud that night. The gases stayed low to Jain temple Bhopal View from the ropeway

the ground, causing victims throats and eyes to burn, inducing nausea, and many deaths. Estimates of the death toll vary from as few as 3,800 to as many as 16,000, but government figures now refer to an estimate of 15,000killed over the years. Toxic material remains, and 30 years later, many of those who were exposed to the gas have given birth to physically and mentally disabled children.

For decades, survivors have been fighting to have the site cleaned up, but they say the efforts were slowed when Michigan-based Dow Chemical took over Union Carbide in 2001. Human-rights groups say that thousands of tons of hazardous waste remain buried underground, and the government has conceded the area is contaminated.

There has, however, been no long-term epidemiological research that conclusively proves that birth defects are directly related to the drinking of the contaminated water. Bhopal: The World’s Worst Industrial Disaster, 30 Years Later-The Atlantic The Union Carbide plant now stands abandoned.

The hotel receptionist did not seem to have any idea where it was. In this vibrant city on the lake it was difficult to imagine such a disaster had taken place. Life has moved on. But not so for the victims.

Here are some of the ongoing impacts:1.Health Issues: Many survivors still suffer from chronic health conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and recurrent chest infections.

There are also reports of neurological and endocrinological disorders2.2. Environmental Contamination: The site of the disaster remains contaminated with toxic chemicals. Soil and groundwater pollution continue to pose serious health risks to the local population3.3.

Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders: There has been an increase in birth defects and genetic disorders among children born to parents who were exposed to the gas3.4. Economic and Social Impact: Many families affected by the tragedy continue to struggle economically.

The compensation provided was often insufficient to cover medical expenses and loss oflivelihood4.Despite various efforts, the area still faces challenges in terms of cleanup and providing adequate healthcare to the affected population. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of industrial safety and environmental regulations. Lets chat. In the eveningat6pm it was time for shopping.

Amar was enjoying himself. We went to a modern shopping mall with Marks and Spencer and the friends who were still on the list for the abandoned Union Carbide Plant Pic: Fort Pitt Casting Co. (McKeesport, PA) | Abandoned America

presents were accommodated. Bought myself a lovely silk shirt and stocked up on Pepsi some fruit and a packet of biscuits. Gave Amar 300 rupees for dinner.

He only asked for 200.No sign of postcards. This is the only mission that has not been accomplished. It has been billed as must see and the giant stupa at Sanchi certainly did not disappoint was my last day of sightseeing in Bhopal on Friday September 20thand I felt I had left the best till last. Sanchi is a small town situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.

It is renowned for its ancient Buddhist site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. Sanchi is located about 50 km north east of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh,  and is easily accessible by road or rail. The probable reason for the establishment of Buddhist monuments at Sanchi is the city of Vidisha.

This erstwhile capital of ancient Eastern Malwa happened to be the populous and rich city of central India. The interest of the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka in Vidisha and around was because his wife Devi belonged to Vidisha.

In addition to this the Sanchi hilltop was an ideal place for the establishment of a monastery having a suitable atmosphere for meditation and other spiritual activities. The main attraction of Sanchi is the Great Stupa, believed to be the first monument to be erected in Sanchi in the third century BC.

It is also one of the oldest stone structures in India and is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture and art, built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. The stupa has a hemispherical dome that is surrounded by a railing and four gateways, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting stories from the life of Buddha.

The Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. Apart from the Great Stupa, Sanchi also has several other stupas, temples, and monasteries that are worth visiting.  Stupa No. 2 is also significant and is believed to have been built during the 2nd century B.C. Stupa No.3, is another well-preserved Stupa at Sanchi hilltop which dates back to the middle of the second century B.C.T

he Ashoka Pillar is another must-visit structure at the site. It lies close to the Southern gateway of the Great Stupa and is known for its aesthetic proportions and exquisite structural balance. The figure of the four lions standing back to back at the crown of the Ashoka Pillar is also the National Emblem of India. Sanchi Stupa |UNESCO World Heritage Site MP | MP Tourism Sanchi Stupa

The postcards bought from a vendor near the stupa got written over lunch while Amar listened to a video on his phone. We had grown used to each other, and to talking through the translator.

There was a lot of activity on the Wu style intermediate what’s ap chat. Vincent is visiting the academy in Hong Kong and having some experiences gaining entry to train at the academy. Spent the last day in Bhopal on this write up. There was a visit to the post office en route tithe airport.

Foursome reason the post box was behind a wire mesh outside the building and there was a hole in the mesh so you could put your letters inside. They usually arrive–sometimes a month after they were posted. Amar and me.