Dawn on a Saturday morning; the sun rises lazily from the east and timidly scatter flashes of light over the world, while the moon, which has not yet set entirely, stands out pale, almost invisible, against the background of a light blue sky.

The basin with the fountains bordered by sidewalks outside of the Taj Mahal

We walk along an avenue, surrounded by monkeys that jump here and there; indolent yet sacred cows lazily graze undisturbed and unaware of their surroundings, feeding on grass or rubbish without distinction. Above all, we are surrounded by people, whose number will grow as the hours go by. People who, like us, make their way as if on a pilgrimage to the best-known temple of love which has ever been created by man on earth. One of the seven wonders of the modern world, the jewel of Muslim art in India, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site: the Taj Mahal.

We venture through queues and formalities, and pay an all too modest fee if compared to the show that awaits us. At first, the plastic shoe covers we must wear to access the inside of the mausoleum which, let’s not forget, is a Muslim building; then, a queue of people waiting, which we avoid thanks to the special ticket we purchased; and, finally, the usual crowd of those who define themselves as low-cost guides. They all promise unique explanations about the history and curiosities of this monument, and try to convince us by explaining the advantages we would get by making use of their services; and they would not let go as long as they think they have a thread of hope of capturing us. Boring, you may say; sure, but they’re doing a job, their job, and ultimately they are trying to make a living. India is also this.

The morning pale appearance of the Taj Mahal

We decline their offers as we are too keen on staying on our own like a rebellious drop in that sea of people. We follow the flow, channeling ourselves between a wall and a building made of red bricks, until we finally reach the west door from where, framed by the door itself, a white building can be glimpsed in the background, white and faded like the moon which has by now almost disappeared from the sky.

At a first glance, the Taj Mahal appears to me like an overexposed photo in which the lines, contours and details do not appear well defined. In fact, they say there is a deliberate optical illusion behind it, but I will not accept this explanation as it excludes the poetry factor. And the Taj Mahal is pure poetry. 

It appears pale.

Pale like the face of that woman who slowly faded away in the pains of childbirth, and who wanted help from he who cannot give it to her, despite being an emperor. Because by then her fate was sealed.

The author and his wife in front of the Taj Mahal

Pale like the pain on the face of a husband in love and powerless, despite being an emperor, about the fate of this woman whose future would fade away with the first cry of her last child.

Pale like the marble color of death that would take possession of that creature’s lifeless body, to which only the devotion of a man, her man, would remain intact. He will immortalise its pallor in the white marbles of the Taj Mahal which at every dawn, like an overexposed photo, reminds the world of the pallor of a love that was extinguished forever.

He who visits Taj Mahal knows it. He knows of pain and devotion, and he lets himself go for a few seconds of recollection, abandoning himself, between a photo and a selfie, to a thought, to a memory and, why not, to a pinch of jealousy towards she who was able to enjoy even in her deathbed, in pain and suffering, the story of a love with no equals. And he knows of he, who lived this love crashed between the discouragement of an incipient loss and the problems of government and conspiracy by which he was pressed.

The banks of the Yamuna river

I get closer, and the outlines of this masterpiece become clearer. The pallor fades, the Taj Mahal appears in all its splendour, and I realise that no photo does it justice enough, because the Taj Mahal goes beyond any image and any imagination.

The engravings and the writings in Arabic, quotations from the holy Koran, admirably decorate the façade, adding further personality to it; the shape, which from a distance seems squared, is rediscovered, up close, to be octagonal; and the basin with the fountains (which at the time of our visit were turned off) is bordered by sidewalks, paths and trees which, like the guidelines of a photographic composition, draw attention to the monument.

Mumtaz Mahal, third and favorite wife of the Moghul, died in June 1631 and the construction work on the Taj Mahal began the following year and ended only in 1654. During these over twenty years, 20,000 workers and many craftsmen were employed, some of which coming from Europe and even one from Italy, a certain Geronimo Veroneo. Various materials from all over India and Asia were used, including 12,000 tons of white marble from Makrana, near Jodhpur, and 28 different types of precious and semi-precious stones set in the marble as a decorative motif of the entire structure, that was not even defined as a tomb since its name means ‘Crown of the Palace’.

Taj Mahal hit by the morning sun

When the Taj Mahal was completed, the life and reign of the then elderly Shah Jahan drew to a close, and in September 1657, when he fell ill, a succession struggle broke out between his four sons. The winner amongst them, Aurangzeb, declared himself emperor in 1658 and locked up his father in the Agra fort, from which he would continue to admire his masterpiece of love until his death in 1666.

During its 370 years of existence, the Taj Mahal has had to face risks of all kinds; nevertheless, it still presents itself to the world in a dazzling form thanks to the care of the Indian government and to the support of UNESCO. However, a sneaky new enemy has begun to undermine its integrity: pollution. Because of this, the white marble with which it is covered is turning yellow. Alongside the normal and periodic cleaning operations, the government has programmed a special treatment on the marble which however requires a great deal of economic resources. The authorities have approved preventive measures in order to curb costs, such as a law that prohibits the construction of polluting industries within a vast area around the Taj Mahal.

Entrance building and ticket office

Nobody knows if the Taj Mahal will ever be able to overcome this challenge, showing that love can also win against pollution… because, as we know, good usually overcomes evil.

The Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna river, from which you can also enjoy a suggestive view of the mausoleum at sunset. It is in the Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, about 220 kilometers from New Delhi. Agra can be reached with a 4-5 hours car journey, and it is also connected to the capital by a railway line.

Photos by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)

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Kedarnath Yatra is one of the religious, spiritual and adventurous tours in India. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the Garhwal region of Himalaya. Kedarnath is one of the essential Dham among the Panch Kedar, surrounded by majestic lush green mountains, glaciers and Mandakini rivers. Kedarnath is very popular among the devotees, as here they have found peace between a beautiful and serene nature. To reach Kedarnath, you have to trek 22 km uphill on rugged terrains from Gaurikund, but you can also choose an option of Pithu or pony, or you can go Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter. You can also opt for Chardham yatra by helicopter which takes you to all the shrines of Chardham and after this, you would love to share your experience of Chardham yatra with your fellow relatives or friends. 

Best Time to Visit on Kedarnath Yatra with Helicopter

Before going to Kedarnath Yatra ensure which is the best time to travel, on the basis of climatic conditions =and the opening and closing time of Kedarnath temple. Visiting at the right time will make your journey safe and hassle-free.

Climatic Conditions of Kedarnath

The climatic conditions of Kedarnath are quite unpredictable and unpleasant as they keep changing like a chameleon change its colours. The high altitude of the region also affects the climatic conditions of Kedarnath. 

Summer months in Kedarnath are from mid-April until June. This season is good for traveling. You can opt for moderate woollen clothing if you are planning to travel in the summer season.

Monsoon months in Kedarnath are from July until mid-October. The climatic conditions in the monsoon season are very dangerous as landslides and downpours are an everyday thing.

Winter months in Kedarnath are from November until March. The temperatures at Kedarnath are below zero degrees Celcius and the whole Kedarnath becomes almost a desert of snow. 

Opening and Closing time at Kedarnath temple:-

Kedarnath temple opens on the Akshaya Tritiya, the end of April month, and closes on the Kartik Purnima, full moon day in November. When the temple is closed, the deity of lord shiva from Kedarnath temple transfers to Ukhimath, where it is worshipped for the next six months.

Ideal Time to Visit Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter

The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May and June in the summer season, when the weather is quite suitable for traveling. Avoid visiting Kedarnath in monsoon and summer season when the climatic conditions are not that good. 

Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter 

Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter used to be very risky and challenging, but nowadays the Government has resolved this issue. If you are willing to visit Kedarnath and want to explore the unparalleled beauty of this palace but you have a shortage of timing, then going to Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter is a perfect choice. Helicopter is one of the most convenient and most comfortable ways to travel, it saves you time and makes your journey happy and safe. While this is indeed costly, it is worth the money in terms of time saving, and luxurious facilities.

Delicious meals and a luxurious stay at Dehradun are Kedarnath yatra by helicopter highlights:

• Average trip duration:- 1 day
• Darshan Timing:- 4:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Starting Point of this Journey:- Dehradun, Phata, Sirsi or Guptkashi
• Time Travel:- May to June and mid-October to before the start of November.
• From where to Book this Package:- Leisure India Holidays (LIH)
• Timings avail for Darshan:- 1:30 to 2:00 hours

Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter Price:-

The prices of this trip vary, as it depends on which helipad you have booked your Yatra from, and is it a one-way ride or return ride:

Itinerary of Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter

The following is Kedarnath Yatra by a helicopter itinerary:

Day of Arrival: Dehradun (If you have booked your trip from Dehradun)

Arrive at Dehradun one day before your tour. Our handler will pick you from Dehradun railway station, Bus stand or airport, and transfer you to the hotel where you will take a rest and dinner after this hectic traveling. 

Day 1:- Trip to Kedarnath temple

On day 1, you will head towards the Kedarnath temple. If you have booked from Dehradun, you will leave the Sahastradhara helipad to Phata, and then you will change the chopper in Phata and fly towards the Kedarnath temple. If you have booked the tour from Sirsi, Phata, or Guptkashi, then you will leave from there to Kedarnath temple. After reaching the Kedarnath helipad, you will walk towards Kedarnath temple, which is 500 meters away, a walking distance of about 15 minutes. You can also go mounting a pony or pithu. After Darshan, you will come to the Kedarnath helipad, and we will head back to the place where our Journey of Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter has started.

Passenger Guidelines or Travel tips:-

• Carry only 5 Kg of luggage due to the limited space on the Helicopter
• Do not carry trolley bags as there is limited space in the Helicopter; try to carry soft bags or Duffle bags with essential things in them.
• Carry a medical kit with yourself because the temperature there can be quite unpleasant and cold.
• Carry Oxygen bottles with you, which is readily available in medical shops.
• Carry woollen clothes with you because the temperature there can be quite cold
• If your body weight is more than 80 Kg, you will be charged by INR 200 per extra kg
• Total passenger weight should not exceed more than 430 Kg. This is a safety measure by aviation companies.
• Share your correct bodyweight with the company; you are debarred by the company if you have told assumed or wrong body weight.
• Carry Airtel and BSNL sim, networks of that are readily available on tour.

Terms and Conditions:- 

• Children above two years of age are eligible for a full ticket.
• No Concession should be provided to senior citizens and children in the Kedarnath yatra by helicopter.
• Law of Delhi Jurisdiction shall govern the disputes of interpretation, applications or services, or any terms and conditions.
• Money won’t be returned by the company if you have told wrong or assumed your body weight.
• Aadhar card is mandatory for Indians, and the passport is necessary for foreigners.
• Tickets are not transferable and you can’t change the name of yours in your ticket of Kedarnath yatra by helicopter.

Cancellation policy:

These are the cancelation charges that are paid by you if you have canceled the booking of the Kedarnath yatra by helicopter:

• 7 days before the Journey – 20% of the amount
• 48 hours before the Journey – 50% of the amount 
• Less than 48 hours before the Journey – 75 % of the amount 
• Less than 24 hours before the Journey – no refund

Online Registration of Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter:-

It becomes necessary for every devotee to do biometric registration for Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter. After biometric registration, you will get a biometric registration card which gives you facilities like food and lodging; you are tracked by the government through GPS based monitoring system. You will receive registration slip: show it to any of the counters to Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter in order to get a registration card. 

You can click this link http://onlinechardhamyatra.in/frmUserRegistration.aspx. And register yourself for Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter.

Places to Visit in Kedarnath:

Sunset Point, Kalimath, Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Deoria Tal, Gandhi Sarovar, Kharchakund, Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, Triyugi Narayan Temple, Vasuki tal, Kedarnath temple, Chandrapuri, Bhairavnath Temple, Kedarnath Peak, Anusuya Devi Temple, Madhyamaheshwar Temple.

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Giving alms to Bhikkhuni nuns

6am; the sun rose less than half an hour ago when, from a gate located in a small quiet street just off the main road, three shaved head figures, covered in saffron robes, looking peaceful, carrying a round metal bowl in their arms, come out in a single line walking towards the small village nearby.

It is a scene of everyday life here in Thailand, where every morning Buddhist monks venture out of their temples to go receive the food that people offer them, an act aimed at giving them sustenance as well as at acquiring merits to stock for the next life. Nothing particularly original then in an image repeated for centuries, day after day, in every country that embraces the Buddhist tradition.

A lady Bhikkhuni nun

Nothing original except that the three figures that left the Songdhammakalyani Temple, located a short drive from the city of Nakhon Pathom about sixty kilometers west of Bangkok, are actually Bhikkhuni (fully ordained Buddhist nuns – see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhikkhuni). An extremely disciplined black dog walks in front of the nuns almost as if wanting to protect them, while behind walks a Brazilian nun from a different order in temporary visit to the temple, and a young Indian novice nun dressed in a white tunic and with long black hair tight to a tail who is booked to be ordained in a matter of days. She pushes a cart destined to collect the bulk of the offers.

The small procession proceeds silent, almost in meditation; the first rays of the sun gently pose on their orange tunics, illuminating them as if to give them a halo of spirituality; all around the nothingness. Empty streets where a scooter or a car occasionally pass and disturbs, with their noise, this early morning poetic scene. Then, in the near distance, suddenly a bit of entertainment: in front of a local shop, a couple of people are waiting. The Bhikkhunis approach the group, place themselves in front of the villagers who in the mean time have opened their containers, and wait that they fill their bowls with fresh food. More offerings are given to the monks, and the novice stores it neatly in the cart. The people kneel down hands-folded waiting for a blessing that soon comes in the form of singing, then the little procession continues their walk.

Bhikkhunis collecting alms

The scene is repeated several times, the containers increase their content, the cart is filled up; people kneel and the singing quietly raises towards the sky. For each offering, a smile lights up the Bhikkhunis’ faces, followed by a word of comfort to a man on his knees in spite of his handicap, encouragement and best wishes to a Chinese elderly with a wealthy appearance who donated a lot more than other people. In a few small word, is the local presence of these women who have sacrificed their femininity and their life to devote themselves to people and meditation.

The Venerable Dhammananda, founder of the temple’s daughter and present abbess, has a solar face and a friendly smile, and possesses the dedication of those who are accustomed to donate their time to others. In a short interview she tells us that the local population is very supportive towards the nuns, who have represented a very active presence in the area for more than one whole generation. They consider the temple as a reference point where to find comfort exactly in the same way as it happens for the males oriented temples.

We had already received confirmation of her words when the group had just returned from their morning alms and they were getting ready for their first of the two meals of the day (nuns, just like their male counterparts, can only eat two meals a day, and after midday only can take in liquids, though a light evening meal is allowed only for health reasons). At that time, the first devotees started arriving to the temple with more food, helped them to prepare meals, and only after having served lunch to the Bhikkhunis arranged in a row on one side of the refectory, sat down on the opposite side, chanted a prayer and ate their own food, washing all the dishes afterwards.

Meanwhile, other people continued to arrive and donated more food, this time for the midday meal, and attended a ceremony in memory of two women who had previously died.

Bhikkhunis’ lunch

There was an atmosphere of celebration and harmony which did manage to involve those who, like us, was just visiting, all in a frame that conveyed a sense of peace and spirituality. This in spite of the noise of the traffic that reached us, gradually louder and louder, from the main street adjacent to one side of the temple, as well as from the renovation works from the inside of the structure. This noise became mere background in that intense atmosphere that pervaded the intense activities of the temple.

The Songdhammakalyani temple this year celebrates 54 years of age if we calculate the birthdate from the date of purchase of the land that hosts it. It was founded by the venerable Voramai Kabilsingh, mother of the current abbess, a very interesting character considering that she was born in 1908. A writer, a poet, a teacher, married to a Thai member of parliament at the time of World War II, she lived for a short time in southern Thailand before moving back to Bangkok after the birth of her daughter. She started to get passionate about meditation, she then engaged in studies on Buddhism until, in 1955, she edited a Buddhist monthly journal that she would manage for 32 years. In 1956 she took the minor orders and 15 years later, in 1971, was ordained a Bhikkhuni, or nun, in Taiwan, when Thailand did not yet recognized the ordination of a woman. It was in 1960 that she purchased the land on which the temple would be later built. Nakhon Pathom was chosen as the location not by chance: this city is considered the gateway to the Theravada Buddhism in Thailand; Voramai wanted to give continuity to the tradition of the cradle of Buddhism in this province with the building of the first temple of the feminine realm.

Bhikkhunis at the temple

Her life also has some picturesque implications that complete the portrait of a person that I can only describe as extremely fascinating: in 1972, at the tender age of 64, she was the only female scout to travel by bicycle to Singapore in a trip that took 29 days, setting an unsurpassed record. What we do not find in the biographies we can only imagine: a life of dedication to what she believed in, spent drawing inspiration from the Buddha teachings, devoted to meditation, to others, and to the building of that project so utopian in other monotheistic religions, one that led the women to a monastic level equal to that of men.

The venerable Voramai Kabilsingh, known before as Bhiksuni in the Kingdom of Thailand, died in June 2003 at the age of 95; her binding legacy was picked up by her daughter, whom we had the pleasure and honour to meet during a morning spent to deepen our knowledge on a reality still little known, between visits and ceremonies. She now has the difficult task of educating a group of quality Bhikkhuni nuns, as she calls them.

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