February is the month of the 40th anniversary of the Unesco World Heritage Convention. On this occasion two city boys Aniketh MJ and Sulesh Kumar have set big dreams for themselves and the country. These 24-year-old, ex-managers have taken up a mission to create awareness about lesser known World Heritage sites of India. Aniketh and Sulesh will be kick starting a trip in the first week of March covering all 28 sites that include Mughal architectural marvels like Taj Mahal, engineering feats like the Mountain Railways and the Sundarbans.
Ask them why they came up with the idea of chronicling Indian heritage sites and Aniketh says, “After visiting world heritage sites in Cambodia, Alaska and South Africa, the curiosity to explore India’s sites spurred me. A recent visit to Hampi is when I decided to do my bit to promote the tourism of our country.” For Sulesh, who was raised in the Middle East, it was his need to connect with his roots that prompted him.
They have been preparing for quite some time now. A three-month trip is a package of weather change and unpredictable conditions. So they had to read quite a bit and refer to various travel sites like the Indian Railways website. “Finding out the best time to visit was the most important in our planning. National parks in Sundarbans and Kaziranga remain closed from April onwards. Choosing the direction to travel was the key to avoid extreme heat and also to beat the monsoons,” says Aniketh.
While it was easy for Aniketh to convince his family about his trip, for Sulesh it was a bit of a struggle. “My family was surprised initially but I managed to convince them. The funny bit was my grandmother thought I was going on a pilgrimage to all temples across the country,” says Sulesh.
Having quit a comfortable corporate life and venturing out into the open to explore the ‘other side’ of the country hasn’t been an easy decision for them. “I had to prepare myself mentally for a trip without any comforts and a tour without any confirmed accommodations,” says Sulesh. Their focus right now is to get part of their trip sponsored by sports and outdoor gear companies. But at the end of it, they want to write a book dedicated to the country. “Most certainly, we plan to introduce a travel guide that will also spread awareness about these wonderful sites,” says Aniketh.
What is it that they are looking forward to the most and pat comes the reply, “Sighting the one-horned Rhino in Kaziranga, the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger at Sundarbans and of course the visit to Taj Mahal,” says the duo.
THE ROUTE MAP
Start @tanjore
MARCH
Through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa and West Bengal. The duo’s route map will include the following important sites: Mahabalipuram temple, Badami-Pattadakal-Aihole temples, Sun Temple at Konark, Sundarbans and Darjeeling’s Mountain Railways.
APRIL
Through Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The duo’s route map will include the following important sites: Manas and Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuaries and Keoledeo National Park, Bodhgaya, Khajuraho temples, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Jantar Mantar.
MAY
Through Delhi, Shimla,Vadodara, Mumbai, Goa and back to Tamil Nadu. The duo’s route map will include the following important sites: Qutub Minar, Ajanta, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park and Ellora Caves and Churches in Goa.
JUNE
End @ Ooty
This is a news item that appeared in Deccan Chronicle today in Bangalore. Aniketh is my wife's nephew and it is making us feel very proud.
All the best Aniketh and wish you and your friend a very successful trip.
T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
20th February 2012
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