Kanchanaburi- Reminiscences of World War II...!!

Kanchanaburi is soaked in history with its prominence in world war II. The attack of the Japanese during the war has left deep marks on the city. Also disheartening are the stories of American soldiers who were tortured to death here. More than seven hundred American servicemen were moved to Thailand and Burma, as prisoners of war of the Japanese during world war II. They were interned in prison camps and were forced to work on the Thailand- Burma railway project. The conditions were so inhuman that many perished to malnutrition, physical abuse and various illnesses. Over a period of time, the bridge known as death railway bridge over River Kwai has turned into one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Thailand.

Rail bridge over river Kwai

It was late afternoon as we rode into the town of Kanchanaburi. River Kwai is the cynosure around which the whole of Kanchanaburi revolves. The bridge attracts numerous tourists, both locals and foreigners alike, and many take the toy train that runs over it for a short distance through the day. The break in between the train ride allows people to walk over the bridge and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the flowing Kwai. Though the views and the rail bridge looked quite attractive, what ran through my mind as I walked on it was the sufferings of the prisoners of war. The bridge gets lit up in the evening and the surrounding area turns quite active with road side vendors. The numerous floating restaurants under the bridge also turn brighter as the sun sets. The view of the rising and the setting sun over the river is a delight for the photographers as the sky gets painted in a palate of colours. One can also spot a couple of long boats making its way on the serene waters of Kwai. There is a daily show on the bridge at seven in the evening, enacting the tragedy that happened during the world war II. The show is a must see and attracts numerous visitors for its magnificent portrayal of the hard times with fireworks, sounds and colours.

Toy train

Death rail bridge

River Kwai

Lit up Kanchanaburi

The evening show over the bridge

Fireworks over the bridge

Not very far from the bridge, is a monument erected by the Japanese army during the war, in memory of the personnel of the allied forces who died during the construction of the Thailand- Burma railway. Every year in march, a memorial ceremony for those who died is held by voluntary members of the Japanese community. Another must visit place in Kanchanaburi is the war cemetery. In the cemetery rests three hundred soldiers, who suffered and died during the world war. The cemetery has the names of each soldier with details inscribed on their respective stones. Set amidst a green bed of grass with flowers adjacent to each stone grave, the cemetery has been quite well maintained. Across the road from the cemetery is the Death railway museum and research centre. This museum depicts in detail the happenings of the world war II in Kanchanaburi and the sufferings of the soldiers through videos, audios, writings and much more.

Monument erected by Japanese community

War cemetery

The road that leads to the bridge from the town turns into a colourful, vibrant and glittering market, selling a plethora of things from puppies to electronics to food. I was stunned by the action filled market with exciting displays and thronging crowd as I strolled through the inviting stalls.

The colourful market of Kanchanaburi

Thirty two kilometers from Kanchanaburi lies the famed Tiger temple. It was well known for a long time as a tiger sanctuary, where the stripped cats were taken care by buddhist monks. However, currently they have a voluntary organization that take care of the tigers. People from all over the globe join this organization and do voluntary service. Monks can be seen in the sanctuary, with a couple of them either playing with the tigers or feeding them. We waited for a while as the tigers were led into the park. They looked majestic, gracious and beautiful as they walked down the mud path to the arena where visitors are allowed to be photographed with them. A long list of instructions were laid out to us, before we could get closer to the tigers. This is to make sure that the visitors do not act in any way which might instigate the tigers to charge and injure themselves. The tigers are chained and lie on the ground as they get photographed with people. The few cubs seemed more playful than the relaxed older ones. It is definitely an adrenalin rushing experience as you touch the lovely beast. There are more options like 'walk with the tiger' and 'play with the cub in the waters' for the adventurous ones. There are other animals too like bear, deer and a few birds within the premises along with a buddhist temple.

Tiger temple

The gracious cats

Kanchanaburi is definitely a must visit destination in Thailand with loads of history and an exciting tiger temple. It is not very far from Bangkok and a full day trip would be ideal to do justice to the place.

Signing Note- A scroll back into world war II...!!

Distance- Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (130 Kms) (Route 323)

You may read my co-rider, Shrinidhi's article on Kwai bridge here- http://www.enidhi.net/2014/01/river-kwai-bridge-festival-sound-light.html

P.S.- I was riding across northern Thailand with Ride Thailand on an invite from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The Adorable One...!!

Tiger temple, Kanchanaburi, Thailand. December 2013

Backwaters of Kerala...!!

It is not without a reason that Kerala is known as God's Own Country. The landscape is bewitchingly beautiful and encapsulating, leaving the travellers and tourists mesmerized. It is not often that hills, beaches,lakes and forests appear geographically so close to each other. But, in Kerala the distances of these landscapes are on the shorter side giving its visitors a plethora of options to explore within their limited travel time. Of these many landscapes, it is the backwaters that stands out astonishingly with its huge network.
With 44 rivers, numerous lakes, more than 1500Kms of water canals, snake boat races, over 300 species of birds and floating markets, what more can you ask for? It is absolutely a water world out there, showcasing the magnificence of Kerala backwaters.

Image courtesy- Kerala Tourism

Image courtesy- Kerala Tourism

Floating away on one of the kettuvelloms (house boats), enjoying the swaying palms, the lovely vistas, the cool breeze and the delicious local food is the best way to explore the backwaters. Get on to one of the small boats and row away through the small canals to some secluded corner enjoying the villages and greenery. Numerous species of birds are seen either perched on branches or gliding over the water bodies. Isn't it exciting to watch the birds flying as you keep floating? The boat races held during the months of July to September are fun and frolic. See the nail biting finishes and hear the ardent fans roar as they cheer their respective teams. The backwaters of Kerala is definitely a must explore. So what you waiting for? Go ahead and float away on those lovely waterscapes.

Image courtesy- Kerala Tourism

Visit http://greatbackwaters.com for more details.

Sukhothai- A UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park...!!

The sun mellowed on a serene evening as we rode into the old world town of Sukhothai, a UNESCO world heritage historical park. The first capital of Thailand, Sukhothai which means 'The dawn of happiness' exudes the charm of the old world with numerous temples, pagodas and buddhist statues. Carpets of green are spread out everywhere with lots of trees and lotus ponds, and amidst all this wonderful landscape stands silently the ruined city of Sukhothai. 

More than 700 years ago, Sukhothai was the capital of  the flourishing Sukhothai kingdom which ruled post the Khmer rule from mid 13th century to mid 15th century. It was under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng that the kingdom reached its prime. The kingdom did not last for long and lost its power to Ayutthaya kingdom leaving its numerous temples in ruins. 

Wat Mae Chon

Wat Sorasak

It was so peaceful with hardly a clatter from the surroundings. We entered the historical park when the sun was about to set, and the temples and pagodas looked gorgeous as they bathed in the orange light. I was lost amidst the ruined stupas and statues, admiring the grandeur of the wonderful structures and strolled past them in utmost silence. The place does have a lot of serenity imbibed into it and it is quite easy to stare at the huge statues of Lord Buddha in oblivion. The strikingly beautiful reflections of the tall pagodas on the still waters of the ponds were definitely attention grabbers. As the sun went down, the silhouettes of the pagodas made for some wonderful and dramatic frames.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat in the middle of the historical park is the largest and the most important of all temples. The central stupa is encircled by nearly 200 smaller stupas and has the most unique and grandest architectural style. Wat Chedi Si Hong and Wat Sra Si has beautiful Sri Lankan style architecture. Wat Phra Phai Luang in Bayon style architecture is the oldest and the second most important temple in Sukhothai. Wat Si Chum enshrines a  huge Buddha statue which is also known as 'the legendary talking Buddha image'. Wat Saphan Hin with a tall Buddha statue is located on a hill. Wat Chetuphon is renowned for its beautiful mondop, a square building with four arches and a pyramidal roof. Wat Si Sawai is another interesting temple in the historical park which has influences of Khmer rule. King Ramkhamhaeng monument and Ramkhamhaeng national museum are two of the must visit places inside Sukhothai historical park. Some of the other important temples are Wat Traphang Ngoen, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Sorasak and Wat Mae Chon.

Wat Traphang Ngoen

Monument of King Ramkhamhaeng the great.

One can hire bicycles or take a tram to go around the park. Si Satchanalai Historical park, 82 Kms from Sukhothai is another interesting place of visit with numerous temples. Sukhothai also boasts of Thailand's two best national parks- Ramkhamhaeng and Si Satchanalai.


Signing Note- Lose yourself amidst stupas, shrines and serenity...!!

Distance- Bangkok to Sukhothai- 442 Kms (Route 117)


P.S.- I was riding across northern Thailand with Ride Thailand on an invite from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Glimpses of Myanmar...!!

The ride was along the ridge of the hills, into the darkness with dust kicking up and tail lamps getting farther and farther. The wonderful ride across northern Thailand which was on amazing roads had suddenly given way to some challenging potholed ones. The sun had painted the sky with a riot of colours and the distant blue hills made for a wonderful landscape. As we rode on I kept gazing at the hills on my right. Beyond them was Myanmar or the old Burma. We were very close to the Myanmar border all along the ride till Mae Sot, the border town. Never had I ridden so close to an international border and the long ride along the same made it an enthralling experience. Pitch darkness and the surrounding thick forests made it an adventurous, crazy and challenging ride all the way to our resort in Mae Sot.

Sunset over the blue hills of Myanmar

As the day dawned, we rode to the border point of Thailand and Myanmar. A long bridge connects both the countries and people from either sides walk across into the other. River Moei separates the two countries as it flows peacefully below the bridge. Walking into another country is definitely on my bucket list. With no Myanmarese visa I was asking for trouble if I attempted climbing that bridge. Children from the border town in Myanmar cross over to Mae Sot for education and then go back to their home country after school. Mae Sot is a bustling town with lots of shops, markets, tourists and locals from both countries. However, people who cross over have free access only up to 10 Kms, beyond which they need a visa. Men from Myanmar stand under the bridge and lure tourists with cigarettes. Myanmarese women could be easily distinguished from their Thai counterparts from the traditional sandal paste on their cheeks.

...and that is Myanmar!

Even though we did see Myanmar from close quarters, the urge to cross over was always there. I did have my one foot in Thailand and the other in Myanmar and that was the closest that I could get to the Land of Pagodas.

P.S.- I was riding across northern Thailand with Ride Thailand on an invite from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Buddham Saranam Gacchami...!!

Chaitya griha, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. October 2013.