Ramayana Paintings from Royal Palace, Bangkok

King of Thailand is called Rama - so its not surprising that the walls of the Royal Palace have murals depicting the story of Ramayana.

The palaces depicted are quite similar to the royal palace itself with with multiple buildings in a campus and lavish use of Gold. The backdrops depict the landscape of the country.

Rama is depicted in blue and you can identify him with his bow and arrow.

Look at the details of the Chariot in motion as the war is fought between Rama and Ravana.  Look at the foot soldiers and how their garments make them stand out among the royal armies.

Vanar Sena or the army of monkeys fighting the army of Ravana - see the sharp contrast that the artist brings out between the two and the rocky landscape.

Another war scene with humans and monkeys fighting together.

Elephants and Chariots braving the rocks. Look at the generous use of gold to embellish a subdued landscape.

Hanuman and his magical tail playing games as rest of the armies fight.

Loved this depiction of Ravana in his golden court. The detailing of the court in dark grey and golden columns, garments is amazing.

Our guide told us that the figures sitting on the small mats are Rama and Sita and since it was painted after the war scene. I assume this is scene from Rameshwara on Rama's return from Lanka.

This is how the murals are depicted in a long corridor around the palace with bright red ceilings. Paintings are a continuos narrative without any explicit break between the scenes, assuming that the viewer is aware of the story and  can relate the paintings to the scenes of Ramayana.

I wish I had more time and a guide to take me through the details of these paintings and the style of paintings.

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Staying at Canada’s castle hotels

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta

Fairmont Hotels, among Canada’s oldest and most iconic, are a “must do” experience

THEY RISE LIKE medieval castles above historic ports and bustling cities, among soaring mountains and thickly forested retreats. Fairmont Hotels are some of Canada’s oldest, most iconic and most majestic hotels. Many were built in the late 19th century, along the burgeoning railroad line, to attract wealthy tourists and entertain visiting dignitaries. Many are part of the nation’s history, woven into the Canadian tapestry as a social centrepiece.

You will find Fairmont Hotels all across Canada, in major cities and tourist friendly locations. Staying in a Fairmont Hotel is a Canadian Signature Experience — you can find a complete list of Fairmont Hotels here.

Fairmont Hotels can be compared to the Taj Group Hotels in India. The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto is Canada’s equivalent to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is equivalent to the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur. In other words, they provide a similar level of service, a similar above-the-norm experience and occupy a similar position of social relevance within their respective communities. Read on to find out about some of the special experiences I had at Fairmont Hotels across Canada.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta

A baronial castle in The Rockies: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel rises above the evergreen forests of The Rockies like a Scottish castle. You can see it from a great distance, and it doesn’t lose its grandeur up close. Originally built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel opened up tourism in western Canada.

I saw this hotel for the first time when I was a student, many years ago, and I went to Banff to work for the summer. I never imagined I would be coming back as a special guest.

From the moment I entered the baronial lobby, I really did feel I was in a castle. Grand staircases, suits of armour, plush furniture and family crests completed the picture. My room, modern in decor, framed a million-dollar view of The Rockies. On the first night, I sat with the lights out and watched a summer storm light up the snow-topped mountains.

The view from my room at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

The next day, I made a beeline for the hotel’s award-winning Willow Stream Spa. Banff is famous for the “Banff springs” — hot mineral water that flows down from the mountains and is piped to soaking pools. The hotel spa celebrates this ritual, with a large pavilion housing several pools and cascading waterfalls that evoke the Victorian era.

I literally could have stayed all day in the massive spa, which also includes saunas, steam rooms, resting rooms, treatments rooms and an outdoor hot water pool and terrace. However, an invitation to have high tea was beckoning and I made my way to an airy room with white-table-cloth covered tables set against large picture windows framing the same spectacular view of The Rocky Mountains I could see from my room.

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. – Henry James

Within moments of sitting down, tea sommelier Bernice arrived with a cart of 12 teas and two champagnes to choose from. The teas ranged from green to black to herbals, and came from a range of countries of The East. I settled on the Eclipse Blend, a mix of second flush black teas from India, Sri Lanka and China.

Hight tea at the Banff Springs Castle

As I had called ahead and told them I was obliged to eat a gluten-free diet, they had prepared a variety of tasty gluten-free treats. I have had gluten-free high tea elsewhere, but none as good as at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Kudos to the Fairmont for moist and delicious ginger-molasses muffins, flourless chocolate cake, salmon, egg salad and vegetarian sandwiches on gluten-free bread and berry compote. High tea at the Banff Springs “castle” was a meal fit for a queen.

Concierge Robert Jones in baronial lobby of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

A final highlight of my stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was a tour by long-time concierge Robert Jones. He relished telling me about the history of the hotel and pointed out many details such as the Tiffany fixtures, Mount Stephen Hall and the Spanish-inspired El Hombre Room. “People are awestruck when they come here,” he said. “You can see it in their faces.” I am sure my face, too, revealed my delight at finally experiencing the Banff Springs Castle.

Experiencing Alberta’s culture: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has a very different look and feel from its baronial sister down the other end of the Icefields Parkway in Banff. While still elegant and luxurious, it is has a more authentic Rocky Mountain atmosphere. Instead of a castle and baronial lobby, you will find cabins and a lodge.

Arriving at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

This hotel takes advantage of its location on Lake Beauvert, and among the pristine wilderness of Jasper National Park. Recreational opportunities abound. I had checked in only moments before, and had barely even opened my suitcase, when I was on the dock and arranging for a canoe ride. I canoed around the lake, enjoying the perfect weather, fresh air and beautiful views. I felt instantly relaxed, and quickly fell into the rhythm of the Jasper Park Lodge.

Afterwards, I ate on an outdoor terrace overlooking the swimming pool, lawns and the lake, with the soaring mountains in the distance. At sunset, I joined several women originally from India, who were travelling with a large group. We sat in lawn chairs and watched the sunset, drinking wine and enjoying the company and the view.

Relaxing on the lawn at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The next day after breakfast, I walked to a horse ranch on the hotel property. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge covers 700 acres, with an impressive main lodge and 56 cabins, a large spa and many other facilities. After saddling up, I went on a two-hour trail ride accompanied by highly experienced guides. We rode at a gentle pace, allowing me to take photos and enjoy the forest scenery. This is something almost anyone could enjoy — previous experience on a horse is not necessary.

By the time I left, I felt I had immersed in the unique Canadian Rocky Mountain culture, perfectly captured by the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

The horse ranch at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Canada’s most scenic lake: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The most photographed lake in Canada has got to be Lake Louise, as seen from the The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise terrace. Much like the famous Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, this vista sums up all that is romantic and beautiful about Canada. I spent an afternoon here, canoeing on the glacial lake and having lunch in the elegant restaurant that gives diners one of the most spectacular views in Canada.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with the famous lake and the Rocky Mountains

The Castle in the City: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Fairmont Hotels has three hotels in downtown Vancouver, and one near the airport, but the grandaddy is the The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This 75-year-old hotel is known as the ‘Castle in the City’ and it is indeed a grand edifice with an elegant, recently renovated lobby, rooftop restaurant, ballrooms and more. It also has an ideal location right in the heart of downtown, beside the grand Art Gallery of Vancouver.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver soaring above the Art Gallery of Vancouver

Medieval charm in Old Quebec: The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac

I stayed at the 100-year-old Fairmont Chateau Frontenac when I visited Canada’s Ice Hotel last winter. It is one of the most magnificent hotels in Canada, inspired by the medieval castles and regal chateaus of Europe and ideally located on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River and Vieux-Quebec (Old Quebec). From here, you can easily walk to many fine restaurants, bakeries and cafes offering French pastries, chic shops selling fashion and art and areas of historical interest.

Fairmont Chateau Frontenac overlooking Vieux-Quebec

The heart of Canada’s capital: The Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Last year, I travelled to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, as part of my search for my Irish roots, and stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. This is the pre-eminent hotel of Ottawa, an historic site in its own right, ideally located on a bluff overlooking the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, and with a million-dollar view of the magnificent Parliament Buildings. I loved the elegant wood-paneled lobby, my spacious room with iconic view of Parliament Hill and Gold Room service that included a separate check-in and lounge.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Canada’s capital

Bollywood in Canada: The Fairmont Royal York Hotel

In June 2011, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards hit Toronto and the Fairmont Royal York Hotel was “ground zero.” I was an embedded blogger at Toronto’s grand old hotel during the IIFA Awards, and wrote a number of blog posts about my Bollywood in Toronto adventures. It was an exciting, thrilling time to be staying at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, as most of the stars were also staying there and I actually ran into Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Arshad Warsi, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and many others in the lobby.

Sonakshi Sinah at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during IIFA Awards. Photo courtesy Andrew Adams of Katha Images.

Planning your trip

Check these sites for planning your trip:

• Fairmont Hotels


• Explore Canada


• Travel Alberta


• Banff Lake Louise Tourism


• Jasper Tourism


• Tourism Vancouver


• Ontario Travel


• Ottawa Tourism


• See Toronto Now

NOTE: Thank you to Canadian Tourism Commission, Travel Alberta, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Jasper Tourism and Fairmont Hotels for hosting my stays.

If you enjoyed this post, you can….

Get updates and read additional stories on the Breathedreamgo Facebook page.

Buy Song of India, a collection of 10 feature stories about my travels in India. E-book version is now only $1.99.

Subscribe to the free — and inspiring! — e-newsletter that helps you live your travel dreams.

Thank you for reading. Please visit Breathedreamgo or stop by my Facebook page at Breathedreamgo.

Read More

Staying at Canada’s castle hotels

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta

Fairmont Hotels, among Canada’s oldest and most iconic, are a “must do” experience

THEY RISE LIKE medieval castles above historic ports and bustling cities, among soaring mountains and thickly forested retreats. Fairmont Hotels are some of Canada’s oldest, most iconic and most majestic hotels. Many were built in the late 19th century, along the burgeoning railroad line, to attract wealthy tourists and entertain visiting dignitaries. Many are part of the nation’s history, woven into the Canadian tapestry as a social centrepiece.

You will find Fairmont Hotels all across Canada, in major cities and tourist friendly locations. Staying in a Fairmont Hotel is a Canadian Signature Experience — you can find a complete list of Fairmont Hotels here.

Fairmont Hotels can be compared to the Taj Group Hotels in India. The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto is Canada’s equivalent to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is equivalent to the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur. In other words, they provide a similar level of service, a similar above-the-norm experience and occupy a similar position of social relevance within their respective communities. Read on to find out about some of the special experiences I had at Fairmont Hotels across Canada.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta

A baronial castle in The Rockies: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel rises above the evergreen forests of The Rockies like a Scottish castle. You can see it from a great distance, and it doesn’t lose its grandeur up close. Originally built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel opened up tourism in western Canada.

I saw this hotel for the first time when I was a student, many years ago, and I went to Banff to work for the summer. I never imagined I would be coming back as a special guest.

From the moment I entered the baronial lobby, I really did feel I was in a castle. Grand staircases, suits of armour, plush furniture and family crests completed the picture. My room, modern in decor, framed a million-dollar view of The Rockies. On the first night, I sat with the lights out and watched a summer storm light up the snow-topped mountains.

The view from my room at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

The next day, I made a beeline for the hotel’s award-winning Willow Stream Spa. Banff is famous for the “Banff springs” — hot mineral water that flows down from the mountains and is piped to soaking pools. The hotel spa celebrates this ritual, with a large pavilion housing several pools and cascading waterfalls that evoke the Victorian era.

I literally could have stayed all day in the massive spa, which also includes saunas, steam rooms, resting rooms, treatments rooms and an outdoor hot water pool and terrace. However, an invitation to have high tea was beckoning and I made my way to an airy room with white-table-cloth covered tables set against large picture windows framing the same spectacular view of The Rocky Mountains I could see from my room.

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. – Henry James

Within moments of sitting down, tea sommelier Bernice arrived with a cart of 12 teas and two champagnes to choose from. The teas ranged from green to black to herbals, and came from a range of countries of The East. I settled on the Eclipse Blend, a mix of second flush black teas from India, Sri Lanka and China.

Hight tea at the Banff Springs Castle

As I had called ahead and told them I was obliged to eat a gluten-free diet, they had prepared a variety of tasty gluten-free treats. I have had gluten-free high tea elsewhere, but none as good as at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Kudos to the Fairmont for moist and delicious ginger-molasses muffins, flourless chocolate cake, salmon, egg salad and vegetarian sandwiches on gluten-free bread and berry compote. High tea at the Banff Springs “castle” was a meal fit for a queen.

Concierge Robert Jones in baronial lobby of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

A final highlight of my stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was a tour by long-time concierge Robert Jones. He relished telling me about the history of the hotel and pointed out many details such as the Tiffany fixtures, Mount Stephen Hall and the Spanish-inspired El Hombre Room. “People are awestruck when they come here,” he said. “You can see it in their faces.” I am sure my face, too, revealed my delight at finally experiencing the Banff Springs Castle.

Experiencing Alberta’s culture: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has a very different look and feel from its baronial sister down the other end of the Icefields Parkway in Banff. While still elegant and luxurious, it is has a more authentic Rocky Mountain atmosphere. Instead of a castle and baronial lobby, you will find cabins and a lodge.

Arriving at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

This hotel takes advantage of its location on Lake Beauvert, and among the pristine wilderness of Jasper National Park. Recreational opportunities abound. I had checked in only moments before, and had barely even opened my suitcase, when I was on the dock and arranging for a canoe ride. I canoed around the lake, enjoying the perfect weather, fresh air and beautiful views. I felt instantly relaxed, and quickly fell into the rhythm of the Jasper Park Lodge.

Afterwards, I ate on an outdoor terrace overlooking the swimming pool, lawns and the lake, with the soaring mountains in the distance. At sunset, I joined several women originally from India, who were travelling with a large group. We sat in lawn chairs and watched the sunset, drinking wine and enjoying the company and the view.

Relaxing on the lawn at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The next day after breakfast, I walked to a horse ranch on the hotel property. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge covers 700 acres, with an impressive main lodge and 56 cabins, a large spa and many other facilities. After saddling up, I went on a two-hour trail ride accompanied by highly experienced guides. We rode at a gentle pace, allowing me to take photos and enjoy the forest scenery. This is something almost anyone could enjoy — previous experience on a horse is not necessary.

By the time I left, I felt I had immersed in the unique Canadian Rocky Mountain culture, perfectly captured by the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

The horse ranch at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Canada’s most scenic lake: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The most photographed lake in Canada has got to be Lake Louise, as seen from the The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise terrace. Much like the famous Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, this vista sums up all that is romantic and beautiful about Canada. I spent an afternoon here, canoeing on the glacial lake and having lunch in the elegant restaurant that gives diners one of the most spectacular views in Canada.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with the famous lake and the Rocky Mountains

The Castle in the City: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Fairmont Hotels has three hotels in downtown Vancouver, and one near the airport, but the grandaddy is the The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This 75-year-old hotel is known as the ‘Castle in the City’ and it is indeed a grand edifice with an elegant, recently renovated lobby, rooftop restaurant, ballrooms and more. It also has an ideal location right in the heart of downtown, beside the grand Art Gallery of Vancouver.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver soaring above the Art Gallery of Vancouver

Medieval charm in Old Quebec: The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac

I stayed at the 100-year-old Fairmont Chateau Frontenac when I visited Canada’s Ice Hotel last winter. It is one of the most magnificent hotels in Canada, inspired by the medieval castles and regal chateaus of Europe and ideally located on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River and Vieux-Quebec (Old Quebec). From here, you can easily walk to many fine restaurants, bakeries and cafes offering French pastries, chic shops selling fashion and art and areas of historical interest.

Fairmont Chateau Frontenac overlooking Vieux-Quebec

The heart of Canada’s capital: The Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Last year, I travelled to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, as part of my search for my Irish roots, and stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. This is the pre-eminent hotel of Ottawa, an historic site in its own right, ideally located on a bluff overlooking the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, and with a million-dollar view of the magnificent Parliament Buildings. I loved the elegant wood-paneled lobby, my spacious room with iconic view of Parliament Hill and Gold Room service that included a separate check-in and lounge.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Canada’s capital

Bollywood in Canada: The Fairmont Royal York Hotel

In June 2011, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards hit Toronto and the Fairmont Royal York Hotel was “ground zero.” I was an embedded blogger at Toronto’s grand old hotel during the IIFA Awards, and wrote a number of blog posts about my Bollywood in Toronto adventures. It was an exciting, thrilling time to be staying at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, as most of the stars were also staying there and I actually ran into Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Arshad Warsi, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and many others in the lobby.

Sonakshi Sinah at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during IIFA Awards. Photo courtesy Andrew Adams of Katha Images.

Planning your trip

Check these sites for planning your trip:

• Fairmont Hotels


• Explore Canada


• Travel Alberta


• Banff Lake Louise Tourism


• Jasper Tourism


• Tourism Vancouver


• Ontario Travel


• Ottawa Tourism


• See Toronto Now

NOTE: Thank you to Canadian Tourism Commission, Travel Alberta, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Jasper Tourism and Fairmont Hotels for hosting my stays.

If you enjoyed this post, you can….

Get updates and read additional stories on the Breathedreamgo Facebook page.

Buy Song of India, a collection of 10 feature stories about my travels in India. E-book version is now only $1.99.

Subscribe to the free — and inspiring! — e-newsletter that helps you live your travel dreams.

Thank you for reading. Please visit Breathedreamgo or stop by my Facebook page at Breathedreamgo.

Read More

Review: Devaaya Ayurveda & Nature Cure Centre, Goa

"This is my 4^th stay at Devaaya and love coming here every year. Earlier I used to come for 2 weeks, now I come for 3 weeks. This is like staying in one quite corner of the world that lets me spend time with myself, while I tend to my body, mind and soul." Says a middle-aged woman who lives in Nottingham, United Kingdom as we chat over lunch overlooking the swimming pool and Mandovi backwaters. We are at the Devaaya Ayurveda & Nature Cure Centre at Divar Island in Goa.

The lady was wearing a blue green batik cotton gown that adds the extra ease to her body language and her face is glowing as she prepares to go for her next therapy session. Organic vegetarian food does not excite the tongue too much but it’s so easy on the stomach that does not feel an iota fuller than it should.

I walk around the 5-acre campus that has water all around. Divar is a river island, surrounded by water on all sides and this property additionally has a layer of backwaters around it, especially if you visit it during monsoons. To me it seemed like a re-creation of a Goan village with its multi-colored houses that are never away from water and its open spaces that touch the waters. Each room overlooks the fields or backwaters.

A therapy center stands on top of a small mound where the resident visitors are given Ayurveda and Naturopathy consultations. They undergo various therapies based on their problems or their inherent nature. A typical days starts with Yoga in the open of weather permits, followed by breakfast, treatments, lunch, therapies, meditation and some entertainment. I liked their focus on doing it the right way by not allowing walk in visitors or easy options like day packages. They insist on a minimum stay of 7 days and 2 weeks is recommended duration as it is what the visitors need to see an impact.  Most of their clientele is European women who come here to de-stress and de-toxify, but I was told many Indians have started joining the bandwagon.

Therapy huts too overlook the greenery and a Kriya center has been aesthetically built around the trunk of an old tree. We could spot so many flowers and butterflies in the campus. Incidentally lot of artwork in the gardens was covered to protect it from the rain.

This place is so much of a quintessential quaint Goa and yet the anti-thesis of what is perceived to be Goa – as you get to eat only vegetarian food and no alcohol or smoking is permitted.

Check it out when you are in a mood to detox and spend some time with yourself in an idyllic location.

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