Latest news with #SudhaMurty
NDTV
19 hours ago
- NDTV
Sudha Murty Is Bowled Over By Leh Palace, Why This 17th-Century Gem Is A Hit With Travellers
People visit Leh to enjoy the scenery and adventures, but what people often forget is that it also has a rich cultural heritage. Perched high in the stark and stunning terrain of Ladakh, Leh Palace stands as a majestic yet often-overlooked symbol of Himalayan royalty and heritage. Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty recently put the spotlight on this 17th-century palace. Leh Palace, an impressive 17th-century royal residence, stands proudly in Ladakh. It was constructed by King Sengge Namgyal and takes its architectural cues from the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Today, it has been transformed into a captivating museum, showcasing a… — Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) July 18, 2025 About The Leh Palace Overlooking the old town of Leh, this palace was once the grand residence of the Namgyal dynasty - the rulers who shaped Ladakh's historical and cultural heritage. Sudha Murty called it "an impressive 17th-century royal residence", inspired by Tibet's iconic Potala Palace. Initiated in 1553 by King Tsewang Namgyal and completed under his successor King Sengge Namgyal in the early 1600s, this palace is one of the tallest structures of its time. It was built using mud bricks, stones, and wood, with its upper levels reserved for the royal family and living quarters, while the lower levels housed storerooms, stables, and servants' rooms. The palace offers a stunning view of the Indus valley, the snow-capped Stok Kangri range, and the mystical Zanskar mountains. Sadly, most of the palace is in ruins, but there are small rooms, corridors, substantial rooms, and compartments which are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. How Much Would It Cost? Leh Palace is open to the public daily from 7 AM to 4 PM. Entry costs start from Rs 15 for Indian citizens and Rs 100 for foreign nationals. The best time to visit the palace is between April and September when the skies are clear, the roads are open, and beautiful views from the palace. How To Reach Leh Palace? You can reach Leh by air, with regular flights from Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu. Travelers seeking adventure can also come by road with scenic Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh highways by bus, jeep, or motorcycle.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Forget Manali: Try Shoja for silence, pines, and zero plans
So you are planning a trip to the hills, and type 'Manali' into your travel app, only to be met with overpriced homestays, traffic jams, and reels of paragliders and café lattes. Sounds familiar? This means, it's time to ditch the crowd and follow the whisper of the pines to Shoja, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it village in Himachal Pradesh that offers exactly what Manali might not be able to provide, which is silence, solitude, and sweet, sweet nothingness. Where exactly is Shoja? Nestled at around 8,000 ft above sea level in the Seraj Valley, Shoja (also spelled Sojha) sits quietly between Banjar and Jalori Pass, and is roughly 5 hours from Manali, yet galaxies away in vibe. It's the kind of place where your phone network dies, and your stress goes with it. What's here? No neon-lit markets. No rooftop DJs. No waiting in line for Maggi with 40 other tourists in snow boots. Shoja is gloriously uneventful. Which means your itinerary looks like this: Wake up to clouds curling around deodars. Drink chai on a wooden veranda that creaks just right. Walk until your legs or the fog say stop. Repeat. If peace had a postal address, it'd be this. Read more: Global Tiger Day 2025: 8 must-visit tiger reserves in India to celebrate the Big Cats Shoja's towering pine and deodar forests aren't just scenery, they're characters in your no-plot-just-vibes vacation. Walk into the woods, and you'll hear them whisper (or maybe that's just the wind). Either way, it's hypnotic. The Jalori Pass, just 5 km away, offers treks to Serolsar Lake, a glassy pool surrounded by myths and more trees than people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas No plans? No problem. Don't come to Shoja with a checklist. This is not the place for aggressive sightseeing or back-to-back selfies. Come here to un-hurry. Stroll to the village temple. Try local Himachali dishes like siddu and madra at a homestay. Watch the sun set behind a ridge that doesn't have a name—and doesn't need one. Yes, it is quiet, in an unfiltered way. Expect misty roads, mossy roofs, and the kind of dramatic skies that don't need editing. One click and if you show it to your friends, they will ask you 'Wait… where is this place?' Getting there Shoja is best accessed via road. The nearest big town is Aut, which you can reach from Delhi via Mandi. From Aut, hire a cab or take a local bus through winding roads that progressively shake off civilization. The last hour is all pines, bends, and heart-fluttering views. Read more: Sudha Murty Shines Light on Leh Palace: Why This 17th-Century Marvel in Ladakh Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List So, why Shoja? Because sometimes, the best plan is no plan. Because the pines don't care about itineraries. Because the silence here is not awkward, it's healing. And because you deserve a break from Manali's overexposed postcard and discover a story that's still being written in birdsong and breeze. Shoja isn't just a place. It's an exhale. And trust us—you need one.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Sudha Murty Shines Light on Leh Palace: Why This 17th-Century Wonder in Ladakh Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
While most of Leh itineraries include adventure activities and sleeping under the stars and bike trips, people often miss out on mentioning Leh Palace. The forgotten gem tucked away in the mountains echoes tales of a once-flourishing Himalayan dynasty. The 17-century palace is an architectural wonder and is doing rounds on social media thanks to the recently received a heartfelt love from author and philanthropist Sudha Murty . Calling it 'very peaceful' and 'beautiful,' she wrote on X, 'Leh Palace, an impressive 17th-century royal residence, stands proudly in Ladakh. It was constructed by King Sengge Namgyal and takes its architectural cues from the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Today, it has been transformed into a captivating museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of artifacts, intricate paintings and ancient scriptures. ' Let's have a closer look at the palace: Leh Palace is a hidden treasure offering a glimpse into Leh's golden past. The palace was built in the 17th century by Sengge Namgyal and served as the royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty. This kingdom ruled the mountains for centuries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pune: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo A look at the palace and you'll be able to tell that its architecture is inspired by the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. In an interview, Sudha Murty said, 'People usually go to Leh and Ladakh and visit Pangong Lake. But there is a beautiful palace there. The king and queen of Ladakh still live there. That palace is more than 300 years old. Not many know about it. It is very peaceful. I liked that very much.' Her words are inspiring. She urged travellers to look beyond famous attractions and just focus on the lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. Today, the Leh Palace might look a little worn-off, its grandeur is still conspicuous. Once here, you'll immediately be transported to the bygone era. The dimly-lit corridors and wooden balconies add to the whole experience. What to Expect The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains the Leh Palace. As of now, the palace is partially restored and public is allowed despite much of the original palace in ruins. Here you can visit: Museum which showcases ancient murals, royal costumes, and weapons. You can enjoy gorgeous views of the Leh town and the Stok Kangri peak from the upper floors How to Reach By Air : The nearest airport serving the palace is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. It is about 5 km from the city center and is located just above the Leh Bazaar region. It's an easy hike but taxis are also available. Best Time to Visit The months between May and September are considered the best time to explore Leh Palace. Perfect for exploration and photography! This is also the time when roads are snow free and accessible. Tips Carry comfortable mountain shoes. It's advisable to hire a local guide. So, if you're planning a trip to Leh-Ladakh in the coming time, make sure you add Leh Palace to your itinerary for an exclusive offbeat experience.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rajya Sabha adjourned for day over SIR issue
The Rajya Sabha was disrupted once again on Monday (July 28, 2025) as Opposition MPs continued to protest over the issue of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar. The Upper House was adjourned for the day little after 2 p.m. on Monday (July 28, 2025), after being adjourned twice in the pre-lunch sitting. Also Read: Parliament Monsoon session LIVE Day 6 | July 28, 2025 During the Zero Hour, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said he has received 26 notices under Rule 267 demanding discussion on various issues, including SIR and alleged discrimination against Bengali migrant workers in other states. He declined all the adjournment notices and called Sudha Murty (nominated member) to make her Zero Hour mention. However, Opposition members, including those from the TMC and the Congress, were on their feet protesting against the Chair's decision. They were raising slogans like 'Vote Ki Chori Band Karo' (stop vote theft), and the Chair adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. As soon as the House re-assembled for the Question Hour at 12 noon, various Opposition MPs were on their feet and Sushmita Dev (TMC) trooped into the Well, and sought to raise various issues. As the din continued, the proceedings were adjourned again till 2 p.m. When the Upper House met at 2 p.m., the Chair tried to continue the debate on The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill 2025. However, Opposition MPs continued to raise slogans demanding a debate on the SIR issue and that the exercise be stopped. Some MPs also trooped into the Well of the House. Amid the din, the Chair adjourned the House for the day. Earlier, as the House met for the day, newly elected Rajya Sabha members I.S. Inbadurai and M. Dhanapal, both AIADMK, were administered oath. The deputy chairman also informed the House that notices must be submitted digitally, noting that some members are still submitting physical notices. He said all notices can be submitted via the Digital Sansad portal.
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sudha Murty's ‘How I Taught my Grandmother to Read' to be adapted into stage play in Delhi
NEW DELHI: Acclaimed author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty's beloved short story How I Taught My Grandmother to Read will be brought to life on stage in the national capital on July 13. The Hindi adaptation, titled K se Kahani, is presented by Delhi-based theatre collective Storee Ki Boree and will be staged at the LTG Auditorium. Directed by Munish Sharma, the play is inspired by Murty's gentle yet powerful tale that champions learning at any age. 'We are not just staging a play we are celebrating the belief that it's never too late to learn, to dream, or to begin again,' said Shraddha Gupta, founder of Storee Ki Boree.
