Day 5: Seeing the Sights

Shahu Maharaj

Myself and Adityabodhi (AB)

Panhalla Fort

Rankala Lake

Boys hostel

Sanghanath's house

Today has been a cultural feast, with lots of significant sight-seeing and some Buddhist activities in the evening. But it has also been a bit much. So much crammed in. 

We started at the palace of Shahu Maharaj, an Indian Maharaja, who was effectively the father of Indian democracy.  He funded Dr Ambedkar and improved life for the poor in Maharashtra State. 

Then it was on to an incredible 500 year old Hill Fort outside Kolhapur. It was hot.

Nagamitra (NM) and Nityashri (NS)

We walked the walls, looked down on the valley below and imagined the Maratha wars back then. 

Then it was back to the hotel and a 40 minutes rest before going out to an independant Buddhist-run Boys hostel outside Kolhapur. It was great to see street boys - often without parents, getting a good education and a good home. We made a significant donation.

We then went to SN's village and met his family. As he is a good friend of mine in Cambridge, I have long wished to do this.

After an excellent meal in his house, the team went on to a short event at the village vihara - which was a joyful occasion. It was hard to drive out of the village at 10.30 as the cars were swamped with smiling people.

Tomorrow we leave Kolhapur district and drive to Sangli.